Chapter 4

POV: Caleb

Moving to a new school in my last year of high school was not something I expected yet there I was pulling up to McKinley High School. The past few weeks felt like a fever dream. My family and I had moved from Berkshire, England to Sedona, Arizona. It was the town that my father grew up in and where he'd apparently always wanted to retire to. The move was rather unexpected but there is nothing I could do about it.

I could see myself being happy there. The weather was nice and warm compared to the constant gloom in England, the people were really nice and over the weekend, I had the best barbecue I had ever tasted. My little brother Eric, on the other hand, was having a hard time adjusting to our new home. He missed his old friends and the familiarity of our home in Berkshire. I couldn’t blame him. The thought of having to start a new one was nerve-wracking. 

"How are you feeling? Nervous?" my dad asked me.

I shrugged and replied, "No, not really." He turned to look at me clearly not buying any of my drivel.

"McKinley High is a great school. I made some of the best memories of my life in these halls. Maybe you'll do the same. I am sure that you will fit right in," he tried to sound reassuring. 

I highly doubted that. My features ensured that I always stuck out like a sore thumb. I was six three', and had dirty blonde hair and grey eyes. I always

attracted attention though I can't say that I minded. 

We finally came to a stop and I jumped out of the car. "Do you need me to go in with you?" my dad asked. 

"Naah! No need. I'm sure I can manage. I'll see you at home." 

I waved him off and watched as he drove off. I turned and followed the throng of students walking toward the school entrance. Most of them were in small groups, talking about one thing or the other. 

I went into the building and took in the scene before me. It was interesting how despite the fact that McKinley High was thousands of miles away from my school, they looked almost identical. They both had the same dull cream-coloured walls and grey lockers. It's almost like they were designed to drain the life out of you. 

A short curly haired girl popped up in front of me. "Hi! You must be Caleb. I'm Arlene. I am a part of the welcoming committee and I'm supposed to show you around, help you out and basically ensure that your first day goes well. How do you like it so far?"

"Ummm…I just got here." I answered. 

"Oh yeah! That slipped my mind, sorry. I guess we better get you situated then. Come with me. We'll go get your schedule. I'm so excited for you. You're gonna love it here!" she said excitedly. I don't think I'd ever met anyone so happy about being in school. 

She started walking and I caught up with her. We found our way to the Principal's office and got my schedule from the secretary. My first class was history. I turned to leave the reception area when I heard, "Caleb! Nice to see you here. I'm glad you made it!"

I turned around and met the Principal, Mr. Gilligan smiled at me. He held his hand out in greeting and I shook it.

"How are you? How is your old man?" Mr Giligan and my father went to high school together. 

"He's alright. Thanks for asking."

"I see Arlene was showing you around. Why don't you go on to class Arlene. I'll show Mr Stallone to his class." Arlene wished me good luck and left us.

"So, Caleb, your father told me you like you like go play football."

"Yes sir, I've played rugby since I was in junior year."

We continued to make small talk as we walked towards my classroom. It felt odd talking so casually with the principal but I went along with it. We came to a stop in front of a classroom. 

"Here you are. Your first class of the day is History taught by Mr. Finkle." 

He opened the door slightly and poked his head in. "Pardon me for interrupting your class but I have brought a new student.”

He opened the door wider and ushered me into the classroom. Everyone in the room turned their attention to me, sizing me up with curious expressions in their eyes.

“Welcome Caleb. You’ve come just in time. Miss Johnson here was just about to give us a presentation on the British Colonisation of the Americas. Victoria, the floor is yours," Mr Finkle said. I walked into the room and took a seat at the front of the class where there was an empty seat.

I settled and turned my attention to the girl at the front of the class. Victoria, I think. She looked nervous. The piece of paper in her hand was shaking so hard, I'm was surprised she could read off  of it.

“Is she ever going to say anything?” one guy said and the other kids snickered. I felt a surge of anger go through me. They needed to give the poor girl a break. She was obvious struggling.

She cleared her throat and started talking. “Today I will be presenting a report on the British colonisation of the Americas. In April 1607 three ships sent out by the London Company sailed into Chesapeake Bay. They continued up a broad waterway, which they named the James river in honour…”she went silent. Her complexion turned a little green. She was obviously going to throw up. She put her hand over her mouth and bolted out of the class. Everyone started laughing. I was confused by this response. I  waited for someone to go after her but no one did. Wasn't anyone going to check up on her?

"Is she going to be okay?" I asked the guy seated beside me. He just shrugged nonchalantly. I was getting annoyed. I made a mental note to make sure I check on the girl after class.

The bell rang and we all stood up to go to our next class. I looked around for Victoria but I couldn’t see her. She probably ran out of class the first chance she got. I walked towards the door, meaning to look for her when a blonde bombshell stood in my path.

"You're new here. Caleb right?"

"Yes , I am. And you are?" I asked her.

"Oooh! British! I like. I'm Brianna but everybody calls me Bree. I'd love to show you around."

I knew that I should seek Victoria out but when a girl as pretty as Brianna asked to spend time with you, the only logical answer was yes.