The Exchange Student

Today was the first day of school.

I was still home-sick, but I didn't want it to show.

When I came down the stairs, I was greeted by Denise.

"Good morning, Ishani. Did you sleep well?" she asked, and I nodded.

"Yes." I replied, and Denise gave me a smile.

"Good."

We both headed into the kitchen, where Joe and Nick were just finishing up with breakfast.

"Morning, Princess." Joe stated, and I raised an eyebrow.

"Princess?"

Joe nodded.

"Yeah. It's my nickname for you."

"When did you decide that?" I asked as I took a breakfast bar from the counter.

Joe grinned.

"This morning."

I rolled my eyes but I gave him a smile anyways.

"Thanks. I feel special."

"You should be." Joe told me.

Denise looked at me, Joe, and Nick.

"Kevin is driving you guys to school, just to let you know."

Joe frowned.

"But, he promised me I'd be driving today!"

Denise frowned also.

"And get Ishani killed? How would I explain that to her parents?"

Nick smirked, and Joe gave Denise a half-smile.

"Okay....you win. I don't want Princess killed neither."

Kevin came in just then, followed by Frankie.

"Are you guys ready to go?" he asked, and we all nodded.

"Pretty much." Joe responded.

We all piled into Kevin's car (Frankie sat up front while me, Joe, and Nick all crammed into the back-seat), and off we went.

As we reached the school, I was dangerously close to breaking out of the car, and head for home.

I couldn't do this:

I seriously couldn't.

"Are you okay?" Joe asked as we got out of the car, and I nodded.

"Y--yeah." I squeaked, and Joe frowned.

"It's okay if you're nervous, Ishani."

I turned around to look at him.

"I am not nervous."

Joe smirked.

"Your voice is high-pitched. Don't lie to me, Princess."

I glanced at him, and I sighed.

"Okay. Fine. I'm nervous. Happy?"

Joe smiled.

"Like I said, it's okay to be nervous. Just be yourself."

"Easy for you to say." I scoffed, and Joe placed an arm around me.

"Don't be so glum. Be happy."

I wiggled out from his arm.

"Alright. I'll be happy."

Joe grinned as the bell rang.

"Great!"

It was so hard not to be glum around Joe:

I grinned back.

Since Joe had some of the classes as me (including first hour), he walked with me to my classes.

People gave us really weird looks since Joe kept me laughing through the morning, making me completely forget about my jitters and my home-sickness.

Which I guess was a good thing after all....