The next morning came fast too fast. I wasn't ready to handle the flood gates that would open when I walked into the school. I shouldn't have worn a long skirt. Had I worn one of my missing leg pants it would've taken me twice as long to get ready.
Carson pulled into the parking lot the buses had just unloaded so there was a crowed. Perfect and there is no way for a quick escape in my current condition. Before I had any more time to strategized Carson pulled open the passage door and was helping me out. My face was tight and hot as I felt every eye in the lot turn to us. I know what they all were thinking.
'It's Rhonda Garden. Is it true what happened?' 'I heard her dad…' 'She was in a coma for three days' 'Poor Rhonda Garden'
I shook my head and went to the main entrance, first period geometry if I could get there before any questions were asked I would get through the day.
I'm never that lucky.
Above the office was a banner 'Welcome back Rhonda!' and the students and the staff began clapping. I froze and not just my face but neck, ears and chest went red.
"Good to see you Miss Garden," said the principle.
"Keep fighting tiger," Coach Craig said. "Cuz what are we?"
"Tigers." I heard Carson reply. It was like those dream no matter how far you went you haven't made any progress. I've had those dreams before but this was worst there was no hope at the end of this tunnel.
"Rhonda!" I heard the voice of the witch who was responsible for all of this. Lizbeth. She came and hugged me softly her perfume chocking me. "How do you like your little celebration back? I didn't want to do anything to extravagant I know how you are." She smiled a row of perfectly white teeth through red lips. She was looking down at me which was odd we were the same height then I saw she was wearing heels. Pointless it would be nothing but a muddy mess by the time school let out.
"It's just… enough," I forced through tight teeth. She smiled brighter could she not see my discontent?
"Really? I'm glad you like it." Her black curly hair bounced with the bop of her head. If I had the power I would go back to my five-year-old self and warn her to not befriend this prying, busybody. She was a good person with good intentions but that usual brought unwanted attention.
There was a tight grip around my good arm and Carson was glaring daggers at me. I immediately softened up. I looked back to Lizbeth she had dressed up for the day she was excited to have me back. She was one of my best friend when things got bad really bad for me she stayed by my side even when her parents tried to stop us from being friends And then when everything happened her and her family really stepped up for me. Her dad became my defiance attorney and her mother was able to locate my rather flighty grandmother. She was trying to help me get past some dark days the best way she knew how.
"Thanks Lizbeth I really appreciate what you've done," I gave her a genuine smile and I felt Carson loosen her grip.
"If you think this is all you are mistaken. I convinced the lunch ladies to make your favorite today and an even bigger surprise this afternoon. Just wait you will love it." I stiffened, the assembly where her parents and the school will present me with a check.
"Come on Rhonda I'll walk you to your first class." Carson said but before I could protest.
"I'll walk her." All three of us looked to the voice. Brett Pool. My heart speed up as he watched me through his dark blue eyes. I didn't know Brett just knew of him, he was on the football team and was believed to be getting a full ride to Ohio State next year. I won't lie Brett was very cute with a dimple on his left cheek and curly sandy blonde hair. While I wished I could live in a fantasy that him offering to walk me to class was for any other reason than to be nice to the cripple, I knew that wasn't the case. "It won't be a problem I have geometry first period too." He flashed a smile, his greatest attributes, taking my bag from Carson.
I began following him through my mind was still trying to catch up. I peeked my head up at him, even his profile was good looking. He spotted me staring and smiled again causing me to blush.
"Are you glad to be back to the normal life?"
"Uh…I'm just trying to get through my first day of school, I'll let you know when it becomes normal though."
"Please do. I'll be here for you." He placed his hand on my shoulder reassuringly. This was most certainly not normal. I was Rhonda Garden the girl so translucent she was invisible. No one cared about me now I have a whole welcome party and Brett Pool walking me to class telling me he would be here for me.
I'm sure my face was red if it wasn't when I limped into the class room it most certainly became that way when my peers and teacher clapped at my entrance. I hope this isn't going to happen every class.
I quickly found a seat and Brett sat my bag on the small desk. The last bell had rung and I was struggling to get my books out. When I knocked over my crutch casing it to fall forward and take my geometry book with it. Why had I attempted to balance it on the end of the desk? However, before the two items fell and brought more unwanted attention a pale hand caught them both.
A boy with reddish brown hair and pale skin—paler than mine—handed me my things. I whispered thanks before settling back in. Had he been there the whole time? I can't recall. I stole a peek only to find him staring at me. My face redden I returned my gaze back to the chalkboard. Something about this guy felt familiar. I know I've felt this before. I spent half the class trying to place where I felt this before. I should've paid attentions I was already weeks behind. But finally, I remembered. Dr. Cullen.
I looked back to the boy and again he was looking at me, but I didn't back down this time I continued to stare I hope it wasn't as obvious to the other students, I didn't any more rumors associated with me. Eventually he broke eye contact. I won.
I saw his lips curve into a smile. Something unknown to me was funny. I now realized he was familiar in two ways after staring at him for so long. First, he had the same presents at Dr. Cullen, alluring, but secondly because he looked like the girl I had met at the hospital, Nessie. What kind of genetics does Dr. Cullen have? He's gorgeous and so is the girl and this boy. Wait, weren't they all adopted? No, somebody was a cousin or something. Oh I can't remember.
I heard a snort, he had laughed at something. What was so funny to him? Why do I care so much it's not my problem? I gave him one last look. The Cullen family is very odd. He laughed but it was drowned out by the dismal bell.
Brett walked me to all my morning classes and I pretended that the reason everyone was staring was because I a freshman was walking with him a senior.
Miss Drover let me leave her class a little early to beat the lunch stampede and Brett joined me. Even with the head start we hadn't made it to the cafeteria before the bell and got caught in line. "Sorry, if you didn't have to wait for me you'd have been the first in line."
He gave a laugh. "No I'd be behind all the band members so I'm actually here early. Speaking of the devil." I turned to see a group of 'band kids' coming down the hall holding onto their instruments cases. I saw Brett get a twinkle of an idea, taking my crutch he pushed it out in their walking path. Distinctively I grabbed back for it. But he held me back. "It'll be funny."
"To you maybe." I grabbed for it again.
"I agree with her I don't think it will be funny." It was a soft song like voice. She was as beautiful, like she had been just yesterday but standing in a line of high schoolers and a dingy cafeteria she shined like a diamond in a rock. She grabbed the crutch, pulling it away with ease thought me and Brett weren't putting up much of a resistance.
"Nessie?"
"Its good to see you again Rhonda. I wasn't aware we would be going to the same high school."
"You too know each other?" Brett was flabbergasted, his face was red, eyes wide. Was it such an odd thing for me to know her.
"We met yesterday at the hospital." I said, taking a tray.
"Let me." Nessie said taking the tray for me. "What do you want?" Her demeanor seemed so out of place. She shouldn't be serving me, it was back words. "Rhonda?"
"Pepperoni pizza," I answered. Lizbeth had gotten the lunch ladies to serve my favorite food, pizza was only served on Fridays. Brett stumbled behind us with his own tray as Nessie with far too much elegance needed for the situation accepted the food for us both.
"Where are you sitting?" I scanned the cafeteria looking for Lizbeth and Carson and spotted them at the end of one long lunch table by themselves. We made our way over to them Brett still following, he was still caring my bag.
Lizbeth gawked openly as Nessie sat the tray down for me Carson didn't seem bothered in the slightest. "Thanks. You can join us if you want." It was a comment I made out of politeness and one I hadn't expected her to take. Someone like Nessie could have her pick of seats in this cafeteria.
"Really?" There was genuine surprise on her face. "You'd like me to sit with you?"
"Hmm, yea, if you want." She immediately took the seat next to me. Carson finally looked up from her drawling, Lizbeth was stunned and even Brett stared in amazement. Nessie's face was giddy, eyes wide knees bouncing and biting back a smile.
"I'm Nessie Masen. I don't think I've officially met you too yet." She held out her hand to Carson and Lizbeth who both still seemed unsure of what lead to this moment. The thud next to me surprised me as Brett took the seat next to me as he watched Nessie. Distinctively I looked around the lunch room, Brett's friends from the football team where staring at us. The band kids from earlier seemed suspired and even the teacher on duty had taken several glances at our table.
"So…what should we talk about?" Nessie asked.
"Ah, well me and Carson were just talking about my mom. She's going to Maryland to visit my grandparents. But its not really that interesting."
"Maryland is gorgeous in the fall. What part is your mom from?" She eased into the conversation with Lizbeth talking about the festivals they have this time of year and the shopping. I nibbled on my food not really hungry.
"Told you I got the lunch ladies to make your favorite," Lizbeth said. I stared at her not realizing the conversation had let to me. "How's your classes going?"
"Good just trying to get caught up in everything."
"If you need any help just let me know." I licked my lips and gave Lizbeth a smile I still hadn't forgiven her about the rally today.
"I can help you too. I'm really good in most subjects." Nessie said. "By the way how did you-"
"Why weren't we invited to this powwow, holding out on us Brett." The voice boomed. Three guys pilled around us the voice belong to the biggest one with short brown hair.
"I just know your fragile ego couldn't handle the rejection."
"I'm hurt. Come now Nessie you wouldn't turn a face like this down?" He asked falling into the seat next to her giving a pout.
"Well I was an invited guest to this table so I'm unsure if I can invite my own." She turned to me. She wanted my permission.
"Ya its fine."
"You may sit with us." Despite how odd she was acting he seemed happy with her response. After they sat a few others joined us. Most I didn't know. Couple girls from the volleyball team, some class clowns even a few in the drama club. They all gravitated towards us. While normally I would have been bothered by the amount of people flocking near me I wasn't. It was Nessie they were all interested in, it was her that pulled all of their attention. It made me feel better I wasn't the side show now, she was.
I went back to my food as everyone began to conversas amongst themselves. I then noticed Nessie's food or rather what she was doing to it. She had two slices of pizza and had pilled of the cheese from both. She then opened several mayonnaise, mustard and relish packets and squirted them unto the crust of her pizza. I felt my stomach turn just at the sight. She then added some pickles and…STRAEBERRIES! What was this girl doing? I held my breath as I watched her smother the pizza crusts together and take a huge bite out of her sandwich.
I'm pretty sure I actually heard my stomach say disgusting. Others also looked appalled at combination, yet she was enjoying it.
"Do you want some?" She asked.
"Ah no. It's just an odd paring." I said bring my hands up.
"I have unusual taste. You don't seem to be enjoying your pizza." I looked down I had only taken two bites after I had ate off the pepperoni. "It's the cheese isn't it?" She spoke as if her accusation was normal and glared at the cheese.
"Its fine my appetite just isn't fully back yet." I assured.
"Don't worry my Papa Carlisle tells me that it's common to lose appetite after a traumatic experience. But just remember to drink plenty of water and if you have to set a timer to remind you to eat for the first week or so. Before you know it, you'll be back in full swing."
"You're Papa Carlisle? I thought he was your uncle?" A second realization on her perfect face.
"Nessie I think your brother is trying to get your attention." Carson spoke up. We all turned and sure enough was the boy I had sat next to in geometry staring at us. But with him were several other equally beautiful people. They all sat away from the rest of the crowded lunch room. Three women and three men. Nessie and that guy really could be twins.
He waved Nessie over when she finally looked up. She waved back with a smile. Judging from his face he didn't like her joke though the big guy sitting across laughed. After a second the long dark-haired girl sitting closets to her brother turned to face us. She had a slim face and gold eyes, like Nessie's brother… no, like all of them. She gave Nessie a look and I recalled the same look from my childhood. My mother would give it to me when she wanted me to come to her…when I was in trouble.
Nessie quickly got out of her seat and walked to them a little edgy.
"What was that about?" I asked.
"Don't know." Carson replied not really watching like the rest of our table. They were telling her something and she just nodded but then the blonde women interjected which caused the smallest girl at the table to speak. Her brother tried to defuse the two. Nessie just stood there and smiled, but she looked sad.
"They're probably telling her not to hang out with us lowly country folks." Chimed Lexi, one of the volleyball girls.
"What?"
"Well the Cullen's don't really hang out with anyone but themselves. It's why it was so odd that Nessie agreed to sit with us when you asked." Lizbeth explained.
"Yea probable because they think they're so much better then us. Just because they grow up in a city and their dads a doctor." Reanna huffed. "They aren't even his real kids." I chewed on the pizza crust looking back at the odd family so different yet the same.
"If you ask me I think she's the only normal one out of the bunch. The rest of her family… they're just weird. And I'm pretty sure there together, like together together."
"That's just a nasty rumor." Lizbeth interrupted. The table continued with their discussions about this mysteries family and their odd one out. I was thankful, not that their arrival was really for my benefit but none the less they took some of the looks, whispers and attention away from me.
Nessie returned to our table with less bounce then when she had first arrived. Only I and Carson seemed too noticed. "Everything okay?" Brett asked.
"Of course just wanted to remind me not to be late to the car today."
"Are you going to be at the assembly? It's during last period." My relief came crashing down. God this stupid assembly. Maybe I could fake not feeling well. I looked to Carson, sketching, she would see right through that.
"Yea I should be able to come." I didn't hear the bell ring as I was trying to come up with ways to miss the assemble.
"We'll have to hurry if I'm to get to my class in time too." Brett said helping me.
"What do you have?" Lizbeth asked.
"I have Spanish, but Rhonda has government. Opposite ends of the building." He sighed.
"I have government next too. I can take her stuff." It was Nessie who had spoken up. She held out a hand for my bag a soft smile. Brett's and I where both stunned. I had spent the last twenty minutes setting next to her but I was seeing the beauty in her face all over.
Brett handed her the strap face red and eyes glazed. She smiled wider showing teeth then turned to me. "Ready?" I could only nod. I watch Bret stumble around with his things as we left.
"So you're not excited for the assembly in your honor?"
"How could you tell? I'm not even expose to know that it's for me."
"I could tell from your reaction when Lizbeth asked. First realization, panic then dread. You went through them so fast no one else saw. You don't want Lizbeth to know you not happy about it."
I laughed dryly. "It's not that I'm not happy, I just don't need the big parade. Everyone in this school—town already knows what happened I just want it behind me. It's why I'm glad you're here." My statement stopped her in her tracks. She stared her beautiful face amazed.
"You're happy that I'm here?"
"Yea. It takes some of the pressure off me. Ya know?" She stepped closer to me and I felt gooses bumps run up my neck her eyes got intense. "I don't swing that way if I just gave you the wrong message. Just you and your family being new takes my story off the front page." She laughed backing away.
"We have a way of being noticed despite how much we try not to be. Or at least the rest of my family, I've always been an attention hog according to My Jacob."
"Perhaps you could find a way to steal all the attention during the assembly. That would be great." We made it to the door, but Nessie stopped short. Her eyes were distance and puzzling over something.
"Can I sign you cast?" Her question surprised me that couldn't have been what she was debating over. I nodded as she got to the floor. My skirt was in the way, so I lifted it. Her signature started at my ankle and ended at my thigh.
"Thanks! I'll see you later." She went back towards the lunch room.
"Wait don't you have government?"
"It's not important." She called back.
I went to my desk unsure of what had just happened. I angled my leg and lifted my skirt to see her signature more clearly. Written in light pink with excellent penmanship as if the cast was smooth like silk was her name. Renesmee Carlie Masen Cullen.
The rest of the day flew by. Teachers would ask me how I was and my peers would continue to stare. At the very least no one asked for details…not that I would give them. I never ran into Nessie though I did have class with a couple of her family members the girl who had made her come to the table…Bella and the shortest one with a spiky pixie cut.
"There will be an assembly in the atrium. Please release all seniors from class." The voice came over the intercom and my stomach dropped. Perhaps I wouldn't have to pretend to be sick.
"Mr. JC, may we take Rhonda now?" It was Lizbeth and Carson at the door. He only nodded at they gathered my stuff.
"Cause you're in a cast we're allowed to leave before the rest of the freshmen class. So we'll get a front seat too." I only nodded to Lizbeth's words again I wasn't exposes to know it was for me.
By the time we got to the atrium juniors had already been released. They were truly going to let everyone from the school come. Not only that but I recognized some parents, the local news station and the Mayor. Don't these people have anything better to do with their day.
We made it to our seats right next to the stage. My heart was frantic, and I was sweating through my clothes. If I go into cardiac arrest right now I could avoid it all.
Everyone filled in and the principle went to center stage. A round man with a thinning hair line. He started with a couple little announcements and the pledge.
"Now then as many of you have heard earlier this summer we almost lost one of our own. However, prays were on her side and remarkable she pulled through to be here with us today. It was not an easy road and there is still a way to go for her but as a community who prides its self of taken care of one another and being there for each other we could not allow such a young girl to do so alone. We have been collecting money for the past couple months to help with the growing financial crutch that has been placed on the family. I would like to bring forward Mr. and Mrs. Brooker who has been in charge of this campaign." Lizbeth's parents walked on the stage. An older couple, Lizbeth was the youngest. Ten years separated her and her brother.
"Thank you Principle Heth. And thank you all for coming. It fills me with great joy to know that this community can truly rely on each other. Having lived here my whole life I can say you are all good people with great hearts. And while me and my wife did start this fund it was because of all of you that we were able to collect some much. Now than before I make the final total I think the true hero in all of this should say a few worlds. Rhonda Garden." My throat had gone dry and I'm sure I went paler.
The applauds continued as I made my way to the side stairs leading to the stage. I was slower than they had planned, and I could tell some of the enthusiasm had left the air. Just as I got to the second step I noticed off stage in the corner. It was Nessie.
She held a microphone and a gleeful smile there were others with her. I turned back to the crowd and spotted her family. They were easy to pick out. They all sat together despite being in different grades. And it was her brother's face that really stuck out. His eyes had gone big and mouth fell open, shock and panic.
The lights went out.
Before anyone could react, the stage lights started going in tune with music suddenly the entire cheer team was on stage dancing. Nessie in the center microphone in hand. Mr. and Mrs. Brooker were caught in the middle of it standing there like deer in the headlights.
When Nessie began to sing I recognized the song. Shake it off I could see her totally being a T Swift fan. The atrium erupted with cheers, form the students at least. Several groups of people ran to the stage scramming their heads off. I've never been to a real concert, but this seemed pretty close. I took a seat on the stairs the rapidly changing lights given me a headache.
I watched her performance. She loved it the atmosphere the presents, she owned it. While she wasn't dancing in sync with the cheerleaders she was perfect in every step every bounce. Her voice held strong. She said I was a good singer? She could truly sing like none I've never heard before. As fast as it started it stopped.
The lights came on and I could see Coach Craig in the sound box in the back yelling at two scared tech geeks. With the sound off the performers stood awkwardly, there bravery gone. But not Nessie she held a smug smile arms crossed of her chest and head held high.
"Miss Mason. MY. OFFICE. NOW. Your Aunt and Uncle are being contacted." Principles Heth's face was so red it was glowing. She nodded jumping off the stage her family were already at the exit some glaring others laughing a couple completely dazed. Before Nessie left her eyes caught mine. She gave me a wink and a thumb up then she was gone.
She hadn't done this for my benefit, did she?
I laughed. A true deep belly tear spilling laugh. It felt weird coming from my throat it has been so long. I patted my cast where she had signed her name. Renesmee Carlie Mason Cullen you are truly something else.
Her Aunt and Uncle had to come and pick her up. They had a meeting with the principle, a week of in school suspension as well as a 1000-word apology to me for ruining my assembly. Oh and Mr. and Mrs. Brooker were able to raise 4000 dollars for me.
***I had a bit of trouble uploading these chapters, let me know what you think***
