“I don’t know what to think about that,” Seb mumbles. “I’d like to reserve the right to have you change it if it doesn’t grow on me.”
“I can live with that,” I reply, feeling proud of myself. Not only did I talk about my family, but I feel like I solidified my friendship with Seb.
Chapter 25
I’m up early on Monday morning for school. I pick out my favorite blue jeans to wear along with a new t-shirt and leather jacket, pulling my hair up into a high ponytail so it’s out of the way. Because I’ve never really worn makeup before, I grab some chapstick. With my new gym bag packed and cell in my back pocket, I throw my wallet in my backpack with my school supplies.
As I make my way to the kitchen, I notice Zander cooking eggs and bacon at the stove. “Hey Summer. All ready for day one?” He asks as he sets a plate on the island for me.
“As I’ll ever be,” I respond, grabbing a mug for my tea. I’m nervous, of course, but knowing I have nice friends helps tremendously. From what I know of Seb, he’ll stick close by.
“I put money in your account last night, so if you need anything at school today, you can use your new debit card. I’m also giving you $20 cash for incidentals.”
“I have my own money, Zander. You don’t need to do that,” I say, exasperated.
“But I want to, Summer. I told you I was going to deposit money every month into your account, and so I did. Starting last night,” he smiles. “Now, are you taking or buying lunch today?” He asks as he takes a seat beside me with his own plate of bacon and eggs.
“I thought I’d buy today so I can check out what the food is like.”
“Solid plan. When should we arrive at the school for Alex’s meeting?”
“He said before school, so I’m meeting Seb outside about 7:20am.”
“Okay, eat up and let’s get going. There’s not much time,” Zander replies, eating quickly.
We gobble breakfast and do the dishes. I grab a bottle of water to put in my backpack, and then we’re off to school. When Zander pulls up in front, Seb is standing on the steps outside the front doors. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come to the office with you, Summer?” Zander asks in concern.
“No, I think it’ll be fine. Seb seemed confident Alex would resolve it this morning,” I reply, opening the passenger door to hop down.
“Text me if there’s an issue and I’ll drive right back over here, okay?”
“Thanks, Zander,” I smile. With a deep breath, I close the truck door. Waving goodbye, I walk towards the front doors.One moment at a time, Summer.
“Hey Sunshine,” Seb calls out. I wave back as I climb the steps. After giving me a quick hug, he opens the door for me. “Alex went straight to the principal. Let’s find out if he performed his magic.”
I follow Seb back to the office. A few people are milling about, but the hallways are mostly empty. When we enter the office doors, I notice a tall guy with wavy dirty blond hair exiting the principal’s office. They shake hands as the guy walks towards us. This must be Alex. Another cute guy. There must be something in the water down here. He stops at the desk behind reception and says something to the woman working there. She types on her computer and hands Alex some paperwork from the printer. Then he walks by and motions for us to follow him into the hallway.
He turns and smiles at me once we’re past the office windows. “Hi Summer, I am Alex. Nice to meet you in person.” Alex is a few inches over 6ft tall. Intense light green eyes look down at me. He’s got an angular jaw, plump soft pink lips, and cheekbones that could cut glass.
“Hi Alex. Thank you for talking to the principal this morning for me.”
“My pleasure, Summer. He agreed to allow you into the AP Seminar class.” He hands me the paperwork he’s holding. “Have Z sign the top form and drop it off at reception tomorrow morning. Your new class schedule is on the second page, and a school map is on the third.”
“That’s amazing, Alex. Thank you so much. What about Ms. Johnson? “
“The principal will handle her. Hopefully, you will not need to deal with her until next year.”
“I knew you could fix this stuff, Alex. Thanks, man,” Seb says, clapping him on the shoulder. “How about a tour, Sunshine, to help you navigate your way today?”
I nod as Seb and Alex take me around the school, pointing out all my classrooms to me, my locker, and the gym, which is a separate vast building behind the school. An indoor track surrounds a court with foldaway bleachers on both sides. There’s an Olympic-sized pool with diving boards on the left side of the building. Offices, bathrooms, and a concession stand line the main hallway connecting the two halves of the complex. Tennis courts, a baseball field, and a large track area are outside to the right of the gym complex. It’s all much bigger than what I’m used to in Virginia.
As we head back inside the main school, I notice a lot more students filling up the space. The wide hallways keep it from being too congested, though, and Alex and Seb walk on either side of me. We stop at Seb’s and Alex’s lockers, then go back to mine so I can drop off my gym bag. E, Bay and Nick are waiting at my locker. I look up and raise my eyebrow at Seb.
“What? I told them to meet us at your locker, Sunshine.”
The guys get a few shout-outs as I’m filling my locker, but I pay little attention. Gabby and some girls are approaching the guys when I turn around. This past year, I would have put my headdown so as not to engage with people.Be brave, a new beginning,I remind myself. Socializing is part of getting my life back. “Hi Gabby,” I greet her with a small wave.
“Hey Summer. Excited for your first day?” She asks with a big smile. She’s wearing her new blue leather jacket with leggings and a tank top, and it looks amazing on her.
