Disclaimer: I don't own anything because everything belongs to the network, producers, cast, etc.

Chapter 2:

Hailey stared at the reflection of herself in the mirror and wondered what life would have been like had she chosen a different path. Had she gotten a boring, steady, predictable job with Caleb's company like Kirsten. Had she got married and gave birth to children. No matter how hard she tried to picture it; the vision didn't come to her.

Seth knocked on the door of the guest bedroom. "Knock, knock! Can I come in?" He asked, grinning as he stepped inside.

Hailey quickly spun around. "Oh, hey. What've you been up to? Broken any hearts?"

Seth feigned shock. "Me? Oh, no, no, no, you must have the wrong person. Seth Cohen, Head Geek of all Geeks, a heartbreaker? Get out!" He pretended to blush and looked coy.

Hailey rolled her eyes to the ceiling. "Funny, Seth,"

"No, seriously, I'm with Anna now. My eyes are firmly attached to her and no one else," Seeing the expression on Hailey's face, he quickly added: "Summer's cool with it. We're all friends. It's cool. So, what about you?"

Hailey picked up an ornament on the dresser and fiddled distractedly with it.

"I'm thinking of getting a job," She replied, shrugging as though it was no big deal. "A real job," She emphasized, placing the ornament back down.

Seth's eyebrows rose so high it appeared they would raise right off his head.

"Really? That's a bit of a change,"

"Understatement of the year,"

"But, no, yeah, I'm happy for you. Go for it! You're going to go ask Grandpa for a job, aren't you?"

"Hell yeah,"

Maia Perkins stepped off the bus, ignoring the whispers of people as she walked pass. She checked her timetable, and set off briskly, head held high.

Unfortunately, with her head held so high, she couldn't avoid the collision.

The impact of the bump caused her to react unconsciously.

"Watch it!" She cried, rubbing her arm where a bruise was forming.

"Ooh, sorry. Are you okay?" Seth Cohen asked concernedly.

"I'm fine," Maia snapped. Then, realizing it was her first day at school and not wanting to create a bad reputation for herself too early, she stopped and managed a smile. Swinging her bag over her shoulder, she maintained conversation.

"Uh, listen, this is my first day at school. I'm new, and receiving some strange looks. I'm guessing outsiders aren't exactly welcome midway through the year?"

Seth was taken aback. "I guess your guess is correct. I mean, I've never been in your position...I'm Seth. Seth Cohen,"

"Maia Perkins," She said, extending her hand in a friendly gesture.

"It's nice to meet you. Unusual name, by the way," Seth commented.

"Unusual parents, you mean," She corrected with a flirtatious smile.

The bell rang, signaling the beginning of school.

"Hey, I'm sorry about bumping into you like that. I figure it's your first day of school, and you don't want to spend your lunch looking for a vacant spot to sit, right? Why don't you sit with me? My friends wouldn't mind, and the attention you'll attract from everyone is gladly welcome. I love the spotlight!"

Maia laughed, sounding relieved. "Okay, I'll see you then. Thanks!"

Author's Note: Hey, thanks for the two reviews that I got! Please review, I don't mind criticism, suggestions or ideas!