1 Introduction

Hi!

     My name is Elizabeth Reedus. Most people call me Beth. I just moved to Birmingham, Al from Miami. This is my first time moving schools and I'm  really liking it so far. I used to always get bored with living near the beach, but in my month of living here I miss it a LOT! I'm also kind of scared because this is the first time I've moved schools. I'm just glad we moved before the start of my freshman year because moving during high school can mess you up.

     So far living in Birmingham hasn't been that bad. There's this huge library downtown that I'm sure I'll spend a lot of time in. They also have a lot of great restaurants which have vegan friendly options, which is a double plus. Also, shopping centers are all over the place with my favorite stores. It's not Miami, but I think it's starting to feel a little bit like home.

     The one thing I am worried about is school. I've never really been that social, I just have a few good friends. My parents were worried about me being too introverted, so when we moved they decided to enroll me in this fancy private school. Honestly, I'm just not that private school kind of girl. The one that looks good in her mini skirt and long socks, with the hair that always looks good. The kind of girl that always wears pink on Wednesdays.

*cough* Regina George *cough*

     I just agreed to my parents choice because I didn't want to cause any conflict. Their marriage has been on the rocks lately and I'm trying to do anything to keep them together. I think they are too. 

     Last year they found this really great counselor here in Birmingham. They'd fly once a month to see her. Every time they came back they would get along for a week or so, then go right back to arguing. It was like a medicine that wears off eventually. They thought the solution to their problem was to move closer so they could see Dr. Kohl more often. And that  is how I ended up living in Birmingham, Alabama.

     I'm actually a little bit excited to go to this new school. They have a lot more to offer than my old one. We have to do one sport each year throughout our four years of high school. I don't have a problem with that. They even offer figure skating, which I've always wanted to try. We also have to wear uniforms. Most people have a problem with wearing uniforms, but I am totally cool with that. It just makes getting ready in the morning easier.

     I'm a little bit concerned about making friends. Normally, I just wait for people to talk to me. I'm not good at starting conversations, especially with people I don't know. I can't use that method here though; I'd be labeled as a social outcast so fast, It'd make my head spin.

     Maybe it will be different. Nobody here knows me, and they don't have to know what I used to be like. This is my chance be become a different person. A different attitude.

A whole new me.

Maybe my high school years will be like the ones you see on TV. Maybe they won't. I'm just hoping to make it the best four years of my life. We only get to go through high school once. 

I don't have room to mess up. Especially with my parents' relationship at stake.

It hurts me to think about it. I don't know what I would do if they split up or got a divorce. Since I'm an only child, they're all I have. All my friends and family are back in Miami, so it's just us. Even thinking about this makes me tear up. 

Please don't let the divorce. I prayed silently.

As soon as I say that, they start up again downstairs.

"Jonathan, I don't know how much more of this I can take!" my mom is always the one to raise her voice.

"I'm not keeping you here, Evelyn." when my dad argues, he speaks in a low voice but his words are harsh enough to cut through diamonds.

I go to my closet and put my earbuds in. I turn up the music as loud as it can go.

For as long as I can remember, anytime my parents fight, there's always one band I can rely on to help me get through it.

for King & Country. 

Joel and Luke get me through some tough times in my life. I don't know what I'd do without them.

I begin to drift off to sleep as Run Wild  begins to play.

Are the walls to lock you in or to keep others away

And if the doors were to be opened would you leave or would you stay

The comfort of your misery you cherish dearly, you cherish dearly

And you haven't started dreaming 'cause you're still fast asleep, you're fast asleep

Don't you want to

Run wild, live free

Love strong, you and me

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