We'd been driving for over an hour now. I was about to close my eyes for a nap when Sam took a turn driving through a vast estate. The houses were nice with really tall trees. Not better than D.C. though. I missed Martha so much. A few houses in, Sam pulled the car into a driveway. The house was nice, can't complain. Just hope it brings the change I need as dad said. Sam helped me unload my things. He called out Evie and Mariah. They helped move my things into the house. Guess they were the house help. The house was really big. I looked around and I kinda liked it. But I was all alone. Well, this wouldn't be the first time and I'm looking forward to some alone time. Basically to reflect major happenings. When mom died dad was on a wrecked ship. I'd most times find him in his study drunk even though Martha said he wasn't. Martha convinced me he was in pain and needed time to heal. I took it as his way of grieving to cope with the suffering. Then one day he just came to take me from school. Said he wanted to spend the day with me. We were barely done with the third period. We had fun and it'd been a long since I spent time with dad. He apologized for being a little absent, but I didn't care. I was just glad he was back. I found this room with a white door, and I knew this was my space.
I was in my room when Evie and Mariah came and introduced themselves as help. They looked in their late twenties and had very polite smiles. They had wanted to arrange my stuff but I told them I was too tired to coordinate and that we should do it tomorrow. Also because it was quite late, and I knew the staff spent the day getting the house ready for me. Mariah smiled nodding and went to bring me some pasta. Evie stayed and told me how Martha had told them beforehand how to care for me, and a few preferences. I was glad she did. I'll tell Martha how well they've welcomed me. Mariah brought my food and left with Evie a few minutes later, it was really good. I later took a bath. I stay awake on my bed making a mental list of things. I had picked out clothes for tomorrow. It was a white turtle neck with a light beige biker jacket with a crimson red faux leather skirt. I got a few accessories to match. I've been thinking for a good half hour about ago everything this weekend brought. From Art and Freya, and even living here with people I didn't know. Especially without Martha or dad. But I was going to put my head down and do this. I ignored the thought to text Martha and let her know I'm settled I'd call her tomorrow. I face-timed Art and we talked for a while. "...yh Art, I know dad got him to spy on me, but I'll have him quit in no time," I said annoyed. I told Art about Sam and he thinks I'm being paranoid. "Chill Asia. Maybe he's such a professional and is only interested in his job." He says casually. "Naa, he thinks I'm spoilt and rude." Honestly, that's how I feel so I said it. Art follows immediately with a question. "Did he say it?" "no" I continued. I didn't want to give Art the chance to defend him "but he looks at me that way. And he doesn't show any emotions." That earned a slight chuckle from Art. "What a creep!" I said making a disgusted face. "Sweet calm down and ignore him like always." Arthur advised. "but he's kinda cute." I said squealing "Wow! I can't believe you...just stay out of trouble" Art said with a light laugh, "Yep, dad wouldn't like it if I got into any." Stating as I sulked because I knew how much it would affect dad's political career. "You're going to do great at school tomorrow." These words did little to encourage me. "But I don't want to go, we could meet halfway and blaze through Vegas?" I suggested being hopeful. "No" came the short reply from Art, "but..." My protest was cut short." nope". But I continued "please. They don't even have proper wine ." He was not falling for it as he bade me goodnight. "And we have class in the morning so night ugly creep," Arthur said in one breath. "Night mop head," I replied feeling a bit sad. "I'm working something with my schedule and might surprise you with an early visit." He said to assure me. "I'd love that." He made me laugh with a few jokes. It was 7.15, I just watched a few episodes of looney toons on my iPad
"Argh, what is wrong with it," I yelled feeling frustrated with this early morning bad luck. "Ma'am is something wrong?" Mariah asked a bit worried. "it's just this stupid straightener is not heating up enough." I whispered too drained to speak volumes. "Well, it's on two-fifty. I think a slight adjustment would make it work better." Yup, I did look at the device and the regulator was on two-fifty. "thanks, Mariah." I said quickly. Yeah, I woke up and it was 7.02 am I almost screamed. I scurried out of bed sprinting to the bathroom. I took a shower real quick and started getting ready. Mariah came in seconds later saying she heard foot stumps and that Sam is also waiting with the car. She offered to help when she saw how much I was pacing about trying to get ready. She was getting my boots ready when I yelled. Turns out I had to turn the regulator down. I sighed and she calmly took the straighter and helped with my hair. I was so glad and grateful because I knew was I late Athens the class started at 8.00. Mariah checked with me the stuff in my bag while I put on my boots to make sure I had everything. She left afterward. I was really glad she helped. I got up to look in the mirror and I was quite pleased. I loved my makeup. I quickly grabbed my phone and it was 7.40 am. I dashed downstairs reaching for the door when Evie called out to me she made me a to-go breakfast and I was thankful. "And dear it's a fifteen-minute drive to Ambrose so please finish your food." I nodded and headed out. Sam had the car in the driveway. I was still being mindful of him spying for my dad so, I just greeted and kept to myself. He murmured a small response. I couldn't care if he didn't even acknowledge it. He said nothing throughout. The drive was smooth. I just ate my breakfast with delight. Sam would steal glances from time to time. I'd reciprocate with a glare of my own. He was quite good-looking. He had this calm cool demeanor going for him. And his auburn brown hair was helping him play the part. Quite dreamy but I was not falling for it. Well if my dad hadn't hired him, we could have had fun. I was nervous. If not everyone will like me at this new school, at the very least they should not hate me. "we're here." Sam said as the car came to a stop. I open my eyes to take a peek. "I'll be here at 3.00 to take you home ma'am." ", kk" I whispered and stepped out of the car. There were many doors and it seemed everyone was rushing toward them. But why? "ma'am you're late." He then nodded and drove off. I clicked the side button of my phone and I threw my hand at my mouth. So now I figured those 'doors' were entrances and the 'rushing people' were trying not to be 'late'. I had just four minutes to get my butt seated in class. I checked my timetable and I had a history in room 6 of Evergreen. What the hell is Evergreen? where was it?
I strode through the entrance door which was directly opposite me. There were three different hallways leading to three different places. And each one was almost empty if not for the people far ahead and almost done walking the hall. Shit, I need help. I needed to find my locker too. I needed to ask for help. But no one was there. I stood there confused, annoyed, and quite exhausted. Looking around still deciding what my next move would be. "Hey, where are you heading?" I turned to the male husky voice behind me. I almost bumped into him. He was standing that close. I took two steps back and he was tall and had golden blonde hair. "Hi, Evergreen?" He had this really cute smile and I smiled back. I snapped out of it when I felt myself ogling too much and showed him the timetable. "it's in the hallway to your left." He said casually without dropping the smile. "Thank you," I said looking keenly at his face. Well if all the guys are shyly cute like this one here, I could get used to it. I thought to myself. "I'm Nate, and I hope you like it here. Also, I could help show you around later?" he asked offering a hand. "Asia" I shook his hand as I replied. So he knows "Is it that obvious?" I asked a little embarrassed. "Well let's see...apart from the fact that you seemed kinda lost a while ago, well I've never seen anyone as pretty as you here in Ambrose" was this dude flirting right now. But there was this calm ambiance about how he was talking and looked so relaxed which made me want to play along. "Is that your famous line or its just for the new transfer lost student?" He scratched the back of his head and his smile kinda dropped. He was nice and I liked him already "Just kidding. I'll take you up on your offer...you know? showing me around campus." I said acting all flushed as I blushed. His face immediately lit up. Why are people so predictable? Teenage boys. Well, we can play this Asia and have some fun. He suddenly asked "Do you have a band-aid?" was he hurt somewhere "no. why?" I answered immediately thinking of what could be wrong "cos I think I scraped my knee when I fell for you all over again." I hit Nate's arm playfully as I laughed at how cocky his pick-up lines are. I took a few steps back to embrace the inward laughs surging up and ended up stumbling. "I think I like it alre-" Into something hard. I thought I hit the lockers already. I looked back to find a tall guy a little taller than Nate standing behind me. He had jet-black hair and his eyes looked at me like it was piercing my soul. His face had an emotion I couldn't decipher. He had on a black round collar T-shirt which showed his strong built body. And his friend was also staring at me only it looked like pity. He had black hair too but had a few white strands on the side. They were both really good-looking. I stared shamelessly at a stranger. My perverted eyes roamed his body as though he was mine. Damn these boys are hot. Shit, Nate. I cursed inwardly as I remembered. Nate? the cute guy who you were flirting with just now. What is wrong with you Asia. "um. Oh sorry." I said and quickly turned to continue my talk with Nate. "So I'll- " I paused as I noticed Nate had this pleading look in his eyes but they were not directed toward me. He was looking at the guy I bumped into. What the hell was he still doing here? "Is there a problem? Don't you think it's a bit rude to be staring at others?" But he just stood there glaring at me. "hey if you don't get it yet, we're trying to have a convo and your heavy breathing on my neck, is not helping so keep it moving" I laid it on him in one breath as I was pissed at how rude he was being. What more did he want? for me to fall to his feet and apologize? His friend tapped him on the shoulder and a second later they left. "freak" I whispered when they were out of earshot. "Woah princess, let's not get riled up for our first day. Ambrose can be a great place if you know what you're doing." I murmured a little 'sorry' feeling embarrassed. "Nah, it's alright. You're one cute firecracker" Nate replied making me feel much better. " Sorry for keeping you Nate" He just shrugged and said, "yeah, you're gonna have to make up for that." I giggled as I replied "ok. At lunch." "You're buying my lunch" Nate stated as he smiled. "Yes sir. I'm gonna go. And thanks again" I said smiling at how silly my response was. "Yeah see you later" I turned and left.
I stood at the door contemplating on entering or calling Sam to come to get me. I could try again tomorrow. I was sure dad would understand. " Oh my locker, but I'm late." I completely forgot to pass by my locker. I didn't have time now. "Yup I have the same class. I'm Lue. Wanna go in together?" What the hell? I thought I said it in my head. I was thinking out loud. I turned to the voice and it was a girl around my age with really heavy makeup in a white T-shirt and vintage jeans overall. Damn was she rocking her look. "Uhm...ok," I said barely audible. She just took my hand and we strode in. The teacher who I later found out was Mrs. Potts turned from the board to us. I felt eyes on me. They were staring. "Good morning Mrs. Potts. This is the new student. As student president, I was helping her get her stuff ready for class. Had a hard time finding her." Lue blatantly told this lie without care. What was this girl saying? I didn't say anything. I was too stunned to. She was using me to save her butt. "Well, Miss. Ruffman, Seeing as we do have here a new student I will believe there is some truth in what you said. And you can sit so the class can continue." Mrs. Potts said with clear disbelief in her voice. "Thank you, ma'am," She said and quickly walked to an empty seat in the back. "Miss Alvares, welcome to history. Please take a seat." Mrs. Potts said. I think I like her already. "Thank you, Mrs. Potts." I quickly replied feeling appreciative of her welcoming nature. "And do catch up miss Alvares." she quickly added making me realize how much work I needed to cover. "Ok, ma'am." I gave a short reply and turned to find a seat. Lue gestured her finger at me and I took it as a cue so I went to sit by her. The class went by like a breeze. They only had a one-hour break at 12.00. So after two hours of History, I went to Math with Lue for another two hours. It was boring I was just glad it was over.
We were sitting by a table at lunch and the cafeteria was crowded with people. By we, I mean Lue, Nate, and I. Nate was waiting for me in front of my class. I got out with Lue and he was just leaning on the wall smiling at us. Turns out Nate and Lue knew each other and were good friends. The cafeteria was huge and students were everywhere doing random stuff. some were getting too comfortable. That's why I never liked going to the cafeteria back at Margaret's willow. The food here was good. Slightly Better than my old school. I was making small talk with Nate and Lue getting to know them better. I was glad I'm not the new girl with no friends. They told me the dos and don't. I carefully shrugged away any questions about my family. I didn't want anyone's pity. "So Miss president, how did you not tell me?" I asked Lue. She didn't seem like the kind of girl who would be on the student council. "Well, it's no big deal. And being one in a school like Ambrose isn't anything amazing. Plus I'm not the most diligent student ever." She replied, then pushed the fry she played with in her mouth. True the girl had a style of her own and she was slaying. "Just glad we'll be handling it over next semester." she continued after she was done chewing. I guess that made sense. I raised my head to meet with his intense green ones. This guy again! what was his problem? He was leaning in his chair and had a very pretty blonde girl on his lap. The guy's face was hard like before. The girl had her hands all over him feeling him up and her mouth at his ear unsure of whatever she was doing there. He looked way too relaxed glaring at me. His friend from this morning was seated next to him with his head down looking at his phone. There were some other guys. It looked like they were a clique or something. Some guys were busy fussing over something causing loud shouts. But people in the cafeteria didn't seem to mind. The other two boys were also talking to girls making them giggle as though they were mechanically manufactured dolls who had their key switch turned on. I offered a smile trying to be the bigger person here and forget this morning but his face just got harder if that's possible. His fingers sunk deep as he squeezed the girl's arm. The girl winced and got up from his lap, guess she felt the tight grip. I scrunched up my face in annoyance. "hey Earth to Asia." That was Lue snapping her fingertips right in my face. I zoned out for a second there. "yh, I'm sorry but this guy just made me lose my appetite." Nate and Lue turned to look at him. "who? Damien?" Lue questioned. So that was his name? "He's a Jerk. The guy next to him is Saint, they're best friends. And the girl is Nova, head cheerleader and Damien's girlfriend." Lue said showing him the middle finger. He just turned and looked away. So he has a girlfriend? "He just glares at me like I stole his toy or something." I blurted out not caring if they noticed how annoyed I was. "They're also our friends" Nate hurriedly said whispering the last word. What?! "Sorry, and why didn't you say anything this morning?" I muttered feeling ashamed. "please Asia don't be, he's a prick" Lue quickly said, "Well that's disappointing." I looked at Nate and he had this sorry expression. "That's the same look from this morning Lue." Nate gestured for lue to look at Damien who had resumed what I think was his favorite hobby 'staring'. "Don't mind him, that's just his normal expression. But it seems extra." Nate said with a confused look, watching from Damien to me. Saint looked up and we made eye contact. He quickly tore his eyes away placed his hands on Damien's shoulders and whispered in his ear. Does he also have a problem with me? "Yh he bumped into us this morning," Nate confirmed what I said. Damien looked calm a little, Suddenly just pushed the girl back onto his lap. He kneaded her boobs and the other hand slid dangerously down the girl's skirt. Was she ok with this? I guess so because soft giggles followed. He continued to glare at me but kept smirking. His jet-black hair fell on his face making his smirk look more like an evil grin. But I was not going to be intimidated by some crazy-ass High school boy. "Psycho much?!"