Welcome to East Allegheny
Emily arrived at school early, just as she always did when starting somewhere new. It gave her time to get a feel for the place, to watch how people moved, who grouped together, and what kind of routine the school followed. First days were practically a science to her by now—different locations, different faces, but always the same thing.
East Allegheny High wasn’t anything special. A small-town Pennsylvania school with a student body that probably didn’t break 400. A handful of sports fields stretched out behind the main building, where a few students were already practicing. It was quiet, predictable—nothing she hadn't seen before. Not that it mattered. She probably wouldn’t be here long enough for it to mean anything.
Leaning against the side of her car, she took in the scene, rolling an unlit cigarette between her fingers. She had no intention of smoking it—it was just something to do with her hands, a familiar habit in unfamiliar places.
“You’re going to build a reputation before even stepping foot inside.”
The voice cut through the morning stillness, drawing Emily’s attention across the parking lot. A girl stood there, dark hair cut short with bangs, a leather jacket slung over her shoulders. She looked out of place here.
Emily met her gaze, tilting her head slightly. “I don’t mind.”
The girl smirked, stepping closer with a curious glint in her eyes. “You’re new here.” It wasn’t really a question—just a statement.
“That I am,” Emily replied, watching her. Usually, people ignored her when she started at a new school, but not her. She was direct, no hesitation. Emily had a feeling they’d get along.
“So, new girl, what’s your name?”
“Emily.”
“Alright, Emily, what brings you to East Allegheny?” The way she said the town’s name made Emily think she probably hated it as much as she did.
Emily hesitated. She wasn’t sure whether to trust this stranger just yet, so she settled on a half-truth.
“Moved here to live with my aunt.”
The full truth? After getting into trouble in Italy, her mother had decided she needed "structure"—somewhere quiet and controlled, where she couldn't run wild. East Allegheny fit the bill.
The girl tilted her head, an amused grin tugging at her lips. “Oh, you’re gonna love it here.” The sarcasm was thick in her voice.
Emily smirked. She could play that game too. “Oh, I’m sure. It just seems so fascinating already.”
The girl chuckled, shaking her head. “I moved here a year ago. If you want, I can show you around.” She held out a hand as if just remembering. “Oh, and I’m Elle, by the way.”
Emily took it, a little surprised at how easy this felt. “Might just take you up on that.”
Before Elle could respond, movement caught Emily’s attention. A group of girls walked across the parking lot toward the school, chatting amongst themselves. But one girl in particular stood out.
Blonde hair tied up in a ponytail. Blue soccer uniform. A bright yellow armband wrapped around her bicep—the mark of a captain. Even from a distance, she carried herself with the kind of effortless confidence that made people look twice.
Emily’s fingers toyed with the cigarette between her fingers. She knew that armband well. In Europe, soccer was practically a religion—she’d seen countless players wear it, from small local teams to professional leagues. It meant she wasn’t just some player; she was the player. The leader.
“Who’s that?” she asked, not looking away.
Elle followed her gaze, then snorted. “That? That’s JJ. Jennifer Jareau. She pretty much runs this place.”
As the group passed, the blonde must have felt Emily’s stare because she glanced over. For a brief second, their eyes locked.
Emily expected her to look away immediately, but she didn’t—her gaze was sharp, assessing like she was sizing Emily up. JJ.
Emily hadn't spoken to her yet, but she knew the type. The golden girl. The one everyone adored. The one who had probably never had a single hair out of place. The kind of girl Emily had never gotten along with.
JJ’s expression didn’t waver, but after a moment, she blinked and turned back to her friends, resuming whatever conversation she was having.
Emily smirked to herself, exhaling slowly.
This place might not be completely boring after all.