Chapter 1

Allison Jane Grey was new to town; her family moved around a lot, and she was a shy girl, so making new friends almost every year was hard for her. She was starting her first year in high school this year.

While she sat in the office quietly, waiting to be given her schedule from the school counselor. She was lost in thought, looking out the big window that showed all the other students meeting up with their friends and chatting before the first bell.

She had never been to a public school before. She was always homeschooled by her mother. She wondered what this school would be like. Would she make friends easily here? Would she finally find a boyfriend? Other than the fact that she had never been to public school, Allison was so shy that she didn't make friends easily, even in online chat groups, and she was never brave enough to even look at guys when out in public, so of course she never had a boyfriend before.

Maybe this year would be different, though; maybe she could finally find a way out of her shell and become more outgoing. While that didn't seem likely, Allison couldn't help but think about it anyway.

"Allison Jane Grey, I have your schedule ready for you," the school counselor said, breaking Allison out of her thoughts. "Please wait here while we get someone to show you around and take you to your first class."

"That's okay," Allison said nervously. "Actually, if you don't mind, I'd like to try and find the class myself." She was hoping that she didn't have to meet someone new so soon.

The school counselor gave Allison a sympathetic look and said, "I'm sorry, Hun, it's school policy; we can't have new students get lost on their first day." The school counselor hesitated for a moment and then continued. "Your mom told me that ever since your dad passed away, you've been shy and have trouble making friends. I've picked a student that I think you'll get along well with and can help you feel welcome here."

Allison was not happy, but she knew she had no other choice. Of course, her mom used the excuse of her dad dying; the truth was, she had never had a strong relationship with her mom. Her dad was her rock and always got her through everything. She blamed her mom for his death because of all the moving they constantly did. Maybe if they had stayed in one place, her dad could have gotten consistent treatment for his cancer.

As Allison was once again lost in thought and unaware of what was going on around her, the school counselor had already called someone down to the office to be her guide for the day.

Allison jumped a little when, almost out of nowhere, a hand came into her view.

"Hi, you must be Allison Jane. My name is Jensen Brown, and I'll be your partner for the day."

Allison shook his hand. "Please, my friends, call me Allie or Allison."

Jensen smiled at Allison. "Come on, I'll show you around. The school counselor gave me a copy of your schedule, and it looks like we have the same classes, so feel free to follow me until you're comfortable."

After Jensen showed Allison around, they went to their first period class together. Allison picked a seat in the back, hoping the teacher wouldn't call her up to the front of the class to be introduced to everyone. Luckily, the 1st period teacher either didn't notice or just didn't care.

The next four classes went the same way. By lunchtime, Allison was actually hungry. At home, she ate lunch around 11:30 or whenever she felt hungry, but since school didn't start for high schoolers until 9 here, they didn't have lunch until 12:30. Allison grabbed her lunch box from her backpack and headed towards the cafeteria. She was happy she didn't have to follow Jensen because the cafeteria was right outside the office and she knew exactly where to go. She picked a table where no one else was sitting and began eating her lunch.

Soon after, she noticed Jensen and some of his friends heading her way. "Great," she thought to herself. "I was hoping I would be eating lunch alone. I hate eating in front of others. For some reason, it felt like torture, even though everyone has to eat and it's a totally normal thing to do."

Jensen and his friends got to the table where Allison was sitting. Jensen spoke first. "Hey guys, this is Allison Jane; she prefers to go by Allison or Alllie though. Allison, these are my friends. Devon, George, Grace, Heather, and Kyle." They all sat down and started gossiping with each other.