I just have to take things one day at a time.
TWO
Allie
The school was informed of my arrival late last week, so they had everything ready for me. I got my schedule from the school counselor—Mr. Kemp—along with a few forms he said I’d need to take home and bring back with Gerald’s signature. I got my locker assignment and combination, though if Sun Valley High is anything like my old school, it would sit empty most of the year. I’ll lug my books in my backpack between classes rather than dropping them off in my locker to save on time.
Since Sun Valley High is on a trimester system, I only have four classes. English, Calculus, Spanish 4, and Welding. Calculus will kick my butt. Math was never my strong suit. But the rest should be easy enough to get caught up on.
“Your, umm, Janessa informed me of your … situation,” Mr. Kemp says, a sympathetic frown tugging at his features. “If you need to talk to anyone, my office door is always open.”
Always the diligent assistant. Janessa has taken care of everything, including airing my business.Wonderful.
“Thanks.” I nod, not that I have any plans of taking him up on the offer. But Mr. Kemp seems nice enough. He’s younger than most of the faculty I’ve seen so far. Late twenties, maybe early thirties. He has reddish brown hair and dark blue eyes. He’s attractive enough and carries an easy smile. He seems to be one of thecoolstaff members, judging by the number of students shouting out hellos when they walk past his office door. A lot of “Yo, Mr. K.” But I don’t need a shoulder to cry on and I prefer not to build relationships with guidance counselors. They have the tendency to make things weird. I learned that my freshman year and I don’t plan on having a repeat incident.
Besides, he’s a stranger. I haven’t bothered to confide in my new dad. Why on earth would I confide inhim?
The warning bell rings signaling that first period is about to start. I stand up to leave, tucking my schedule into the front pocket of my pants. Before I can make it out of his office, a boy saunters in with a swagger and, what I’m sure, is his perpetual smirk. He tilts his head toward Mr. Kemp in greeting before plopping down in the chair I just vacated, not bothering to spare me a glance.
Rude.But, whatever. I’m the new girl. If Sun Valley High is anything like virtually every other high school in America, the students here won’t be welcoming. But all of that is a-okay. I don’t need to make friends here. I have Julio, Gabe, and Felix to get back to. I don’t plan on sticking around long once I graduate.
“Mr. Valdez. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Mr. Kemp says with a stern tone, but I don’t miss the slight curve to his mouth. I know right away that this guy, Valdez, is one of those kids who spends a lot of time in the office. There’s an air of smug hostility about him, but Mr. Kemp doesn’t seem bothered by it. He seems … amused.
When the boy finally looks my way, he gives me a slow once-over before his upper lip curls in disgust. He mutters, “Chiflada,” under his breath with a roll of his pretty brown eyes.
“Hey!” I snap. He doesn’t know me and I don’t care how cute he is, I am not a spoiled brat.
He sneers at me and turns back to Mr. Kemp without bothering to respond to my outburst, a bored look on his face.
“Roman.” There was a warning in there, but the boy didn’t seem to care.
Mr. Kemp waits.
My cheeks heat and I’m practically vibrating with irritation.
“What? Look at her.” Roman shrugs. “Just calling it like I see it.”
I bite my bottom lip to keep from snapping at him again before turning to leave. I don’t need this.
“Ms. Ulrich,” Mr. Kemp calls out.
I freeze. “That’s not my name.” There’s a bite in my tone I hadn’t intended but what I said is true. Ulrich isn’t my name. Gerald wants me to take his last name. He’s some hotshot in town and thinks his name will help open doors for me, but I don’t want it. I’ve been Alejandra Ramirez—Allie for short—for the last seventeen years. I have zero plans of changing that in this life or the next.
Roman’s brows lift, sudden interest sparking over our exchange.
“My apologies.Alejandra.”
“Allie,” I correct again.
He grimaces and tilts his head toward the guy. “Allie, this is Roman. He’s a senior, like you. And he happens to also have first period English.” And I'm supposed to care why? “He’ll show you to your first class and help you settle in. Think of him as your guide for the week.”
My mouth drops open and I don’t miss the look he directs at Roman. This isn’t optional for him. I gape at Mr. Kemp before finding my words. “No, thanks. I’m fine.” I try and wave him off.
He releases a sigh and leans back in his chair ignoring me completely. His eyes train on Roman who still has that bored expression on his face. “You here because you mouthed off again?”
Roman shrugs. “Maybe.”
I roll my eyes. He’s totally one ofthoseguys. He’s probably a jock too. He definitely looks like the athletic type. Broad shoulders, a muscular build. I can see the hint of a tattoo peeking out of the collar of his shirt too. He’s a bad boy and he makes sure everyone knows it. Even his teachers.
