Relentlessly, I fidgeted with my hair, putting it in all different hairstyles until my scalp throbbed from all the pulling, tugging, and brushing. My hair failed me today, on a day when I wished it hadn't. Maybe it was retaliating against me after straightening my curls? Or perhaps it rebelled because I couldn't style it properly, despite the hours of tutorials I've watched. Melody finally made up with me after weeks of giving me the cold shoulder. She warmed back up to me when she noticed that I was serious about Andrew and he was serious about me too. She taught me how to wear makeup "correctly." I let out a huff as I smoothed my checkered pleated grey skirt. Why didn't I go to a school with uniforms back in Austin? Life would have been a lot simpler. I tie my hair up in defeat and settled for a high ponytail.
I slipped into my blazer, grabbed my backpack, and headed downstairs. I was immediately greeted with the welcoming aroma of freshly brewed coffee. I poured myself a cup, adding three sugars and milk. "Morning to you too, Lucy," Emily smiled.
I smiled and nodded at her. "Morning, Emily," I greeted. I looked around. "Where's Dad?" I asked.
"At work," she answered.
"So early?" I frowned.
"Mr. Harrison is very demanding," she said in a low voice.
I chewed on my bottom lip, having mixed emotions about what Emily told me to do months back. I wondered if she hadn't said anything, would the outcome be different?
My train of thought was broken when I saw Todd and Tyler run in with the same-colored uniform as me. They wore boys uniform, a gray and white tie with a white shirt and long dark gray pants. The women's pants were different compared to theirs; ours are checkered. I would have worn pants today if Dad had gotten it for me instead of the boys' pants. Luckily, I showed them to Andrew, and he helped me out of a rather embarrassing situation.
Max walked in with his curly head, listening to music with his headphones. He has been off lately, my only guess is that him and his girlfriend called it quits.
I made him a cup of coffee, and he smiled gratefully. "Thanks, Lucy," he thanked me.
I looked at Emily, who was on her phone. "I'm going to take them to school," I said.
She blinked up. "I thought I was taking you guys?" she said in a stunned voice.
I shook my head. I have had my license for months, and I had driven them before. "What's the problem?" I asked, knowing she didn't think I was a safe driver.
"The problem is I want to see you guys off on your first day of school, Lucy," she said, walking over to me to give my arm a tight squeeze.
I sighed. "Okay, but can I drive myself tomorrow?" I asked.
"We'll see," she said blandly. It didn't look promising at all.
I looked at Max, and all he could do was give me a shrug.
Todd sat in front with Emily, Oliver was in between Max and me, and Tyler was at the back, mumbling to whatever song he had in his earphones.
I looked at Max. "How are you?" I asked.
But he just sighed. "I don't know, conflicted. And you? How's your ankle?" he asked.
I looked down at my rocket sock. I had upgraded from a moon boot, which was a good thing. I didn't have to carry that heavy thing around anymore.
I shrugged. "Better," I nodded.
There was a short pause before he whispered to me, "I need to tell you something," he said quietly.
"What? What is it?" I frowned.
But he just gulped. "Not here," his eyes flashed towards Emily.
I scowled. "Okay, tell me when we're alone," I reassured him.
He nodded and went back to listening to music.
"Are you nervous?" Oliver asked from next to me.
I smiled at him, surprised by his question, but he was smart for a ten-year-old.
I nodded. "A little," I admitted.
He furrowed his brow. "Dad says that you can trick your brain. He says you can trick it by telling it you're just excited," he smiled widely, his blue eyes shining through his blonde bangs.
I brushed his bangs out of his face. He looked like a carbon copy of Emily, but he was my little brother, the littlest of them all. "Thank you, Oliver. I'll try that," I smiled.
We pulled up in the drop-off area, which was mostly abandoned because most students had their own cars.
"Okay, guys, have a great first day," Emily told us.
"Thanks Emily," I said.
Max just nodded, and Todd and Tyler quickly jumped out, saying goodbye to their mom before leaving.
"Have a great day at school, Oliver." I smiled at him while giving him a small wave.
The school stood before me, an enormous structure that seemed to stretch endlessly. It loomed like a massive shopping mall, taking up a significant chunk of the surrounding landscape. The sheer size of it was overwhelming, with multiple wings, towering walls, and a sprawling campus that seemed to go on forever.
As I stepped out of the car, I couldn't help but be in awe of its magnitude. The school was like a small city unto itself, bustling with students, teachers, and staff going about their morning.
From the drop-off area, I could see the entrance, grand and imposing, with double doors that seemed to welcome students.
The school grounds extended far beyond the main building, with sprawling sports fields and grounds.
I couldn't help but feel a surge of exhilaration as I set foot inside the school grounds. It was a place that seemed to exist in a realm far beyond my wildest dreams. A hallowed ground where the children of the rich and famous converged, a haven for budding child actors, aspiring models, and those fortunate enough to have celebrities as their parents.
"Lucy," Max pulled me by my blazer, bringing me out of my bubble. "Can we talk?"
I focused all my attention on him. "What's up?" I tilted my head.
"I'll tell you, but first, you have to promise not to get mad," Max said, his eyes darting all over the place.
I shook my head. "You're freaking me out," I said, trying to keep my cool.
"Lucy!" Andrew called. I looked over at him, then back at Max.
I was a bit conflicted, but I already had enough nerves on my plate. "Can you tell me when we're home?" I asked Max. He looked a bit disappointed but then nodded.
I turned to Andrew and wrapped my arms around him. "I missed you," I told him. "When did your family come back?" I asked.
"Last night," he smiled, looking a lot tanner.
"I wish you could have come with us to Hawaii," he pouted.
"My dad would have never allowed me. He's nice, but he's not that nice," I smiled.
"I get it. I wouldn't want my only daughter to travel with a bad boy like me either," he smirked.
And I burst out laughing.
"Excuse me, Miss Rocket Sock, this is no laughing matter," he scolded. "I am too a bad boy."
"Miss Rocket Sock... nice. You're a bad boy? Please. More like Golden Retriever boy," I teased.
"Not that name making a comeback," he rolled his eyes.
"Then don't call me names either," I poked his arm.
He sighed. "I'm at a moral dilemma now," he stroked his chin. Then he shook his head. "I like calling you names, but then you call me names. That's it!" He clapped his hands. "I have a solution."
I squinted at him. "I'm listening,"
"Why dont I continue to bug and tease you in an exchange that you can call me Mr Cool Guy." He joked. What I have gathered from Andrew, is that he is just a nerd with good looks, deep down he has thick glasses and an encyclopedia in hand along with lame jokes.
I furrowed my brows. "Gosh, that's so lame Drew." I let out a small laugh, I roll my eyes at him. "Just take me inside of the school, I definitely need a tour guide," I say in exasperation, and playfully bumped him with my shoulder.
"Your wish is my command, Miss Rocket Sock," he teased, playfully taking my hand and intertwining his fingers with mine.
"Stop calling me that," I protested, my voice tinged with exasperation.
"No, I don't think I will," he teased once again, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
I heaved a sigh, realizing that this guy knew exactly how to push my buttons. How did he manage to grow on me like this? Despite my annoyance, I couldn't help but smile a little. His absence during his family's week-and-a-half-long trip had made me realize just how much I missed his particular brand of annoyance.
But my fleeting smile quickly faded as I noticed a commotion nearby. Girls were giggling and laughing, snapping pictures and taking videos. My curiosity piqued and I wondered who could be the cause of such excitement. Could it be someone famous, a celebrity? I knew that famous kids attended this school, but encountering them so soon was unexpected.
"Okay, enough now. No more selfies or Snap-whatever, I love you guys, but personal space is key, so please leave me alone," a tall guy with a British accent asserted, fending off his zealous fans. Squinting my eyes, in an attempt to determine if I could recognise him from somewhere.
Andrew's grip on my hand tightened, and I glanced at our intertwined fingers. "What's wrong?" I asked, concerned by his serious expression.
"What's Jace doing here?" he replied, his voice filled with a sense of gravity.
My gaze followed his, and my heart skipped a beat as I laid eyes on Jace. He turned around, and it really was him, hair grown out into a Wolf cut. He looked completely different, he looked— healthier.
Jace had managed to break free from the crowd, he then noticed me, and came to an abrupt halt. Our eyes interlocked for a moment or maybe two, and I could sense a mix of emotions as his grey eyes shook, scanning me and then Andrew, nevertheless; he averted his gaze away and continued walking, leaving me stunned. He wore the same school uniform as Andrew and my brothers, so that means...
"I thought you said he was homeschooled." I look up at Andrew.
"I thought so too." He replied his voice holding more weight than his earlier self.
My heart goes out to Andrew as I remember the ugly fight that they had, it makes me wonder if word would go around. I know Andrew would just want to forget about it, it's rather a heavy topic. I gulp and look down the hallway to Jace. It's a big school...so lets hope they don't run into each other.