Page 6 of From Me to You

“The guys are in a band, and they practice literally every day. They are really good and pretty famous around town. You should totally come to their next gig,” Katy said, noticing the confused look on my face. That made sense, given their attire and looks.

They did look like they belonged to a band.

The girls soon started talking about how they were so excited to show me around town, and they even invited me to the local diner they visited almost every day after school. According to Katy, they sold the best-ever chocolate milkshake in the entire world. And I wanted to go.

It felt good to be included for the first time in my life and to have girlfriends. At least I think I could call them my friends at this point. Even though I just met them today, it felt like I had known them for years.

Katy was a beautiful, warm-hearted person who had this infectious smile on her face that made it hard not to like her.

Lily was just the opposite of Katy in the way that she looked—still so beautiful, but more in a dark emo way. I guessed she was going through a phase. But the way she talked was the completeopposite of what one would expect based on her appearance. She spoke eloquently, with almost a melodic note to her voice.

I found myself joining in on the conversation and actually enjoying myself. I smiled. Maybe it was finally time to get out of my shell and experience high school.

After lunch, I left the cafeteria to get back to my class, promising the girls that I would wait after school at the old willow tree by the entrance.

I quickly sent a text to Aunty M to let her know I would come home a bit later so she wouldn’t worry.

I gathered my books for my chemistry and creative writing class. My last two periods of the day.

Jay was still a constant presence in the back of my mind. He never really slipped my thoughts. I guessed being calm and collected wasn’t going to work. Was this what having a crush felt like? Did you think of them all the time?

I wondered if he had a girlfriend. He was probably with Lia at some point. She probably was more his type. I guessed he preferred girls who looked like models, considering how he looked.But it doesn’t hurt to have a crush.I thought, smiling to myself as I made my way to the second floor.

It’s just that he would never have to know. Famous last words.

“Good evening, class. Looks like we have a new student.” Keith Brown aka Mr. Brown our teacher for creative writing, pointed to me, putting me on the spot. I flushed, praying,please don’t call my name, please don’t call my name, please don’t call my name.

“Evelyn May, why don’t you come introduce yourself to the class?” He smiled warmly, gesturing to me to get to the front of the class.

Thank you, God, for giving me exactly what I did not want.

I carefully got up from my chair trying not to fall as I made my way forward. I was already asked to introduce myself several times today, so I had expected it. Thankfully none of the students here snickered or laughed at me so that made me feel a lot better.

“Hey, everyone, I am Evy. I just transferred from Seattle High. Nice to meet you all.” I waved awkwardly.

The class mumbled back a hey and I quickly slipped back to my seat at the back of the class. I sighed in relief, thankfully that was over.

Mr. Brown was really good as he explained all the fundamentals for our next assignment. I soaked up all the information like a sponge. I was going to take this class for the next two years, right now it was just the basics. During my senior year, I would be taking the advanced version. And I was already excited about it.

Because I loved writing, I wrote about anything I could. I sometimes even carried my pretty pink notebook with me so I could write whenever I wanted. It was my dream to write forever and to become an actual writer one day where my work would be appreciated.

Which was why I had to get to Yale. They offered the best creative writing program in the entire country, and I needed it. I needed everything that I could to make me a better writer. The best even. It was a far-fetched dream in this fast-moving world, but I would do anything to make it happen.

CHAPTER 3

After the last period, I approached the main exit and made my way to the old willow tree by the school entrance. I guess it was a popular spot for all the students, as most of them lingered there—hanging out with their friends.

I tried to find the girls, but I could not see any familiar faces in the crowd. I was suddenly nervous to stand there by myself, my delusional brain telling me that everyone was watching me. So, I dug my phone out of my pocket, pretending to be busy.

I noticed Aunty M had texted me back with a thumbs up to enjoy myself. I hearted her message and scrolled through some mindless social media pictures while I waited.

“Hey, Evy, sorry we kept you waiting. PT dragged on forever. I met Lily near the changing room and decided to tag along with her,” Katy exclaimed about five minutes later while I was immersed in looking at a picture of a cute pink pony doll.

“That’s okay. I haven’t been waiting that long,” I replied, sliding my phone back into my pocket.

Katy linked her arm with mine and headed toward the gate. “Come on, let’s go to Lola’s. I have been craving a milkshake all day.”

“You just had one yesterday, Katy.” Lily shook her head as she walked alongside us.