Standard disclaimer applies
Chapter Two. Manitou High
After Mary whisked out the door my thoughts settled on what my new school was going to be like. Would I make any friends? Would I somehow find what I have been searching for-acceptance. The house was eerily silent and I could hear the second hands on the clock ticking away. Deciding not to delay the inevitable I pushed the wooden chair back cringing at the sound of it scraping across the ceramic tiled floor.
My thoughts are still in a quandary as I gather up my dishes and carry them to the sink rinsed them off and placed them in the dishwasher. Drudgingly I climbed the staircase to retrieve my school supplies. Pens Paper pencils the usual fare, which at least is consistent from place to place, it never changes staples if you will of life. I shoved them into my ratted plaid backpack and slung it over my back while heading out the front door.
I squinted as I walked out into the bright morning sunshine. The sun still fairly low on the horizon cast a warm glow on the aspens and evergreens that surrounded Mary's property. I had once read in a magazine that Colorado is one of the sunniest places in the United States. Unfortunately here in Manitou springs where the town is nestled up against the base of Pikes Peak there is an unusual amount of shade depending on which position the sun is in the sky.
We live on the outskirts of town; the compacted dirt road that leads to our house is surrounded by forest. Mary told me that she could do without big city living and opted for a smaller house away from all of the crime and pollution. Someplace that would give her peace and quiet and retrospection.
I walked down the earthen road absorbing everything like a small child wanting to remember and experience everything. The crunch of loose pebbles beneath my feet, the faint smell of pine that floated past on the gentle breeze crisp with the promise of a new day.
Walking has always been my favorite pastime, It is the one thing that I can do to be with only myself and I did not waste an opportunity with the scenic walk ahead of me. In schools I had attended before I have never been particularly popular, It was probably due to the fact that I was always on the receiving end of sympathetic looks from the teachers or the sly snickers from other students that passed by me in the hall.
When I was younger this bothered me to the point of aggression, I would lash out at anyone who tried to berate me. I have long since left that thinking behind and realized that what is, is and there is nothing that I can do to change the situation. But here it was different; nobody knows who I am or what my background is so it is a chance to start fresh, new. I think that the problem with high school kids is that they are always trying to find where they belong, to find somewhere that they are accepted unconditionally for just being themselves. Unfortunately, it is not a reality for some kids and have seen first hand what a toll it takes on a person, It is not a pretty sight
This is my first close look of my new town. I hadn't had much of a chance to see Manitou the day before. Mary told me is about a half mile from the center of town or about two miles from our house. She had explained yesterday that there is a bus that I can ride if I so desire but I would rather walk and have the chance to clear my thoughts unless of course the weather is exceptionally severe.
I am also hopeful for the change of obtaining my drivers license, I have held my permit for the better part of a year because the shelter home at least figured that it would be good to somewhat prepare us for adulthood.
In the distance I began to see the silhouette of the high school. It is an impressive building to say the least. Already, I could make out the figures of other students. Some were playing basket ball on the court others were just sitting around congregating. This got me thinking would I be able to make any friends? Are the kids here nice? How much will I stand out?. I tried to keep the negative thoughts in the back of my mind but somehow the broke through the barrier and invaded my thoughts. This would not do at all, it is the power of positive thinking.
While lost in my thoughts I approached the school grounds. The first thing that I notice was the ornate black iron fence that encapsulated the school grounds. I walked along the sidewalk parallel to the school and eventually stepped through the gate into the parking lot. It was actually more spacious than my last school. Mary had told me that even though the town was very small the school actually had kids from other small towns in the area and some event traveled from Colorado Springs.
The parking lot opened up into a good-sized yard surrounded by buildings, there was a basketball court to one side and on the other was a scattered array of slate grey stone tables and benches. brightly colored flower beds perched in-between the concrete walkways making each an island unto their own. Looking beyond that was a small area that housed a field of brilliant green grass and mature aspen trees. I ambled between the guys playing basket ball and walked toward the tallest building. It is a very impressive structure especially looking up at it.
The bright blue morning sky contrasted with the sand tinted brick that supported thickets of jade hued ivy creeping up the surface with its branches intertwining to form a thick green blanket. To me it is beautiful and ominous at the same time. I suppressed a shiver while that thought crossed my mind.
I found the office without much bother as is the standard it was the first room to the right as you enter the building. The chipped black door already propped open to allow easier entrances and exists. I could see that there were already a few students mulling about.
As I waited in line I glanced around the room noting the very pale burgundy of the walls that contained strategically placed photos and awards. Painted on another wall in bold black lettering was the schools mission statement. I have never understood why schools need a mission statement. To me it was ridiculously simple, their mission, simply stated, is to teach children, the concept is not all that difficult really.
Finally, it was my turn; I confidently approached the chest high counter and looked down at the wisp of a receptionist that sat there. Her beady green eyes peered back at me from behind her wire rimmed glasses.
"Hello my name is Bella Swan, Senior class and I am a transfer student from the Springs,"
I stated politely as I could. There is no way that I want to start this school year on the wrong foot. She stared at me curiously for a moment and then turned to her computer typing furiously, her crooked thin fingers flying across the keyboard.
"Ah! Yes Miss Swan, since we have already received all of your records from your previous high school there is no paperwork that you need to fill out, but here is your map, schedule, and a copy of the parent handbook." She said as she reached out one of her thin arms to hand me the stack of papers.
"Thank you "I responded almost inaudibly.
"Yes yes well welcome to Manitou high, and good luck."
She then looked straight into my eyes; I could see the slight undercurrent of fear, as I wondered why she emphasized the word luck. Quickly I averted my eyes, and before I could even move from the counter she was shouting, "NEXT!"
I shuffled back into the hallway, papers in hand my thoughts still mulling over the look in the secretaries eyes. Should I have reason to worry? I paused for a second than snickered to myself, there is nothing to worry about I am just nervous. There is nothing here at Manitou high that would be different from the last several schools I had attended. With that, a forced calm washed over me and I raised my head reassuring myself that everything would be just fine.
For the first time I glanced at my schedule. My first class was math. Room 204, it couldn't be that hard to find. I pushed my hair back from my eyes to glance down the hall when someone appeared right in front of me.
"Hi my name is Kari, your new right? Yes of course you are cause I don't recognize you and I know everyone." she frowned slightly and paused briefly in concentration.
"Yep your new, so I will be your tour guide, I am the official welcoming committee of Manitou high." She rambled excitedly.
I took a moment to look at her; she was beaming a large opened tooth smile and had the most amazing hair it was not blonde but not yet red, it was a strawberry blonde. Her bright eyes looked right at me anticipating my answer.
"Yes I am new here, I just moved from the Springs, My name is Bella Swan and I am trying to find room 204." I replied shakily, trying not to offend the girl standing in front of me.
"Well that is easy enough" she stated just as the first bell rang…
"Were going to have to hurry if were going to be on time."
"Oh okay"
"You will have to tell me all about yourself, you can sit with me at lunch, everyone here is pretty friendly so if you get lost just speak up, and there are plenty of people will help you learn the ropes."
"Okay"
She led me toward the stairs they were on the opposite side of the building and to the right. We climbed the stairs in silence. I followed her while she effortlessly navigated the halls. About three-quarters of the way down the hall she stopped and stated
"Here you be, I gotta run to get to my class but I will see you at lunch." She waved over her shoulder and said "Good luck"
"Thank you" I yelled as her back retreated and she disappeared into the crowd of students in the hall.
Luck huh? If it wasn't for bad luck I would have no luck at all that is for sure. I turned toward the door that contained my first period. I opened it cautiously just looking around before I mustered enough courage to walk in. The class is full and most of the students had already taken their seats.
I noticed the teacher standing behind a honey oak desk shuffling though papers and muttering quietly to himself, taking time to push up the too large tortoise-shell glasses that kept slipping down his nose. I turned to face the bulk of the class and spotted an empty chair in the way back corner of the room, I smiled, I have never the kind of person who likes or craves attention so being front and center during instruction did not hold any appeal to me. .
I weaved through the rows of desks and dodged discarded backpacks and made it to the desk before any other student claimed it as their own. Swiftly I sat down and opened my backpack, retrieving my notebook and pen and placing them on the top of the desk before stuffing the backpack under my chair.
Since the class has not started I took the opportunity to watch my fellow classmates. Most of them were sitting in their chairs conversing quietly with each other. But then there were some who were running around the classroom being rowdy.
My eyes zeroed in on a couple of boys that were out of their chairs and walking, wait, no running around the classroom. I found it amusing to say the least; they were playing dodge ball with crumpled pieces of paper. Both kids threw and hit each other with timed precision and dead on accuracy. Laughter filled the classroom as the dark-haired boy hit his friend in the face with one of the papers.
. Just then the bell rang signaling the start of class
"Settle down everyone" The teacher bellowed
"Joshua, Jeremiah do the two of you really want detention?" The teacher chastised as he walked over to the two boys an angry look crossing his face. Glaring at them above the spectacles that were now precariously perched on the tip of his nose.
"No sir" they grumbled in a simultaneous fashion.
Haughtily the teacher replied "Good that is what I thought."
He walked back to the front of the classroom and began writing on the white board.
I don't know why they put me in Trigonometry class I had only started algebra at my old school I was completely lost. So I sat in my chair silently for the rest of the class watching the hands of the clock to see if they had moved and I would be saved from the incessant droning of the teacher. Nope, the hands on the clock seemed stuck in the same place for at least last half hour. I think I dozed of because the bell finally rang. After first period the other three classes passed in exactly same fashion
At last it was lunch time. My classes were everything that I expected . There was an occasional person who had briefly talked to me or elaborated on some of the key points that I didn't understand. Overall it has been a very decent morning. I walked outside into the court-yard that separated the gym cafeteria and auditorium. I had asked someone in my last class where to find the lunchroom he said just follow the noise and the stench. He was correct I could smell the pungent aroma of the public school systems processed twice baked lunch. Well there was that and I followed behind some kids headed in the same direction. Just as I walked into the cafeteria someone grabbed my arm and started to drag me towards the lunch line.
I cocked my head and realized it was Kari.
"Hiya Bella, I saw you standing at the door and figured I would help you get your lunch. Mine is already at the table so after I explain how it's done I will meet you there" she said grinning.
"Um okay, Thanks" I shot her a small smile.
"Alright here are the trays, and you go through the line there and tell them what you want then you pay for it at the end, which is over there, by swiping your school Id, you think you got it?"
"Um yes I Think so."
"Cool" she acknowledged with a nod of her head and she released my arm that she had held captive. "We sit over there in the far corner. I will see you in a bit." Then Kari flashed a bright smile and disappeared in the masses.
I got my lunch tray with no problem and started walking in the general direction that Kari had pointed while scanning over the nameless faces and feeling quite insignificant as I realized that I don't know any of them and that they have had their whole lives to grow up and form bonds together. Startled by the directions my thoughts had just taken I made a conscious effort to push away the melancholy feelings and search for the one familiar face that I know.
I sat down at the table nervously looking at the other students who eyed me with curiosity. I shrank back a little because I was not comfortable with all the stares.
"Hey, Bella! I am glad that you didn't have difficulty finding our table"
Kari chirped. Then she turned slightly and addressed a couple of other people at the table,
"Everyone this is Bella Swan and she has just moved here from the Springs,. Bella these fine people here are Patricia and Derrick"
"Hi "I shyly looked over to the two people who were still looking at me as if I had two heads.
First there was Derrick he is quite tall, very lanky with light brown hair and green eyes he also had a very toothy grin, as he smiled at me. Then there is Patricia who I think is absolutely beautiful, long flowing black hair and striking azure eyes, I felt very insignificant in comparison to her. I absently fingered my wavy brown hair and though of when I looked in the mirror that morning with my sallow complexion and all of those horrible freckles on my nose. Yes, I was quite plain and Patricia was beautiful and exciting.
"So Bella tell us all about yourself we are very curious on how someone so obviously normal would end up here in Manitou springs of all places?"
That was Kari she seemed genuinely interested in my boring story, after pausing a moment I began…
"Well let's see… I moved here recently to live with my aunt; she is a registered nurse at Memorial hospital in Colorado Springs. I have no idea t why we moved but she said a change would do us both good. Mary, my aunt, works all the time so I Am home by myself alot"
I hope that they would not notice my voice wavering there at the end, I don't like lying but if that is the worst thing that could happen to someone … well lets just say that it sounded normal. More normal saying hey I have no idea who I am or when I was born or Oh wait my name is not really Bella I don't know what it is. That would definitely have them start yelling look at the freak.
"So guys, how about you tell me about Manitou springs it seems like such a quiet town, but it is so beautiful here?"
"How much have you heard about it Bella?" this came from Derrick
"I haven't really heard anything other than there are kids from other towns that come to school here and then the most I have seen was on my walk to school this morning."
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Derrick move quickly and start rubbing his hands together with a goofy grin on his face he looked like he if he didn't say what was on his mind he was going to spontaneously combust. It was simply adorable
"So you haven't heard about the hauntings yet?
"Hauntings?" I mimicked
"Yes hauntings." I gulped at his pronouncement
"The story is that there are several haunted buildings in Manitou. I guess it's because we have such a colorful history. Anyway, let's go on with the show… He said sardonically
"The first one is at a business called Mushroom Monday. Several customers have reported seeing the figure of a man appear out of nowhere, he has a scruffy beard and dressed in clothes that date to the 1800's.
"The most recent report was that a little girl in the store was giggling and talking her mom asked what she was doing and she said she was talking to the man and pointed to an area and nobody was continued on his voice rising in pitch and volume as he carried on.
"There is another incident at a Bed and breakfast just off of main where an employee was outside in the front watering flowers and some woman went in and out of the door, I guess he asked her if she needed some help and she said that she just left the mail with a man at the counter inside. He knew for a fact that there was no one inside because there were not any boarders checked in at the time and he was the only one there."
"Oh come on Derrick" Kari said
"You know I don't like these ghost stories, they freak me out and then I cannot sleep for weeks." Her hands wringing on her lap. Eyes wide and uncertain.
Derrick glanced her way but just ignored her and continued.
"Our biggest claim to fame though is the Briar Hurst manor, which brings in a ton of tourists. It has even been spotlighted on the TV show called Ghost Hunters. He looked at us expectantly
"You know It is a show that plays on the sci-fi channel. Have you seen it.?"
Are you listening?"
I nodded my head thinking this was ridiculous
"No, I haven't and yes, I am listening" I answered
"Anyway… there are reports of apparitions, levitating objects, lights flashing, mysterious footprints and a kid's ball bouncing in an empty room. I know that not all of it but that is all I can think of for there."
By this time Derrick was just bouncing in his seat acting like the cat that caught the canary.
"The oldest story is from Miramount castle, it used to house/sanitarium and both employees and guests have seen strange things. For instance there have been reports of apparitions; men, women and children in Victorian attire that were wandering about, or the report about the Victorian woman walking around without her head. It is pretty creepy stuff. My mom brought me there when I was about five or so. I of course was lagging behind because my legs were not as long as my moms, anyways there was this really ornate mirror and when I looked in it the reflection was not me. It was some old wrinkly woman. I then looked behind me and nothing was there so I looked back at the mirror, it was me again. Like I said Creepy"
Derrick followed his speech with a forced shiver. I couldn't suppress the giggle that was trying to escape, so right then I just busted out laughing. Poor Derrick he was so serious about this, I kind of felt bad for him. it is impossible to believe that this sleepy town is just seething with dark and sinister entities or that there are things that go bump in the night. It is completely ludicrous. Granted I am not trying to be mean but unfortunately I think that they were upset because when I abruptly stopped laughing and looked over at them. All three of them were staring at me with stone serious faces. It was Patricia who spoke up next. The tone of her voice sent a chill down my spine
"Alright then, if you don't believe in ghosts how about 2 years ago a satanic cult moved into our neighborhood at last count there are over 50 of them that live and practice together. That to me is creepy. Also this town is Mecca for Pagans and witches. These are real people, does magic scare you Bella?"
"No, to be honest I don't believe in any of that. Call me crazy or call me sane but seeing is believing and I have never experienced anything like that. Don't get mad at me… My mind works rationally. I do think it is cool though that I live in a town with that kind of reputation." I smiled at them.
"Suit yourself, but you will eventually experience it and we will make a believer out of you." Kari said smiling on me.
"Come on Bella, lets dump our trays and I will show you to your next class." I don't think that I have ever been so relieved to escape a conversation in my life.
Just as Kari and I walked out of the cafeteria the bell rang. She led me to the photography room, in the basement of the school. The stairs were not well lit and I was half expecting for Derrick to jump out of the shadows trying to scare me. I reached the bottom of the stairs and walked into the classroom. I made a quick sweep of the class room; I did not recognize anyone from my earlier classes so I found an empty seat that was near the back of the room by the wall. Let me tell you that it is very uncomfortable walking into a room full of strangers; everything is magnified to the nth degree.
I had my eyed fixed on the ground for a couple of reasons. The first was to avoid tripping over any legs or backpacks that might just be in the isle and secondly it was my feeble attempt to become invisible. As I walked I thought I was doing a good job; I had almost made it to my desk without any mishap when I heard a lull in the conversation and heard a definite low guttural sound almost akin to growl that a dog makes when challenged or defending its territory. I looked up to see what was making the noise, but it wasn't a what but it was a whom.
My gaze locked with the most hate filled black eyes I have ever encountered. They reminded me of the void that is in the center of a black hole or they would have if I had seen the void in the center of a black hole.
I was rooted to the spot, the boys eyes burned into mine like he was trying to singe my soul. His body was completely tense I could not see any muscles twitch or move on his body. His back was ramrod straight but his eyes with that horrible growl terrified me but nothing compared to his lip curled up exposing a row of perfect white teeth. It was at that moment that I feared for my life. I shifted my eyes breaking the spell he had me under and quickly sprinted to the furthest seat away from him that I could find. With my back turned away from him I could still feel his malevolent orbs follow where I went.
Throughout the rest of class I kept my head down and did not dare move. Finally the bell rang. I waited in my seat to make sure that he left before me. I am not sure what I had done wrong, I couldn't tell you anything about what he looks like, just the expression on his face, it is going to haunt me in my nightmares for a long time. Glancing up slowly I noticed that the class was just about empty so I lifted my head and realized that there was someone standing at my desk.
"Hi My name is Mike." He reached out his hand.
I shook his hand. "Hi I am Bella, it is nice to meet you." First thing that I notice was his beautiful blue eyes, so warm and inviting. It took that one second to push the thoughts of the malicious eyes out of my head.
"So where you headed?"
"American history"
" Well I have study hall this period but I would be honored if you would let me walk you to class." Then he flashed me a big wide sunny smile that reached his eyes and made them shine even brighter. I would have swooned right there if I was not sitting down.
I t didn't take long to get to history class; Mike is a very good conversationalist, I told him that I would talk to him tomorrow and he retorted "I count on it" as he walked away
Sigh… I walk into history and I immediately see Kari sitting near the middle of the classroom. I rush over to her .
"Hey Kari"
"Hey Bella How was your last class?"
"Ugh," I plopped my forehead on the desk in front of me.
"That good huh"
"Don't even get me started" my voice muffled because I was still hiding my face in the laminated wood desk. "Have you ever had the feeling that you have wronged someone in a past life?
Kari turned to me and smiled brightly "Of course" then she busied herself with getting out her supplies.
I already had set my supplies on the desk and shoved my backpack under my seat so I had nothing to do but wait until class started. I sat staring at the door watching the kids come in. I was awestruck at the next boy entering the class. He looked about 19 had disheveled reddish-brown hair, flawless alabaster skin. To sum him up in one word, he was gorgeous. I then made the mistake and looked into his eyes. It was right there that my heart dropped down into my feet and I felt the fear rising. Again, in my sight were those piercing malefic eyes, I could not hear the growl but it played in my mind over and over like a CD on repeat.
He was looking straight at me with his lip curled up. I have never been much of a religious person, but I saw my life flash before my eyes and I prayed to go to heaven because if I were to go to hell I would be looking at his gaze for all eternity. This time he was the one who turned away and scurried to the other side of the room and found a seat.
Kari's senseless chatter broke me from my impromptu prayer session and brought me back to reality. The class could not end fast enough; I could not even tell you about my teacher or the lesson. The second the bell rang I was off like a shot. Out of the room down the hall and out of the building I walked as if the hounds of hell were nipping at my heels. I didn't slow down until I was well out of sight of the school. Leaning against a strong aspen tree I paused to catch my breath. Exhaustion finally caught up with me as my house came into view. My feet were dragging and by the last half block and it took great deal of exertion to just keep going. All of my limbs felt heavy and it took some effort to get the key in the lock and push open the door.
I silently tip-toed into the house, Mary's car was in the drive way and I am pretty sure she would be sleeping. I shut the door behind me with a click and searched the house. Mary was in her room asleep; she had to work tonight at seven. I ran up to my room and threw my backpack on my bed. I spun around to leave when on my dresser I noticed some clothes. I ran over to look at them. It was a good weeks worth of clothes. I smiled, holding the clothes to me… Mary actually got me clothes, and they were brand new. I was giddy; nobody had ever done something so nice for me. I decided to fix dinner for her tonight to return the gesture.
It took me about fifteen minutes to decide what to cook for dinner it took me even longer to find where all the cooking utensils were. But within an hour I had fixed a fairly decent meal of grilled chicken, butter and herb potatoes and asparagus. I had just set the last plate on the table when Mary came in the kitchen.
"Good evening Mary I hope you don't mind that I cooked dinner" I chirped happily
She just stood there wiping her eyes staring at the set table. She looked confused
"Um no, but you didn't have to, I was going to get it."
"After you got me the clothes, it is the least that I can do for you" the words slipped easily from my mouth knowing that I sincerely meant it. She sat down at her place at the table and began eating… I joined her after placing the gravy boat on the table.
"So how was your day at school today?" she asked completely interested before she took a bite of chicken.
"It was okay I met a girl named Kari, and a couple of her friends. But for the most part I just kept to myself. Oh, I was hoping it was okay if I called you my aunt, It would make things a little less awkward for me when the other kids asked me questions"… I trailed off looking up at her
She sat there looking like a deer in headlights, I hurriedly said "I mean It is okay if you don't want me to I understand completely if.. "She cut me off.
"Bella, I would be honored to be called your aunt." I could see pride radiating in her eyes, she was very pleased.
I decided to leave the conversation at that. She finished her dinner and then left to her room to get ready for work. I busied myself cleaning up the kitchen and washed the dishes, Just as I had put away the last plate she walked out and said that she had to leave. I told her I would see her tomorrow she just smiled. I had nothing to do at this point so I went upstairs and put away my new clothes. They were nothing fancy but they were the best things I had ever owned and just as I liked them, Baggy pants and men's t-shirts. Mary is a very observant person.
The sun was starting to fall behind the mountains and shadow swept through my room I turned on the lamp on the nightstand and sat on my window seat I pulled back the grey curtains and looked outside, I could see that the sky had already taken on an indigo hue over the treetops. Everything is still very green, I looked down into my backyard, It was full of flowers of every color and there was some wicker furniture around a barbecue pit.
My thoughts turned towards the school day as the sun further slipped away and night blanketed the earth. I really do like Kari; she seems like a fun girl to hang around. Mike is also very nice In my last school most kids avoided me like I was a leper or maybe they would catch my cooties. But here I feel like I might be able to make a life for myself, Granted today is only the second day I have been here but Mary is trying to give me my space but at the same time get involved, It is such a tedious balance that needs followed in every aspect of life.
After about an hour of attempting to do my homework I decided it was not going to work, my mind kept going over and over in my head. How and what I should have done different with the boy who has complete disdain for me and that I have no idea what I have done wrong or what could I have done that had offended him. It is a constant barrage of thoughts invading my consciousness and I wanted it gone. Maybe I have met him somewhere before, I searched through my memory not finding any traces of him anywhere. I don't even know his name or anything about him. Tomorrow, I would talk to Kari and see what I could find. I really don't want any enemies, especially ones where you have no idea why you are their enemy