Hey lovelies! So this is not an epilogue or the beginning of the second book. It's the first chapter rewritten and revised with new character names. I want to know what you guys think and how it compares to the original first chapter. As you guys may know, I worked on this story for over a year and in that time my writing changed (and hopefully improved). Any who, I wanted you to know I thought about you, I'm still working on new content for you guys, and I appreciate your continued support. Thank you so much. Enjoy
I was in no way excited for this. I paused outside the office door, my hand on the ice cold knob. I took a deep breath, my lungs filling with chilled air, before I exhaled, my breath faintly hanging in the air. I'm nervous, at least that's what the bubbles in my stomach are telling me, and with final sigh I opened the door quickly, jerking it a little in my haste. The office was stuffy, and the air perfumed. It was sweet, fruity and floral in all the wrong ways. It smelled like over ripened fruit and three day old roses. As I approached the desk I realized the source of the overbearing scent came from the front desk attendant.
The bell rang and the office emptied, leaving me alone with the overbearing warmth.
"Hi, I'm Lillie Anaya. I'm new here, I start today. I just came for my schedule."
The receptionist looked up with blank eyes.
"Did you not receive your schedule in the mail?" The woman's voice was high pitched, and I wasn't surprised in the slightest.
"No, I must have missed it when we moved here,"
"Oh, okay," The receptionist spoke slowly, as if determining what to do, "Well, I guess I can just print it for you, what was your name again?"
"Lillie Anaya," I paused before spelling out my last name.
The receptionist typed my name in the computer, touched the mouse a couple times before reaching under her desk and handing me a single piece of paper. I tried to smile, but the receptionist had already left the conversation, not even raising her head in acknowledgement.
I looked at the paper; it was simply my schedule printed so small it was almost useless. But there was a map underneath it, the number on the rooms so small I had to squint hard to see them. I didn't understand how these building were numbered. Some were in consecutive order, while others were random, and then there was this maze of portables in the back of the school. I had never been to a school this big. I wandered around campus, avoiding students scurrying to their first class. I cradled my book and notebook to my chest, my schedule in hand.
Oh hell. I think, I'm lost.
I looked at the map even harder, but with hard to read classroom numbers, and the barely perceptible building numbers, the piece of paper was useless. I pushed my pen behind my ear and entered the nearest halls were loud. Raised voices bouncing off of lockers and hard linoleum floors. My head throbbed under the florescent lighting and I quickly walked into the bathroom. The bathroom was the quietest place yet. I stood in front of the mirror, scrubbing my hands in a sink that was far too low to be made for anyone over the age of ten. I dried my hands, before attempting to make sense of the map again. It was utterly useless, I decided as I pushed my hair behind my ears in annoyance, knocking my pen into the sink.
"You know the bell is going to ring soon."
My heart stopped beating. I thought I was in here alone.
"I didn't mean to scare you, you just seemed kinda spaced out or something, I don't know."
The girl stood at the sink next to mine, washing her hands.
I reached for the pen. I should have answered, I know I should have said something, but instead a long and uncomfortable silence stretched on in my place.
"Wow," The girl muttered more to herself than me, grabbing a paper towel, "Never mind." The girl shut her water off, using the paper towel to grip the faucet.
I looked at her. Just say something.
"I'm new," I heard myself blurt out, and immediately flushed with embarrassment.
And a freak. Great start.
"I mean, I'm Lillie," I turned to face the girl.
She was pretty. Beautiful even. She had a long straight nose, prominent cheekbones and beautiful, brown, almond shaped eyes. Across the bridge of her nose was a splatter of light brown freckles. Her makeup was done; her hair in a neat high ponytail, I felt even more self-conscious looking at her.
"I'm November, but I only answer to Nova," She said with a smile. I knew I was supposed to say something more, but I couldn't think of anything else to say. Luckily the bell rang in my place. I saw my escape.
"Well, I'll see you later I guess, it was nice to meet you," I said picking up my books.
"Do you need some help finding your next class?"
I was going to protest but the girl had already grabbed my schedule off my stack of books and was leading me out the door.
We walked in silence, the halls were empty. The silence was just starting to become uncomfortable when Nova spoke.
"Alright, here it is." We stood in front of a door. Science. I held back, what felt like, my hundredth sigh for the day.
"Thanks, is your class around here?" I asked, stalling, my hand poised over the knob.
"Nah, it's back by the bathroom." With that she was gone. I watched as she walked away, her black and white polka dot skirt swishing in time with her steps.
I entered my very first class of the day, at a new school, late. I am just off to a great start.
My punishment came swiftly as I was forced to introduce myself in front of the class.
"Hello, my name is Lillie."
The teacher looked at me expectantly and I stared back.
"Where are you from?" The teacher prompted with a smile. Shit. I could tell right away he was one of those teachers that made an effort to know each student as an individual. The ones that thought they could save the world, one kid at a time, were always trouble.
"My family is from Alaska."
He looked defeated, "Well, we are glad to have you with us. Just sit wherever."
I located the only open seat, two from the front, and planted it. The period inched by with curious looks from my classmates. I couldn't help but wonder if any of them knew I lied.
Before I knew it, it was lunch time, which was particularly rough seeing as I had no money and no lunch. Instead I searched for a quiet place. I spent most of lunch running into random groups of kids littered throughout the school, some with cigarettes, some cramming for the test they had the next period, most just laughing loudly. Everywhere was noisy. I finally came upon a little tree by the back building; there were no kids in sight and for the first time all day I found some quiet. Sitting underneath the tree, I pulled my knees to my chest, ignoring my aching stomach. I rested my head on my knees and closed my eyes. The sky was overcast and I felt almost chilly with the steady breeze sweeping over me. But even so I was lulled to sleep, the breeze brushing my hair.
Lunch passed quickly and I was jolted awake by the ringing bell and growing voices. Placing my pen back behind my ear, I noticed a brown paper bag sitting neatly on top of my books. On it there was a note stapled to it that read, "Eat up". The note was signed with smiley face. I looked around. Who left this? It's really not my practice to eat random food left for me. As I turned back to the note my eyes caught sight of something familiar, I looked up just in time to see black and white polka dots disappear through the back door of the nearest building. I smiled a little, and opened the bag quickly, inside was a small tub of strawberry yogurt and a granola bar. Though I wasn't a big fan of granola, I love yogurt.
I collected my stuff and made my way to my next class, eyes still heavy from sleep, mouth full of yogurt. I pushed the granola bar into my pocket for later.
I walked in to my last and favorite class of the day, English. English is what I am good at and I welcomed the stuffy classroom and noisy peers.
The teacher began lecturing promptly after the bell rang, asking questions and opening discussions, but I just listened. The students in here were decent, some of their answers lacked understanding, but I didn't find myself rolling my eyes at their answers either, which was a huge step up from my last English class. I had finally gotten into a college level course, I wasn't about to start complaining.
The class passed too quickly and I was ripped from the discussion we were having by the bell. Collecting my stuff, I slowly filed out of the room with the rest of the class.
The hallways were overcrowded and I pushed my way through. But after one accidental, and painful jab to my ribs I gave up. I made it over to the lockers lining the hall and waited for the pain to subside and the herd of people to pass.
leaning my head back I closed my eyes, the bright florescent lighting turning the inside of my eyelids white.
I should just drop out. I'm old enough. I can just get a job, save money and move out.
Then what? Work menial jobs for the rest of my life? Struggle to be able to afford school? My life wasn't ideal, but I'm almost out. I let out a soft laughing and talking was fading and with a deep breath I opened my eyes
My breath caught in my throat as I stared into eyes the color of dying sunlight. I jerked backwards, hitting my head on the locked behind me, my mouth slightly open in what, I was sure, was an attractive manner. I couldn't help but stare, something about the combination of platinum blonde hair and golden eyes had me transfixed. I watched as his eye brows were knitted together, but he didn't speak, he just continued staring. I became all too aware of my make up less face. My eyes traveled to the top of his head where two, what looked like cat or dog ears, sat on top his head. I slammed my mouth shut.
"Lillie?"
I looked beyond the boy. Nova was approaching slowly.
"Hey," I responded hesitantly, my eyes returning to the face mere inches from my own.
Nova's voice must have startled the boy. He stood up straight.
"You're on my locker."
"Oh! I'm sorry. I was just waiting... I'm sorry." I stumbled to the side, tripping over my own feet.
He didn't say anything and I felt myself growing hot with embarrassment. He moved fluidly and watching him made me feel gangly and awkward. I turned away and started walking, before stopping and whipping back around. My eyes found Nova and the words rushed out of me as if I had been punched in the stomach.
"Thank you for lunch, today."
Nova smiled, "Sure."
I turned around and left, walking briskly down the hall.
Nova's voice followed behind me.
"What did you say to her?"
"Nothing, she just left."
"You must have said something-."
I let the door close behind me cutting me off from the rest of their conversation.
I walked in the opposite direction from my house; I wasn't ready to go home just yet. Downtown was only a ten minute walk away from my school. I liked the historical district the best. The old buildings had been preserved and rented out to local business owners. There were small trees lining the sidewalk, their leaves a bright yellow spotted with rustic orange. I crossed her arms, clamping her books to her chest, trying to ward off the breeze. I passed a cute little coffee shop, the servers in jeans and matching tees, the customers laughing and talking. I walked faster, occasionally stopping to read the placard of a building that had not been renovated, or looked particularly interesting. I liked the rundown buildings best, I could see their former beauty, and they only looked better with age. They had history. Something about the stability of a building that has stood for a hundred of years made me smile. I passed little boutiques, a pharmacy, and a convenience store before finding a book store. I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The familiar smell of books hit my nose, and I breathed in deeply. I love bookstores and libraries, no one is loud and everyone is there to take care of their own personal business. I wandered up and down the aisles, looking for nothing in particular.
In the very back of the store were two overstuffed chairs and a rack of books with a sign that read: Take one- Leave one.
I smiled and sat down, opening the book I have to read for class.
The sun was beginning to set when my stomach let out its first groan. I quickly gathered my things. My phone vibrated and I pulled it from my pocket and answered.
"Hey Lillie, where are you?"
I glanced at the clock on the wall. It was late, but he didn't sound angry.
"Hey dad, I'm coming home now."
"Where have you been all day?"
I started stacking my books.
"I started school today, remember?"
I laughed; he was always forgetting things.
"You must have been really quiet when you left," I could hear the smile in his voice.
"I didn't want to wake you up," I said. walking down the aisles.
"Okay, well come on home, I made your favorite for dinner."
"On my way now."
The line went dead. I picked up my pace excited for my dad's eggplant pasta. I pushed her cell phone into my pocket, before walking dead into someone. They were very solid and I bounced off them like a pinball, knocking books and myself onto the floor.
"I'm so sorry," I said, picking up books. The other person was silent. I gathered the books and rose to her my feet before looking at the other person.
The boy with white blonde hair and golden eyes stared back at me. I wondered if it was possible to die from embarrassment. Really? Twice in one day?
I shoved his books into his chest and kept moving, faster than before, not caring if he caught them or not.
I all but ran home. The sun had completely set and the night air was cool. The wind that earlier was a gentle caress, was now cutting. I fought back shivers as I ran, the wind whipping my hair around my face. When I got home the house was bright and warm.
"I'm home." I called.
I set my books on the shoe bench by the front door.
"Come on and eat!"
I smiled, and rushed excitedly into the kitchen. My dad sat in the kitchen at the table, his fork halfway to his mouth. I sat down next to him, in front of my waiting plate, I smiled as steam rose off the plate. Though yogurt and granola were better than nothing, they weren't filling. I love pasta. Any and all kinds, I blame my mother, for feeding me spaghetti when I was younger. I wrapped the noodles around my fork and took a big bite.
"It's delicious, you must have done something different," I said, covering my full mouth with my hand.
Dad looked at me and made a face while he finished chewing, "Are you saying it isn't always delicious."
Maybe if you wrote down the recipe it would be.
"Let me rephrase, it's better than normal. Exceptional," I laughed, bringing another fork full to my mouth.
"That's more like it," he said, before taking another big bite.
We ate in silence for a moment.
"School went well today," I volunteered, peeking at my dad.
"It did?"
"Yeah, it was fine. I think I'll do well. I don't think it'll be hard for me to keep up. But I am a little worried about math though."
"You'll do fine, kid," he said, standing and gently placing a hand atop my head. He grabbed his plate and went to rinse it off.
"Alright Lillie, I cooked tonight so you clean."
I smiled sadly, wanting to tell him about the girl I met, but he was already heading up the 's probably best anyway.
I finished my meal quietly. The sounds of the running faucet and occasionally the house creaking and settling were the only things keeping me company as I cleaned up the kitchen. I wiped down the counters and ran a warm soapy cloth over the table, knocking the crumbs on the floor to be swept and mopped up later.
I gave the kitchen one more once over, and was about to turn off the light before I remembered I was supposed to fill the napkin holder that sat in the center of the table. I bent down in front of the nearby cupboard and counted out fifteen napkins exactly. Fifteen was the perfect number, enough for the holder to look full, but few enough that none crumpled when I wedged them into the wooden holder. A chill went down my spine as I remembered the last time I forgot to fill the holder. Turning my back on the kitchen I flicked off the light.
I climbed the stairs in silence, staring at my feet as the stairwell was only illuminated by the light from the hall. I hesitated just inside her door remembering that I left my books downstairs.
A yawn stretched my face and I decided to leave them down there. I pushed the door closed. I raised my arms to stretch and winced. I was exhausted. I peeled my shirt off, my fingers careful to avoid my skin. I padded gently into the bathroom where my over sized sleep shirt hung limply over the towel rack. I looked at myself in the mirror, raking my fingers through my kinky, curly hair, before braiding it down in a long loose braid that fell heavily down the center of my back. I pressed gently with hesitant fingers on my ribs, and sighed in relief when I didn't feel searing pain. I stood on my tip toes, and peered into the mirror. I caught sight of the yellow and blue blossom that painted my brown skin, turning it into an unknown color I was sure was not in any crayon box. The bruise was less angry looking than it had been the day before, though it still wrapped around my ribs and leaked down my side and onto my stomach. I looked at the small purple bruise highlighting my collarbone, I didn't need to touch that one to know it still hurt. I pulled my soft cotton night shirt over my head and it dropped like a curtain, covering the bruises from sight.