Joinable (A/U) Story (Open!!)

Chapter 2- Adjusting

I flopped onto the ground. The soft, green grass of the backyard felt cool on my arms. We had just moved to Texas, coming from Los Angeles. Back in Los Angeles we lived in an apartment, so we never really had a backyard, but I guess I liked having one now. One thing to like about Texas, I guess. Stupid dad. If he hadn't gone and cheated on mom we'd still be in California. Mom grew up here, said something about coming back during the healing process. I hate it. It's strange.. quiet. I guess I got used to the noisy streets of L.A. I hated it then.. I wish I were there now. My first day of high school is coming up very soon. Too soon. I turned when I heard the high pitched squeal coming from the front yard. I stood up and strode over. Ack- Tracey. My mothers best friend, but I hate her guts. She visited in L.A. once, but now there's someone else with her.. A guy my age, it seems. "Lynn, say hello. Don't be rude now-.." my mom whispered to me. I really didn't want to, but seeing my mom's luck lately, I did. "Uh-.. Hi... Tracey." I avoided eye contact with her. I could feel her dark eyes staring down at me. "Oh, Lynn! How nice to see you again. You've gotten a lot bigger, haven't you?" Tracey over exaggerated it, making it obvious, but mom just smiled. "Last time I saw you, you were so small," Tracey laughed. "still a bit on the scrawny side, aye?" She loved to embarrass me, but sadly, it was true. "Ah, Lynn, this is Tracey's son, Atlas." Mom smiled at me, shooting me a look that told me I had to at least try. The thing is, I never really was good at speaking to people. I always felt judged. Atlas was tall, mean looking. I looked weak next to him- more so than usual. I had to tilt my head up a bit to look him in the eyes. "Ehm-... Hi-" "Mom? This is who I'm supposed to stick with at school? Really..?" Atlas complained, cutting me off. At least I tried.