6:20 a.m. Nervous breakdown.
It was my first day at my new school. In a whole new country, might I add. I moved here from England not too long ago for.. Reasons.
Reasons I don’t want to think about, but I guess it’s hard not to be reminded.
I managed to get out of bed and get ready and everything, but now I was back on my bed, trying to take deep breaths like my therapist back home taught me.
I’m gonna get through this.
This year will be a piece of cake.
People will like me.
I’ll pass all my classes.
Fuck me.
I kept trying to tell myself positive things, but it only felt like I was kidding myself. Maybe because I was.
“Gabrielle! Come down here and eat before you’re late!” My mum’s voice called my cringe-worthy name from downstairs, breaking me out of my thoughts.
I sighed and got up, grabbed my bag, and walked downstairs to the kitchen table, where a plate of food sat on the surface.
“You ready to start your day?” My mum asked, giving me a small smile.
“Is ‘not at all’ a good answer?” I sighed, taking a bite of my breakfast.
“Well, it’s certainly not the liveliest of answers.” She joked, taking a sip of her coffee.
“I don’t wanna go, Mum..” I sighed, starting to worry once again.
“Listen sweetie.. I know that this is something new and it’s like we’re starting a completely different life, but it’s a better life. We’re here now and this day is the start of something that could turn out either really great or terribly bad. It is whatever you make of it.” My mother spoke to me with her wise words, that caused me to sigh and give her a small smile.
“Thanks, Mum.”
“Of course dear, now eat up before you’re late.”

---

I tried to keep my mother’s advice in mind, as I walked into the doors of Dulaney High.
There was a swarm of teens walking left and right. Some people stood in groups talking to friends, and others were alone, listening to music.
It was like any other high school, but I was obviously more fearful and anxious in this situation.
I walked past the offices, looking for student services. Once I saw the sign, I walked in and waited in line for my turn. I looked around, seeing all the different college posters on the walls. It made me wonder about the future.
Where will I go?
What would I major in?
Everything scares me, now that I’m in a completely different place. I’ve gotta come up with new plans, as well.

By the time it was my turn and I gave the lady my name, the bell had rung, signaling that everyone needed to clear off to their classes.
The lady soon turned back around and handed me my timetable.
“So, Miss. Daniels.. We actually have appointed a tour guide for you.” She told me, her smile covered in pink lipstick.
“A tour guide?” I repeated in a worriedly tone.
“Yes. Since you’re going through such a huge transition, one of our students are going to show you where your classes are. He’s in two of your four classes with you, and he’s very friendly and a really good student. He should be here in..”
Just then, a guy bursted into the door.
“Sorry, am I late?!”
I looked the boy over. He was taller than me, with styled brown hair, brown eyes, and was dressed in a blink-182 sweater.
“No no, you’re just in time, dear! Please show this young lady around.” The lady told him, and he responded in a nod, before turning to smile at me.
“Well, come on!” He led me out of the office.
I sighed and followed him, starting to feel anxious.
“So, hey. I’m Alex.” He flashed me a friendly smile, and held out his hand for me to shake.
I kindly accepted, and smiled a bit.
“I’m Gabi. Spelled G-a-b-i. Not the other way.”
Blimey, I’m awkward.
“Gabi with an I. Got it.” He chuckled, immediately easing my anxiety.
I don’t know, I just suddenly felt more comfortable and at ease around him.
I laughed a bit, too.
“So the tour?” I raised a brow.
“Oh right, sorry! So you’re from England, I’m guessing.” He said, starting to walk.
“How’d you know?!” I joked, making him laugh.
“Lucky guess! So um.. What’s that like?”
“What? England?”
“Living here. How are you liking it?” He looked at me with caring eyes as he spoke.
“It’s great.” I gave him a fake smile, and guess he saw right through it.
“No, really. How do you like it here?”
“Um.. I-it’s gonna take some getting used to..” I sighed, dropping the act.
He gave me a nod of understanding.
“Well, I hope you feel welcome, at least. I like your hair, by the way. It’s rad.” He smiled at me.
“Wow.. Thanks, welcome committee!” I giggled, making him laugh once again.
This Alex guy isn't bad.
“Yeah yeah, now let’s see that schedule.”

He escorted me to our first class, which was chemistry. My anxiety was steadily rising back, but Alex assured me everything would be fine, and he had a seat reserved next to me; which put me at ease.
Maybe the first day won’t be so bad after all?

Notes

Hey! It's JacksWife678 here, and I'll be writing Gabi's POV.

It's only the first chapter and I'm having so much fun.

Hope you guys enjoy this co-write! <333

Thanks! :)

Title cred: All Signs Point To Lauderdale- A Day To Remember