-1CH.2

The ride back to their house seemed to go by fast for all the wrong turns they made because it was only their second day here. The conversations consisted of "how are you coping" and "she was a wonderful woman" bringing tears to Natalie's eyes.

Finally Louie said "Hey guys, maybe Nat doesn't want to talk about that. I mean… you don't do you?" Natalie shook her head. "Right, so how about we talk about…" Louie struggled to find something to talk about. "school?" The look on his face when he said 'school' told Natalie that he wasn't exactly looking forward to it either.

"It's going to be different" Natalie spoke up, glad that the talk about her late mother was done. "I mean I heard that here they separate whites and blacks still." Natalie spoke cautiously knowing that this might not be such a light subject with her new family.

"Yeah, hun, we asked the principal of T.C. Williams, where you too will be going, and he said that they are merging the two schools. Oh, what were they called?" Cassie spoke in her delicate voice. It made Natalie feel safe and welcome.

"I don't think that matters. Go on." Timothy, Louie's father, said in his deep direct voice. His voice could be harsh at times, but he was the best uncle anyone could hope for. (a/n again making up his name)

"Well, anyway. The black school and the white school here, they're merging this year. It's going to be difficult for the people here. They have no clue how people are going to handle it. So be careful guys." Cassie said, worry in her voice.

"Thanks, Aunt Cassie. Now you've got me all worried." Natalie laughed showing her sarcasm. "How do you think it's going to be, Louie? I mean you're used to it right?" Natalie had forgotten if schools were integrated back in Louie's old town.

"Of, course. It'll be interesting seeing how these people react to it. I'm hoping they don't take it out on us new kids." Louie answered. His face said he was being completely serious.

"Yeah…" Natalie's voice drifted off as she stared out of her window as they drove past a street where there was what seemed like a riot about a ½ of a block down. "Oh Lord. Help us all."

"Holy shit! Mom, Dad, Look! They're going to kill someone!" Louie, his voice filled with excitement and fear, spoke as he noticed the riot.

"Watch your language!" Natalie giggled as Cassie corrected Louie. "Let's jut hope it calms down by school." This is going to be worse than I imagined. "Now, look. There's our house." It was gorgeous. A nice little blue house with a white picket fence. It looked like it came straight from the movies. There were moving trucks parked outside. They really did just get here. They weren't even unpacked. When they pulled into the driveway they all piled out. "Louie take Natalie to show her the house. Then come back and help us unpack. Natalie, you don't have to help if you don't want." Cassie spoke loudly as Natalie was running into the house to investigate with Louie hot on her heels.

Louie spoke softly as they made it to what was soon to be the kitchen. "So, will this do? I know it's nothing like your old house, but I think-"

"Are you kidding me? This is wonderful! It's gorgeous. And just imagine once it's actually furnished!" Natalie laughed. Her old house was more of a mansion, but she'd always wanted just a nice sweet home that was cozy. Hers used to feel more like an office. "So where's our rooms?"

"Upstairs." Louie answered as he rushed up to show her. "They're across from one another. You can have which ever. You're better with planning things, so you can chose as long as you help me decorate my room" Natalie answered with a big hug. She walked through both rooms and made her decision.

"This one." She said pointing at the smaller of the two rooms. "It's perfect."

---

The next day Natalie woke up to a pounding noise. It was Louie running around the house and screaming. "Mom! Football meeting! Today!" He had excitement in his voice as he rushed around. Natalie could tell he must have been late. "I gotta go. NOW!"

"Okay by sweetie! Good luck!" His mother answered in the same loud voice, only sweeter.

After Natalie heard the door slam and the car peel out she made her way into the bathroom. As she looked into the mirror she noticed her mascara had ran down her face. Must have been dreaming of her again. 'Her' being her mother of course. She had been too exhausted last night to take her makeup off. Big mistake. She washed her face trying to scrub the hurt off. She retuned to her room and opened one of her suitcases that she'd packed all of her stuff in. She picked out a cute outfit that was also professional, since she was going to go get enrolled today. First impressions with the principal are important, just in case I get into some trouble. Her aunt and uncle were taking her at around 1pm. "Fuck." Natalie muttered under her breath. It was already noon.

Natalie ran down the stairs after she'd gotten ready for the day. "Sorry I slept in." She said as she looked at the wonderful breakfast Cassie was just setting out. They'd gotten the necessities set up last night. The place was really coming along better than Natalie had imagined.

"No worries, hun" Cassie assured her. "Now hurry and eat, we've got a meeting soon. Louie left to go to some football meeting, so you're stuck with us"

Natalie laughed.

---

"Thank you, Miss Anderson. You'll be able to pick your schedule in the commons on the fist day of school. See you on the 4th." The principal said as he opened the door motioning them out.

When Natalie, Cassie, and Timothy were in the hall Timothy said "Natalie we have to go run a few errands. Do you want to come? Or you could wait here for Louie and he could give you a ride home."

"I'll wait for Lou. Thanks." Natalie said as she hugged them then took a seat on the bench in the hallway and started going through all the information papers about the school. She'd signed up for choir (honors additions were in a week), Advanced 3-d art, and photography for her electives. She was just hoping that those were what she'd get. The principal seemed to like her though so her chances seemed good.

Snapping her out of her thoughts was the noise of doors opening and guys' voices getting nearer. "Louie!" She yelled to her cousin in the crowd. All the boys' faces turned to her and stared. "I need a ride." She said simply.