The morning sun bathed the Calloway mansion in a golden glow, but inside, Hope sat stiffly at the breakfast table, her hands curled into fists on her lap. Today was her first day of school.
Lucas and Emily chatted excitedly, already used to the routine, but Hope could barely touch the toast on her plate. The thought of stepping into a new school, surrounded by children who had grown up in a world so different from hers, made her stomach churn.
Richard noticed her silence and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You'll be fine, Hope. Just be yourself."
Victoria, seated at the head of the table, sipped her coffee with a slight smile, her eyes cool. "Yes, darling. But do try to behave. We wouldn't want any… misunderstandings."
Hope didn't understand what she meant, but the tone made her uneasy.
"Come on, we'll show you around," Lucas said, grinning. "It's not so bad!"
Emily nodded. "And you can sit with us at lunch."
Their kindness made Hope feel lighter, but as she followed them to the waiting car, Victoria's words lingered in her mind.
A School of Strangers
The sleek black car pulled up in front of Winston Academy, a private school that looked more like a castle than a learning institution. Tall gates, well-manicured lawns, and students dressed in pressed uniforms it was nothing like the orphanage school she had once attended.
As Hope stepped out, she felt the weight of stares. A few students whispered, some openly gawked.
"Is that the girl the Calloways adopted?"
"She doesn't look like she belongs here."
"I heard she was abandoned."
Hope kept her gaze down, gripping the straps of her backpack.
Lucas and Emily walked beside her, unfazed. "Ignore them," Lucas whispered. "They'll get over it."
But Hope wasn't sure.
The first few classes were overwhelming. The teachers were strict but fair, the students polite but distant. No one was outright mean, but Hope could feel the invisible wall separating her from the others.
During break, Lucas and Emily took her to the cafeteria, but the moment they walked in, a group of girls turned to whisper.
One girl, tall with sleek dark hair, smirked. "So, you're the charity case."
Hope flinched, gripping her tray tighter.
Lucas scowled. "Back off, Natalie."
Natalie rolled her eyes. "I'm just saying. Not everyone gets to live in a mansion without earning it."
Emily stepped forward. "She's our sister."
Natalie raised a brow. "Really? That's funny because Mrs. Calloway doesn't seem to think so."
Hope's breath caught. Had Victoria been saying things about her?
Before she could react, a boy with messy blond hair walked up and casually draped an arm over Natalie's chair. "Leave her alone, Nat."
Natalie huffed but didn't argue.
The boy turned to Hope and gave her a lopsided grin. "I'm Jake. Ignore them they're just bored."
Hope hesitated before nodding.
Lucas nudged her. "See? Not everyone's bad."
But Hope wasn't convinced.
The Weight of Expectations
That evening, Hope sat in her new room, staring at her books. The day had been exhausting, and though Lucas and Emily had supported her, she still felt out of place.
A soft knock at the door made her jump.
Victoria stepped inside, a polished smile on her face. "How was school, dear?"
Hope sat up. "It was… okay."
Victoria walked over, brushing invisible dust off Hope's desk. "I heard there were some… issues. A little trouble fitting in?"
Hope swallowed. "It's just new."
Victoria tilted her head, her voice silky. "I just want what's best for my family, Hope. You do understand that, don't you?"
Hope nodded slowly.
Victoria's smile widened. "Good girl. Just remember people like us, we have expectations to uphold. Try not to embarrass Richard."
Hope froze. Was that a warning?
Victoria patted her head like she was a pet before turning to leave.
Hope sat there, her heart pounding.
She had wanted to belong. But today, she realized something.
She wasn't just fighting to fit in at school.
She was fighting to keep her place in this family.