i wonder

"I'm a star. How could I not shine?"

Paige rolled her eyes and braced herself for what was next. This was her third class of the day and the third time the teacher made her stand in the front of the room to introduce herself. She recognized a few of the kids this time, eyes rolling the same way hers were.

The first time had been such a disaster. Paige had stood up proudly, confidence from her popularity at her previous school clouding her better sense. She gave a spiel about her general awesomeness, listing off extracurriculars and talents she'd accumulated her freshmen and sophomore years. She even gave a shout out to her previous high school. Paige had ended her monologue with her most dazzling smile. A smile that faded as the other kids snorted and chuckled.

The second time was better but still not actually good. At least the other kids didn't laugh at her. Because she barely said anything. Just her name and where she used to live. Then she scurried to her seat before she could again make a fool of herself. But once seated, she was a bit ashamed of herself. She remembered the new kids when they came to her former school, the way they would mumble and look embarrassed. The way she always knew those were the weak ones.

So this was the third time and she had to get it right. Because Paige knew it was either third time's the charm or third strike and out. Paige walked directly past the teacher, sat her books and backpack down in an empty chair, then joined the teacher in the front of the room. She waited patiently while the teacher quieted the class and gave her "let's welcome the new girl" spiel. Paige took a deep breath, turned towards the fidgeting kids ogling her, and gave it her best.

Her best, which ended up being brilliant. Paige mocked herself, pointing out the few kids from her first class and giving a parody of her first introduction. Spurred on by their genuine laughter, she pointed out the kid from her second class and mimicked her mumbling mess. Again, laughter. And she stopped the humor there, determined to act like a normal, sane teenage girl. After the few laughs died down, Paige calmly introduced herself with a genuine smile. Paige Woods from Indianapolis, has two parents, one kid brother, and two dogs, plays tennis, and, like all teenage girls, loves the mall.

Paige settled into her seat feeling victorious. It was reasonable to be nervous on the first day at a new school, but she was glad that was over. As class started, a couple of the girls introduced themselves and Paige began to really feel at ease. Things here were going to be just fine. Why was she ever worried?