A Southern Surprise
*BEEP BEEP BEEP*
The ringing of my alarm meant two things: summer was officially over and today would be my last, first day of high school ever. I stayed in bed for another 15 minutes before eventually getting around. I made some breakfast, watched Sportscenter, and got into the shower before heading off to school in my new black Ford F-150 my dad bought me.
I got to the school with five minutes before the first bell would ring. I looked down at my parking spot; no comments spraypainted on the blacktop. I got to my homeroom right before the bell rang and sat down right behind Brad.
"Ready for practice today bro?"
"Better than that fucking three-a-day shit we've been having, haha."
"True. Glendale shouldn't be a problem this Friday."
"Yeah, they lost a shitload of people from last year. I heard they're starting a sophomore at quarterback."
"Then I want to see some time on defense."
"You aren't getting any time on the other side of the ball man. You know that."
"I'm gonna convince coach, don't worry."
"Haha, I'll believe it when I see it."
We got a copy of our schedules, our locker numbers, and a bunch of other papers. I knew what my schedule was for the year - two classes: calculus and physics. Being the school's star athlete must have it's perks. Eventually the bell rang and first period started. On my way to Mrs. Dodson's room though, I ran into one of my best friends, Kevin.
"Dude, Ethan!"
"Yeah man?"
"Did you meet the new chick that moved here from the South?"
"Nope. What's she got first period?"
"Calculus."
"Nice, I'll see her in there then."
*RING*
"Well I got bio/chem first period, wanna go to Burger King for lunch?"
"Yeah man, sounds good. Later."
"Peace."
I went up the stairs and walked down the hall. Opening the door, I was shocked to see the beautiful girl sitting in the seat in front of mine...
"Melyssa?"
"Surprise, surprise!"
"Woah, what are you doing here?"
"I came here to just visit you. I'm your little southern surprise."
"Really?"
"Well actually, I moved here. My dad is the owner of the new restaurant in town."
"Wow, must be fate then."
"Haha, yeah I guess so. What are you doing after school?"
"I got football practice. Where's your house at?"
"It's the big blue one on East First Street. You wanna come over after your practice?"
"Yeah, that would be good."
"Alright, it's a date then. I have volleyball practice after school anyways."
"Oh, so you were the new girl everyone was talking about during camp? You never told me you played volleyball."
"Babe, there's a lot I haven't told you."
"Damn Ethan, already picking up the new chick?"
"Haha, don't hate Brett.
"Yeah Brett, I get more chicks than you too."
"Dude, no you don't."
"Yeah I do. I'm better looking."
"We're twins moron, we look the same."
I laughed as the twins continued to argue, like usual. I tapped Melyssa on the shoulder to continue our conversation.
"I guess I'll just have to find out what you're hiding from me tonight."
"Can't wait Ethan. I missed you."
I missed you too Melyssa."
"Flirting with the new girl already Mr. Woy? I should have expected that from you."
I heard our Calculus teacher, Mrs. Dodson's voice and knew she'd try to embrrass me in front of the class. All in good fun though - she's always been one of my favorite teachers and sometimes I would help her teach her freshman Algebra class.
"Haha, sorry Mrs. Dodson. I promise I'll concentrate more on Calculus this year than I will women."
"And I see that's exactly what you're doing now, huh?"
"You know it, Mrs. D."
She just smiled and sat down at her desk.
When people say high school is the best years of your life, I never really taken it into account. Sure, partying and pulling stupid shit with your friends is great, but I haven't really had someone to spend nights with and hang out with while some of my friends were out with their own girlfriends. I smiled at Melyssa and took into deep thought what senior year might be with her.
Fate has a weird way of bringing people together - whether you've been friends with the person all of your life, or have only known the person for a week. It's crazy how the summer went with work, the incoming money from the University of Michigan, falling out of Rebecca's life, meeting Melyssa, and becoming a captain for the football team. Now that the actual school year is starting and I finally have everything I want, I'm going to take fate by the hand and go along for the ride...