I was rummaging under the bed trying to make everything fit when I heard a cough coming from the door way. Presuming it was Mike I gave a muffled hang on a sec before returning from under the bed. My hair falling over my face in a brown mess. Looking up I noticed that it was definitely not Mike at my door but instead a teenage boy. He had messy copper hair where he had clearly been running his hands through it, hopefully from his revision and not from the fact he had just witnessed by butt stuck up in the air. Deep green eyes with a caring look in them and most clearly a mischievous smile.

"Hi I'm Rick, Mike sent me up to tell you lunch is ready. Did you need any help by the way?"

"Hey, Anna. Okay great what are we having? No thanks I'm all good the bed was just a bit longer than I am."

"Beans on Toast. I can see that, you're what 5 ft. whereas the bed must be like 5ft 5 long."

"5 ft. 2 actually. I'm not that small. Great let's go."

I smiled up at him and walked past him out into the hall way and turned in the direction I presumed was towards the stairs. Only to feel a hand round my wrist.

"The stairs are this way shorty."

"Right this way, I'm not short you're just tall." I tried to hide the embarrassed blush from my face. So much for looking cool.

"You're tiny. Hate to break it to you."

We carried on walking and talking along the hall way. It had been ages since I had properly talked to someone. It was odd how at ease I was with it. We were just about to go down stairs when I spotted a guitar lying on the floor of a room. I hadn't played guitar in so long but I instantly recognised the Epiphone. I turned to walk towards the door before remembering you couldn't just walk in.

"Rick who's guitar is that?"

"That would be mine." He runs a hand through his hair again.

"Can I see it just for a second? I haven't played one in so long. The old home didn't allow instruments."

"Umm…sure come in. Just give me to seconds to tidy up a little bit. I share with Tyler and well we aren't the cleanest of people. I'm sure you didn't really want to see a pile of boxers on your first day. I do not know why I just said that! Sorry."

I couldn't help but laugh. The girly giggle felt so out of place in my mouth, but once I started Rick started and then well I couldn't stop.

"Come on Shorty let's get lunch and I'll show you my guitar later."

"Alright boxer boy lets go."

"Boxer boy? That's a nickname I have never had before."

As we approached the kitchen, I winked at him before calling over my shoulder.

"Boxer boy suits you."

I sat with Rick for the rest of the day. He gave me a guided tour and told me about all the people I would meet later. I was actually excited about these people. When I realised they might not be like Rick. They might hate me and he might hate me if they do. I couldn't go back to being the nobody. I felt myself start to shake when Rick told me people would start coming home now. He noticed too as when we heard talking and footsteps he took my hand and pulled me up. Placing a long arm around my shoulder he squeezed me.

"Don't be nervous okay? There just like you and they're always willing to make new friends. I mean look at Baily and he gets along with everyone now."

"I know but…"

"No but's. Let's go introduce you they should all be back by now."

Taking a deep breath I stood up and straightened out my hair. I wanted them to like me or more I didn't want them to have a reason to hate me. Just getting through a day without having food thrown at me, being punched or being called sick names would be perfect.

I stood behind Rick as he walked into the kitchen, a chorus of hey's through across the room. A boy with wild brown hair flung a bag of crisps at Rick which he caught instantly. Rick moved out the way and coughed. When no one shut up he raised his voice.

"Guys, listen up!"

A tall girl blew a whistle, which I was not prepared for so I flinched. Rick felt my movement so touched my arm and gently led me forward.

"Guys, this is Anna. She just came here; she's staying with you Carmen."

I followed his gaze to the girl I would be sharing a room with. She matched the room perfectly with pink nails and flowers covering her school uniform. I decided it was time to make my mark.

"Hi, you guys have a good day at school?"

At once everyone was walking towards me. My mind flashed back to the boys at my old home walking towards me in a huddle the names they called me. The look in their eyes. I tried not to focus on it and think of my new family being nothing like this. I still started to shake but I kept my cool. Talking to everyone as best as I could answer there questions. Rick led me to sit down but I was intercepted by two girls one was Carmen and the other was Tee. They were getting all excited asking about clothes and make up. Things I hadn't thought about in so long. Looking over my shoulder to Rick I let out a smile. He leaned back in his seat, clearly pleased with his work. Although part of him had a look of something else. Annoyance maybe or relief that he passed me off on someone else. As everyone sat down to start eating I was pulled down to a chair and was included in the conversation. It was a new feeling, but I was hoping it would be the start of something good. I didn't want to go back to the old me.