Chapter Text
Starting a new life at a new school was hard. Gwen would know. She had recently transferred to a new area due to her mother getting a new job. Her annoyance at the idea of putting up with new, potentially-obnoxious classmates became apparent through her grumbles. 'A new hell' she thought. Luckily, she didn't have to make too much effort to meet new people, she already knew someone who went there, her childhood friend Leshawna had moved to the area a few years ago - Gwen was excited to see her in person again. The pale goth stepped out the door and into the sun as she began her stroll to school, she was glad the weather had taken mercy upon her so she didn't have to walk in the rain. She let out a small hum as she reached the silver gates, seeing that several students had already arrived, her anxiety at being the new kid escalated as she approached two girls chatting near a tree.
"Hey... uh, do you guys know where Mrs Bennet's classroom is?" Gwen rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly, not used to being the one to start conversations.
"Mrs Bennet? Oh yeah, totally! Zoey and I have her first period, are you in her class?" The girl in the blue hoodie smiled, the sun catching in her honey-coloured hair, her face appeared slightly tanned and freckled, suggesting that she spent a lot of time outdoors, she spoke in a calm yet friendly tone, which eased Gwen's discomfort.
"Yeah, I'm supposed to get my timetable from her," the goth replied.
"Bridgette and I can show you where it's at if you want!" The pigtailed redhead, who she assumed was Zoey, clasped her hands together, in an enthusiastic tone that tried to seem friendly but not too desperate, Gwen found her small smile cute.
"Yeah, I'd appreciate it, thanks," Gwen smiled back and followed the girls inside.
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As she walked through the halls, Gwen took note of some of the faces as she went by, she saw two blondes discussing lipgloss, one wearing a pink shirt, the other wearing an orange skirt, a pair of identical blondes in cheerleader outfits arguing, specifically, one yelling at the other who was looking at the ground, she looked to the other side and saw a tanned brunette in green trousers scolding a dark haired girl wearing obvious fake tan holding a can of hairspray. As the girls approached the classroom, Gwen spotted someone stood outside the door checking her nails, she had long, black hair and wore short, khaki shorts, she peered up at Gwen and scowled, going back to her nails - the goth rolled her eyes before going inside with Bridgette and Zoey.
Gwen received a brief explanation of what classes she had, where the school facilities were and how the school was run. Afterwards, the teacher told the girls to sit inside, as the bell would be going soon, Zoey sat at the end of the row, with Bridgette then Gwen filling the next two seats, the young women all chatted amongst themselves as they waited. Suddenly, the door swung open and the girl who had stood outside came strutting in.
"Ugh! Mrs Bennet, how long am I supposed to wait outside? I told you, it's not my fault that Courtney's badge went missing, it was probably that idiot delinquent or farm boy!" She placed her hands on her hips, as the teacher let out a sigh.
"I told you, Heather, that you either admit that you stole it, or you serve detention until it's found. Now get out, I'm trying to deal with a new student." Heather crossed her arms and turned to where the three girls were sitting, letting out a huff.
"Whatever, just don't get too comfortable here, weird goth girl." Heather sneered at Gwen who glared back, not caring for the insulting nickname. The tall prep flipped her hair before leaving as the bell finally rung, a stampede of students entering the halls.
Gwen watched her leave as Bridgette leaned over, "Sorry about that, Heather's... well, uh," Bridgette bit her lip as she tried to find the nicest way to phrase it, "well, kind of a bitch." Gwen broke out into laughter and Zoey soon followed.
"Don't worry, there was all kinds of girls like her at my old school, I know how to put up with them," They turned their attention back to the students coming through the door, Gwen recognising some that she saw in the hall, they all looked like they knew how to carry themselves, so confident. Few turned to look at her, then turned away to spread the news of a new arrival.
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The row in front of them soon filled, a blond man wearing what looked like a cowboy hat and an open pink shirt (who Bridgette almost immediately turned her attention to) sat at the end, a rough looking punk with a green mohawk sat in front of Bridgette followed by the freckled brunette wearing a jumper and green trousers - who was berating the punk for something, a ginger wearing a simple white shirt swung into the final seat, attempting to gain the attention of the brown-haired girl, who was still arguing with the delinquent.
She turned her attention to the final seat of her row, which was quickly filled by... "Leshawna!" Gwen perked up at the sight of her old friend, who gave a wave in reply.
"Hey, girl! Are you enjoying it here, then?"
Gwen raised a brow, "I've barely been here an hour," the two giggling women were then hushed as their teacher began listing off all the basics.
"...So, no, glasses are not, in fact, flushable. And before I forget, we have a new student joining us this year, everyone please give a warm Wawanakwa welcome to Gwen Carter!" The goth girl winced as a bunch of people turned to look at her, Bridgette and Zoey giggled beside her.
"Should've seen that coming" Leshawna rolled her eyes as Gwen playfully hit her arm, she then turned her attention to the row in front of her.
"So, pasty, who knocked you out the coffin?" The guy with the mohawk turned around to 'welcome' her.
Gwen rolled her eyes, "Ha, very original."
The girl beside him then spun around, "Ugh! Shut up, Duncan, she probably has more sense than to associate with you," the brunette glared at him before turning to Gwen. "I'm Courtney, by the way, it's nice to meet you," she gave a smile, which Gwen returned.
"Nice to meet you too."
Bridgette leaned over again. "Hey Courtney, you still running for class president again?"
Courtney laughed. "Of course! I already have the first week of my campaign planned." She then muttered, "and I'm NOT losing to Owen again..."
Duncan snickered beside her. "Campaigns don't even start till next month... And still hoping to become the school's dictator? I thought you'd be over it after that total failure from last year-" Courtney punched him in the arm, though in an obviously not friendly manner.
"Hey... at least Courtney's trying to do something productive this year, unlike you who spent all summer in Juvie." The ginger guy beside Courtney spoke up.
"Thanks, Scott."
Gwen quickly zoned out as the three continued arguing.
"Sooo new chick, you're totally coming to my party on Friday, right?" The blond at the end of the row spoke up, Bridgette then cut in.
"This is Geoff, by the way, he throws the SICKEST parties on the first week back, you HAVE to come!" Gwen raised an eyebrow, Bridgette continued. "It'll be at the place opposite the park, there'll be some totally awesome music too!" Gwen wasn't exactly the social type, but it would be better than sitting at home watching late night TV with her mother or something.
"Sure."
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After introductions were over, the bell rung and Gwen checked her timetable to find that she had biology first. Not the best way to start the day but whatever. Leshawna and Bridgette also had biology first so she didn't have to worry about getting lost - that was a plus at least.
Making their way into the classroom, although being earlier than they would've liked, they realised they weren't alone as Leshawna grumbled when a familiar face made themselves known.
"Heather..."