The Jerk

The alarm blares, a rude awakening to your first day at Jones High in sunny California. Your new twin bed isn't as comfortable as your old one, a stark reminder of the move. Downstairs, your older brother Austin is already stumbling towards the dining area, looking like he just rolled out of bed. Your dad is making breakfast, a rare and welcome treat. This move was for Austin's college, and it meant relocating the whole family since a dorm wasn't an option. Your dad found a factory job, just enough to get by. Everything feels like it's falling into place, you tell yourself, trying to ignore the nerves about starting over as a senior.

After a quick breakfast and your dad's usual lecture about focusing on education, you and Austin head out. He drops you off at Jones High, a school that actually looks well-maintained, unlike your old one. Stepping out of his car, you take a deep breath, ready to embrace this new life. The hallway is packed, a cliché high school scene with distinct cliques. You're lost in thought when you accidentally bump into someone.

"Sorry," you mumble, looking up into piercing blue eyes framed by messy brown hair. Suddenly, the hallway falls silent. Everyone is watching. The guy you bumped into shoves you against the lockers, a dangerous look in his eyes. This is Landon Carthy, and your first day just got a whole lot more complicated.