New Beginnings

MY FIRST DAY AT FLAGLER High School could not have gone worse. I got to school early with the hope to get through what I needed to in the office. By the time I am done in the office, everyone else is arriving. I wore my FBI jacket, which just drew the attention of everyone around me. I go to my first block class and hope the teacher, Mr. Ronan, about 26 years old, does not do the stand-and-tell. Mr. Ronan teaches geometry, so my brain needs to kick in early. As soon as I walk into the room it goes dead silent and I have all eyes on me. Even in big towns, people are interested in new arrivals. Great! I get pointed to the last seat in the class and listen to Mr. Ronan jabber away at my conscience and what was left of my mental stability. Finally, the bell rings and I can go to my next class. Next, I have English 10. Ms. Scott, a teacher who looks like she's barely out of college, maybe 24, makes me stand in front of the class and introduce myself. I don't like her, I barely know her! I sit down where she tells me to and wait patiently for her to start class. She decided we were watching the original Romeo and Juliette along with a worksheet and a reenactment. Yep, I definitely don't like her. I don't mind the movie, but the reenactment is a little extra. I start to see a few of the same people in my classes. One walks up to me and introduces herself as Noya.

"Hello, Noya. I am sure by now you know who I am," I say blandly as I go to walk to my next class.

"Yes, I know who you are. You are VonRichter, the transfer from Cobb County High, whose file is very redacted," she rambles off.

"How do you know what high school I went to?" I ask with a slightly fierce tone.

"I work closely with the office workers who were willing to help me find out about you," she says in a single breath. Good to know the people here are very nosy when it comes to their new toys.

I roll my eyes and walk to my next class. Next is Mrs. Krasinski who teaches Chemistry. I sit next to Noya in Chem too. Next is Mr. Reyes who teaches American Government. He's a balding man in his late forties who has this thing for iguanas. I hate to admit I think I like him the best. As I hear the bell ring telling us we can go home, I hear a small group of girls talking about a transfer from California. He is gorgeous, and I kinda wanna see what that's all about. On the way home, I call my mom and see how she and David are doing. We talked about them for a short time to turn to the fact I haven't been answering my phone. As I pull up in front of the house I tell her I need to go and do some homework. It is not a total lie, but I have until the end of the week to finish it.

...

I've been in town for a few days so people don't seem to care as much about my presence. So basically, I am no longer the shiny new toy. This is the thought that goes through my head as I am getting ready to go to school. My phone buzzed interrupting my thoughts. I look at the screen. It's a message from Yoli.

NEW MESSAGE FROM: Yolissa Vasquez

Yolissa Vasquez 07:42 HEY! It's been days. Where are you?

VonRichter 07:43 Yoli hi. I seem to have these things called school, work, and Josh.

I go back to getting ready for school. A few minutes later my phone buzzes again... repeatedly.

Yolissa Vasquez 07:45 So you still don't call him dad.

Anyway, you won't believe what happened.

You would have laughed if you were here.

VonRichter 07:45 Alright, I'll bite. What happened?

Yolissa Vasquez 07:46 Andre kissed Jason!

I chuckle at that. They were two of the most straight, homophobic people in the school.

VonRichter 07:46 I liked Andre.

Yolissa Vasquez 07:47 Oh I didn't mean to offend you.

VonRichter 07:47 Ha! Do you think I am offended?

Yolissa Vasquez 07:47 You aren't offended?

VonRichter 07:48 Heck no! I thought you knew me. But listen chick. I need to get ready for school or I'll be late.

Yolissa Vasquez 07:48 Alright. Don't forget to text every once in a while.

I put my phone away and finished getting dressed for school. I am about to leave and remember I needed my keys. I run back through the house so I don't end up late. I grab my keys and run out to my truck like a demon is chasing me. I hurry up and drive to school. I pull in and run to class getting there as the bell rings. Mr. Ronan looks at me and sighs.

"You are late, VonRichter," he looks disappointed. "I'll let it go if you have a good reason, seeing as you are my only student who shows up early."

"I forgot my keys and had to run back to get them, then my truck wouldn't start. I am sorry for being late," I apologize and walk back to my seat. I try to listen to him drone on for a class period. I finally hear the bell for our next class. I get up and hurry to the door. In my haste, I slam straight into the door. Hmm, that's not right. The door was open. I look up and see dazzling gray eyes staring down at me. The character instead of wearing a t-shirt was wearing a flagler county football jersey. I try to apologize as he pulls me up and I hurry off to my next class. As I run away I hear a laugh. The rest of the day goes by in a blur until the door opens in fourth block and Mr. Grey-Eyed Football Player walks in. He walks up to Mr. Reyes and they talk about something for a second. No doubt the latest game. After a minute of them talking, Mr. Reyes calls me to the front and tells me to step out with Julien Capo. His name's Julien? I do as I am asked because naturally, I am curious. Plus he's hot enough I'd follow him anywhere. Oh Gods, now I sound like a simp. When we get out to the hallway he hands me the paper. His hand accidentally brushes mine and there's a spark of excitement. He tells me he wants to test me out as a new quarterback and explains the normal QB was out on injury. I look at the sheet and see its field plays. I tell him I'll think about it and take the paper back into the classroom. I wait until the bell rings so I can get out of there. I need to talk to Yolissa about this. I pull out my phone as I walk back to my truck.

NEW MESSAGE TO: Yolissa Vasquez

VonRichter 15:46 I was just offered the position of QuarterBack.

I get into my truck before she says anything.

Yolissa Vasquez 15:47 Is that some new training thing for the feds?

VonRichter 15:48 No. Do you know what football is?

Yolissa Vasquez 15:47 Of course I know what football is!

VonRichter 15:48 Then you should know what a quarterback is.

Yolissa Vasquez 15:48 Wait... The school wants you to play football?

VonRichter 15:48 No, the wicked hot captain does.

Yolissa Vasquez 15:48 Oh do tell.

VonRichter 15:48 I'll oh do tell this evening. Right now I have to get home before Josh has an aneurysm.

Yolissa Vasquez 15:48 *sigh* fine but don't forget.

I chuckle as I drop my phone into my bag. As I drive home I try to find something on the crappy radio. Instead, my boss calls me.

"Hey VonRichter, sorry to call now, I am sure You are driving home," Robins began. "But we need you to come to the office tomorrow. I hope that's okay."

"Of course. What time do you want me there? I can come by before or after school," I say and wait.

"I'll text you the details. Do you still have the phone the F.B.I. gave you?" Robins asked. She normally doesn't worry about the secrecy aspect, so I know the system got breached... again.

"Yes, I do have that phone. I'll plug it in when I get home," I tell her. "But now I gotta go because I am sure Josh is beginning to worry."

"Alright. Have a good evening, VonRichter."

With that, the line disconnected. I finish the drive home and find Josh's car parked around a tree, and the front door wide open.

Guess we were breached after all.