October third, a Monday morning, exactly 7am. It was the day Josie had long expected—the day she would resume her new school—but now that it had come; she felt her stomach twist in knots.
She pulled on her new royal blue mini skirt, tucked in a crisp white button-down shirt, smoothing it with trembling hands, but the wrinkles remained, mocking her attempts at perfection. She added on her black jacket and pulled up her ponytail from underneath. The jacket had the school's badge placed on its right chest. It had silver buttons and a silver line along the edge of the collar.
With a deep breath, she grabbed her backpack, which sat on the bed and hurried out the door, down the corridor and was going down the stairs.
As she rounded the corner into the kitchen, the smell of fresh coffee and dough hit her. Spoons clicking against mugs and plates were almost deafening in the quiet room.
Gwen was leaning forward, her arms resting on the counter. Malcolm was sitting upright, one hand resting on the counter, the other clasped in his lap. Kira and Mason—both having a plate of french toast—were sitting on either side of the dinner table that stood a few steps away from the kitchen counter and directly in front of the brown fiberglass double door that opened out to the rear of the building.
"Josie, come on, join us for breakfast." Mason said, and Kira turned in her seat to look at her sister.
She shook her head. "I don't want to be late on my first day," she said.
Gwen grabbed a neatly wrapped package, which she quickly handed to Josie. "I thought you'd say that. I packed you some sandwich," she said.
"I have something for you." Kira pulled a small velvet-covered box from her pocket and opened it to reveal a delicate, pearly purple bracelet. "It's a good luck charm," she said with a smile. "Wear it and think of me whenever you feel nervous. Works like magic." She winked.
Josie smiled and nodded.
Malcolm, who had been quietly sipping his coffee and glancing at her, asked, "Are you ready to leave?"
"Certainly." she nodded and followed him out to the driveway, where his trusty Toyota Camry was parked. The sun's reflection on the hood sparkled like tiny diamonds, dazzling her eyes.
She sat in the passenger seat, sinking into the soft leather upholstery. As the car pulled out of the driveway, she could feel the subtle buzz of the engine beneath her feet.
The sun was rising in the sky along Oakridge Street. A bright blue sky, tinged with the faintest hint of white at the horizon.
West Hills, a town nestled around, mountains and waters had changed gradually over the last fifteen years.
Trendy cafes and gadget stores had replaced the old bakeries and hardware stores on Oakridge Street and other streets. The cobblestone roads had been paved over with smooth asphalt.
The development had awed Malcolm, but also, he was envious; this was meant to be his project. He had started it but the new general continued when he took power and now, the entire citizens glorified him for the excellent work he did in polishing West Hills.
Malcolm glanced at his daughter, her eyes fixed on the road ahead.
"Josie, is this what you really want?" He asked, and she nodded, taking a deep breath. She looked out the window at shops by the roadside and people walking up and down the curb.
"If you're having second thoughts, that's okay. We can turn around right now, no questions asked. Your happiness is the most important thing."
"This will make me happy." She assured her father.
On the main road leading to the school, Josie had noticed a large sign announcing the name of the school.
The entrance to West High had a long driveway, passing by the pond and park on the right. The main building, which was made of red brick, had large windows and a tall clock tower. The walkways were paved wide, and on either side had a bright green carpet of grass and trees lining up. It had a graceful façade; arched doorways. Gardens surrounded the school building, a fountain stood in front of a sculpture that symbolizes education.
As Malcolm drove in, Josie felt her nerves tighten into a knot on seeing children dressed similar to her. She had never spent time with so many kids her age before and seeing them made her nervous as she knew not what to expect from them.
He pulled into the parking lot and turned off the car.
"Off you go, child, and don't forget, no long stares—"
"—At mirrors, yeah." She gave a small nod. "You've had that one burned into my brain since I was little."
She forced a smile, trying to neglect the churning in her stomach.
Peering out the window, she saw Maggie standing on the steps to the entrance. She had caught sight of her and was standing on her toes—as the students' passing kept obstructing her view—and waving excitedly. Josie waved back while seated in the car, and struggled to smile.
"Looks like you've already made a new friend," her dad teased.
She almost laughed at him. 'A new friend', someone she'd known for eight years.
She said goodbye to her father and stepped out of the car, making her way towards Maggie.
"Hey!" Maggie squealed excitedly. "I'm so glad you're here! I can't wait to show you around." She grabbed Josie's hand and started leading her towards the entrance.
Josie's heart raced as she followed Maggie into the building. She was used to being at home, spending her days quietly with her family, not this.
As soon as they stepped into the hallway, a wave of noise hit her.
Maggie took her on a small tour.
The sports and athletic complex was in the rear of the main building, and the library was in the center. The classrooms spread out around, and there was a courtyard in the north area of the school. Near it was the music room and art room. Behind the building was the canteen and canopied spots with table and chairs.
In their classroom, the kids were chatting in groups, screaming and laughing at the top of their lungs. Josie found a seat next to Maggie, and was surprised at how relaxed she was in the chaos around them.
"There are many people here," she said.
"Yeah," Maggie replied. "It's a school, after all."
Josie nodded, looking around.
"My dad thinks you're a new friend," she said.
"It's crazy to think we've been friends for years, but never met each other up close." Maggie had a smile on her face. She leaned forward and gave Josie a hug.
"Wow, you smell so nice!" Josie patted Maggie on the back.
"So do you!" Maggie said.
A man walked into the classroom. His commanding presence halted the noise and chaos. His gaze swept over the quiet students. He asked Josie to stand beside him in front of everyone and he introduced her to the class. Some wrinkled their noses in disgust and she couldn't tell why. While others stared at her with awe as her name was mentioned. A few even seemed delighted to have her in the class.
At the end of school hours, Josie and Maggie strolled through the corridor, headed towards the door. Maggie looked at Josie with a wide smile.
"You got what you wanted, right?"
Josie nodded, but she didn't look happy. "Yeah..." she said, her voice trailing off. "What I want is freedom. And I was given a condition—I must not refuse going to that stupid therapy."
"Therapy isn't stupid, Jo, and it's not a bad thing." Maggie said
"It just makes everything worse for me," Josie said.
Maggie looked at her, confused. "I'm not sure I understand, Josie. It's supposed to help."
Josie's expression was still stony, her arms crossed over her chest.
"I know what it's supposed to do. But it doesn't work like that for me."
She noticed a redhead girl approaching them. Though short and bulky, she was a pretty one.
She smiled and asked Josie; "Are you the former general's daughter, Josette Andrews?"
Josie frowned, not sure of why everyone seemed to know her and this redhead's excitement baffled her.
"Yes, why?"
"I've always wanted to meet one of the Andrews. Most people think the rumors about your family's creepy, but I think it's cool."
She made to leave, but Josie stopped her.
"Wait, please." She said. "What rumors are we talking about here?"
The redhead started to say something, then stopped and shook her head.
"You see," she said instead. "It's pretty huge, and I don't want you to hear it from me."
Josie attempted to stop her again, but she plugged in her earpiece and moved her bulky frame towards the exit. Josie's gaze travelled around the hallway and she noticed people staring at her and whispering to themselves. Some snickered, and others watched her with terrified eyes.
"What's wrong?" She frowned. "Everyone's been giving me an awkward look since Mr. Reed mentioned my name in class today."
"Your family is renowned in West Hills, Josie. Your father was general." Maggie said.
Josie turned to face her. "You know it isn't about that. Maggie." She jerked her thumb at the door behind her. "This redhead just said something about rumors about my family and it totally makes sense with the reactions I've been getting since my last name was mentioned."
"I mean, no one believes that… I don't." Maggie shrugged.
Josie paused, then turned her head slowly to look at her friend. Lines of frowns crowded her forehead as she asked; "You knew about the rumors?"
Maggie nodded.
"And you didn't think to tell me?" Josie's frown deepened.
"It'll only make you angry."
Josie scoffed and made her way out. As she walked down the steps outside, she thought about what the rumors were; why, and how it circulated. She was grateful when she saw her father's car parked under a tree's shade.
The drive was so quiet that Malcolm could feel the tension in the car. Josie sat in the front passenger's seat, her face drawn and solemn. Malcolm could only wonder what could have made her so unhappy. He didn't ask what the matter was—perhaps he wanted to, but with Josie, he had decided to choose his words carefully.
When they arrived at home, he took the turn into his yard and pulled into the driveway.
Josie turned to her father with angry eyes. He had just turned off the engine and made to leave the car when she asked.
"What rumor is there about our family?" She heaved, "and don't think about lying to me. I need to know the truth."