Chapter 1

I stare at the empty house one last time before I take a deep breath and close the door. I wipe my tears and my mum guides me into the van full of boxes, and we set off on our four hour drive to Brighton. I knew I’d get emotional about moving house. You can’t really blame me though, I’ve lived there all the 15 years of my life. All those memories I’ve had in it, all the great friends I’ve made on the way, all the good times, all the years I’ve spent being happy. I hate having to move somewhere so far away. Leaving my friends and all those memories behind to move to a different world.

Ok I might be exaggerating a little bit but I’m emotional. I’m also worried... I hate to admit it but I am. Going to somewhere completely new, a fresh start even. What if I don’t make friends? What if I get bullied? I know I won’t fit in. Being called the ‘new girl’ for the rest of my time in High School. Luckily it’ll be my last year there. Is that a good thing? What if I do make friends there? What if it’s better than living in Cheshire? It might be more fun here. Who knows?

I must have bored myself to sleep because when I wake up, the van is parked on the driveway and my Mum is in the boot of the van taking out all the boxes. I get out of the van and walk around the outside of the house slowly, taking everything in.

I like it here, it’s quiet and must prettier than Cheshire. The road is big with about ten other houses down my street, not near as nice as our house, not to brag or anything. I walk inside the house and it’s bigger than what I expected, huge even. It looks just as nice as the outside of the house.

I go back outside and get the boxes for my room out of the van. One by one I carry the boxes into my room that my Dad told me was mine. Without help, I set out my new room and I’m pleased with the final result. It’s just like my old room, exactly the same. I like it that way. I get out all my posters from the last box and start pinning them up until Mum comes in.

“You’ve done a great job” she smiles, walking around, admiring the room.

“Thanks” I reply.

“Lucy, are you ok? I know you didn’t want to leave but your Dad got that great job opportunity over here, you need to understand that hunny. You and Eleanor can still keep in touch!”

I sigh and nod, biting my lip to hold in the tears.

“How about I order pizza?” she offers. My eyes light up making her laugh. She goes downstairs and I can hear her ordering it on the phone. I finish putting up all my posters before the pizza arrives.

“I’ll let you eat up here but do not get used to it” Mum warns me, handing me a box of cheese and tomato pizza. I smile and eat all the box, realising this is the first thing I’ve ate all day. I go downstairs to put my pizza box in the bin. “Enjoy?” Mum asks.

“Mhmm”

“Here” she smiles, digging into her pocket and giving me a five pound note “Why don’t you nip to the shop for some sweets or something?”

“Thank you” I smile and hug her. I put on my shoes and head off to the shop, taking as much time as I can because I don’t want to go back to the chaotic house.

I eventually find my way to the shop, remembering my every footstep so I can find my way home. Outside the shop were a group of 5 boys, some sitting on bikes and some on the railing, all dressed in black. I ignore them and make my way inside, hearing them all whistle at me.

I look at the sweet section, trying to find what I should have.

“I recommend skittles” a boy from behind me says.

He has short, dirty blonde hair and was much taller than me, but I didn't look long enough to see his face. The only thing that stood out to me was his accent. It was beautiful. I wish I was from Brighton.

He was one of the boys from outside, I could tell. I just laugh and continue looking at the sweets. I can still feel his presence. Putting me on the spot, I pick up the skittles and make my way to another isle, trying to find chocolate and popcorn.

“What’cha dooin?” I hear another boy ask. I knew it wasn’t the boy from before because this accent didn’t stand out to me as much as the other boy’s. It was cockier.

“Finding food” I simply reply, practically begging the boy to leave me alone.

“I’ve not seen you before” Another boy states with the rest of the ‘group’ around him. I feel so intimidated.

“Yeah I just moved here” I sigh, not taking my eyes of the chocolate selection.

I pick up a galaxy bar and turn around to get the popcorn from behind me. All the boys were stood in my way staring at me so I slightly walk towards them and coughed. They get the idea and move out of the way so I can get the popcorn.

“Thanks” I say and get a clear view of their faces.

They weren’t the dirty looking group of boys I thought they would be, they were actually quite hot. Every one of them, especially the blonde who ‘recommended skittles’ to me before. I realise I'm staring so I awkwardly made my way to the checkout. They were still following me so I suddenly stop and hear them all bump into each other. I laugh to myself and turn around.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” I ask, hopefully making them go away.

“Yeah, give us your number” one of them smirk. All the boys cheer and give each other high fives for this boys confidence.

“Pathetic” I whisper to myself and give the lady my money. I get my change and make my way out of the shop.

“See you around” one of the boys shout. I just laugh to myself and go back home. When I get in, I put ‘Mean Girls’ on my TV that my dad must’ve set up when I was out. I eat most of my sweets and eventually fall to sleep.