CHAPTER 3: SUNSET OUT OF SUNSET BOULEVARD

MONDAY

Lunch Time @ Miriam High School

Jenny was slowly munching on her food, sandwich in one hand, a pen in the other to organize her schedule for the rest of the week. Shane sat back opposite her, gulping down on her soda. She couldn’t help but look around the cafeteria, which was filled with mostly freshmen. Amidst the many new faces that abound, Shane felt that nothing had changed – same old school, same old lunch food.

It was a fairly sunny day – the type of day that made Shane drift farther apart from the rest of the world. “There’s definitely something about the sun that I’m not liking so much… This is so fucking boring.”

Alice broke the silence, “Hey guys, where’s Bette and Dana?”

“Uhm, she was held up. You know, first day of school? President of the Student Body, and The Artists’ Circle Club?” Tina responded. “Dana said she was gonna take care of something first… No idea whatsoever.”

Papi came from behind Shane, and sat beside her. “Have you heard? Coach Ackland is gonna have to gather everyone around the gym this Wednesday for the welcoming of the rookies, and for the expected pep talk about our rally to the State Finals this year. It’s usually on a Friday… Last year it was, right?”

“Uh, yeah…”

“Podcast time.” Alice joyfully said.

“Oh, yeah. I heard we’ve got a new student running around here.” Papi added.

“That would have to be our new cheerleader – she’s from Florida. Tina and I are meeting her after class to discuss a few things…” Jenny carried on with her doodling.

“Yep.” Tina smiled.

“Last Friday, Joe and I met this new chick… Yesterday, Alice was talking some nonsense about a new start. Today, I get news that there’s a new student in school. On Wednesday, we’ll welcome rookies to the team. New. Yet, I feel like nothing’s really ‘new’… Am I fucking getting bored with life? Dang. I think I’m still wasted from last week’s shitload of bull I pulled.” Shane thought, her expression – almost blank.