Title: "What If" In High School Chapter: Chapter 1 Rating: G Summary: To me, what it would have been like if they met in high school. Characters: Noah, Win, Maddie,Casey, Luke, Kevin Genre: AU, Humor Warnings: None Disclaimer: This site is no way associated with "As the World Turns", CBS, P&G, or Van Hansis and Jake Silbermann. This is not for profit. No copyright infringement is intended. Authors submit and write their own work.

Noah stood there and stared at himself in the mirror. Tomorrow, he was starting at a new school again, and like always, he was prepared for being the new weird kid.

Noah could not decide what to wear. He put some thought into it because he knew appearances were a big deal in high school, even though he also knew he shouldn’t care what other people think. He just did not want to be the one looking at all the other teens his age make the most of their high school careers. Not again.

After a few t-shirts and pairs of jeans later, he gave up and decided he would just figure it out in the morning. It was only nine, and bed inspection was in an hour, so he got on the computer and looked at his buddy list on AIM. Two people. Just looking at the dismal number made Noah a little sad. There was his friend Gabe, and a girl that, for some reason, had a crush on him last year. He decided that he should just focus on unpacking even though there wasn’t much to unpack.

After folding and putting away things, he sat down on his bed waiting for his dad to come in and check on the progress. Noah did not have the best relationship with his father, but he loved him. At least, he was pretty sure he did. He was just happy that he still had one parent, even if it was a Colonel. His timing was impeccable, just then his dad walked in.

“Good evening Noah. Ready for inspection?”

“Yes sir.”

Noah’s father walked around the room, making sure the sheets were properly put on, checking to see if he had unpacked and folded things the correct way.

“Job well done, son.”

“Thanks dad.”

“You better go to bed now. You don’t want to slack off on your first day of school. Mayer men are always ready and alert at all times.”

“Yes sir.”

The Colonel left and Noah sat on his bed and sighed. He knew he had a full day ahead of him tomorrow.

After going through his boring and rote morning, Noah unwillingly headed out to his new school.

He looked around and knew everyone. All the schools were the same no matter where you were from, big city or small town. Noah preferred the city though because there are more things to do and felt less of a recluse than at a small school where everyone has known each other since kindergarten. There was a warm familiarity with small towns though that he liked a lot.

He walked up to the schools front doors and walked in, taking a deep breath upon entering.

To his surprise, no one stared at him. Sure, a few people glanced at him, acknowledging the new guy, but no one really stared at him.

He continued walking towards the main office and took in his surroundings. Happy couples, cliques, and posters promoting the ‘big game’ this Friday. He even noticed the same things he notices at all the other schools. The happier the couples are, the slower they walk hand in hand, the jocks jokingly pushing each other around, some rebellious kid getting yelled at for inappropriateness.

There was a girl at the front office. A young girl, probably a student aid or something.

“Hi, I’m Maddie! You must be Noah Mayer.”

“Uh,” he said shyly, “Yeah.”

“Awesome! Well, here’s your class schedule and list of all the extra-curricular stuff we have.”

Noah took them and looked at them. A completely new school system to get ready for. Joy.

“Uh, can…can I ask you something?”

“Of course, that’s what I’m here for.”

“Oh,” he said with a nervous smile. “What’s the block system? It says here…”

“It’s how our classes are set up. We have five blocks, or classes, a day. One for lunch and resource. Any more questions?” she said as she looked over and smiled at a boy walking towards them.

“Uh…no.”

The boy was by them now and kissed the girl named Maddie on the cheek and put his arm around her. “Hey babe. You have any plans tonight? I was thinking we'd go to Al's."

“I'm there. Casey, this is Noah. He just transferred from…Branson right?”

”Ahuh.”

“Hey man, welcome to Oakdale! You play any sports?”

“Um, no. I’m more of a movie person. Like, directing and stuff.”

“Oh. That’s cool. Hey listen I gotta go to class. Do you need help finding yours?”

“I guess. I mean, if it wouldn’t be any trouble or anything like that.”

“No problem. Hey, we have the same homeroom together!” Casey said looking at Noah's schedule.

Noah just slightly smiled. He could not believe how nice people were being. Maybe this school would be different. Maybe he would have a completely different experience this time. Maybe he will be…normal.

Casey and Maddie kissed quickly, making sure not to be caught by teachers, and then Casey and Noah started to walk over to their class.

“I think you’ll like it here,” Casey said breaking the silence. “People are generally friendly. Now, there is a lot of drama. I mean a lot . But, you’re a director right, so this could be fun.”

“Yeah. I think it will be,” Noah said looking up from the floor and smiling at Casey.

“Cool. Here we are. Mr. Wilson’s first block class. He’s a pretty laid-back teacher. Luke! Hey, Luke!”

Just then, Noah spotted a boy wearing a stripped shirt walking over to them.

“Hey Casey what’s going on?” he asked as he and Casey did the grab-hands-half-hug things guys do all the time.

“Not much, man. This is Noah, he's new.”

“Nice to meet you,” he said with a smile, extending his hand for a shake.

Noah could not help but get this feeling from Luke. It was the feeling he’d felt a million times when he watched a good movie. He didn’t now why he felt it now.

Noah shook his hand and caught himself looking in Luke’s eyes. He noticed they were green. But a different green, a good different.

They broke the handshake and Noah shifted his weight a bit uncomfortably.

Noah looked over and saw another guy heading their way. A jock with short brown hair, and a confident walk.

“How’s it goin’ ladies? Are we all done gossiping and talking about this stud?”

“Ha-Ha very funny Kev,” said Luke smiling at the other boy, apparently named Kevin.

“You caught us! We just can’t stop talking about how hot you are you little cutie you!” Casey said as the grabbed Kevin’s cheek.

The three boys laughed, while Noah just stood there smiling.

“Ok. We should really get in there. We have like, ten seconds before the bell rings.”

“Ok. Wait, we all have the same homeroom?” asked Luke.

“I guess so,” said Casey.

“Sweet. I’m ready to raise some hell in this class! Let’s do it!” Kevin said in a very loud tone with a slightly evil grin.

They all laughed as they entered the class and took their seats.

Noah knew this year was going to be different. He could feel it.