A few details..

Some things you should know before reading.

I grew up in a western suburb of Denver, Colorado. I attended a fairly large high school of approximately 2,000 students with around 450 in my class. I can say without exaggeration that I didn't suffer from the usual high school cliques depicted in the movies from that era. Sure, some people were into sports or drama or academics but we all knew each other.  I was equally friendly with the football team's quarterback as I was with the more popular girls and some valedictorians. No one seemed to care too much and I think the majority of us revealed in the openness of the system. (Either that or we got it out of your system in jr. high).  I wouldn't say I was popular but well known and liked. I have a twin brother and did well in sports and academics. I was well versed in many circles.

My main group of friends were a collection of smart dudes of middle class ilk.  We shared various AP classes and were competitive with grades but in a good way.  We weren't exactly nerds (maybe we were!) and every guy in the group save one also did a sport.  I also hung out with some other guys when the main group was busy.

I ran cross country and track earning my first letter the previous year.  I was well established as varsity runner my senior year and relished it.

I also worked part-time at McDonald's. My two older sister worked there (one was manager during this year) and I continued the tradition. The restaurant was fairly far from our house, so the only person I worked with who went to my school was my brother and a friend we got hired. Although I would see classmates from time to time.

So that is basically the setting for our story. Naturally I elaborate further in the journal about these things but this should give you a head start.