"Mom, what's going on?" I ask with a worried expression sweeping over my face. She wipes the tears away with her shirt and puts her hands on my shoulders.
"I love you so much Rae, I want you to always remember that." she gives a weak smile and pecks me on the forehead.
A knock on the door catches our attention.
"I'll get it," she says.
"No mom it's okay, I'll get it." I jog over to the front door and peek through the peephole. It's the police. I open the door and one of the officers removes his hat and places it over his chest.
"Are you Diana Heartwell's daughter?" the officer asks.
"Uh yeah...what's going on?" The officer notes the confusion written all over my face as he prepares to speak.
He sighs, "I'm so sorry to tell you this young lady but, your mother was in a terrible accident."
"Wait..what are you talking about she's right here." I turn around to a horrifying sight.
It's my mom, but her skin....It's rotting.
I sprint to her as she falls to the floor with a loud thud. "Mom...no no no, this can't be happening." I squeal.
"SOMEBODY HELP HER!!! PLEASE!!!" I scream at the top of my lungs. They just stand there laughing at me.
Mocking me.
Tears are rushing out of my eyes, making my vision blurry. I wipe them away and watch, horrified as my mother's skin withers.
Blood trickling down her face, maggots eating away at her skin, I scurry back from her body and try to run away but one of the officers blocks my path.
"Where do you think you're going?" the other officer takes a step towards me.
"Don't you know it's rude to leave without saying goodbye, darlin'?" the other officer catechizes.
I back away slowly and nearly trip over my mother's now skinless corpse.
I gasp.
One of the officers lunges at me, grabbing hold of my arm. He slams my body against the wall and I fall to the floor.
I struggle to my feet, using the wall to support me. The second officer comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, ignoring my pleas.
"Why don't we have some fun with her?" the officer says as he unbuckles his belt. I begin to squirm, but they both pin me down and begin to animalistically tear away at my clothes.
*************
"NO!!!" I screamed, rocketing up from my bed. I peered around the room and no one was there. "Jesus," I took a long breath and closed my eyes. A ray of sunlight filtering past my curtains shined into my eyes, causing me to flinch. It's morning already? I've got to start setting my alarm.
Sluggishly, I shuffled to the closet and slid the doors open. Danielle wasn't lying, the closet was HUGE.
I browsed through the collection of shirts that Danielle had purchased. Even though I had my uncertainties about her, I felt that I shouldn't be bitchy towards her. She had been so sympathetic in respects to my mother and after all, It was my father who had deceived me.
I picked up a velvety blue, long-sleeved crop top, and held it up to my chest, glancing into the closet mirror.
I unzipped my suitcase and took out out a pair of black high-waisted jeans, and my shower bag. Hauling the heavy load into the bathroom, I sat it onto the pearl sink and turned the shower on. The room quickly filled with thick steam from the hot running water.
I put my phone onto the counter and disrobed, I strode into the shower, completely taken when the warmth hit my skin. The tension in my shoulders was beginning to alleviate, for once I was relaxed. I used a fresh bar of rose shaped soap that rested on the ledge. I was captivated by the smell and how the suds cascaded over my skin that I lost track of time momentarily. I rushed to rinse myself off, remembering about making it to my new school. I wasn't too enthusiastic about it but, I had no other options.
I dried off and got dressed. After styling my hair, to show off my long, almond, natural curls. I applied a small amount of mascara and lip gloss before going downstairs.
"Hey, you're up! hope you like French toast." my dad said, shooting a confident smile in my direction.
He's unusually chipper.
As mad as I was at him, I had to admit, it smelled heavenly. I could smell the delicious aroma of bacon, sausages, homestyle potatoes, with just a hint of sweetness from the French toast. My mouth was salivating, I tried to play it cool as I sat at the bar style table.
"You turned in pretty early last night," he says, flipping the toast over and taking a sip of orange juice.
"I guess I was just exhausted," I answered.
He sighed and turned to me. "You know if you don't feel up to it, you can stay home from school today. I wasn't really thinking...but you still need time to grieve."
I shook my head, looking down at my hands as I twirled my thumbs around each other. "I honestly think it's best if I go."
"It's all up to you, but just make sure you're careful alright?" he beamed and handed me a large plate.
The food was amazing. I didn't even know my dad could cook, I stabbed a piece of sausage with my fork and held it up to my nose, taking in the smell. I popped it into my mouth, enjoying the juiciness and smoky flavors. Memories of my mothers cooking flooded my brain. Did he learn this from her?
"Would you mind giving me a ride?" I asked shyly, taking in a fork full of buttery garlic potatoes.
He smiled brightly handing me the jug of orange juice. "Just let me know when you're ready," he responded as he made his way to his room.
I sliced up my French toast and led it up to my mouth, monitoring the time on my phone.
7:25 A.M
I finished off the rest of my breakfast quickly and grabbed my purse. I made my way to my dad's room and stopped by the door when I heard him talking to someone on the phone.
"What the hell do you mean you haven't found it yet??" my father growled at the mystery person.
"NO! She has to stay with me, atleast until we find Nefarious. I can't lose her again, and no more casualties," he argued.
"Just call me when you--"
"Um...I'm ready," I mumbled, making him aware of my presence. He quickly hung up the phone and set it on his desk.
"Okay, uh let's get there," he agreed, shoving his car keys into his pocket.
The car ride was awkward. I couldn't stop thinking about what I'd overheard. 'No more casualties.' Who was he talking about? And who is Nefarious? So many questions ran rapidly through my head, making me feel queasy.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of my dad's voice. "We're here," he said, with his voice somewhat raised.
I tended to zone out a lot. I peered out of the window and my eyes met a large sign decorated with planted flowers. It read "Tori Springs High School."
Students howled outside like wild cavemen. Large groups of people bumped against each other as they tried to enter the school gates. Despite the crazed students, the school appeared nice. It was big as a college campus and I could tell everyone genuinely liked it there.
"Here's some cash in case," my dad said, passing me a twenty dollar bill.
"Wow..you really don't have to."
"No...no...take it." he insisted."Call me when you want to get picked up," he added as I stepped out of the car.
"Okay, thanks again."
"I love you Loriegn!" he said before pulling off.
"Tori Springs High, here I come."
~~~
Everyone's eyes were on me. I made my way past all of the new faces and headed towards the building. I overlooked the nosey stares of students as I walked down the hall admiring the art covered walls.
I stopped at room 2-G and entered. "Um..hello my name is-"
"Loreign Banter," he chimed. The tall man lifted to his feet, his brown eyes searching over me.
"I'm Mr. Adams but, you can call me, Mr. A." He reached his hand out to shake mine. I couldn't help but recognize how young he looked. He had short, brown hair, tanned skin. He wasn't ripped, but you could tell he had a nice figure. My eyes scanned him for a second before meeting his again.
"You look a little young to be a teacher," I teased, feeling a strange sense of comfortability.
He laughed, showing off his perfect white teeth. "I'll take that as a compliment Ms. Banter."
When the bell rung I took a seat at the front of the class. No one had arrived yet and I wasn't exactly sure what to do. The first student to walk in was a short, red-haired boy. His face was dotted in freckles but it suited him. He plopped down in the seat next to me and instantly whipped out his cell phone.
A group of six or seven other students came in after him, laughing and blabbing about who knows what.
The seats filled up quickly, I was pretty glad I wasn't sitting in someone else's seat.
"Goodmorning Class!" He spoke loud enough for the whole class to hear. Everyone turned their attention to him, returning the friendly greeting.
"I have an announcement to make."
When his eyes met mine, I slowly shook my head. He must have known what I meant because instead of presenting me, he began writing on the board.
I caught a swift movement from the corner of my eye. I shifted to see a pretty girl with dark make-up and brown tattoo covered skin, raising her hand about four seats away.
"Yes, Zara?" Mr. Adams acknowledged, not once looking away from the board.
"Aren't you going to introduce the new student?" she asked, with a toothy smile plastered onto her face.
I sunk down into my chair, as the class put its attention on me. I glanced up at Mr. Adams, giving him a look of desperation.
He nodded. "This is Loreign Banter, she will be joining us for the remainder of the year."
The students murmured inaudibly, I felt disquieted at the lack of regard my peers had for my feelings. I didn't know what they were saying and I didn't want to. I just wanted everything to stop. I felt like I was going to lose it. Like there was a cloud of darkness consuming my very being.
"Hi, Loreign"
The voice brought me out of my thoughts. It was Zara. She was standing in front of my desk with a big smile on her face. I despised her. I wished she had just kept her big mouth shut. I rolled my eyes and looked down at my phone.
"Hey, I'm sorry if I embarrassed you, I just got a little curious." she gave a lopsided grin.
"Curiosity killed the cat." I muttered.
"No one new ever comes to Tori Springs." She admitted, as her smile faded.
"I wonder why that is," I uttered sarcastically, "I accept your apology," I added, Zara's eyes lit up. It almost looked as if her eyes turned a completely different color.
Maybe this day wouldn't be so bad.
~~~
I managed to finish three classes without dying. I didn't get lost, my teachers were nice for the most part, and I received a few friendly smiles while walking down the hall. Lunchtime was something I was especially nervous about. Where was I going to sit? What kind of stares would I fall victim to?
I've got to stop doubting myself.
A large flock of students migrated through the hallways, colliding, pushing each other, all headed for the cafeteria. Inside, the students that stood in line were laughing about the wig the lunch lady was wearing.
"It looks like a bird's nest." One of them joked. I stood in line and tried to blend in as much as possible, as I browsed through the menu.
TODAY'S PICKS
•Chicken Caesar Salad
•(Bacon/Lettuce/Tomato) Burger
•Pepperoni Pizza
•Grilled chicken & Rice W/ Veggies
•Turkey Wrap
•Grilled Cheese W/ Tomato Soup
"How's your first day going, Banter?" I heard an unfamiliar voice. I turned my head and behind me was a small group, Zara being one of them, standing behind me.
"Fine, I guess," I affirmed, faking a smile.
"Only fine? You're pretty popular here Banter, I thought you'd be swarming with fans by now." the boy marveled, both corners of his mouth turned up.
"What do you mean popular?" I sputtered, amused by his words.
"What do you mean? You're the first newbie in years, and not only that you're a-" The boy fell to his knees with a yelp, as Zara stood over him, shaking off her hands.
"What the hell Zara, why'd you-"
"You talk too fucking much, Derek." she interrupted, glaring in frustration down at him. Derek sat up on the floor, rolling his jet-black eyes. "Whatever Z."
"Anyways, I'm Aza, and that's Damien." A girl with brown hair and flawless skin smiled.
S
he pointed to a dark-haired, boy with an uninterested look on his face. I couldn't quite wrap my head around what it was about him, but I felt something drawing me to him. It was a strange feeling, and something I was definitely better off keeping to myself.
"Are you going to speak or are you planning on staring all day?" Damien sneered.
I shook my head in disbelief, " I wasn't...uhhm..staring,"
Damien leaned against the wall, taking a large bite out of a juicy red apple. "Keep telling yourself that princess. " I ignored his comment and took a few steps up, as the line moved. Soon it came to be my turn, I reread the menu items a few times, thinking over what I might want.
"What'll it be?" The lunch lady asked as I reached for a tray. Everything looked and smelled great, I wasn't too good at decision making and I was really beginning to over think the whole 'Eating lunch' thing.
"Uh..I'll have the Grilled Chicken please," I finally decided after overhearing a few insults from the people towards the end of the line. The lunch lady handed me back my tray and Zara led the group to an empty table at the back of the cafeteria.
I sat at the end of the table with my tray in front of me, the steam from the vegetables was making my stomach growl. I stuck my fork into a piece of broccoli and gently blew away the hot steam.
"So where did you come from?" Derek asked, taking a sloppy bite out of his cheese pizza.
"California, but I was born here." I replied, taking a sip from my water bottle.
"I've never even been anywhere outside of Tori Springs," Aza jumped in, "Must be nice," she muttered to herself. Derek put his arm around Aza, comforting her like a loving big brother.
"California's alright," Damien unenthusiastically added, tossing a french fry into his mouth.
"Yeah okay." I said with an equally unenthusiastic tone.
"That's cute, trying to show off your bitchiness," Damien teased.
Starting something with Damien wasn't really my initial plan, but I couldn't control myself. I've never had a smart mouth, but I just couldn't help it. It was an odd feeling of wanting to show my dominance when I was around him and I didn't like it.
"What's your deal? You obsessed with me already? Because I'm not into dogs like you. " I rolled my eyes, flipping my hair over my shoulder.
"What did you just call me!?" Damien growled, jumping up from his seat.
"Damien, relax," Zara stood up, with her hands gripping his shoulder. He sank back down into his seat, taking a few potato chips out of his bag, and bringing them to his mouth.
For the rest of the lunch period, we ate and talked about our likes and dislikes. Damien must have gotten irritated because he left without a single word. But still, it was nice. It had been so long since I'd felt at home.
I spent the fifth and sixth period, grading a bunch of papers and stapling together packets. Back in California, we were way ahead in lessons, so here I was already known as a new student and a teacher's assistant. Yippie.
The last bell came quickly after I had sharpened all the pencils. When I tell you there was a stampede, I mean there was a literal stampede. Students from all over migrated quickly. Some went to the quad area to hang out and gossip with friends, while the athletes and the homecoming committee members headed to the school gym. But most students went to the front of the school to be picked up by the bus or their parents.
I had a good day. I didn't really want to call my dad for a ride, I was perfectly fine without the uncomfortable car rides. Anyways the walk was only about ten minutes, so I walked.' I'm sure I'll be okay.' I said to myself over and over as I walk down the empty street.