Falling For The Quarterback

Chapter One: New Girl in Town

Staring at the reflection in my bedroom mirror, I try to calm my nerves.

I'm fine, everything is going to be fine. People start new schools all the time.

I spent hours last night deciding what I should wear today. I want to look nice, of course, but not stand out too much either, as a lot of attention makes me feel super uncomfortable. After going through my entire closet and the boxes I still haven't unpacked in my room, I decided on a pastel pink floral shirt with ruffle sleeves and blue shorts. It won't be warm enough to wear an outfit like this for much longer in Michigan, so I figured I should take advantage of the summer-like temperatures while I can. To finish off the outfit, I loosely curled my strawberry blonde hair and tied it half up with a light pink ribbon.

I'm usually not an early riser or one to fuss about my appearance so much, but I couldn't sleep last night. There were too many anxious thoughts flooding my mind about today. By 5:30 am, I gave up and decided that getting ready would be more productive. Waking up early also means I've had way too long to overthink my worst fears going into my first day at a new high school in the middle of a new town where I don't know anyone.

Let me back up. My family just moved to Romeo, a small town in Southeast Michigan, three weeks ago. The move was a complete shock to me. My dad got transferred to help run a smaller branch here, which is why we moved. His company is based in Chicago, which is where we used to live. Now, we're in a small town in the middle of nowhere and it reminds me a lot of 'Stars Hollow'. It's cute here, don't get me wrong, but I miss the hustle and bustle of the city. The anonymity it gave me was oddly comforting. Based off of the interactions we've had with our new neighbors since moving in, I get the feeling I won't get that luxury here. Romeo is small enough that everyone knows everyone and everything about each other.

Since the move I haven't gone out much. I've mostly been sulking in my room watching 'One Tree Hill' reruns and eating junk food, missing my old life and friends. I did take a walk last night to try and clear my head. Main Street looks exactly like you would imagine a street in a quaint small town to look like. Each lamppost is decorated with colorful flower baskets, a giant banner advertising the upcoming 'Peach Festival' hangs over the main intersection and the local businesses all show school spirit with pictures of the Bulldog mascot in red and white.

"Morning," my mum greets me when I enter the kitchen.

"Morning," I mumble back.

Mum always tries to have an optimistic view about things, but even her gaze seems a little guilty this morning. She knows how hard it's been for me since we moved. I wouldn't call myself shy, but I'm definitely more of an introvert and have a hard time putting myself out there, so having to start afresh my junior year of high school is basically my worst-case scenario, and she knows that. I may have been a bit of a drama queen when my parents announced we were moving. At first, I yelled about anything and everything irrationally. Then I gave my parents the silent treatment the first two weeks after the move. But don't worry, I've gone through the stages of grief, and I am starting to accept that Romeo is my new home whether I like it or not. Last week I toned down my attitude and started talking to my parents again. To be honest, I didn't have much choice. They are the only two people I have to talk to, and it was getting lonely all by myself in my bedroom every day.

"Ready for your first day?" My mum finally asks after a brief silence.

"Ready as I'll ever be." The sarcasm thick in my voice.

The rest of breakfast we bounce between little bits of mindless small talk and silence. Mum and I don't usually talk much in the mornings since I'm typically half asleep. But the silence today is probably because she can sense the clock in my head counting down the minutes until I need to leave for school. I grab my backpack and keys when my mum smiles her wise mum smile at me.

"Just be yourself, and you'll find your place at this new school, honey. You always find your way no matter what you do, this will be the same."

"Thanks mum, love you." I give her a hug and head out the side door.

The drive to school is under five minutes, so it's not much time for me to gain my composure before the inevitable. Since I'm a new student, I was instructed by Principal Ford to head to the main office to pick up my schedule and meet the person who will take me to classes and show me around today. It feels a little embarrassing to have someone forced to chaperone me around today, but I am a little relieved I will at least meet one person today without having to try. I just hope they are nice.

I pull into the high school car park. Everyone's hanging outside with friends in the sunshine talking to each other. I find a spot to park in. I'm about ten minutes early and immediately regretting not waiting longer at home. My hands get clammy and my heartbeat starts to quicken when I think about stepping out of my car. I pull my phone out of my pocket.

"Please pick up." I mumble to myself and hit FaceTime.

He picks up on the second ring. Thank goodness!

"Luna!"

"Hey Carter," I give him a forced smile.

"Uh oh, I know that look. It's the face of my little sister who is nervous about her first day at her new school."

I scoff at his accurate description of me. Carter knows me too well.

"Listen, there's no need to worry, Luna. It's the first day so it's a fresh start for everyone. You aren't going to be the only one who is nervous, and I'm sure you won't be the only new student either. Plus, you're tougher than any other girl I know. I guess you have your three older brothers to thank for that," Carter says with an arrogant smirk.

"There you go again, always trying to take credit for my achievements," I teased back. "But seriously, this would be so much better if you Three Stooges didn't all leave me to start your own adult lives. It's not fair, none of you had to make the move because you're all off living your lives in different cities, doing adult stuff or whatnot, and I'm stuck here with mum and dad all alone."

"Lu..."

"You'll be fine. I promise. Have I ever lied to you?" "I know it probably sucks for you that none of your big bros are around much right now, and I do feel bad we all left you, but I promise I will come visit as soon as I can to see the new house. This internship is kicking my butt right now, but if I get a free weekend anytime soon, then the first thing I'm doing is booking a ticket home to see you."

"No, it's ok. I can suck it up. I know you're busy and don't have the money to fly home for the weekend, so you don't have to do that. I'm just being a baby. Just promise me you'll come visit for the holidays, ok?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world little sis."

"Alright, well, I better go. Don't want to be late for my first day," I say with sarcasm, and get ready to hang up.

"Hey Lu..."

"Yeah?"

"Just one more thing... I love you. Now go kick some butt and make new friends."

Carter laughs to himself and hangs up. He's not the best at pep talks, but he's trying to play the part of a wise older brother and that melts my heart. It may have been a little tough to grow up in a house full of boys, but I wouldn't change it for the world. A genuine smile is on my face. I'm glad I called him. He always manages to get me out of a mess and into a better headspace.

I take a deep breath, step out into the sunshine and brush my clothes down. Here goes nothing.