Tattoos And Body Count

Welcome to Oakland high!

***Alarm beeps.***

I quickly turn it off. I'm probably not the only human who hates the sound of the alarm. I always tell mum to give the alarm away to the needy or something cause I could use my phone to set an alarm. But she insisted on using the old-fashioned digital thingy.

I make my way to the bathroom to take my bath. The heater is yet to be installed so we've been taking cold baths since we got here. Talk about hating Oakland already. I took my time with the bath cause I had to wax head to toe, it's my first day in Oakland high, I need to make a nice first impression.

After my full body waxing and bath. I lay a fresh paint on my nails, needless to say I used a black paint instead of my signature white one. I really don't want to look vulnerable to these kids at school. I need to show I'm going to get at them with every little detail of my composure and outfit. I picked random shirts with dull colors mostly black and some Bardot top, and also thorned jeans which mum knows absolutely nothing about, at the mall the day before. I can't wear my blazers here anymore. It just doesn't compliment the environment. I took a faded blue denim trouser to go with my black round neck shirt and headed to the kitchen to get my breakfast.

"Top of the morning to y'all" I said most enthusiastically.

"Oh morning honey, at least one of you is excited about their first day at school" my mum replied, eyeing my brother for some reaction. He didn't give any, apparently he's still sulking about the abrupt move. I am not overly happy about it as well but I've learned from mum how to not let situations get me all messed up, she's always got everything under control. I, for one have to put up the act like some things ain't getting to me but honestly some things do get to me but apparently the acts I've always been putting up has kind of boost my confidence level. So f*ck sulking over the big city move, I'm taking over Oakland high in no time.

"What's for breakfast?" I asked trying to push the thoughts away

"Cereal,go get a mug in the box, and here is your lunch" my mum replied handing me a paper bag.

No wonder Noah is sulking, we never have lunch in paper bags, we get home-cooked specials all the time, and also get food in the cafeteria with it. This is only temporary I told myself. I walk to the box and pick a mug, we are yet to get settled, we only got in last week and our stuffs are still in boxes and bags.

I made my breakfast and went to sit beside my brother. "Want some?" I asked, seeing as how he barely even touched his cereal. He just looked at what I was offering and shook his head to reply no.

"Noah eat your breakfast!" mum said sharply breaking Noah off his trance. It worked though cause he started eating.

"Mia I'll come get you both after school today I'll call you once I'm at the school. We'll come home together so you don't need to hitch the bus today. But, you gotta start taking the school bus by tomorrow, I can't afford getting late to work, okay?" mum said

" Wait, w wh what?" totally shocked I almost stutter." "The bus mum?, we're taking the bus to school?. No way" I asked and answered myself

"Honey we gotta work together here, I can't keep dropping you off and picking you up, this new job doesn't have that kind of time luxury. Come on!" my mum explains

"The bus is just way off mum, we came all the way here cause we want this to work for you, we're trying to help you figure it out, it's not easy on us too. OK you'll drop us off every morning then?" I said begging. As much as I hate to negotiate anything with anyone, this issue just needs me to swallow my pride and beg.

Looking at me pitiful, she replied "OK then. I'll drop you off to school every day" she finally succumb.

Noah finally said something but it's a whisper into mum's ear, which made her throw her head back and laugh. I got curious as to why he didn't say it out for me to hear as well.

"What did he say?" I asked mum curiously

She just kept laughing, and so did Noah. I shifted my mug to the side and got off the chair to go tickle Noah just to torture him to talk. "Spit it out"

I started my torture and he laughed hard, begging mum to come to his rescue,but mum was still laughing. After a while she tried to control herself and then she said "Mia stop it" trying hard not to start laughing again she added "OK, I'll tell you if you stop tickling him"

That was when I stopped and went back to my seat. Noah begged mum not to tell me what he said, I gave him a dirty look.

"He said you didn't wanna take the bus because you always want to be popular wherever you go and taking the bus would just lower your chances of it" mum finally said smiling now, they both waited for a reaction from me.

"He's kinda right, I mean he's not entirely wrong" I said confirming what Noah said. Hearing it out loud made me realize how important it is for me to always be in control of what people think of me, it's about the only insecurity that I've got, every other thing just comes easy after that. Ever since junior high I've taken control over what people see me to be, I started working on my appearance at a very young age, my outfit were mostly handpicked by my mum which always gave me a more mature outlook compared to other kids. Basically all I do is because mum is my biggest muse, I see how she addresses people, how confident she usually is in her own skin, so I can't help but mimic and adapt that, ever since then I'm the major talk of the school. I'm good at almost everything presentations, even if I just say gibberish the whole time, my demeanor and composure make them not listen but they watch passionately how effortless I've been through out. I'm only sixteen yet kids come to me seeking advice on how to be as bold as I am, but honestly deep down I wouldn't consider myself bold. I was just able to hide my fear and replace it with a more rigid aesthetic. Mostly thanks to mum.

After breakfast i got into the front seat of mum's car, it is a Mercedes Benz, I don't know what year cause I'm not really good with cars, but it is totally stylish. It was used to carry some of our luggage the day before we finally moved, so it's been in Oakland before we even got here. Also, before everything went down the way they did mum was planning on giving me the Mercedes and get herself another car, but then that's one of the disadvantages of a divorce. It shouldn't have been this worse if not because my mum was adamant on taking just thirty percent of what dad was offering after the finalization, she's independent to the core.

As we pass by, I noticed a lot of food trucks and beaches on the way, this city is really beautiful. I underestimated just how much it would be. I made a mental note to come visit on the weekend probably with some of my new friends.

"I've texted the full address of the house to you Mia, so you'll know which bus to take when you're coming back" mum said as she turn when the GPS directed her to. A golden bridge came to sight, it was the most beautiful bridge I've ever seen, this city really isn't bad. Noah made a sound of amazement, I guess I wasn't the only one at awe. "You like it right?" mum asked peeping at Noah at the back. "Yeah it's amazing" Noah replied.

"Yeah, it's a'ight" I said, acting like I wasn't amused.

"We'll all wander Oakland in the weekend, I can't wait to show y'all the amazing places in this city" my mum said. I try so hard to contain the excitement in me. I can't wait to explore this new place. I would love to travel the world but I don't have the expenses for that, plus I don't know how mum would take it. But who cares, when the time comes and I can afford traveling out of California, I definitely will.

We got to a stop and mum pulled over in the parking lot. I guess we are here. This is Oakland high. I watched teens with cars pulling at the parking lot, some hanging around while some skate and make stunts. This is it Mia, pull yourself together and put your game face on. I was about to open the door when mum pulled me back. "Okay guys, I know you got this, this is just another high school full of different types of kids, I know you'll find your people, those that won't make you feel weird and alone, cause my kids are smart and strong, y'all can do this, okay?" she concluded. Noah and I replied in unison "Yes mum". I opened the mirror at the top to check myself out. I think I look hot enough. "You look amazing darling" mum complimented. "Thanks mum, you look amazing too" I replied. Noah was already waiting outside, so I opened the door and got out the car, I could hear mum call out to us wishing us a great first day at school, I turned back and she was already pulling out the lot, I replied in my mind same mum.

Noah and I walked side by by side to the admin's office, as we got there I open the door, and said an hello.

"Good morning, you can come in" replied a fierce looking lady. "Thank you, I am Mia Brown and this my brother Noah Brown" I said as we walk ourselves in and took our seats. She introduced herself as Miss Tory the school principal and she started working us through the basics about our admission, the classes and extra curricula activities we need to get our grades right. About half an hour later she handed us both a paper. Detailing our classes and the times table.

"That's all Mr and Miss Brown, welcome to Oakland high".

We stood up and went outside her office.

"So where to now?" I ask Noah checking the paper in my hand as well seeing that I have economics now. The bell rang and Noah replied "I think I have history now" he starting going the other way without even saying bye like he knew the route and corner of the school. Kids started crawling full in the hall, each heading to their next class. I check the paper again, I got English next now I started looking for my class, when someone bumped into me from behind. I was about to raise my hand, probably as a defense or retaliation, I don't know, I just know I wanted to do something. Then I saw a girl in the most unusual outfit, trying to dodge my so called fist. "Whoa girl, you feisty" she said in a somewhat different accent, black American accent. She looks so cute. I tried to compose myself, "Well, you weren't looking where you heading or what?" I said, remembering I have to claim right, cause she was the one that bumped into me.

"Yeah right sorry bout that, I truly wasn't looking but I'm glad I wasn't" she said smiling and looking at me awkwardly now. "I never seen you before, you new here?"

"Yass it's my first day" I replied sheepishly

"Oh, okayyyy girl, where you heading now, let me show you around" she said.

I can't seem to fathom how she moves the way she does, but it amazes me, she looks cool when she talks, she's what you call smooth. Her aesthetic is rigid but cool and her accent made everything come out so attractive. "I think I've got English now, can you show me where that is?" I responded

"Fasho, come with me" she replied.

We started walking, or let me say I was walking and she was floating, she's got the sexiest walking style I have ever seen how does she do that.

We got to the entrance and she paused for me to get it, before she turn back she said "My name is Lara, and Welcome to Oakland high" with a wink, she floated down the hall again. I kept looking at her with my mouth half open, this girl is fire,i thought.

Then I remembered I was about to get into a class, unless now the teacher and even the kids in the class are looking at me. I got in and the teacher said jokingly "Nice of you to finally walk in the class, miss?". Half of the class started laughing. But I took back my spotlight, composing myself I replied with my voice at its peak but still smooth "Mia, I am Mia Brown. I'm new here"

"Okay, Mia, I'm Edward, go take a seat and don't be late to class again"

I looked for a vacant seat but it was at the back, and I don't like the back seats, but I took it anyway, I walk most confidently to my seat that is in the middle of a girl and a boy.

I took my seat and looked at my right, the girl was smiling at me, extending her hand, she is a geek, so hell no. I ignored the hand and I look at my left, the boy was wearing a cold angry look, yeah that is my type, he's got a mustache too, I mean how old is he, and why didn't the school ask him to shave it off, but he sure as hell looked hot in it. He noticed I was staring at him, then he glare right back with a more cold stare so I gave him my middle finger. Punk ass motherfucker tryna get me scared. Stupid. I return my attention to the teacher at my front, leaving the boy in amazement with my gesture.

An hour later the bell rang and I look at the piece of paper again to know what courses I have left, a shadow then clouded my view, it was that boy sitting at my left "What?" I asked ever so coldly.

"I didn't catch your name earlier" he responded

"I didn't throw it" I replied returning my gaze to the paper at my hand.

"Whoa, okay it seems we started up at the wrong foot. I am Chase, what is your name?" he said extending his hand.

"I am Mia" I responded without taking his hand, deciding to walk instead.

"Okay Mia" he said walking by my side, he is way taller than I am, I love how his height threatened mine. "it's nice to have you here, welcome to Oakland high" he continues with a smile and I melted. He should probably smile more. He looks way cool with a smile. So I smile back at him.

I watch him retreat. Then I remember I have to get to my assigned locker and see where it is. So I started the search again. Luckily, it wasn't hard to find. I opened it with the default code and change the code to a personalized one. I'll change the wallpaper of this locker next week, probably to teal and red. I drop my books in it and pick the books of the courses that I have left, then I closed it. I have literature now, and after it's lunch time. I went to the assigned literature class and took a seat, the teacher isn't there yet, so kids are talking away. I took my phone out and went to the notebook, I scribbled a list of things I am intending to do on it, including the wallpaper of my locker.

"Hey you at my seat" a tiny yet mean voice called out.

"Okay, go find another one then" I replied, not even taking my eyes off my phone to check who was talking.

"b***h get up off my seat" she said again

Angry now I looked up at her "Who you calling a b***h, huh?" I asked her, with a more voice fierce I have spoken in years. I stood up now, the f*ck! This people are really starting to get on my skin. This is just my first day. Kids went quiet apparently hoping for a fight then a hand came from nowhere trying to calm us down. "Whoa whoa whoa. You both, calm down now" the owner of the hand said, apparently he's a black boy.

Taking the hand off of my body angrily I said. "Tell her to calm down, she called me a b***h"

The male intermediary then said, "Okay new girl, you on her seat for real"

"Who assigned the seat for her?" I replied sharply.

"Ginger go take that empty seat over there" he said commandingly, pointing to a random chair

The "ginger" girl did as she was told, the hell!!!

I sat back down

"Not too fast, new girl" he said to me now.

"I've got a name homeboy" I told the supposed intermediary

"And that is what?" he asked

"Mia"

"Mia, you gotta watch your back round here, these girls could really whope your a$$"

"I'd like to see them try" I replied reassuringly

Throwing his head back he laughed. I don't know why he found what I said funny, but I really wasn't joking. I could see his figure clearly now, he's caramel, not too black. He's got a cute laugh even though he's manly to be seen as cute, but he's the type that'll take your breathe away if you're not careful.

"I'm Nathaniel, you can call me Nathan" he said, taking my hair to the back of my ear. I smiled back at him, but I really didn't like that gesture but I kept my calm, I don't wanna make a show out of nothing again.

"Hi Nathan" I said

"Hi Mia" he replied "I like that you can carry your weight, that's gon help you get by around here" he said. "It's nice to have you here now Mia, I hope I get to see a lot of you around now" he said twitching the side of his lip. I don't like that gesture as well. But who am I to start liking things about some random guy. I nodded my head to serve as a reply to what he said.

Seeing I wasn't interested in whatever it is he's selling he went to the chair next to mine. Right after, a teacher came in and started lecturing. I could still feel Nathan's gaze from beside me. I refuse to return his gaze, he's gon do more than staring to get my attention.

Before I knew it, the class was over.

Yayyyy it's lunch time. I'm famished. I went to my locker for my paperbag lunch. On my way to the cafeteria I saw my brother in the middle of other eight graders, talking and gesturing with his hand. At least one of us is having a good first day.

I took a seat next to an oak tree. Savouring my turkey wrap with a chilled coke I got from the vending machine at the hall. I saw a figure passing and abruptly retreat to probably start a conversation, "Hey" came a girl's voice at my back. I am really not in the mood for this anymore. "Let me guess, this is your seat" I said twitching my head to the back a bit to see her face. It was Lara from earlier. "Huh, no, it's not my seat, but I was hoping I could seat with you" she said smiling smoothly. "Yass, sure" I replied returning her smile. She has that kind of effect on me I guess, when she smile I'll smile right back, she's just mind blowing. I think it's weird I find her this interesting though but I don't care at the moment.

"Want some?" I asked offering her my turkey wrap.

She shook her head and show me a burger. I'm guessing that's her lunch.

"So where do yo stay?"

"Fitchburg, we just move to Oakland" I replied, biting off my lunch right after.

"Wow, do you like it there?, I mean at Fitchburg"

"I can't say, but it's never quiet, not even at night"

"Yeah, that place nasty"

"Where do you stay?" I asked trying to know about her too

"Fremont" she replies.

"I don't know where that is, but I'm just gonna act like I do, so" I said and that made her laugh

"It's just couple of drives away, we could go after school, you'll see for yosef?" she ask, giving me a cute curious look, maybe partly begging I agree to her invitation.

"Huh! I can't, I have a brother, we'll go home together" I said disappointedly and wishing there's something I could do to change my decision.

"He could come too" she declared looking at me in the eye now, which made me blush hard, I had to look down on my feet to get my train of thought back.

"OK" I finally said after much deliberation

"Cool" she smiled and I smile too. Damn I'm all sweaty now. This girl is fire. What is happening to you Mia.

***After school, I saw my brother waiting by the school entrance. "Hey you ready?" I asked him from inside Lara's SUV, he was shocked but got in the backseat. "Hey" he greeted Lara. She greeted him back and ask how his first day was. He replied and they got talking, this girl is a smooth talker, she'll get you in a conversation before you even know.

She started to pull over at a house, quite old fashioned house with white picket fence. "This is my house" she said looking at me directly.

"You stay with your parents?" I asked

"Nah, I stay alone" she replied opening her door.

I did the same and so did my brother.

She showed us around and that was it.

She took us back to Fitchburg and I showed her the address to our house. She dropped us off at our front door and my brother said his goodbyes and storm off to the house.

"It was fun hanging with you today" I told her honestly

"It was fun hanging with you too Mia" she replied

I loved the sound of my name in her voice. I can't stop looking at her lips as she said those words.

She got closer and so did I, our lips brushed for a second and I contemplated pulling back but I didn't. She kissed my lower lips and I could feel her tongue parting my lips for more entrance, I gave in. I closed my eyes and I felt at ease and at peace. It stopped and I opened my eyes, she was looking at me smiling now. Like mission accomplished. I smiled back obviously.

"Bye Mia" she started the ignition

"Bye Lara" I replied eyeing her lips for more, but no Mia, don't push your luck.

I got off the car and wave goodbye.

I opened our front door and I met mum and Noah in the living room, Noah apparently was filling mum in about his day and his new friends and of cause my new friend Lara.

As they heard the door close, mum looked up to ask "How was your first day honey?"

"It's not bad" I replied, not waiting to hold any conversations with her I headed straight to my room to digest what the f*ck just happened. I slammed my door and bounced on my bed, I am in a state of pure bliss and I love it.