When we arrived at school, I double-checked my backpack: phone, schedule, books, notebooks. Everything. A deep breath. This was it. First day of high school.
“Here we are!” Mom’s voice was bright. “Have a nice day!”
We piled out of the car. I fought down a surge of anxiety. Garroth must have seen it in my face, because he gave me a quick, sympathetic glance, then patted my back.
“It’ll be okay, (y/n). Just… don’t hang out with the wrong people.” He said it softly, then turned and walked away.
I nodded, trying to appear composed. I glanced around for Vylad, but he was already disappearing into the crowd of mathletes, predictably. I couldn’t help a small laugh. He’d always been the smarter twin. Garroth was standing nearby, talking to Laurence, but kept glancing over at me, checking to see if I was alright. I waved a hand, trying to signal that I was fine. But he was my big brother; would he ever stop worrying? Probably not. At least he was socializing, unlike Zane, who was glued to my side.
“Zane! You’ve been here before!” I said, teasingly. “Why are you still clinging to me?”
He grunted. “Only for one year. O’khasis Prep for freshman year.”
Zane, Vylad, and I had all gone to O’khasis Prep for most of our lives. It was a private school, so we were all fairly good students. Zane had transferred here for high school, Vylad had just arrived. He’d already found his clique, it seemed. Garroth had been here since kindergarten, and was, predictably, super popular.
“You should still have friends, though,” I added.
“No!” He scoffed. “Have you *met* me?” He rolled his eyes.
“Yes, I have. Even though you’re emo or whatever, you should still have friends.”
“Whatever.” Suddenly, his eyes lit up. “Come with me.”
He grabbed my hand and practically dragged me behind the bleachers on the soccer field. A small group of people stood there, glaring at us. My heart skipped a beat. Were they going to jump us? This wasn’t how I’d envisioned my first day.
“Zane, what have you gotten me into?” I muttered, anxiety spiking again.
“Ro’Meave, what are you doing back here? Making out with your girlfriend?” A boy called out. I tasted bile rising in my throat.
“She’s my sister,” Zane said nervously.
I glared at the trio behind the bleachers. One was a girl with white hair and a purple jacket. One was a boy wearing an unbuttoned red flannel over a white t-shirt, with dark, almost black hair. And the one I assumed was the leader had black hair and a skull printed on his shirt. They were… decent looking. Were these the popular kids?
“And who are these people, Zane?” I demanded, glaring at him for bringing me here with these creeps.
“We’re the Shadow Knights, sweetie,” the leader said, stepping forward.
I squared my shoulders and tried to look intimidating. Zuzu had told me about them; they were ruthless. I started to front. “For a name so epic, you guys really disappoint.”
“What we lack in looks, we make up for in being feared,” the girl rolled her eyes.
“Please. You guys are as intimidating as my goldfish, and he’s dead.” I scowled.
Zane laughed. “Preach.”
I muttered, “Zane, let the big girl do the talking…”
“Zip it, Zane!” The boy yelled.
“Hey! Knock it off! I’m the only one who can yell at him.” I took a step forward and stomped my foot.
“Or what?” They took a step closer.
“You don’t want to find out!” I grit my teeth.
“Or do we?!” The leader yelled, shoving me.
Garroth saw from a distance and sprinted over, Laurence right behind him. This was escalating quickly. But, a part of me was glad they were coming (even though I’d never admit it).
“Gene! Leave my sister alone!” Garroth yelled.
“Or what?!” Gene yelled back.
I shoved him. “Gene, or whatever your name is, leave me and my brother alone!”
A little ballsy of me, I knew. But, in all seriousness, this moment felt like the start of a freshman year that would be… beyond interesting.