Tokyo, Japan. Six weeks until school starts.

It isn't easy for a kid to move to a new place. There's meeting new people, being in a new
environment, learning a new language. Well, the last one counts if a person is moving to a new
country, like Katana, Roku and Natsu. The three of them have lived in Japan for most of their
lives. However, Natsu has had more experience outside of Japan since her father was in the
American Army. But none of that mattered today. Today was the day that they would all move to
America for a better opportunity. Today was the day that they would say good-bye to the country
they loved and experience a new chance of living. Too bad Katana wasn't ready for that day.
How could she say good-bye?
"Are you o.k., Katana? You look worried" asked Roku (In Japanese). They were in Katana's
house, packing up the last few items. The rooms were cleaned out, except for the teenage girl's
room, which had boxes on top of boxes with items stacked to the top. Katana didn't realize she
had zoned out. Apparently, the move is bothering her more than she expected.
"I am fine, Roku. I am just nervous. I cannot believe that we are moving just after school let out.
We only have six weeks to move into our new neighborhood in America before starting school
again. It is...slightly overwhelming." Katana was usually a strong girl, not afraid to take chances
and experience something different. But this wasn't just different; it was a complete 180 flip. The
Eastern world has always been different compared to the Western world in food, style, religion,
and people. It's not that she can't handle it; she just didn't want to leave yet. It was as if a force
was telling her to stay and finish her life here, finish what she started, finished her mission until
death. Now she was over-thinking things. It was her nerves, plain and simple, and Roku knew
that.
"Come on, Katana. You have to relax. We are moving to America, the land of opportunity! And
not only are we moving to the same city and neighborhood as Natsu but also we are going to the
same school. What were the chances of that happening, especially after her father retired from
the Army?" She knew that Roku had a point. It was an extremely lucky break that the three
families wouldn't have to be apart from each other in a new country. Besides, this could easily
begin a new chapter in her life, a refresher from the same old surroundings in the Orient. Yes,
she could do it.
"Thanks Roku. I really needed somebody to talk to," she responded thankfully.
"No problem. Besides, I guess I understand how you can be afraid of the Americans since you
are not use to them." This seemed like a causal remark, but it was really a playful insult. How
dare Roku called her a coward! She couldn't take that. She had to get back at him before he said
something else. She quickly searched for something to throw, something light enough to not kill
him but hard enough to make sure he would remember to watch what he said around her. Ah, her
diamond encrusted Sailor Moon pillow. It was one of her prized possessions, but she figured it
would be worth it to get back at Roku. She grabbed the pillow, made sure that it was patted down
enough to make a good impact, and flung that sucker straight to his head. She felt that it was a
pretty good throw. It would've been better if it hit her main target. He saw an unidentified flying
object coming towards his direction and ducked at the last second.

"Missed me!" he teased. Too bad she didn't miss completely.

"Oww!" It was a girl's yelp. Her friend Natsu, who was just outside the door, got smacked in the
face with that hard pillow. Natsu grabbed the pillow and flung it the ground and with smoke
coming out of her ears, giving the death glare at blushing Katana and snickering Roku.
"Sorry Natsu," they said in unison.
"You two better watch what you throw. You could've killed me!" Roku couldn't help but to roll
his eyes at her. Natsu could be such a drama queen sometimes.
"Relax, Natsu. We were just trying to have some fun," explained Roku innocently.
"Yeah, fun," replied Katana dryly.
"Besides, we are almost done packing. We are just getting the last of the boxes." Natsu started to
stroll toward her friends and gave them a helping hand. Most of the boxes were filled with little
items like blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, Katana's Sailor Moon collection, that kind of junk.
Once they were finished packing and carried the boxes to the moving trucks, the teenagers
walked through the house once more to say good-bye. The living room no longer had its
welcoming atmosphere with the vivid plants and the clean tables. The kitchen no longer had the
sweet smell of the morning teas, afternoon soups, or evening fish. The bedrooms no longer had
their comfortable beds and private walls. It did, however, maintain the memories they gathered
throughout the years. From the time Katana moved from Hokkaido to nearby Tokyo at the age of
2 to live next to Roku for 12 years. The time they met Natsu at 4 playing in a nearby park, and
they pretended to be Sailor Moon for the whole afternoon. The time they were practicing their
sword-fighting skills at 12 and accidently cut each other on either the arm, leg, or eye. The house
carried all of those memories and many more. However, the teenagers knew that now was the
time to put it aside and embrace a new world. They looked all around the room before motioning
each other that it was time to go.
New York City, New York. Six weeks before school starts.
So moving from one country to another is pretty huge, but the same could easily go for moving
into a new state. Think about it, despite the fact that America as a whole is "united", each state
has their own mind and culture. Then there are states who act like their own country, like New
York, and even then it's more like New York City is its own country. So if a native New Yorker
was plucked from her busy surrounding into a calmer suburb elsewhere, what would her reaction
be? Samara Ellis-Schulz's parents were about to find out. Megan Ellis-Schulz and her husband,
Henry Schulz, wanted to expand their businesses outside of the hustle and bustle of city-life and
into a new place to start fresh. They've already made their decision and were planning to move in
two weeks. Now they just need to tell Samara the news. Megan was typing away on her laptop,
her long nails beating against the noisy surface as she also grabs her cup of coffee to take a sip.
Henry could've sworn that he saw smoke coming out of his wife's hands.

"Just relax, dear," Henry said, trying to calm his wife.

"I know, I know, dear. It's just that..." She wondered. Was it really fair for the whole family to
move all of the sudden? Business wasn't bad, but she really wanted to escape the city. Escape the
rude people who don't give two cents about other people's problems. Escape the constant
pressure of an extremely stressful market in this area to a more "family-friendly" environment.
Escape the ghosts in her past that constantly haunt her night and day. Her train of thought broke
as she felt a large, warm hand lay gently on her hands. Her husband was looking down at her,
giving her that crooked smile that always managed to brighten her mood. She knew she wasn't
alone. They could break the news to Samara gently, together.
"How many times do I have to tell her, orange just isn't her color," said Samara as she walked
through the living room door on her cell phone.
"Anyways, I have to go. My parents need to tell me something important. Maybe they'll be
letting me go to Paris next summer! Yeah, I'll invite you. Later." She clicked her phone off and
put it in her purse. "Not." Samara is a city-girl at heart but also has a snobby personality,
although it wasn't inherited. Sometimes people are just like that because of their environment.
Others are like that because of a mask. She's the latter.
"Samara, sweetie! Here, come and join us on the couch," Megan said as she motioned her
daughter over. Samara couldn't help but cock her head slightly. Her Dad called her sweetie all
the time, but her Mom only did with really big news. She couldn't decide if she wanted to be
extremely excited or extremely nervous. Samara strolled to the couch where her parents were
and sat in the middle. She moved her head left and right and tried to crack her parent's game
face. Her Dad is German, but his features were fairly soft with his dark blonde hair all gelled up,
but his usually bright blue eyes seemed slightly dimmer. Her Mom was easier to read. Her dark
brown hair was in a messy bun and she had some bags under her dark brown eyes. She knew she
was going to be the ring leader in this conversation.
"Samara, I have some really big and important news to tell you."
"Please tell me you're not pregnant, Mom, because you're getting a little old." Samara replied
flatly.
"Oh no!" her Mother exclaimed. "It's something better." Samara could at least breathe a sigh of
relief.
"So what is it?"
"I'm expanding my business," she said with a slight crack in her voice, but Samara didn't catch
that.
"I'm so happy for you, Mom! That's means we're going to get more money!" She wrapped her
arms around her Mother, giving her a huge hug. In the middle of the hug, Megan eyed her
husband to finish the rest of the news for her.

"There is some more information though, Samara," he started. "We're moving out of New York
into a suburb in Illinois."
"What?!" Samara shouted. How could they, she thought. Her parents, her beloved parents, her
own flesh and blood have betrayed her. They're going to move into a new state just before she
starts high school? What were they thinking? Apparently, they weren't.
"I understand that it may seem a little rushed and out of the blue dear, but hear us out..."
"I don't want to hear you two out! You two have no idea how this is going to affect me. I'm about
to start high school and you're making me start over again? I hate you!" She stormed off the
couch and slammed the door to her room. Silent fell upon the house.
"She'll adjust to the idea. Just give her some time," Henry said while patting his wife's hand. She
couldn't help but reply to her husband's response by giving him a weak smile. Meanwhile in the
girl's bedroom, Samara was sobbing heavily into her pillow. How could her parents do this to
her? Didn't they realize that she was about to go through a huge transition in her life? She felt the
anger boil up from her stomach. She felt her nails clutching into her soggy pillow. She hates it
when her pillow gets wet. Samara grabbed her teddy bear, Joseph, to bring her some comfort.
She could always count on Joseph to make her feel better. Those sown up lips didn't say
anything and the big, blue button eyes never blinked, but he was also there for her no matter
what. Samara received Joseph when she and her brother were only 2 years old. He didn't gain a
name until she was 7, the year her brother died. She flipped on her back and squeezed Joseph
across her crest. Now Samara could feel the pain numbing and her tears drying up. Maybe
moving wouldn't be such a big idea. Maybe it would give her a chance to heal and start all over.
Maybe she could go on with her life, she could do it. But she's still giving her parents the silent
treatment. They deserve that much, she thought.
Cleburne, Texas. Five weeks before school starts.
What's a state that was once a country and could survive if it became a country again? Texas,
that's what. However, Texas isn't an average state that's easy to figure out. Within Texas are
many sides, from the crowded cities to the decent suburbs to the quiet countryside. It's not just a
state with cowboys and cowgirls, cattle, and rodeos though. Yet for Samara Joy, it's what she
grew up with. Living in the country all of her life, she never really knew what the real world
could hold. However, opportunity came knocking on the door of her Aunt Jean's place and
offered her a new job in Illinois as a child development instructor. Jean was excited to hear the
news, but S.J. was a little nervous. What could she expect from the "outside" world?
"Oh, Jean. I'm gonna miss you and S.J. It just wouldn't be the same without you two," said Aunt
Jean's friend Amanda. Jean and Amanda had been friends since high school and were with each
other through thick and thin. They were at each others weddings, Jean was there when Amanda
give birth to her son, Amanda was there when Jean lost her brother-in-law and sister and
supported her with her divorce and taking care of S.J. To leave her was like leaving a piece of
her heart. But she'll be fine. After all, Jean always liked the country, but she was willing to

change her surrounding.

"I know, but you know how to contact me and I promise that every summer, I'll come back with
S.J. to continue to help with the ranch," Jean reassured her. The two friends gave each other a
tight hug before Amanda asked, "How do you think S.J. will adjust?"
"She'll be fine. She's a tough cookie." Jean responded.
S.J. was inside the gate, petting her pregnant mare, Midnight, and feeding her some carrots. She
was going to miss her so much and hated that she wasn't going to be there for the new baby, but
she knew that Midnight was in good hands. S.J. continued to pat her nose until a voice caught
her attention.
"Man, I'm sure gonna miss this place," it said. S.J. turned around to see that it was her friend,
Nick, with his video camera. S.J. and Nick have been friends since they were seven. After Nick's
mom got a divorce, she took him and his sister to live with S.J. and her aunt until she could
recover. The ranch was like a second home to Nick and he really was going to miss it. (Ok, he
was glad that he wasn't going to get sunburned as much, but he'll still miss the place.)
"Nick, what's it like, ya' know, being in the city?" S.J. questioned.
"Well technically, we're not living in the city. We're living in the suburbs. Two, it's really not
that bad. You get to have electricity, indoor plumbing, and neighbors that you can actually get to
their house without driving a car."
"It sounds nice, but I guess I'm just a little bit nervous."
"Don't be," Nick said as he approached S.J. "I'll be there with you, S.J. I promise." With that, a
smile crawled on her face as she stared into his dark, green eyes, promising to keep alert with
this new adventure. As long as they were in it together, everything was going to be fine.

Outside Chicago, Illinois. Two weeks before school starts.

Even if a kid isn't moving into a new country or state, going to high school for the first time can
be nerve-racking. Aside from the new teachers and tougher classes, kids have to deal with the
social ladder and climb their way to the top. Being a "fishy" stinks, but at least everybody starts
off that way. Plus, if people have a good group of friends, high school can be a walk in the park.
But what about the guy who doesn't have any friends, since they moved away during middle
school? Can he adjust to the new environment friendless?
"Hey Kevin, how are you doing?" greeted Sarah, Kevin's older sister. Kevin is a nice and smart
guy, but making friends isn't second nature to him like it is with his other siblings. He typically
has trouble making new friends since he's so smart yet lacks the simplest communication skills.
Saying "Hi" to another person might cause him to freak out. If he needed to work with someone,

he only focused on the subject they're doing, no more, no less. Apparently, a lack of friends can
make a person become a hermit.
"Fine," he responded monotone.
"Really? Just fine? Come on, Kevin. School starts in two weeks and all summer you've been
cooped up in this old house. How come you haven't hung out with any of your friends?"
"What friends?"
"Oh Kevin." Sarah always knew that Kevin had trouble making friends after Ryan and Monica
moved away, even if she didn't get why herself. Sarah has always had an active role with other
people, whether it was playing in the band or running for student counseling. She couldn't really
stand being alone and she didn't want Kevin to get into that habit either.
"You know, Kevin. If you start being a friend to other people, then they'll start being a friend
towards you."
"Yeah, like I want to get caught up in the wrong crowd. Besides, I can't be friends with
everyone," he pointed out.
"And I'm not telling you that you have to," she rebutted. "All I'm asking is that you need to open
up a little bit. Being in high school is way more fun and memorable if you have friends with you.
What about that Davidson guy? You could be friends with him again."
"Sarah, it's not that simple."
"Oh yeah? Why not?" she said with her hand on her hips and her eyebrows cocked.
"He's a jock and I'm a nerd. He's already going to be fairly popular at school since he's a great
football player and I'm just going to be the guy everyone asks if I could do their homework.
Besides, we weren't really friends. We were science partners during 7th grade and in 8th grade I
tutored him so he wouldn't fail and get kicked out of playing sports. Why would a guy like that
want to be friends with me?"
"If you ask me..." she started.
"That was a rhetorical question, Sarah," he said, cutting her off.
"Still, I think you're over-thinking it. Just take a chance, Kevin. He could turn out to be a really
great guy." Kevin knew Sarah was trying to help and appreciated it. Still, he wasn't sure how far
he could go with being friends with the jock, but he figured that it would be better to try and fail
than not try and miss out. Where has he heard that before?
"OK, sis. I'll try," he said with a smile. Sarah face started to beam with delight as she hugged her
little brother.

"Yay Kevin! Now, to celebrate, let's go out."

"Cool." Before Sarah could even grab her car keys, voices from upstairs shouted, "Wait!" Next
was the rushing of feet on wooden stairs. Next popped two more siblings into the downstairs
kitchen, a teen girl and a little boy, both slightly bouncing as if they wanted something really
bad.
"Can we come with you?" they begged in harmony.
"There's a huge sale going on at the mall that I've been waiting for all summer. Everything is
75% off!" exclaimed Rachael, Kevin's other older sister. She's a very interesting character since
she likes to experiment with different styles of clothes and hair. Last week it was the 70's. This
week it the 90's with the overalls, over-sized jackets, and hiking boots.
"And I want to go to the new toy store across from the candy store!" shouted Tyler. Tyler is a
good kid, even though he has AD/HD. He's just a normal 10 year old boy who likes to play with
his toys, eat candy, bug his siblings, and solve complex math equations for fun. The usual kid
stuff.
"Can we come, please?" they begged. Sarah smiled and was perfectly fine with having all of her
siblings come along, with a minor catch of course.
"Ok, you two can come, but Rachael, it's your turn to watch over Tyler."
"Do I have to?" she whined.
"If you want to go to that sale, yes." After releasing a huff, Rachael agreed grudging. Only two
more weeks? What's a brother to do, Kevin thought as the Carter siblings exit the door.
Outside of Chicago, Illinois, the night before school starts.
Twas the night before school and all through the Davidson household, everyone was prepping
for the big day ahead. The father is one of the football coaches at Mideast High School and was
going over some last minute plays to get ready for the game on Friday night. The mother is a
12th grade English teacher, who's going over her notes once more before the big day ahead. The
two siblings, Daniel and Ashley, were in their individual rooms, Ashley attempting to write a
short poem and Daniel tossing a football in the air. Both were excited that tomorrow was their
first day in high school, but neither really knew how to end the night. (Ok, so what if it doesn't
rhyme?) Then, Ashley turns towards her window and her face lit up. The stars are out! The stars
haven't really been out all summer, but this had to be a good sign. This was the event to end the
whole summer and begin the new adventure of high school. She grabs her cell phone and threw it
across the hall into Daniel's room, hitting him on the head.
"Ow! Hey, what was that for?" he ask slightly irritated while rubbing his head. "You could've
just called my name or sent me a text."

"True, but I figured that would be the best way to get your attention. Come, look out the
window." Daniel played along with his sister's weird intentions and took a peek outside his
window.
"All I see are tons of cars and people walking around, Ash," his voice still had a hint of
annoyance in it.
"Look up, Daniel," she directed. As he did, his own eyes start to light up as well. He too could
actually see the stars lighting up the nighttime sky in a range of colors from bright white to pale
red to crystal blue. Being able to see the stars this well was quite a treat.
"Cool."
"Just cool? Is that all you have to say?" Ashley questioned.
"Sorry, but guys don't get too mushy about stars, sis." Daniel then grabs Ashley's cell phone and
chunked it back to her room. He has a really good throwing arm since he's a JV starting
quarterback in football and a pitcher in baseball. However, Ashley always knew when to duck
from his throws. It must a twin thing on her part. Her cell phone just landed back on top of her
bed. After the mini war, the two just returned to the stars. Then Ashley turned to Daniel,
"Hey Daniel, how do you want high school year to be different than previous years?"
"Isn't that a little deep, Ashley?"
"Yeah, but I just want to know." There really wasn't much that Daniel wanted to change. He was
already popular during middle school since he played football and baseball, not to mention was
one of their star players. He was a pretty good in academics, hardly ever received C's, and he
wasn't a jerk to people. He tried to make more friends than enemies and most of the time it
worked. However, he still figured that with all of the good he's done so far...
"I guess I can really only better myself. Do better in baseball and football, keep my grades up
above a B average, and reach out to people outside my circle."
"Sounds clich" she teased.
"Maybe, but it's true."
"OK, what if you became friends with a nerd?"
"What are you getting at, Ash?" now he was getting slightly annoyed again.
"All I'm suggesting is that you can make friends outside of your usually jock social circle."
"Ashley, I don't worry about your freaky art pals, so you don't need to worry about my jock

friends."
"Whatever, Daniel. It was just an idea." Even though that conversion dropped, something else
caught Ashley's eyes. An unusual object going by really fast, bright and fairly big, lighting up the
night sky even more. Ashley called Daniel into her room to check out the marvelous sight.
"It's a shooting star, Daniel! Quick, make a wish."
"Seriously, Ash?"
"Come on, don't you want to start off freshman year right?" So he took a deep breathe, let it out,
and then closed his eyes. He might as well play along with his sister. Ashley is such a kid at
heart.
"Did you make your wish?" Ashley asks.
"Yup," Daniel replied.
"Well?"
"Ah, ah, ah. You don't reveal a wish, Ash, otherwise it won't come true." As he turned to go back
into his bedroom, Ashley turned around and stretched to tap him on his shoulder. When he turns
around, her feet are planted back on the ground.
"Will I ever find out?" Daniel couldn't help but form a little smile on his face.
"Trust me Ashley, you'll know the wish."
In the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, first day of school.
The first day of school usually makes everybody happy. The kids are happy because they're
finally getting a chance to see their friends that they've probably missed during the summer. The
parents are happy to get the kids out of the house so they can be kid-free. The companies are
happier with the school sales since they make killer sales and rack up on money. Yes, everybody
can't wait for school to start. Well, everybody except Catherine Panther, who's been dreading
school since she moved to Illinois from Philadelphia a few weeks ago. Starting all over really
stinks.
"I don't want to go to school!" Cat yelled at the top of her lungs.
"You're going to school, Cat!" Brittany yelled back in a stern tone. Brittany is Cat's older sister,
and hates the move just as much as Catherine, but she wasn't going to complain about it and she
wasn't dealing with a temper tantrum from her.
"But I don't want to!"

"I don't care! You're going to school."

"You can't make me!"
"Wanna bet?" Now in each others faces, Brittany was seconds away from knocking Cat upside
the head, until Alyshia interrupted their mini cat-fight.
"Now chill out, everyone. Listen. If Little Cat doesn't want to go to the man's school, then she
shouldn't have to. She's free to make her own decisions." It wasn't hard to figure out that Alyshia
is a flower-child. If her cool, smooth sounding voice wasn't a tip, then the worn out, colorful
clothes with unkempt hair would. Why the heck did Child Services think that she would be a
decent parent for Brittany and Cat compare to their parents?
"Look Alyshia, this is my problem. I'll deal with it," Brittany warned. She was already having
troubles with Cat; she didn't need an adult on her case.
"Whatever. I'm gonna lay back down." As Alyshia exited the living room into her 70's theme
bedroom, the sisters resumed their argument.
"I'm still not going to school," Cat said with her arms crossed.
"Alright then, amuse me. Why don't you want to go to school? You loved school back in the old
neighborhood and was top of your class," Brittany questioned with hands on her hips.
"That's just it. At my old school. I'm going to be the new girl here and I don't know anybody.
What if the kids don't like me? What if I don't make any friends?"
"One, you're over-analysis this, Cat. Everybody is the new kid on the first day, no matter who
they are. Two, just be nice and new friends will come. Three, if you try to skip school, I will
personally kick your butt until you cry "Uncle" everyday until Mom and Dad are released from
prison."
"But we don't know when that is."
"Exactly."
To make the long story short, the adult Panthers are currently in prison due to counterfeited
money and stealing items to sell them in the black market. Their plan would've worked if it
wasn't for those pesky aliases who sung like a canary when their hideout was exposed. However,
Brittany pushed that into the back of her mind since her main concern was Cat and school.
"Listen Cat. Don't be nervous. You'll do fine in school. Just relax."
Right outside the window was the school bus, honking for any kids ready for school. Brittany
then grabs Cat's items and hands them forcedly to her.

"Now here's your backpack, here are your meds, and I double dog dare you to make at least one
new friend on the bus. Got that?" After Cat released a sigh, she nodded and starts heading
towards the bus. Once on the bus, Cat realized that most of the sits already have at least one kid
there. However, she catches a hand wave out of the corner of her eyes. When she turns to the
left, she notices a boy, about her age, motioning her to come and sit by him. This was odd, she
thought. She believed that most boys were afraid of girls at this age. Maybe he was just being
nice? She decides to play along. Cat sat next to the boy and dropped her backpack to the ground.
Then another strange thing happened. The boy actually reached out for a handshake.
"Hi, my name is Tyler Carter. What's yours?"
Cat's eyebrow cock slightly, but she still decides to be friendly and return the handshake.
"My name is Catherine, but I prefer Cat."
"Cool. Hey Cat, can I show you something?" As the boy reaches into his bag, her lips slowly
start to curl into a smile. Maybe school wouldn't be so bad after all.
School yard, five minutes before class begins.
Ready or not, here school comes. Class is about to be in session and everyone is in a hurry so
they won't be late on their first day. Of course, for the freshman, it's the most difficult since
they're not use to the building yet while most of the seniors can get around with their eyes closes.
Yes, everybody was here, whether they were cool as a cucumber or were shaking in their little,
new shoes. The Davidson siblings caught a ride with their older sister, Amber, and she told them
all the tips and tricks in surviving freshman year at Mideast High. The Carter siblings were ready
to kick out their year, from Sarah the senior shark, to Rachael the sophomore, and Kevin the
fishy. Samara wasn't thrill moving to Illinois in the first place and was even more dissatisfied
when she discovered that she wasn't going to a private school. Oh the inhumane. The Asian trio
had mixed feeling about attending American school. Natsu was use to it, but Katana and Roku
didn't know whether to jump for joy or be completely nervous. Brittany didn't give a hoot about
school to begin with, but figured that she needs to make a good impression on the first day. As
for Nick and S.J., Nick was fine. S.J. was a wreck on the inside. While she's getting use to not
being on the ranch, she still doesn't want to go to public school. What if the kids don't like her?
What if they tease her? How will she respond to that? Will Nick always be by her side?
"We have first lunch and 5th period together, S.J." Nick said.
"What?" S.J. asks, snapping out of her daze.
"I said we have first lunch and 5th period English together. So at least I'll see you for part of the
day."
"Oh. OK, Nick. I guess I'll see ya' at lunch then?"
"You bet," he winked. S.J. giggled for a bit before the two went on their separate ways, waiting

for what the day has in stored for them.

Beginning of lunch, 30 minutes before 5th period.

On the first day, students are supposes to start school off with a good impression for other
students and teachers, to help break the ice. However, when a boy who recently moved from
another country meets a girl who has grown-up in the ghetto part of West Philly, explosions can
happen. Both students were assigned the same locker. Neither student knew that the other existed
until lunch time roll around. Roku wanted to put up his books up while Brittany wanted to grab
her cell phone. As Brittany was racing towards her locker, she realizes that it was already open
and a guy was in her locker. The nerve of him! Breaking into my locker, she thought. Well, she
knew how to settle these issues without snapping any bones. She casually walks up towards the
guy and gently poked him on his shoulder. Roku slowly turned around and was a little confused
about the presents of the girl. However, he figured that he could play along and try to figure out
what she wants.
"Whatcha doin'?" Brittany asks in an annoying singing voice.
"Well, I was just putting my books in my locker," he responded straightly and carefully.
"You mean, my locker, right?"
"No. My locker is #301."
"That's my locker, Ash," she snapped.
"I am...sorry. I guess that means we are sharing..."
"Let's get one thing straight." Now Brittany was up in Roku's personal space and pointing her
finger at his nose, "I'm not sharing anything with anybody. I already have to share with my little
sister, and I refuse to share with some foreign student. Got that?" What else could Roku do? He
could pick a fight with her, but that wouldn't go well with his girlfriends or parents. The easiest
option was to just surrender.
"Ok. I will try to move my items by tomorrow," he stated.
"Good. Now that we understand each other, we don't have to see each other again." Brittany ran
her fingers through his hair and messes it all up before walking in the opposite direction. Slightly
upset, Roku whispers harshly under his breathe,
"I bet Godzilla had nicer enemies than that white witch." Before he could continue, he received
another trap on the shoulder. When he turns around, he sees an extremely upset Brittany. But that
wasn't what scared him.

"I'm sorry. I believe I've miss that. Would you like to repeat that last sentence?" Roku's usual tan
face suddenly pale and beads of sweat started to fall on the side of his face. How did she
understand him? Oopps.
5th period begins.
The first day is over half way complete, but there are still a couple of periods to get through. The
biggest one is English 1 with Mrs. Apples. Despite the goofy name, she's a good, firm teacher
who knows her subject very well and can still relate to the kids since she's in her late 20's. The
first day of school is always a blast for her since she likes to break the ice with her students with
some interactive games. It seems childish, but they do help in the long run. After the last bell
rang and the students migrated to their assigned seats, Mrs. Apples introduced herself to her
class.
"Hello. Welcome to English 1. My name is Mrs. Apples. Before I tell you more about myself, I
want you to get to know your classmates better. Here are three note-cards and pens. With it,
write down at least three interesting facts about yourself and then we'll share it with the class."
The class decided to play along with it. It wasn't as strange anymore since most of them have
been doing it since they were in elementary school. Kevin had a difficult time choosing whether
to write about the time he came close to discover a cure for the common cold or the number of
siblings he has. Katana figured that most students could figure out that she was from Japan, so
she just wrote about her Sailor Moon collection. Samara was planning to share about her fashion
designing business before becoming distracted by a handsome, sexy god in the room. S.J. was
writing away about her ranch life and her horse, Midnight. Daniel was trying to write about his
talents in sports, but some blonde girl kept staring at him, making him a little nervous. Ashley
was writing about the writing contest she won over the summer, and then flicked a piece of paper
towards the stalking blonde girl's direction. Brittany didn't want to talk about her family life, so
she just settled for her middle name. Nick was too distracted to write about his video
documentary since a blonde goddess was sitting right next to him. Natsu and Roku were just
passing random notes to each other. They figured they could wing three random facts off the top
of their heads.
"Alright, who would like to go first?" Mrs. Apples asked.
Crickets went off in the room as classmates looked left and right to see who the brave soul was
going to be. Then, out from the second row came a slender hand. It was Ashley. Mrs. Apples
checks her clipboard to confirm Ashley's name and admits how she's slightly surprised that the
Davidson siblings are in her same period.
"Now class, when Ashley states her name, respond by saying, Hi Ashley. Got it?"
"Are we in rehab?" Brittany blurts out.
"No, but it will help you learn everybody's name quickly." After the brief introduction, Ashley
reveals her fun facts to the class. First is that, despite the fact that most people don't believe it,
her and Daniel are twins. Second, she recently wrote a story and won the contest and her story

will be published in the writing magazines in a couple of months. And last but not least, she's a
member of the art club. The class claps and the number of volunteered hands started to come up.
For the most part, everybody had respect for what their classmates had to share, except for
Brittany and Roku, sworn enemies on the first day. That's a new record.
End of 7th period.
The first day of freshman year had finally wrapped up and all of the nervousness and anxiously
were gone. For the most part, Kevin was glad that he was able to get through the day without any
trouble from someone unwilling to do their own work. He casually walked to his locker and
visualized his day. His morning started with Pre-Cal and he couldnt help but grin ear to ear in
that class as the teacher went over what the plan was for the year. The grin continued as his next
class was Chemistry and couldnt wait to experience what his zany teacher had planned. Then
there was Computer Science where he met a guy who was just as interested in computers as he
was, but they didnt exchange names, just nods. With his favorite subjects out of the way though,
the rest of the day went by in a blink of an eye with Health, English, P.E. and History all just a
vague memory. At least the guy he met in Computer Science was also in English class and he
learned that his name was Nick.
Nick seems like a cool guy, Kevin thought. Maybe I could hang out with him and see what
kind of software he uses. Kevin was too in the zone to notice what was about to happen. His
locker is only a couple of hallways down from the gym, but the JV football players tend to hang
out in that area before theyre called back to practice. Most of the JV consisted of freshmen and
sophomores so they can work their way to varsity and most of them are cool guys. Theyre big
enough so people can tell that they play football, but most arent intimating looking. Theyre just
waiting for their break. However, a couple of guys on JV arent under but upper classmen. Paul
Lineman is the fastest wide-receiver on the JV team, but his constant failures in class and attitude
problems caused him to remain on the JV permanently. He didnt take the news very well, but he
was given a choice to get a tutor so he could improve on his work and maybe get a chance to join
varsity. Paul, however, wasnt willing to work with the tutor. He wanted the tutor to work for
him and he figured that with a little persuasion from the football team, then the tutor would
follow through. Kevin was already at his locker gathering his belongings when Paul and over
half of the JV players followed. He was almost done getting all of his things when Kevins
locker suddenly closed. He could sense that the hallway was getting smaller as guys, while not
much taller, definitely stronger gathered around him, preventing him from getting away. When
Kevin finally did turn around, he was staring Paul Lineman face to face. He didnt know much
about Paul but did remember Rachael talking about him every now and again. Kevin didnt want
to make eye with this guy, but when Paul grabbed him tightly around the collar and pushed him
up against the locker, he didnt have much of a choice.
Hey buddy, want to make a little deal? Paul asked in a dont-say-no tone. While the mini chaos
was going on, a couple of other JV players were coming up towards the hallway, getting ready
for practice and talking about the football season this year.
Im telling you Mark, we have the potential to go to playoffs this year. We have a stronger
defense this year and our offensive keeps improving every year, Daniel stated.

True, but I dont want to jinx it. After all, the team was supposed to go last year, but they lost
the main starters due to injuries. I would hate for that to happen again, Mark replied. Daniel and
Mark have been football teammates and friends since 6th grade since they were both on the Bteam. Both guys loved that sport with a passion and couldnt help but play rough with each other
sometimes. Mark was like the brother that Daniel never had. However, Mark would usually tease
Daniel for having a big heart since he would try to help out the weaker players, but he tolerated
it.
Hey, after practice, want to come over to my place and play some video games? Mark asked.
Sure. I just have to ask my Dad before Daniel noticed something was off as they were
walking towards the gym. The hallway was mostly emptied except for a group of guys
surrounding a locker. Daniel didnt like the look of this. Bullying used to be a huge problem a t
Midwest High, but that was over seven years ago when Adina, his oldest sister, was still in
school. Its gone down quite a bit with less fights and verbal assaults breaking out, but it still
popped up from time to. To make matters worse, he knew who the bully and the victim was.
Kevin Carter? he whispered.
Who? Mark asked. Daniel pointed to the circle of football players and the guy up against the
locker. When Mark looked back at Daniel, he could tell what he was about to do and couldnt
help but roll his eyes. Daniel had his eyes fixed on Paul and the circle and his hands were in a
tight fist. Daniel hated bullies, especially if they were coming from his team. He started to walk
towards the circle when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
Youre not serious, are you? You and I both know how desperate Pal is right now and hes not
in the mood to not get his way, Mark warned. Both Mark and Daniel have been on the receiving
end of the wrath of Paul from aggressive rough housing to purposefully trying to hurt them
during practice over the summer.
I dont care. I know the guy he has against the locker and Im not going to stand by and do
nothing. Daniel shrugged Marks hand off of his shoulders and marched right towards Paul and
Kevin.
So, you do my homework for all of my classes, keep me around a C-average and I wont beat
you up once a week after school. Do we have a deal? Kevin didnt know what to say or do. If he
said yes, then he would have to deal with double the work-load of homework that involved
under performance and technically cheating. If he said no then he would become a human
punching bag for the rest of the school year. One involved a compromise on his values, the other
was having to deal with physical pain. Before he could give his answer, he heard a familiar voice
and noticed that Paul started to loosen his grip on him.
Hey! the voice barked. Leave Kevin alone. If you want to pick on someone, pick on me.
Paul finally dropped Kevin and started to walk towards the voice. When Kevin was able to focus,
he realized that it was Daniel Davidson. He remembered tutoring him during 8th grade for a little
bit but didnt think much of it. Why he is helping me, Kevin thought. Paul made it to Daniel and
was trying to stare him down to back off. Paul was taller than Daniel but he didnt seem to
flinch. The two boys just kept staring at each other in the eyes, waiting for one of them to back
down.

I was in the middle of something, Davidson.

Yeah, trying to make a guy do all of your work for you. You know, if you just asked Kevin
nicely, with no alternative motive or threats, he wouldve been glad to help you. Too bad you
just blew it.
Youre going to pay for this, Davidson Paul said gritting his teeth.
Yeah, well if you want to fight him, then you have to go through me too, another voice called
out. Mark always stuck close to the action in case things get too heated. He and Daniel made a
pact to have each others back. Since Daniel was usually the Good Samaritan, Mark usually
wasnt too far behind. He grabbed Kevin by the lockers and placed him behind Daniel and him.
Kevin couldnt help but be dumb-founded. Hes never met Mark and he and Daniel barely kept
in contact with each other once tutoring was over. Why would these two guys help him?
So whats it going to be, Paul? Daniel demanded. Paul was now right in front of Daniel and
Mark, staring them down with a glare.
Are you challenging me, Davidson? Paul motioned the other JV players to surround them but
realized that they didnt move. In fact, there were less players now than there were a few minutes
ago and he found out why.
Is there a problem here, boys? asked a booming voice. Paul slowly turned around to see that it
was Coach Davidson, the head football coach and Daniels father. Coach Davidson was full
Israeli and spent three years in the army before coming to America. Like most coaches, he was a
nice guy and a great coach, but hes no push-over. Whether theyre on freshman, JV, or varsity,
he held all of the players on high levels of discipline and responsibility. Bullying was something
he wouldnt tolerate. Paul slowly started to back away from Daniel and Mark and headed
towards the gym area.
Just getting ready for practice Coach, he casually remarked as he walked away from the
crowd. Before he completely disappeared, he turned around and looked Daniel directly in the
eyes before walking away. Daniel knew that this confrontation wasnt over. Most of the other
players took their cue to leave the scene as well, soon only leaving Daniel, Mark, Coach
Davidson, and Kevin. After the other JV boys left, Mark punched Daniel on the shoulder before
heading out as well.
See you at practice, Mark waved.
Later Mark, Daniel replied with a slight nod of gratitude. Mark nodded back and continued to
head towards the gym. Coach Davidson took a quick look at Kevin to see if he was o.k. He
remembered when Kevin came over to the house from time to time to help Daniel with his
studies and couldnt understand why someone would want to bully him. He took a quick glance
at his watch before he too started to head towards the gym. Before he left, he gently laid his hand
on Kevins shoulders and asked, Are you o.k. son? Kevin gave him a weak smile but still
nodded his head. Then his eyes went to Daniel and said Well talk at home. Go get ready,
Daniel.
Yes sir. With that, Coach Davidson left the two boys alone in the hallway, prepping for his
own practice. Just as Daniel was about to follow, Kevin spoke up again.

Hey man, thanks.

No problem. Daniel continued to walk towards the gym when he paused in the middle of the
hallway. He just helped a guy from getting bullied by one of his team members. A guy he hid of
knew but never really hung out with. Why? Theyre lived in the same neighborhood for over 10
years and would sometimes play together outside as kids. Ever since middle school, except for
part of 8th grade, they hardly said anything to each other. Was is because their interest were so
different? But who cares about differences? Its fine to be friends with whoever you wanted to be
friends with and maybe learn a few tricks and trades from each other. Daniel couldnt believe
what he and Ashley briefly talked about last night was actually coming true. He around to get
Kevins attention as he was walking away from the gym, towards an exit.
Hey Kevin, Daniel called. Kevin stopped and turned around slowly to see what was up. Was
Daniel only defending him in front of a crowd so he could beat him up alone? While the though
did cross Kevins mind, he couldnt really believe it. Even though he and Daniel werent close,
he was aware that Daniel was a nice guy and that his act was genuine. He knew what Paul
wouldve done to Daniel and the other guy if the coach didnt show up when he did. However,
neither of the guys flinched. They both stood there, making sure that Paul wouldnt reach him.
And now, at this moment in time, it was just him and Daniel.
Yes? Kevin asked.
What are your plans for this week? Daniel asked. Im free after 5 everyday except Thursday s
dues to games. Do you want to hang out with me? This was as much as a surprise to Daniel as it
was to Kevin. Someone was offering Kevin to be his friend. It sounded strange, almost too good
to be true. Was he doing this because he wanted to get to know him? He didnt know how to
respond. On one hand, hanging out with Daniel would make high school, in the social sense, a
lot easier with a fairly popular guy as a friend. On the other hand, he could be playing the pity
card and this friendship could be temporarily. To Kevin, it was a risk either way. Something in
his gut kept telling him to take the risk and hang out with Daniel. Hes been pretty friendless for
the past three years. Maybe Daniel will help him to get the ball rolling again.
Sure, we could hang out. My place or yours? Kevin asked.
Mine. Daniel replied.
Cool. So Ill see you after 5.
Yup, bye. And with that, Daniel sprinted towards the gym so he wouldnt be late for practice.
As for Kevin, he casually strolled towards the exit, whistling. He was quite surprised that he
could start off his on a high note and end it with one. I guess freshman year isnt going to be so
bad after all, he though.