Chapter 1:
5 Years Ago
Clarissa Morgenstern was not afraid of anything. As a child, she never feared monsters under her bed. She wasn't afraid to tell her brother off when he made the conscious decision of being a colossal idiot. She hadn't even felt fear when she was stuck at the top of a rickety old ferris wheel for over an hour, Clarissa Morgenstern was not afraid of anything.
Except for the first day of school.
They were new to town, her and her brother. They had moved all the way from the Big Apple to the midwest. Just the two of them. She was okay with that. She was glad to get away.
She was not glad, however, that she was starting in a new school her senior year. Despite Principal Garroway's many promises of a perfect preppy school filled with wonderfully warm and welcoming children, Clarissa still had her doubts. School was school. It didn't matter where one went, it was all relatively the same.
She only hoped she would be able to make one friend by the end of the year.
Clarissa did her best to conceal her panic when she pulled up to the parking lot with her brother. Jonathan didn't need to know just how terrified she was of walking into that school all by herself. It would be the first year she didn't have her brother there with her.
"Have a good day, sissy." His smile was bright. He was happier than she had seen him in a long time.
She couldn't help but return his grin. "I will Jon. I'll see you after school."
He shook his head and mumbled, "My baby sister, a senior." He looked at her feigning horror, "I must be getting old!" Clarissa laughed and hopped out of the car, her brother's last joke giving her the confidence she needed to begin her day. She waved as he drove off, leaving her alone to face the horror of high school. She took a deep breath. She could do this. She was finally free.
Walking into the main office she reminded herself. There was nothing to be afraid of. Clarissa smiled at the wrinkled old secretary. Did her best to sound confident, "Hello, I'm new here. I was wondering if…"
The secretary cut her off. "Oh you must want your schedule, dear. Let me get it for you, and then I'll find someone to show you to your classes. The kids here really are quite friendly," the old lady paused for a moment, "what's your name, dear?"
"Clarissa Morgenstern."
The secretary's eyes widened. "Oh, yes. Principal Garroway told me to expect you. Welcome to Hamilton High school-here's your schedule dear. Good luck."
Clarissa thanked the woman and went to find her way to Science class with Mrs. Mckinley. Unfortunately, it wasn't that easy.
Clumsy Clarissa, her mother used to call her. Always going the wrong way. Always running into doors and tripping over herself. She couldn't find the way around the back of her hand. Her brother would laugh and gently push her over. Her mother shaking her head in silent laughter. Her father pretending to be angry.
Clarissa was literally knocked out of the memory when she collided with a chest. Her books fell to the ground. She didn't make eye contact as she mumbled a sorry and bent down to pick them up.
"What's wrong? Can't watch where you are going?" The boy she ran into sneered. She took a good look at him. His hair was just a shade darker than her brother's practically white hair. He was tall. Taller than her at least. She did not appreciate his hostility.
"Something like that. It's a little hard to pay attention when you're blinded by wild asshole's running through the hallway," Clarissa retorted, keeping a straight face and looking him directly in his eyes. They were golden, she noticed, just like his hair, just like the sunset at the end of a summer day.
He laughed then. A melodic sound that was not unpleasant to her ears. "I guess that would be a problem. Ratboy over there can be quite a problem." He gestured toward a tall boy with dark hair and nerdy-looking glasses. 'Ratboy' as the boy referred to her, looked at them. Shook his head. Contemplated for a moment. Decided to join the conversation. Tried to look threatening.
"Is this guy bothering you?"
"What are you going to do about it, Ratboy?" They were standing chest to chest, glaring at each other. Clarissa sighed. She had seen her share of fights back in New York. She didn't care for them much. Living with an older brother had taught her that much.
"Listen," she spoke, stepping in between them, "I'm new here and I would really appreciate it if one of you could show me to Mrs. Mckinley's Science class?"
Ratboy (she still didn't know his name) spoke first. "Of course." He stepped away from the boy she had run into. "I have her first period, too. My name is Simon."
"Thanks," Clarissa smiled. She did not want to give her name up just yet. She looked at the boy with the blonde hair, "See you around."
He smirked and shot her a wink. "You know you will."
Clarissa shook her head. "Take me to Science class, please, Simon."
She was Clarissa Morgenstern.
Clarissa Morgenstern was not afraid of anything.
That was the beginning.