the only exception

The first few classes had gone by without an issue. Phoebe had only had to talk a handful of times, for introductions and ice-breakers. Truly, there hadn't been a single issue until fourth period, when she realized lunch was next and she still hadn't made a single friend to sit with.

    Even just thinking about it filled her with anxiety, but the teacher had already said they could do whatever they wanted since they'd already gone over the syllabus. It was then that Phoebe noticed pretty much every other person had someone to talk to.

    She thought about making conversation with the other kids at her table, but wasn't sure what to say considering they had all already gotten into a conversation about some upcoming concerts.

    She pulled out her phone, putting a random playlist on shuffle, before going to text Hayley.

    phoebe
    11:27am
im dying

    However, she knew Hayley had mentioned being busy today, so didn't even bother waiting for a response, instead going to instagram to mindlessly scroll.

    A few moments later, someone was waving a hand in front of her face.

    "What're you listening to?" A sweet voice asked, causing Phoebe to rip her earphone out to listen.

    "Sorry, what?" She asked, nervously, looking over at the girl.

    "What're you listening to?"

    "Oh," Phoebe offered a small smile, now noticing the two boys at the table were looking at her as well. "Taylor Swift."

    "Oh, no shit? I love her! I'm Emily."

    Phoebe smiled brightly at the girl's excitement, "I'm Phoebe."

    "Nice to meet you! This is Hayden and James, they also love Taylor Swift, even if they won't admit it." Emily grinned, gesturing to the two boys.

    Phoebe nodded awkwardly, but kept a small smile on her face. When the bell rang, she felt conflicted. Part of her was happy she wouldn't have to try and make conversation, but the other half of her was sad that now she really did have no one to talk to again.

    However, before the trio could walk away, Hayden was turning back, "Do you wanna join us? At lunch, I mean."

    "Oh, uh.." Phoebe looked around, before Emily walked back, grabbing her hand.

    "Come on, I promise we won't bite." She assured.

    James scrunched his face, "Don't let her lie to you. She literally bit me last week when I took the last piece of pizza."

    Phoebe broke out into a smile at this, happily following the group through the halls. She took note very early on that they seemed sweet and were trying to include her in everything. If an inside joke got brought up, Emily was quick to try and explain it.

    What Phoebe did not expect, however, was that they would be having lunch with a whole other group of people. It's not like it mattered, really, but it was hard for the teen to remember everyone's names, and being in a big group made it harder to stay up to date in the conversation, even with Emily's help,

    "Would you wanna go?" Emily asked, turning to Phoebe who just shook her head.

    "Sorry, what?" Phoebe asked quickly, feeling a little guilty she hadn't been listening.

    Emily just smiled though, sweet as ever, "Do you wanna come to the party? Hayden's brother throws one on the first day of school every year."

    "Oh," Phoebe frowned, "When is it?"

    "Tonight. Seeing as it's the first day of school and all." Emily grinned, playfully bumping her shoulder with Phoebes.

    "I'm not sure," Phoebe muttered, shaking her head.

    This time, it was Hayden who spoke up, "Come on, it'll be fun. Plus, then that gives us some time to hang out."

    Phoebe's cheeks turned pink at the smile he gave her, finding herself instantly agreeing. "Yeah, sure."

    "Sweet! If you want a ride, I can pick you up. I'm going with my sister." Emily told her, instantly pulling out her phone and offering it to the brunette, "Here, put your number in."

    Phoebe nodded quickly putting her information in before handing the phone back.

    When the bell rang to signal lunch was over, Phoebe reluctantly parted ways from Emily, the two having already checked their schedules to see they didn't have the next class together.

    On the walk to the next class, Phoebe pulled her phone back out to see a few messages from Hayley, all a couple minutes apart.

    hayley
    11:47
    Are you okay?
    Is it school? I'm sure it's not that bad.
    Have you made any friends yet?

    phoebe
    12:35pm
    im fine now. made a few friends at lunch but it was sososososo awkward.

    hayley
12:36pm
    Making new friends is always awkward but are they nice at least?

    phoebe
    12:36pm
    yeah ! this girl emily invited me to a party. it's one of the boys brothers or something. idk. but that was nice.

    hayley
    12:37pm
    Like a drinking party or let's play board games party?

    Phoebe knew there was going to be drinking and it was going to be the stereotypical high school party, but for some reason she didn't want Hayley to know that. Like maybe she'd be disappointed in her or something, even if she couldn't fully explain it.

phoebe
12:37pm
idk. didn't ask
gtg to class now tho! talk to you later.

hayley
12:38pm
Have fun:)

Phoebe put her phone down at the desk, pulling out her notebook and absentmindedly doodling in it.

"Hey, mind if I sit here?" A masculine voice asked, causing Phoebe to jump slightly. She looked up to see Hayden, grinning at her reaction, "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

"It's alright," she forced out, gesturing next to her, "Go for it."

"You liking it here so far?" He asked, earning a shrug.

"I mean, I miss my friends, but besides that it's alright. You, Emily, and James have been really helpful in me getting through the day," She laughed, a little bitterly as Hayden grinned.

"Happy to be of service," he told her, sending a quick wink her way. She was sure she was as red as a tomato and couldn't help but to look away. Luckily, the teacher started trying to get everyone to settle and they got on with the class.