Hey everyone! This is Red Rae Rae and this is my first HSM fanfic, but not first fanfic. I've got 2 fics up in Fruits Basket (anime) and one up in Newsies (musical). I'm a huge HSM fan and so is my friend Rebelchic17. She's a co-writer of this story. Like basically the whole plot was an idea we formed together but when it came to writing it that would be all me. She's got a story up in The Dukes of Hazzard (sitcom). So, we'd love it if you'd R&R this story and any other stories we've got up that you might enjoy. Especially for all of you who are huge musical fans I've got to assume you love Newsies. If you've never seen it - SEE IT! You'll be hooked. Check out my Newsies fic! Anyway, this is my HSM fic. Please R&R! I hope you all enjoy it, I think you will. Anyway, get to reading! Oh, and don't worry, I know the first chappie is short, they'll be longer in the future.

Chapter 1

Ayra Smith tossed the softball up in front of her face repeatedly, eyes following it up and down. The auburn-haired seventeen-year-old sighed more heavily than any other human had before her. On the next toss she allowed the ball to fall into the soft artificial grass underneath her feet. She laid her head back against the tree behind her and closed her eyes with another sigh. If she opened them she’d just see the same thing she had all day – the painted Uhaul truck that had been sitting in her new driveway since seven that morning. Why had they moved to New Mexico again? Oh, that’s right, her father’s job. She had two weeks to get used to the scenery before she and her twin sister headed for East High – the local high school. She didn’t even know how the softball team was there. She knew that every kid was nervous going into a new school but it didn’t ease her apprehension in the slightest.

“Hey!”

Ayra jerked her head away from the tree and snapped her eyes open, looking around frantically for the source of the voice.

“Hey, you Smith girl!” it called again.

“Kelsi!” she shouted, running toward the sidewalk where Kelsi was dismounting from her bicycle. No sooner had she turned around from her bike then Ayra tackled her, squeezing the girl tight in her muscular arms. “Oh, Kelsi, I’m so glad to see you!” Kelsi smiled tenderly, recovering from the shock as she wrapped her arms around Ayra too.

“I told you I’d be here the first day you moved in,” she chuckled at the two finally drew away. “Now, let’s see. With a hug like that you’ve got to be Ayra.”

“You’re getting better, Kelse,” Ayra said with a chuckle and a nod. Kelsi smiled.

“Well, I think I should be by now,” she replied.

“True, but it’s been, what, three years since we’ve seen you?” Ayra questioned as Kelsi nodded.

“That’s too long for me,” she said, Ayra nodding in agreement. “You look great; I can tell you’ve stayed with softball.” She pointed toward Ayra’s impressive arm muscles.

“What’d you expect? Softball is my life; I could never drop it,” Ayra said.

“I know,” Kelsi said with a smile.

“How’s the team at East High?” Ayra asked seriously.

“You’re asking the wrong person, Ayra,” Kelsi admitted, chuckling as Ayra joined in.

“I guess I’ll have to find out for myself,” she said.

“I guess you will. Now, where’s your sister?” Kelsi asked.

“I think she’s in the house. C’mon.” Ayra motioned in the direction of the new house as Kelsi nodded, pulling her bike into the grass before following her friend. Ayra led her into the main hallway, stopping short to shout her sister’s name. “Izzy!”

“Yeah?” came a questioning call from upstairs.

“Someone’s here to see you!” Ayra cried. Immediate movement could be heard – the turn of a doorknob, the sound of rapid footsteps. It took a total of three seconds for Ayra’s other face to appear at the top of the staircase, leaning over the banister.

“Kelsi!” she squealed, flying down the steps to embrace the girl. “You’re here!”

“I said I would be,” Kelsi replied calmly, though she really was bursting with happiness. “Oh, I’ve missed you two; I’m so glad to see you.”

“Me too,” she agreed, pulling away.

“Azalea, you look great!” Kelsi exclaimed, looking Azalea over.

“I look just like Ayra,” she sighed in reply as Kelsi’s face grew bewildered, not knowing what to say because, frankly, it was true. Suddenly Azalea smiled. “But never-mind that, you look great too.” Kelsi brightened.

“You really do, Kelse,” Ayra added. Kelsi blushed a bit.

“Hey, how was the musical?” Azalea asked.

“Oh, Azalea, thank you so much for all your help, as usual,” Kelsi chuckled. “You’re going to fit in fine with the drama club. Ms. Darbus is going to love you.” Azalea smiled widely but Ayra, on the other hand, looked perturbed.

Wonderful. So Izzy’s gonna fit in just fine. What about me? I guess I’m on my own.