My Bully's Brother

Chapter 3. New Beginnings.

The towering gates of Moon's Town High loomed in front of Brianne as she stood at the entrance, clutching the straps of her backpack. Her fingers traced the worn fabric, a nervous habit she'd developed over the past few months. The school compound stretched out like something from a movie—well-manicured lawns, tall trees swaying gently in the breeze, and a sprawling red-brick building at the center. The place radiated an air of calm, a stark contrast to the chaos she had left behind at Riverdale High.

Her heart raced. New school. New start. But memories have a way of following you, no matter how far you run.

She stepped through the gates, taking hesitant steps down the wide cobblestone path leading to the main building. Her eyes flitted over the clusters of students chatting, laughing, and moving in groups. Everyone seemed to belong, and for a moment, Brianne felt like an outsider—a feeling she was becoming all too familiar with.

The morning sun cast long shadows, and Brianne pulled her jacket closer, as if it could shield her from the uncertainties ahead.

"Need help?" a cheerful voice broke through her thoughts.

Brianne turned to see a girl with sleek dark hair and a bright smile standing beside her. She wore a stylish jacket that seemed to match her confident aura—everything Brianne wished she could be right now.

"Uh, yeah," Brianne said, trying to sound composed. Her voice trembled slightly, betraying her nerves. "I'm looking for the principal's office."

"You must be new. I'm Victoria," the girl said, extending her hand. Her smile was genuine, warm—something Brianne hadn't expected.

Brianne took it, grateful for the friendly gesture. "I'm Brianne. Just moved here," she added, hoping her voice sounded more steady than she felt.

"Well, welcome to Moon's Town High. It's pretty huge, I know. I was lost my first week too," Victoria said with a chuckle that seemed designed to put Brianne at ease. "Come on, I'll show you to the office."

As they walked through the hallways, Brianne took in the wide, brightly lit corridors and the large windows that let in streams of natural light. Everything about Moon's Town High felt polished, almost perfect. She couldn't help but feel a pang of nerves. This was supposed to be her fresh start, her chance to leave everything behind.

"So, where are you from?" Victoria asked, filling the silence.

"Riverdale," Brianne mumbled, hoping Victoria wouldn't press for more details.

Victoria stopped in front of a door with a gold plate that read "Principal's Office." "Here you go," she said. "Good luck with your first day."

"Thanks, Victoria," Brianne said, offering a small smile as she opened the door and stepped inside.

Principal Stevens was warm and welcoming, immediately putting Brianne at ease. Her office was filled with certificates and photographs—a testament to years of dedication to education. After a quick introduction and rundown of school policies, she handed Brianne her schedule.

"You'll have a peer mentor to help you get familiar with the school," Principal Stevens said, her voice soft and reassuring. "Ava Hill has been assigned to you. She's waiting outside to show you around."

"Brianne, right?" Ava said, beaming as she poked her head into the office. "I'm Ava, your guide to all things Moon's Town High. Ready to conquer the day?"

Brianne smiled, Ava's energy proving contagious. "As ready as I'll ever be."

The bell rang—a sharp, piercing sound that seemed to signal the start of her new life. Ava showed her to the counselor's office. After a brief orientation, Brianne navigated through the empty hallways to her biology class, her heart racing as she searched for Room 203.

When she finally found the biology lab, the door creaked loudly as she pushed it open. Heads turned, and Brianne felt her face flush under their stares. The teacher, Mrs. Lane, looked up from her desk. "You must be Brianne Wilson," she said. "Take the empty seat in the middle."

Brianne nodded quickly, keeping her eyes on the floor as she slipped into the seat. Her gaze flickered to the boy sitting next to her, but only briefly. His presence was commanding, his posture relaxed but somehow imposing.

He didn't acknowledge her. His blond hair fell over his forehead, and his sharp features seemed carved from stone. His silence was deafening, as if daring her to say something.

Throughout the class, Brianne scribbled notes mechanically, her mind too clouded with the chaos of the morning to focus on the lesson. Each glance toward the boy next to her sent a strange mix of curiosity and unease through her body.

When the bell finally rang, she gathered her things quickly, only allowing herself a quick look at the boy as he walked out of the room. Her breath hitched. "Green eyes, blonde hair with an intimidating look". Her stomach churned. Who was he? And why did he look so much like the person she wanted to forget?

The cafeteria was a buzz of activity when Brianne walked in for lunch. Tray in hand, she scanned the room, unsure where to sit. The noise, the chatter, the constant movement—it all felt overwhelming.

"Brianne! Over here!"

She turned to see Ava waving enthusiastically from a table near the window. Relieved, Brianne made her way over.

"Saved you a spot," Ava said as Brianne sat down. "How's the first day going?"

Brianne let out a small laugh, more from nerves than humor. "Chaotic. I got lost, was late for class, and walked into the wrong bathroom this morning. So, pretty much a disaster."

Ava chuckled, her laughter infectious. "Sounds about right for a first day. But don't worry, it gets easier."

"I hope so," Brianne replied, poking at her salad. The food looked untouched, her appetite lost in the day's anxiety. "You've been here for a while, right? Is everyone... nice?"

Ava shrugged, her curls bouncing. "Mostly. It's high school—you've got your cliques, drama queens, and, of course, the bad boys."

Brianne frowned. "Bad boys?"

Ava smirked. "Yeah, you know, like Ryder Cole. He's... a lot."

"Ryder Cole?" As Ava chattered on, Brianne knew it was the same guy she had met in her biology class, her mind was already racing with thoughts of Ryder and his uncanny resemblance to Mackenzie. A chill ran down her spine.

Some memories, she was learning, were harder to escape than others.