We made it to the police station first, to get the tracker removed. After that, we drove the rest of the way to the school in near silence. Pulling into the lot, the big green sign loomed overhead: "Home of the Forks High School Spartans." Aiden scoffed and climbed out of the cruiser.
Home of the Spartans, huh? Sounds like some kind of warrior school. Great. Just what I need.
"Well, I can't pick you up after I leave, so just come down to the station when you're done with school, alright?" Steve called over, already speeding off back to work.
Steve's always busy. Guess I'm on my own now. Not that I'm complaining.
Aiden turned toward the large red brick building. The parking lot was mostly empty—just a few cars and scattered students, the early morning still settling in. Everyone who noticed him stared, trying to figure out who he was.
Great, already the new kid on display. Just what I wanted.
He pulled his hood up, shoved his headphones in, and let J. Cole's BETTER DAYZ drown out the world. Following the trail of cars and kids, he made his way toward the stairs and then the main entrance. A small, dainty sign marked the office.
Maybe if I just keep my head down, no one will bother me.
Inside, the office was brightly lit and warm. It was small, with a few padded folding chairs in the waiting area and a worn orange-speckled commercial carpet. The walls were cluttered with notices and awards, and a big clock ticked loudly overhead.
Plants in large plastic pots crowded the corners, as if nature was fighting to reclaim the space. A long counter split the room in two, covered with wire baskets filled with papers and colorful flyers taped along its front.
Behind it sat three desks, one manned by a big, red-haired woman wearing glasses shaped like bus windows and dangling earrings. She wore a shimmering green blouse tucked into a flowy white skirt patterned with green lizards.
She noticed the door and approached the counter. "Can I help you, dear?"
"Aiden White," he said, watching her eyes light up with recognition.
Of course they know who Steve's kid is. Great.
"Of course, you must be Deputy Steve's son." She rifled through a precariously stacked pile of papers on her desk until she found his schedule and a map of the school. "Here you go." She laid them out on the counter.
She highlighted his classes and the routes on the map, handing him a slip to get signed by each teacher, which he'd return at day's end.
She smiled warmly. "I hope you like it here in Forks. Steve says you'll do just fine."
Aiden gave a small, indifferent smile and packed everything into his bag before heading out.
We'll see about that.
Just as he reached the door, he bumped into someone.
"Hey, watch it, buddy," said a voice as the person picked herself up. Others glanced over but kept walking.
"Sorry, didn't see you there." Aiden held out his hand to help her up. She was taller than average—about six-one—with long light brown hair streaked with honey. Skinny, but kind-looking, with soft brown eyes behind glasses.
She took his hand and looked up, adjusting her glasses. "Oh, you must be Aiden White," she said like she'd known him forever. Aiden felt a flicker of curiosity and confusion—how did she know his name?
How do you already know my name? Does everyone know me already?
"You must be confused," she smiled. "I'm Angela Webber. I'm part of the Welcoming Committee…and a few other things around school." She extended her hand awkwardly.
"Aiden," he said, smiling back. "Nice to meet you."
"You too. Well, I can show you around—give you a quick tour. It won't be long."
As they walked the halls before the first bell, Angela pointed out the best classes, the teachers to avoid, and shortcuts the receptionist hadn't mentioned. They moved through the quiet corridors until the bell rang in their ears.
A map and a tour. At least someone's trying to make this less miserable.
"Aiden, I guess that's a wrap," Angela said.
"Thanks for the tour. It was fun," he said, flashing a small smile and waving before starting down a hallway in the wrong direction.
"Wait—what's your first class?" she called, laughing softly.
"Gym," he said, clearly lost.
Of course, gym. How could I possibly know where to go?
"That's perfect! I have it too. Want to follow me?" she offered with a grin, turning and walking the other way.
He shook his head but stumbled after her, hoping not to be late on his first day. Lord knows what Steve would do if that happened.