The New Guy In School

It’s another morning, crisp and cool in September, the school year’s beginning again. My family always swears by education. However, I actually despise school. The reason: I’m always picked on for one thing or another. My name is Jackson Creed, a typical student, sandy blonde hair and sapphire blue eyes. I stand at 5’4”, which is why many people just call me ‘Short Stack’. It’s a nice morning, quiet as usual. Though my mother has taken the day off of work just to be sure I don’t skip out on my first day. East Side Collegiate, the new school I have to attend. Last year I finished Grade 8 and I had decent grades, despite the social challenges I faced. I get into my school uniform, which is a mahogany sports jacket, a black dress shirt and black dress pants. I prefer the uniform to be honest, at least I can’t get mocked for what I wear now. I head downstairs, sit with my mother and have my coffee already prepared. My mother, Marie, has always tried to be an encouraging person. People always tell me I look a lot like her. I may have gotten my eyes and hair from her, but my height for some reason is one thing many people see as inadequate. “So, you looking forward to your first day?” She asks me, trying to encourage me as always. “I’m not.. Half my old school is gonna be there.. So, I am a bit unsure how it’s gonna go..” I confess. “Just do your best. Oh, and don’t worry about other people and their opinions. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet a nice little lady.” She smiles at me, just teasing me playfully as usual. “Yeah, right..” I mutter. “I’m more so just worried about getting through this.” I admit. She waves her hand and refills her coffee mug. She hums softly as she comes back to sit down. I sometimes wish I could share her optimism. I finish my cup of coffee and start going through my backpack. I ensure my supplies are in there, which of course they are. My mother probably made sure it was packed for me last night. She comes to me and gives me a lunch bag she has packed with some food, nothing abnormal there. “Now go run along, you don’t want to be late.” She says to me. I get up from the table and head to the door. I slip my shoes on then head out the door. I walk along the street and already I can see other kids wearing the same uniform. I lower my head and keep walking to school, just praying that my old bullies didn’t end up at East Side Collegiate. I walk along, not really paying attention, but wanting to get through the day. Before I realize it, I’ve accidentally bumped into something. I freeze and lift my head. Of course, I’ve bumped into Johnathan, my old bully who was on the track and field team. “Oh, hey short stack. Whattya think you’re doin’?” He says to me, his dark eyes feel like they’re piercing into my soul. “Shit.. sorry Johnathan.. I wasn’t watching where I was going..” I say, avoiding eye contact as soon as I see his eyes. “i***t, it’s a wonder you even graduated.” He says and struts off. I sigh in relief, he must be in a good mood today. I swallow and keep an eye on where I am going now. My heart is racing from merely seeing him again. The walk to school seems fairly typical. I avoid most people in the school uniform. I don’t need another incident like with Johnathan. I sigh as I look upon the grey tall walls of the school, the dark oak double doors taunting me. I take a deep breath. Then, a tap on my shoulder that follows a familiar giggle. “Jackson! You actually came today!” My friend Courtney announces with excitement. I turn around to face her. She is a bit taller than me, by about two inches. Her hair is long, blonde and wavy. Her hazel eyes look at me, anticipating my response. “Oh, yeah.. Hey Courtney.” I say with a slight smile. “So, I was talking to some girls on the way to school, and apparently there’s a whole other way this place works for social structure..” She says. “Oh? Not just the two groups?” I ask. “The popular kids and everyone else?” I add. “No, there’s like this whole group setup. Apparently there’s groups for everything.” She says excitedly. “I don’t know if I like that.. I just try to avoid people..” I say with a sigh. She looks at me, already understanding why. But, she always finds a way to be happy. She giggles once again. “Well, I think I’m gonna join the swim team.” She says. “Oh, that actually suits you.” I say. We head into the school, just talking about our usual stuff. It ranges from swimming to hockey, family drama and summer events. She stops, which catches my attention. She’s staring at some guy, tall and with dark hair, with eyes even darker. His skin is tan. He is a tall guy too, which I guess would be about six foot tall. “Woah.. Check out tall dark and handsome over there..” She mutters. “Here we go again..” I sigh and look to her with concern, knowing she has a habit for falling for guys way too quickly.