I pulled into the parking lot in my Tesla, and immediately got looks from the other kids around me. I saw so many faces and so many different people. Different colours and expressions. It was like a human technicolour of life.

I took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, immediately having eyes pin to me.

I can do this, I kept telling myself.

I pulled my bag out and locked my car before heading inside. I passed so many new people and so many different groups huddled together. As I reached the top of the steps and looked down the long corridor, I could see people just going about their day to day lives.

I pulled out my timetable and locker number before looking down the row of large metal lockers stretching further than human eyes could see. I tried not to use my vamp sight and search for it like a normal person. I turned to see a large number etched on the top of the door. '213'.

Here we go.

I opened it with the combination written down and started putting my books into it and such. Once I was organised, I shut the door gently so as not to break it and then looked down at my papers again.

Suddenly, I heard something crash to the ground.

My head shot up to see a young guy with glasses and dark curls on the floor, gathering papers and books. Ensuring I didn't run too quickly, I walked at a quick pace and knelt down to help.

He looked up in shock as I handed him his books.

"Here." I offered kindly.

He pushed his glasses back on his face awkwardly. He seemed shocked by me and awed by my face.

Finally he spoke. "Thanks." He smiled awkwardly.

I picked up a few other bits of paper around me and stood up. He rose to his feet also, dusting himself off. I gave him his final bits of paper.

"I'm Vanessa. But people call me Nessie." I told him, trying to befriend him.

I held my hand out in an extension of friendship. This really seemed to throw him off. What was wrong with humans? Were they not kind to each other? Did they not know how to greet each other?

He took it carefully. "Simon." He informed me.

Releasing my hand I saw the book on the top of his pile was my favourite book of all time.

"You read Mara Dyer." I stated, grinning.

He suddenly grew in excitement. "They're pretty great. Like a mix of Marvel and a Psychology experiment."

"I mean Mara is basically a telepathic Hulk." I laughed.

He was looking at me like he had never connected with another human before and this was the best thing ever.

I looked down at my timetable and looked back up at him. "Do you know where room E12 is?" I asked him.

He was my first real friend I had made by myself and I was desperate not to look like a complete weirdo.

"Yeah, it's just round the corner here. I'll show you." /

I sighed in relief as he put his stuff away in his bag.

Score 1 for Nessie.

He and I started walking down the hall, talking about superheroes and the books. Everyone was looking at us in total confusion.

"Why are they staring like that?" I asked him in a whisper.

He seemed shocked by my lack of understanding. "Not many girls wanna be seen with me. I am the epitome of nerd."

This didn't make sense to me. In my family intelligence and kindness were highly valued. I didn't see what the hierarchical purpose was.

"Well I like talking to you, Simon. You're the only person who I know that knows as much about Mara Dyer and superhero lore as I do." He smiled, slightly blushing.

He stopped outside of a room. "This is it. English Literature. Mr Daniels is nice, just try not to talk about Shakespeare or he will never shut up." He warned me.

I laughed, still feeling eyes on me. "Thank you so much for your help Simon. See you later?"

Before Simon could respond, large shadows surrounded us.

"Well well well. I see Simon managed to charm the new girl."

The voices were coming from behind me, and they were not making me very comfortable. I spun around to see 3 large males with football jerseys on. They all stared, gawking at my face when they saw me. They suddenly changed their attitudes very quickly. The leader stepped closer to me, his blonde hair in his eyes.

"What are you doing hanging with the nerd, beautiful? Hoping he'll do your homework?"

His friends chuckled at his inane comment. I could sense his jest was not kind, and tried to control my temper. That was always one of my failings. But I couldn't crack day one. I needed this experience to understand what I was missing. To be like everyone else.

"I'm capable of doing my own work, thanks." I responded, showing my lack of interest in his antics.

"Simon was helping me find my way to my class."

I turned back to face Simon, who looked terrified. "Meet at lunch?" I smiled sweetly.

Simon became less nervous and his face softened. "Okay, Nessie."

His eyes then darted to the jocks behind me and he turned to leave, away from what I presumed to be danger. I turned to enter the class without acknowledging the boys and heard some very shocked and frustrated voices behind me.

When I entered I saw an older man standing at the front desk and saw lots of faces looking at me. I felt very awkward, but the teacher instantly welcomed me.

"Ah! Miss Cole. Please come and join me." I walked slowly over to him, hoping I wasn't sweating through my jumper.

"Class, this is Vanessa Cole. She is new here, so I hope to see you all embrace her as one of your own."

Gods this was so embarrassing. Was this what school was like for the new kid?

The horror.

I went to find a seat urgently and took out my textbook and notebook.

"You're in my seat." A feminine voice screeched.

I looked up to see a blonde haired, blue eyed barbie doll looking at me. Her false lashes and fake tan made me want to vomit, but she genuinely looked angry at me.

"I didn't realise it was assigned seating." I responded gently.

She looked so ready to scratch my head off, when someone intervened.

"Cut it out Kaila." A gentle faced girl with long blue hair was frowning. "She can sit where she wants. Take that stick out from up your ass and find another chair."

I let out a scoff as I desperately tried to hold back my laughter.

Her eyes shot back to me with rage building in her face. "You think that's funny?" She asked me directly.

I tried to decide how to play this. And then I answered.

"Well yeah. A little."

The girl behind me looked impressed by my lack of fear. I could rip her head off before she even blinked, but no one else knew that.

Kaila screeched with anger and stormed to an empty chair. I turned to smile at the girl and mouthed 'Thank You' at her. She gave me a respectful nod and the class began.