NATALIE POV

What a waste of three hours. After my mom finally made her appearance and filled out the necessary forms, I had to wait for them to get my schedule sorted. I missed the first three periods of the day. But I finally have my schedule and I am being shown to the cafeteria by a very sweet girl who works in the office as an aid.

I pick a protein packed lunch today. I am going to tryout for the school's soccer team since I finally started school at the beginning of the year like a normal person. So I need the extra energy for later.

I find an empty table in the back of the crowded lunch room and sit down. When eating lunch I prefer privacy. I like being by myself for two reasons 1.) I like my own company, my own thoughts, it is easier to plan and focus that way and 2.) I feel like it makes me look strong. I like looking independent. I am not the new kid desperately looking for a clique, I am Ms. Independent in my book.

Plopping down I decide to study my new schedule. I am in the advanced courses, per usual.

Even jumping from school to school I have never lost my determination for good grades. I am going to succeed in life and to do that I need a good base.

English AP

Chemistry AP

Spanish AP

Lunch

Algebra II AP

World History AP

Girls Athletics

The only class that has me wanting to groan is, algebra. It is my hardest subject.

While placing my schedule back in my bag I notice a shadow fall on my table. I look up quickly to find Mr. Bedhead smiling at me.

I try to remember his name for a moment but all I can remember is my rude nickname.

"Hi, is it okay if we sit with you? It's my sisters' first day and it seems quiet over here," he asks and I glance at his two shadows to find them smiling at each other.

"Sure," I answer awkwardly.

"Thank you..... Natalie right," bedhead asked with a perfect smile.

"Um yeah sorry. What's your name again," I asked while cringing?

"Ryan, and these are my sisters Lacy and Stacy," he says while beaming at them.

Ryan sits down across from me while the girls sit across from each other. They began to have their own private conversation with their hands and I quickly spot the hearing aids in the girls' ears.

Ryan takes the silence as his cue to began the "new kid quiz".

"So are you new to town," he asks and I shake my head.

"No, been here for two years we move around a bunch," I answer as I begin to eat.

"Military," he guesses just like everyone else does.

"No, just what my mom likes to do," I reply bored with the exchange.

"How old are you," he asks while trying to sound genuinely interested.

"17," I answer.

"Me too. Turn 18 in a month though. How about you," he asks excitedly and I bite back a sigh.

"October 14 is when I turn 18," I reply.

For the rest of the lunch period he fires questions at me that I am so used to repeating I feel like a robot. Finally he asks how I am liking the school so far and

I pause. No one has asked me that before and the question actually makes me look up to answer him.

"Its just another building," I say with pure honesty.

He frowns for a moment and finally the bell rings marking the end of this lunch/torture period.

I smile before saying, "nice meeting you." Then I make my escape. I am so happy to be free of questions that I am walking without paying attention.

After two minutes of mindless conversations with myself I realize I am lost in this stupid school. I check my schedule and realize I need to find the stupid Algebra class.

"UGH".

I am so mad at myself for being wrapped up in my own thoughts to do something this dumb. Luckily for me, I make it moments after the bell rings again signaling the start of class.

The teacher gives me a questioning look, so I show him my schedule and mutter my apologies.

"Oh, okay you are a new student. That is great. Go have a seat at that table across from Mr. Wilson," he says before looking at the body of students already sitting down.

"Mr. Wilson raise your hand for Ms......Marshall," he orders while glancing at my schedule again to confirm my name.

I spot a hand move into the air and walk down the aisle in the middle of class. I go to place my bag on the back on the chair when I realize Mr. Wilson is none other than bedhead with a smile. I can't get rid of this guy apparently.

RYAN POV

As I run my laps I think about my sisters. I am so proud of them. They want to be at school with me. They aren't scared of being around new people.

I have always had the same friends and the same routine. My weeks always consistent of football, studying, church, and family meeting night. I never experience anything new and I never push myself to go to new places. Wow, suddenly I feel boring.

"Wow I have no life," I pant as my thoughts explode out my mouth.

Maybe I could ask out that Natalie girl after getting to know her.

********

The next two classes drag on. Each class I hope to spot the new girl, but no luck. Maybe she isn't a senior or worse... maybe she is a freshman.

I barely pay any attention to my teachers which isnt really a problem. I dont have to try too hard at school because everything seemed to come naturally. I am typically the person most the teachers ask to help others. My mom is an ex teacher so summers aren't just lay around time. She normally preps us with the next years material so technically I can't take all the credit for my smarts.

Colleges are already interested in me due to my football talents and the great GPA is definitely a bonus. My parents really have set me up for an awesome life. They have worked hard for their careers and I an going to make them proud.

I lean on the wall wrapped up in my own thoughts while waiting for the girls so we could walk to the cafeteria. When I hear giggles I look up.

The girls are holding hands with each other as usual and looking at a boy with glasses. As I approach I hear Lacy say, "yeah that was my dad's class."

I smile she is so proud to be our father's daughter. Both girls are angels in my book.

I decide to cut in the conversation quickly so I grab Stacy's hand. I can't get to Lacy's since mystery boy is next to her... gawking.

"And I am their big brother, Ryan," I say before looking at them and pretending to scowl.

"What did I say about boys," I playfully demand and Stacy giggles.

Lacy turns red.

So mystery boy had Lacy crushing, interesting.

Stacy stops giggling and whispers so Lacy can't hear her, "That's Matt. I think Lacy likes him."

I chuckle, "I think so too."

After losing Matt in the food line we start heading to my usual table. But before we get there I finally spot Natalie. She is sitting at the corner table all by herself.

"Do you two mind if we sit with Natalie," I ask suddenly and Stacy giggles again before covering her mouth.

Lacy smiles and asks, "Do you like her."

I instantly feel my ears getting warm again.

Dang geniuses.

"No, I just thought it would be nice since she is all alone. Please you guys," I beg while trying to sound innocent.

They glance at each other and nod which makes me smile.

"Thank," I say and we head for Natalie's table.

Natalie is studying a piece of paper with a very determined looking face as we approach her and I began to worry that she might not be in the mood for company. I must of slowed down because Lacy gives me a bump from the back. I gulp while increasing my speed again.

I can't turn away now my sisters will laugh at me. They already know something is up. If I chicken out it's all over. My pride demands I see this through.

With a deep breathe I stop in front of Natalie's table and wait for her to look up.

"Hi, is it okay if we sit with you? It's my sisters' first day and it seems quiet over here," I asked way too politely.

Lacy and Stacy instantly share a look that I barely catch from the corner of my eye.

"Sure," she says sounding slightly annoyed.

"Thank you...Natalie right," I ask trying to sound friendly.

I see her nod before a look of pure panic crosses her face.

"Umm..yeah sorry. What's your name again," she asks and my ego takes a hit.

Internally I laugh at myself a little though, she forgot my name. Wow, I sure made an impression.

"Ryan, and these are my sisters Stacy and Lacy," I say with a big smile.

I dont want her to think I am offended by her forgetting my name. We only talked for about 45 secs this morning. It would be ridiculous for me to expect her to remember.

I sit down and the girls take spots across from each other and began signing about Matt. I will have to tell them thanks later. I know they were giving me the opportunity to get to know Natalie. So I begin to fire basic questions at her. She answers each one like it is a script.

After each answer I secretly wish for her to ask me one. To show some kind of interest but she never does. She isnt even looking up anymore. She is focused on her food and just answers my questions on autopilot.

Finally I realize I only have time for one more. It is a stupid question about liking school, but she finally looks up.

"Its just another building," she says catching me off-guard. But something about her tone makes me feel sad.

Her answer has an emotion behind it, but I am unable process what emotion before the bell rings.

Natalie says a hasty goodbye and flees in the opposite direction of my next class. Well I guess there goes my hope of her being in my next class with me.

The girls and I make our way towards math hall. Their door is one of the first doors on the hall while mine is in the middle.

I like math. It is easy. There is always a way to find the correct answer. Mr. Pierce is one of my favorite teachers too. He let's me do my thing and rarely gives me extra work.

The bell rings and I get ready to drift back to my conversation with Natalie and her last answer. But before I can she enters the room looking flushed and irritated. I almost laugh at her disshoveled appearance.

She must have gotten lost. I am so amused by the look on her face I almost miss Mr. Pierce telling me to raise my hand in the air. Luckily I hear him before I too look stupid again and I raise my hand.

I do a quick mental happy dance. Natalie walks down the middle of the classroom with her back straight and avoiding the eyes of the other kids. I am starting to learn that when things dont go her way, Natalie gets very embarrassed and flustered.

She avoids looking around so much that when she sits down in front of me and looks me in the eyes her whole face morphs into a mask of shock.

This time I can't hold back my chuckle. She automatically squint her eyes at me.

"Sorry, I promise I'm not following you and technically I was here first," I say quickly defending my presence between chuckles.

She seems to relax after a moment as the truth of my words set in. Then she completely shuts my presence out. She unzips her bag and pulls out a very organized binder. The rest of the class I try whispering to her but she only glares at me in response.

She takes perfect notes. A person who wasnt in class could have learned the whole lesson from just her notes. I can't help but feel impressed. Not to brag but normally girls want to talk to me or even flirt but Natalie makes sure I dont distract her from class at all.

So instead I secretly study her. When she is learning she looks at peace. Her beauty shines more. I can admire her big eyes and their unique colors. My gosh, she is pretty.

She has on perfectly applied makeup. Not heavy like a bunch of girls. She has a plain black t-shirt on with a nice pair of jeans. She is wearing hoop earings. Her lips are plump but not big. And she has an adorable small nose.

While I am observing her Natalie turns in my direction and starts putting her things away. I blink a few times and realize everyone is gathering their things. The bell must have rung.

She really makes me zone out. I stand up and grab my bag. Trying to act like I knew it was time to go.

"Do you need help finding your next class," I ask while mentally crossing my fingers.

"No, thanks, I can manage," she says with a sarcastic smirk.

I shrug before saying, "suit yourself."

But really, I am disappointed. I would have liked helping her so she didn't get lost again.

My disappointment is short-lived when I enter my next class and see her sitting in the front row. We even get to walk to the locker rooms next to one another at the end day.

I still cant believe my good luck.

After school Football practice blows by and as I drive home, I smile as I sing along with the radio. My sisters make fun of me the whole way, but I am just so happy. I think I met my one.

NATALIE POV

"Sorry, I promise I'm not following you and technically I was here first," he quickly says while chuckling at me.

I glare while looking him over. I really don't have a reason to be mad at him. It's just so frustrating that every embarrassing moment that I have today has been witnessed by him.

I take a moment to calm down before pulling out my supplies. I need to focus. This is my hardest subject and if I am upset while taking notes I won't be able to understand them later. Plus I have to make sure I'm not behind in this class especially.

As I begin to take notes Ryan proceeds to try and distract me. He constantly whispers questions to me that I ignore, but he is making me angry. Why doesnt he pay attention to the teacher or take notes instead of bothering me? Probably because he is one of those snobby spoiled kids or a person that teachers give breaks to.

He seems popular and acts like he owns the school the way he walks around. When he finally realizes I'm not going to chit chat with him during the lesson, he decides to check me out instead. "Freaking perv."

Finally the bell rings granting me freedom from Mr.Bedhead yet again. I begin putting away my stuff up but he doesn't move . He just sits there staring at me.

After a few more uncomfortable seconds he seems to break whatever spell he is under. He then asks if I need help finding my next class.

I smirk at him. I want to tell him I'm not some helpless high school girl that will fall for his charm. He is probably used to girls wanting to date him. Instead I politely decline and escape the room.

Next up on my schedule is World History. I like history. It is so easy to me. It's just memorization, no problem solving required.

This classroom has separate desks positioned in rows, which I prefer. No annoying table mates. Ipick a seat in the front row so I have no distractions.

As the minutes pass students come in the room in waves. One of the waves include three guys, all big, all loud, and all annoying. Especially the one in the middle which is Mr.Bedhead himself.

They are loudly discussing their morning work out and Ryan doesnt even notice my presence as he sits two rows over, also in the front. This time I'm not flustered or embarrassed so his presence doesn't bother me. His friends are what I would call typical jerks.

They have their hair styled and overly gelled. They have dark wash jeans and really tight shirts. I mean yeah they have great bodies. And they shouldn't be ashamed of them, but one false move and you can say bye bye their seams. They are actually super muscular and cute but I can tell they date a bunch.

"Man hoes," I think to myself

Ryan seems to be their leader but he has a different vibe to him. His posture screams confidence, but his outfit and hair say casual and carefree. He is talking loud and looks happy, but he isnt being cocky like the other two are.

As soon as the teacher walks in Ryan becomes the perfect student. Not like last class at all. He sits up straight and proceeds to take perfect notes. The teacher Mr. Wilson calls on him multiple times even when Ryan doesn't have his hand raised. I feel like he is picking on Mr.Bedhead on for some reason.

As I observe him Ryan keeps catching me. He smirks everytime and I blush hard while trying to act unphased. Dang it!

Finally I push Ryan completely from my mind and I focus entirely on the lecture. I don't really care what kind of person he is. It doesn't matter to me.

At the end of class I am buzzing with excitement. I am so excited that I get to display my soccer skills. I love playing soccer. My mom has never been a consistent woman, but she has always made sure I played soccer.

I am almost skipping down the hall before I realize Ryan is walking beside me grinning.

"Hey, where are you heading in such a great mood," he asks as he sees me spot him.

"Girls athletics, you," I ask to be nice.

"Boys athletics, mind if I walk with you," he replies sounding casual and friendly.

"Sure," I reply unsure of how to say no.

After a brief silence Ryan seems to get uncomfortable. I spot him fidgeting in my peripheral vision and I realize he has something on his mind.

"What's up," I ask trying to break the tension.

The look on his face is priceless. He looks shocked just because I asked him a question. I suddenly realize I have been treating him very rudely. I quickly plaster an extremely friendly look on my face hoping it will encourage him to answer.

"What did you mean when you said the school was just another building," he asks after a moment and my eyebrows furrow for a second until I remember what he is referring to.

Oh that.

"Well, I tend to move around a bunch. I dont understand people's deep connections to places," I say while shrugging.

He looks deep in thought at my statement for a moment and I sigh.

"I am not trying to be rude if you have a ton of school spirit or something. It's just not my thing," I state feeling guilty for some reason.

"No it's fine. That just sounds sad. Having no real ties to anywhere. I know I wouldn't like that and I would feel lonely," He says with a huge frown.

Well cheese balls this dude just read my soul like a book.

"It is," I whisper.

He turns to me with a friendly smile and I want to melt. How have I not noticed his smile? It's gorgeous.

"Thanks for answering all my boring questions at lunch. You must get them all the time," he says and I snap back to my senses.

"I do," I say while chuckling.

"Well enjoy Coach Lawton, she's new this year too. But don't worry the other coaches love her," he says with a smile.

How does he know that? Before I can ask him he walks towards the boys' locker room leaving me standing there looking stupid.

****

The tryouts are full of sweat, running, kicking, and pure bliss. The goalie can't block any of my shots. My dribbling skills are on point today and my passing is impeccable. I know I made the team even before the announcement. I get the position I tried for, Center Forward. I am so happy.

Now off to my shift at Krogers and then home.

(Note: Center Forward (CF): Center forwards and strikers can often be synonymous. They must focus on scoring, whether this means dribbling past opponents when they have the ball or ensuring they stay open for a pass when they don't. Being able to head the ball accurately can really come in handy here.)

NATALIE POV

7 weeks later

Everything is going amazing. My grades are good, and we have only lost one soccer game so far this season. I was still managing two shifts a week at Kroger.

Ryan had actually become my best friend and I love his little sisters. They used to ait with us at lunch but they ditched us a couple weeks ago to start eating lunch with a group of freshmen. Ryan was so proud. I laughed at him the whole first day they sat away from him.He stared at them the entire time making a boy with glasses extremely uncomfortable.I found out Mr. Wilson is actually Ryan's dad. And boy does that man expect the moon and sun from Ryan. He expects perfect grades, perfect football performances, and perfect behavior but Ryan doesnt even seem to stress. The guy excels at everything without even trying.

He even calms me when my plans dont go just right and I flip out. Sometimes his perfection is annoying and also very intimidating. He has even started tutoring me a little in algebra.

The only thing that seems strained in my life is mom. She is rarely ever home and she looks stressed to the point of exhaustion. She has lost tons of weight. She never acknowledges my presence and it makes me so mad. She basically is living at the casino.

She is probably looking for a new boy toy and isnt having any luck. I just dont get why she chooses to spend every minute away from me. Last night she said she was leaving to the casino and I lost it.

Flashback

"Heading out congrats on the game."

"Where are you going?" I asked her knowing the answer

"Casino....."

"Okay, whatever not like you have a kid or anything. You look like total crap by the way. Which is probably why you dont have a new man on your arm yet."

Instead of saying anything she had a coughing fit after taking a drag on one of her poison sticks. She then flipped me the bird and left.

I felt bad for kicking her when she was obviously having a rough patch but I couldn't take it anymore. Today is my birthday and she didnt even come home.

She is probably losing hundreds currently and enjoying her smoke cloud.

Pushing the depressive thoughts from my head I decided to focus on all the happy things in life and get ready for school.

I did an awesome cateye and even curled my hair. I put on a very flattering little black dress that flared out at the knees. I wanted to be pretty for Ryan.

He was literally perfect in my eyes. He was over six feet tall and freaking built due to his football dedication. He never really cared how his hair looked but I did. It was like chocolate silk. I wanted to run my fingers through it for hours. His eyes were brown, green, and gold all mixed together.

But I knew I was basically like a third sister. He never flirted with me or even said anything inappropriate. He was a breathe of fresh air in a building packed with teenage testosterone.

I really didnt ever want a boyfriend but if I could pick a dream guy it was definitely Ryan.

The walk to school was basically one long daydream about confessing my feelings.

By third period I was excited to see him at lunch. The bell for my third period to start had just rung and I was getting out my binder when Mrs. Faust put her phone down and said "Natalie you are needed in the principal's office."

I felt my mouth fall open. I had never been called to the principal's office in my life. "Umm.... should I take my stuff," I asked with slight panic.

Mrs. Faust shrugged "better safe then sorry."

I could feel the stares starting to hit my back from all the other kids.

"Head up. Dont panic. Head up," I chanted in my head while I gathered my things and marched from the room.

I had only ever been in the office once but I knew which room was Mrs. Sheppards. Due to my great first day were mom showed how amazing her parenting skills are.

I knocked on her door feeling my nerves hit a whole new level of anxiety. A quick "come in" was heard and I opened the door to find Mrs. Sheppard, a Female police officer, and a woman with red glasses. I sat down silently and felt the heavy tension in the room immediately.

"Ms. Marshall we are sorry to have to tell you this but your mother passed away this morning," Mrs. Sheppard said very gently.