There Is No Us
Astrid turned to the class and glanced around at the faces, She sighed internally and said, "Um..Hello,my name is Astrid Bowen, and I'm 16 years old. I'm from San Fransisco, California. I'm an only child, but I do have a pet cat. I like to read a lot, and listen to music, but I also like to shop every now and then, and go out with friends. I've been taking lessons in archery since I was about 10. And that's about it, I guess.." she trailed off slowly. The students sort of stared at her before breaking out into questions about what her old home and school were like, why she moved, how different this school was from her old one, etc. Astrid answered as many questions as she could, then was sent to a seat. When class was resumed, Astrid looked over at the girl next to her. The girl had slightly pale skin, dark brown hair, and light blue eyes. 'She's pretty, I hope she doesn't turn out to be one of those girls that's one of those popular rich girls.' Astrid thought, but then noticed something that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. The girl seemed almost as pale as she was in her true form, Astrid realized. 'She couldn't be..could she..?' Astrid wondered, but quickly dismissed the thought.
When class was over, Astrid walked up to Atticus and said, "Mr-Atticus, sorry. I was wondering if you could help with my schedule and showing me around? I don't understand this sort of system." Atticus smiled and exclaimed, "Of course! I was waiting for you to ask me about this. I understand the American school system is quite different. Hmm..Susan! Would you come here for a moment?" The girl that had been sitting next to Astrid had been making her way to the door, but turned around and walked toward them. Susan looked at Astrid and smiled kindly towards her. Atticus explained the situation and Susan gladly agreed to help Astrid out. The two went off together and Susan explained the schedule and told Astrid everything she needed to know about the school.
It was lunch time, and by that time the two girls had become fast friends. Susan led Astrid to the table she usually sat at with her three siblings. Susan turned to Astrid and said, "Astrid, these are my brothers and sister. Peter is the oldest, he's the one with the blonde hair. Edmund, he's a year younger than me. You're actually supposed to be in his year. And then there's Lucy, the youngest. Everyone, this is Astrid Bowen, she's new here, from California." Astrid smiled as each Pevensie waved or smiled at the sound of their name. Well, all except Edmund, he just glanced at her and kept silent. When Astrid saw him, her smile faltered a bit. He was almost as pale as Susan, paler in fact. 'He has to be one of us!'the voice that was usually quiet shouted in her head. 'No, you are part of me, remember that. There is no us.' Astrid countered to her other self, which usually chose not to get involved with anything she did and stayed quiet. She got to know the other Pevensies and found that they were all great fun to be around. Astrid talked to Peter about books and things about school, Susan and her discussed clothing, and she adored Lucy's constant happiness. Edmund, although she had tried to make conversation with him, said a few things here and there, but remained silent for most of the lunch hour, just sitting by Peter.
As lunch ended and the eldest Pevensie girl and Astrid were walking to their last classes, Susan said, "Don't worry about Edmund not talking too much. He doesn't really take easily to meeting new people, he likes to observe them before befriending them." Astrid wondered aloud, "So should I be worried he'll be staring at me then?" Susan laughed at the dry remark and said, "No, you don't have to worry at all. Edmund will find a way to observe without being seen." And with a laugh, Susan left Astrid in front of her last class and dashed off to get to her own. Astrid wondered what she could have meant by that statement, and decided she would be on her guard should herself and Edmund Pevensie meet around school.
Ok, this is my second chapter. It's not much longer than the first, but I suppose more happens, right? Reviews would be wonderful! :)