Restart

“Hey, new guy! Over here.” Pike turned slowly, full circle, to discover three teens waving him toward the ditch that ran alongside the vacant field. Even though he had enrolled just yesterday, he instantly pegged these guys as belonging to a particular group. He knew, too, from past experience, the activities they engaged in that set them apart.

Raised in Africa by his aunt and uncle, Pike was now stateside, attending a different school every year as his relatives shuffled him about, agreeing on only one thing: Pike should finish his education in the United States. Everywhere he went, he heard the same thing, “You’re Pike? Aren’t you the one who lived in Africa?” He had determined this time around would be a new start and he’d even saved some money to purchase a new outfit for school.

Hesitantly, Pike walked toward the ditch, wondering if he even wanted to go there.

The one he’d identified as the leader spoke again. “My dad owns the local market. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind if we helped ourselves to an after-school snack. Some soda, a bag of chips, what do you say?” Sounded harmless enough to Pike; he knew how to pull off something that simple without getting caught. Just as he took another step to follow them, he heard a slight rustle.

Turning, a glorious sight met his eyes—the prettiest girl he’d seen yet. Her long, blond hair caught the light, and she had shiny gloss on her lips. “Hi, I’m Melody. Have you had a tour of the school yet?”

His adviser had shown him around the day before, giving him a brief “here’s what you need to know” introduction. However, he’d be a fool not to take this opportunity to begin to implement his new image. He trailed after her like a puppy, leaving the group of mischievous guys behind.