Chapter 14

Amelia walked in through the Erwin High School front doors, and was given strange looks. The students seemed to be aware that she was different somehow, or perhaps they just reacted that way to a new face?

Nevertheless, Amelia couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. Sure, it was a new school, and she was the newcomer, but why did they stare so strangely? What could they possibly seem to know that she did not? It all boiled down to one girl who specifically watched her closely. Amelia saw her as familiar as she stared across the open lobby and into the girl's large brown eyes past her long locks of dark hair. Who was she?

Amelia entered the Guidance office with Anita, and sat inside the main administrative office at first, for Anita wanted to talk to the counselor alone. She explained Amelia's situation.

"This may sound strange, but I need to tell you about Amelia's condition," Anita started.

"I thought you called and told me the day prior that her name was Alice--"

"That's what I'm going to explain. She was involved in a car accident a few days ago and she thinks her name is Alice. She's a junior, but she thinks she's thirteen."

The counselor shook her head, puzzled. "Wait one moment, this girl is sixteen, and thinks she's thirteen? Ma'am, for one, I'm not sure how we can convince her that she is sixteen and attending high school as a junior. If she has the comprehension of a junior and is in a freshmen class, she'll pass much too quickly. What are you wanting me to do, assume her classes as of now and gradually move her up?"

"Do you think you can do that?"

"It takes a long time, Mrs. Vardiman. There have been students that have been moved up a year, and few that have been moved up two years, but I don't think we can do this in such a short amount of time, but she needs to be with the class that she.. used to be in, maybe?"

"She hasn't failed before, so the junior class would be her rightful class. I wish we could convince her that she's wrong about her own reality--"

"Now I'm still confused on this. Why does she think that she's thirteen?"

"Did you hear about the tragic car accident that happened several days ago, maybe about two?"

"With the couple? Yes, I've heard of it."

"Well, the news is putting out a story that a middle-aged couple died in a car accident. Amelia was the cause for the accident and the gasoline spillage of the French Broad because the truck turned over to avoid her."

"Surely, you must be mistaken? The news wouldn't do such a thing."

"The people who died in the car accident were her parents, or at least, that's what the news is saying, and that's what Mission's telling her--"

"What kind of sick joke is that?! Her parents were killed, but not the way the news speaks of?"

"Well, they have the mother's body. I haven't seen it, but I know it was recently wheeled into Mission's, but I don't understand why they would say that her parents were killed in a car accident and they died another way."

"What would they have to hide?"

"My son thinks the news is trying to hide something."

"I agree with him."

"Well, I didn't believe him at first, but it also seems--"

"That Mission is trying to hide something as well."

"Exactly."

"Getting on with business. She'll get suspicious if we keep yaking about this. Do you have her social security number and birth certificate with you?"

"Oh, no, I'm afraid I don't."

"Well, we can't have her registered until that's in my hands, along with her previous school schedule and information. Come back within the next few days, okay? We can discuss this more."

Anita smiled and stood. "Thank you so much," and she left the room, Amelia following closely behind.

"Do I get to come back tomorrow?" Amelia asked.

"We'll have to get your social security card and previous school records, and then you'll be on your way. You should've at least told her your birthdate."

Amelia blinked. "Strange. I must be getting a brain fart, I can't remember my birthday," she giggled.

(Things are getting a little freaky, eh?)