FALLING

My heart keeps racing and if my bag were human, it'd probably be screaming for dear lifefrom the way I'm gripping it.

I have counted and watched the students walk into the school front door, some chatting and laughing with friends and some some mindlessly staring into their phones or just walking alone. I want to get out of the car like I told myself to do minutes before arriving here but it's been hard.

"You know you're soon gonna have to leave the car, right?" Mum asks and I look over at her to see her smiling an amused smile.

"Well, I'm just waiting for you to realise this was a big mistake and turn the car around."

Mum sighs and I get it. Moving all the way to Lexington, the plan was to put the past behind and live the present and hope the past just remains what it is: the past.

"Look, Luna. We came over here to start afresh. And so you could study and graduate high school as normal and free as other kids".

I shake my head because I know other kids don't have a secret, a tape that could tarnish their future and other kids aren't scared of leaving their mum's car because they are scared of bumping into a familiar face.

Ilook over at mum and I see who I used to be. Long painted, well manicured nails, perfect makeup and designer outfits. For me now, it's just hoodies and oversized shirts.

" So I want you to be as brave as you were minutes ago at home and show them what you got."

I let her words sink in and after chanting to myself that I can do this, I open the glove compartment and grab a pair of sunglasses.

"You are not a Hollywood celebrity hiding from paparazzi".

I look over at her to see her amused expression. "Well, way to make me feel better". I groan, putting the glasses back.

I finally will myself to get out of the car and the moment I shut the door, mum yells a 'I love you' and zooms off. I sigh. I bet she couldn't wait to be rid of me.

Turning to look at the school building, I slowly make my way along with the other kids into the school. My anxiety starts to get the better of me as soon as I walk the hallway. Somehow it feels like all eyes are on me and some people are laughing and that brings a memory from months ago. Memories I've tried so hard to push away; one that told me my life in Beverly Hills will never be the same.

No, I can't do this. I tell myself. I'm not as strong as mum thinks I am. I have to leave.

I turn around and immediately I collide with a strong and broad shoulders. The action sends me falling on my butt as I Yelp in fear.

"Watch it, clumsy". A deep masculine voice sneers and walks away. I look back when I get myself to see who pushed me but I only catch the back of his head as he hurriedly disappears.

When I look at the crowd, everyone's acting like a few minutes didn't happen. Just going around their business. I try not to take personal but seriously does no one offer a helping hand to someone.

"Here, let me". A female voice says, bringing out a hand to me. I look up to see a raven haired shooting me an apologetic smile. I take her hand and she helps me up.

"I'm really sorry about Jaden. He just thinks he's the king of the school and everyone should be under him."

I mumble a 'thanks, it's okay' and look over my shoulder at the direction the... Jaden just left. How do people feel being that rude anyways?

"Whoa, you're beautiful." The raven haired girl says and I turn to her.

"Uhh... thanks?".

"You're new here aren't you?."

"It's that obvious?".

She shrugs with a laugh. "Well— "she says after a while,"—since I kinda like you already, I'll be more than happy to show you around. I'm Iris by the way". She brings her hand out for a handshake.

With an hesitant smile, I take it."Luna."