The universe is an amazing place. It is interesting when you think about it, how much we know and how much we don’t know. For instance, how we know so many different species, through different kingdoms and genus. Yet there are almost just as many undiscovered creatures, especially lurking in the oceans. It is amazing how we know and can identify several planets and celestial bodies. Yet we don’t know where the edge of the universe is. It is amazing how the sun can be over 90 million miles away, and yet somehow, in some way, the only light entering Annabel’s room was directly on her eyeball.

The sudden light in the eyes shocked her from her sleep and a groan erupted from the young girl curled up in her bed sheets. It was the first day of classes for the new girl, coming in to a brand new high school junior year. It was almost soul shattering to her, having to uproot herself from all of her friends back west, while her parents worked on moving out to the east coast. Annabel was already in the new house, while her parents finished up some work and settled some affair back home. Crawling out of bed she figured that she shouldn't refer to that place as home anymore. This was home, for now. After getting dressed in the new school's uniform; white button down shirt, black skirt, and a plaid necktie, Annabel made her way down the stairs, brushing through her long blond locks. Besides the gentle pitter-patter of her socked feet on the floor, the house was completely silent. She appreciated this new privacy, though not too new as her parents were relatively absent as long as she could remember.

Annabel huffed under her breath and tied up her hair in a messy bun. She was naturally a social butterfly, so she needed her fair share of social interaction. So starting out a new school would be just a little bit of a challenge. Grabbing her bag off the counter, her cell phone, keys, and throwing on her dress shoes, she hopped out the door and headed straight to the school in her silver Volvo. Moonlight Villa Academy was a very nice school, considering it was public. But maybe the schools were just naturally nicer on the east coast. Annabel wasn't so sure, but she did find it odd that a public school required a uniform. Wandering onto the campus, there was already a great crowd of students bustling around, telling stories about their summer vacations, trips, and parties. It felt odd not being able to chime in naturally, like she would have back home. But she new it would take a little time and warmth until she could finally make some friends.

"HEADS UP!" Someone yelled out behind her. She wasn't fast enough to turn when a football came flying through the air, and just smacked her shoulder. It caused her to fall back, but luckily not completely lose her footing. "Ah, shit! Are you okay- uhh..." The guy realized he was lost for words, not knowing this new face. "Annabel. That's my name. I'm new here... Is it just an eastern thing to introduce yourself with the collision of flying objects?" She quickly spoke and leaned down to grab the football before playfully shoving it into the guy's chest. She was trying to start up a friendly conversation with, who she could obviously tell based on his letterman jacket was on the school's football team. A weird smirk seemed to grow on his face as she mentioned new girl. In fact, Annabel noticed the turning of quite a few heads. "Ah! A noobie!! Welcome to Moonlight Villa. And to answer your question, no. I think I was just trying to get your attention. Name is Ralph." The dark haired, tan skinned boy reached out his hand, and shook Annabel's hand. A few heads turned away and Ralph began leading Annabel back towards a guys and girls. All very athletic looking.

Annabel herself wasn't big into school sports, or even cheer leading. Yet somehow she always found a way to get into their group. "Hey, we got some fresh meat here." Some of the heads looked up and started giggling, and a few seemed to shake their head. Annabel wasn't sure what this whole "new girl" deal was about. But at the same time, she figured this must have been what it was like for everyone going to a new school.

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The day started out like any other. The faint smell of mold was the first smell Jackson woke up too. Water stains from a leaking roof plastered the walls of his small bedroom, a problem that had been present from since before his family had moved in. It didn't bother him much though, he had grown used to it over the years. The next thing he noticed was his alarm screaming at him to get out of bed. Last night he didn't sleep well, the faint bags under his eyes proved that well enough.

Jackson clambered out of bed, his hand smacking the alarm clock to shut the damn thing up. It didn't take him long to get ready, all he had to do was throw on some clothes he had scattered across the floor of his bedroom, run his fingers through his messed hair, and out the door he went, backpack in hand. On the way out he passed him mother, passed out on the worn down couch. No surprise there. Every morning it was the same story. At least he had school to escape to now. Running his fingers through his hair, Jackson made his way down the street, a Letterman jacket, his prized possession, hugging his body loosely. School was only a few blocks away, Jackson couldn't wait to get there.

The jocks and his fellow friends were are grouped in the usual spot, goofing around like usual. However, a new face caught his attention as he approached his friends, and Jackson rolled his eyes. "Oh, c'mon Ralphy." Jackson said, a bit of sarcasm in his voice poking through as threw an arm around his friend's neck, rough housing as usual. Jackson had approached just in time to hear them talking about 'fresh meat.' "A bit old for that now, aren't we?" Of course everyone knew what he was referring to. The hazing for new students at the old house of Masking Lane that always took place on Halloween night. A tradition he found ridiculous, especially for kids their age.

Eyes on the new girl, Jackson gave a charming smile as he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jacket. "Not everyone believes in ghost stories anymore."

Annabel’s eyes shifted to the brown-haired boy who was responding to “Ralphy”, as he called him. It was quickly that Annabel concluded that this guy had to be the high school’s resident stud. Football jock, tall, handsome. He seemed to have all of that. But Annabel was no stranger to attractive people. Given her own looks and her bright personality, she tended to be able to merge “into the pack” relatively quickly. But her eyes couldn’t help but linger a little longer than they probably should have, in reference to Jackson. ”Aaaah, Jackson! Just because people stop believing in the monster under the bed, doesn’t mean it goes away!” Ralph laughed and playfully patted Annabel’s center back. Annabel was still a bit confused by these statements. Ghost stories? Monster under the bed? ”Have I been transferred back to elementary school?” She just chuckled and grinned.
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”No worries, girly. You’ll be in on our jokes soon enough!” Girly? Had this guy already forgotten her name? But it didn’t seem to phase Annabel all too much. He seemed to still be focusing some on the brunette boy in front of her. Ralph, being quick to notice things, quickly grabbed Jackson on the shoulder, patting it roughly. ”I was just talking to Jackson here about my party this weekend. Big even for all the seniors. You should come, girly. It’ll be the best way for you to learn more about us and get to know everyone. Although the people that matter most are sitting right in front of you.” Ralph smirked playfully at the young girl, her eyes finally shifted away from Jackson and jumped fact to face from sporty jock to preppy cheerleader. ”Well then, I’m Annabel. You can call me Anna though. And, I look forward to this party.” Her eyes landed on Jackson again, just as the bell rang for homeroom classes to start. Annabel got lost in the crowd of moving bodies, and Ralph threw a wide arm around Jackson’s shoulder.

”She was TOTALLY checking you out, my main man. You gotta make sure she makes it to my party this weekend… which means I expect you to be there as well!” He strongly patted Jackson’s shoulder. Yes, Annabel’s eyes had been checking him out, but she was still determing to herself is she should focus her time on catching a single guy’s attention, when she had a whole new school to start meeting.