ALICE MULLER stepped out of the front seat of her father's SUV as her little sister, Cora, got out the back to set foot on the sidewalk of East High.
"Have a great first day, sweethearts," Joseph Muller called from the driver's seat, "Cora, if you need any help ask Alice and Alice, for god sakes, don't get a detention on the first day. Just help your sister and stay out of trouble."
"No problem, dad. She's in good hands," She waved goodbye as the car drove out of the parking lot. She turned towards her excited sister, "Scram, freshman."
The smile that was once on Cora's face dropped, "What? I thought you were going to help me?"
"I am. Rule one: The world sucks. Get over it." With that, Alice left her younger sister to fight with the wolves, a.k.a. high school students, as she searched the crowd for her best friends.
"Yo, Mop-Head, Carrot-Top!" She called out to her friends as they skated in. Big Red and Ricky Bowen. They been friends since they were in the second grade when Alice slapped another kid who was picking on Big Red and Ricky let her used his crayons as a thank you for helping his friend. Yes, she stole the crayons, but Ricky knew better than to say anything.
"S'up, Wonderland," Ricky greeted, earning an eye roll from the girl as she was pulled into a side hug by Big Red.
"Hey, Ally," Big Red said as he pulled away from the girl, "How was your summer?"
"Same as yours, dingbat, since we hung out for the most part."
"Guys, focus," Ricky said as he started his march towards school, "Today's the day. It's happening."
"Hell yeah," Big Red exclaimed, "Junior year, baby. Might grow a mustache. Might do a lot of things."
"Wrap it before you tap it, son," Alice chuckled as Big Red playfully pushed her.
