Hayden had arrived in Toronto at about noon the next day. They went straight to the new house, which was about five times bigger than their old one. She helped unpack and got online. She talked to both Hayley and Bryan at least ten times that day.
The next thing she knew, summer was over and she was sitting in the principal of Degrassi Community School's office on the first day of school. His name was Mr.Raditch and to Hayden, he seemed pretty cool. Cooler than her last principal at least. And the school was nice. She would get a full length locker which she was really happy about, and she knew Bryan and Hayley would be jealous when she told them.
So Hayden Mr. Raditch said, bringing her back to reality. what stuff are you interested in? I'm sure we will have it here at Degrassi.
Well back home I captain of my soccer and lacrosse teams.
Leadership is a very good quality Ms. Matthews. I'm happy you posess it. he said.
Hayden didn't really know what to say.
Oh yes, and if you are nervous don't be. Degrassi is a great school and you will fit in right away. I would show you the school myself, but of course I can't. I've gotten someone who is in all of your classes to show you where everything is. Her name is Emma Nelson.
He stood up and opened the door. Emma would you come in here please?
Hayden turned around as Emma walked through the door. She was about the same height with blonde hair. She seemed pretty cool to Hayden.
Well, I guess you two better head off to your first classes. I'll write you both notes for why you were late. Emma will you please show Hayden to her locker and then take her to class with you?
Yes Mr.Raditch I definitely will. It'll be my pleasure. Emma replied.
They both stood up,got their notes from Raditch, and walked out the door.Hayden didn't know if she should think Emma was sucking up, or being serious.
Emma said, breaking the silence. Your name is Hayden right?
Yeah. Hayden Matthews.
Wow. That's a really pretty name. I really like it. So where are you from and why are you at Degrassi? Emma said. Sorry if I'm bombarding you with questions. I'm just weird like that.
No it's okay. Hayden said with a laugh. It's nice to know that someone here wants to know about me. And thanks for saying you like my name. Anyways, I moved here from Georgia in the states because my father got a promotion at his job.
This is your locker. Hey, its right next to mine. What do ya know? Emma said as she stopped in front of locker 515. So what does your mom do? she asked as Hayden opened up her locker.
Well, she doesn't work anymore. The day I found out we were moving, I found out that they are having a baby too. Hayden said as she put her stuff in.
That's awesome! My mom got pregnant with my brother Jack right before she married my stepdad. It's really cool getting to have a baby around the house. And I like having a sibling. You ready to go to class now?
As ready as I'll ever be. Hayden said. She took a deep breath, closed her locker and followed Emma. She felt her phone start to vibrate. Wait Emma. Hold on a second. She pulled it out and saw she had a text message. She opened it up and it was from Bryan. It said: Hey Hayd. I know you're just starting school so I wanted to say good luck. Text me a lot! I love you.
Aww Bry. Hayden said under her breath.
Who texted you Hayden? Emma asked.
My boyfriend Bryan. He is the sweetest boy in the world. I love him to death.
Whoa. You are still going out with your old boyfriend even though he is still in Georgia? It must definitely be love.Emma said with a laugh.
Yeah Emma. It definitely is.
Okay Hayden. Here it is. Ms. Kwan's room- English. You ready? Emma asked.
I guess. Lets do it. Hayden said with a smile.
Emma opened the door.When Hayden stepped in, all eyes were on her.
Oh god. I can't do this I can't do this. she thought to herself.
Sorry to interupt Ms. Kwan, but I have passes from Mr.Raditch for both me and Hayden.
Oh it's quite alright Emma. So you are Hayden, the one from the states right? It's very nice to meet you. I am Ms.Kwan, your homeroom and English teacher. Would you like to tell the class about yourself? she said with a smile.
Um...yeah I guess. Hayden said. Deep breaths Hayd. Deep breaths. Think about Hayls and Bry. she told herself. Thinking of them made her smile. Uh well, lets see. What is there to say about me. My name is Hayden Matthews, I'm from Georgia. We just moved here two weeks ago because my dad got a promotion at his job, my mom is pregnant so I am going to have a new brother or sister in a few months, and I guess that is it. she said.
Come on Hayden. There must be a little bit more you want to tell us Ms.Kwan said.
Well, at my old school I was the captain of my lacrosse and soccer team. And I have the two best friends anyone could ever ask for. Hayley and Bryan. Hayden wanted to cry just thinking about them.
That's very good Hayden. Anyways, I'm sure you will learn who everyone is by tomorrow or so. We were just talking about what were going to learn this semester and for the rest of the year. I'm sure you are used to that so just sit down and you'll figure out where we are on the syllabus. Welcome to Degrassi Ms. Matthews. Ms. Kwan finished.
Thank you Ms.Kwan. she replied.
So the rest of the day was basically like Ms.Kwan's class. She always had to get up in front of the class and tell people about herself. When she was getting her stuff from her locker to go home, Emma got to her locker.
Want me to walk home with you? Emma asked. I live basically right next door to you. I saw your address in Raditch's office.
Yeah sure. That'd be cool. Hayden replied. Emma, can I ask you something?
Go ahead. What's on your mind?
Don't get offended because I'm just wondering. Are you being nice to me because you were told to show me around by Raditch, or because you want to actually be friends?
That doesn't offend me Hayden. I was honestly wondering when you were going to ask me that. And no, I'm not just being nice to you because Raditch told me to help you out. Ask anyone around here. Environmental girl isn't like that. Emma said with a laugh.
Environmental girl? Hayden asked.
Long story. But if you really want to know I can tell you. I can also tell you some more about Degrassi.
Oh Emma that'd be awesome. It's nice to have finally met someone here. I'm really missing my friends right now and your making me feel a lot better. Thank you so much.
It's no problem Hayden. I don't want you to feel awkward at school. Plus, you seem pretty cool. Look I'll make you a deal. I'll go drop my stuff off at my house, then we can go to yours and talk. The only way I will tell you stuff, is if you tell me everything about the states, and those two friends you were talking about in Kwan's class. Emma said with a smile.
Hayden said, smiling for the first time all day.
