First Day
869 Words
Walking into the school, I head straight to the locker I've been assigned. It takes everything in me to not roll my eyes when I see that it's right next to Bianca's.
Once upon a time, we used to be best friends. That all changed though when she became popular in middle school. It hurt for a while, but I learned to move on. I don't need her or any other fake people in my life. That includes my own mother.
"Oh, sorry. Didn't see you there, Kyle." Bianca snickers as she intentionally bumps into me. Victoria and Layla flank Bianca's side as they laugh along with their queen bee.
I simply ignore them and toss my backpack into my locker. Slamming the door shut, I head to my first class.
"Aww, look's like you got Kyle angry." I hear Victoria's irritating voice say to Bianca.
Choosing the desk furthest in the classroom, I slump into my seat.
"Why do they call you Kyle?"
"None of your business," I hiss out. When I look up though, there's nobody near me. What the hell? Am I hearing things? I could have sworn someone just asked me a question.
The remainder of the day goes by at an agonizingly slow pace. The final bell rings indicating class dismissal and I hurriedly grab my belongings and rush to the door. "Miss Covington. A moment, please?"
I halt in place and slowly turn toward my teacher. What could I have possibly done wrong on the first day? The other students walk out of class with a bunch of snickering and pointing at me. I don't know why I thought senior year would be any different. These are all still the immature peers I have gone to school with for years.
Mr. Fitzgerald waits until everyone else has left the room before asking me to take a seat in the chair by his desk. I do as asked and watch as he sits on the edge of his desk making him closer to my space than I like.
"Kylie, how was your first day?" He casually asks. Shrugging my shoulders, "It's what I expected."
"And what were you expecting?"
"To be surrounded by a bunch of immature idiots and bullies. Getting the usual cliche introductions from every teacher and being bored to death. Not that it's your fault, of course. I'm sure it's in the teacher handbook to get to know your students, and them getting to know you on the first day. Going over the syllabus, etc. etc."
I'm surprised to find Mr. Fitzgerald with an amused expression and a smirk on his face.
"You're a very intelligent woman. I can only guess you sit in the back of all your classes to avoid being seen or talked to by your peers. However, for my class, you will be sitting in the front starting tomorrow. As for the bullying, I want names."
It wasn't until this precise moment I realize that I admitted to being bullied. I've always kept it to myself, but one conversation with Mr. Fitzgerald and I let it slip out. f**k.
"Kylie. Names. Now," He states sternly.
"Thanks for the concern, but it's nothing I can't handle. I don't want to start drama that will cause unwanted attention to myself. If that's everything, may I leave now? I have to get to work."
"I don't want to make you late for work, but just know I am always here for you to talk to." For a split second, I see a pained look in his eyes, but he quickly recovers from it.
Without another word, I get up and leave the classroom.
The entire walk to the bakery, I replay the conversation and expressions from Mr. Fitzgerald. Why would he give a damn about me? It's weird because he seemed genuine and I'm not used to that. Nobody has been kind to me like this other than my father.
I clear my mind as I walk inside the bakery where customers are lined up at the counter. Lucky me, they are mostly my school peers. Ugh.
"Kylie, nice to see you! Here, follow me." Cameron ushers me to the kitchen and helps me tie on an apron.
"Damn, you look good," He smiles at me and I feel myself blush.
"Cameron! Watch what you say at work. That could be considered s****l harassment."
"Thanks, Brandon. I'm not going to complain, don't worry." I flash him a smile, but he doesn't return it. Instead, he gets back to decorating a delicious-looking cupcake.
"So, what am I learning today?"
"Ah, you get to learn the fun part of the job. Customer service." The knot in my stomach begins to twist knowing damn well what that means. I'll be using the register and taking orders while plastering on a fake smile.
"Hey, are you okay? You seem a little pale. I'm not tossing you out to the sharks Kylie. My mom is going to be with you the entire time."
"I-I'm okay. Just a little nervous."
"You got this! If at any time you feel overwhelmed, just head back here into the kitchen. Mom will understand, okay?"
I nod my head, "Thanks."
- Writer
