Chapter 723: Beaulieu Manor
Monday, March 26th, Morning
This was a big day, maybe not in the context of the world, but for her, it was a big day. She looked into the mirror and studied her long blonde hair; brushing it, she looked it over. Also, she looked at the dress she was wearing. Her parents insisted on both her long hair and her wearing dresses, which she hated. She had three brothers, so she was always rough and tumble. Sure, she didn't have to dress feminine on the weekends, but it was a school day, and these were her school clothes.
Callista "Callie" Ashe walked down to the main level of the East Range of Beaulieu Manor. This was only her third day living here and her first day of school as a resident. Now she was meeting the other two high schoolers that lived here for their ride to school. A ride in a limo to high school, with two cheerleaders nonetheless, what can a gawky, formerly homeless freshman hope for?
Callie found the other two, Kendall "Keni" Stafford and Sawyer Scott, waiting by the main foyer. They were sophomores, and Callie knew who they were before moving to Beaulieu. Callie especially knew who Sawyer was; the tall blonde had model looks and perfect skin. Everyone seemed to know who she was; Callie knew that Sawyer would one day run the school. Keni, the petite brunette, was small compared to most girls, barely five foot three inches; Keni had a noted fierceness.
"Are you ready?" Keni asked, with a growl in her voice.
"Ready for what?" Callie asked.
"Are you really going to do it, Keni?" Sawyer asked, rolling her eyes.
"It is one," Keni said.
"Not every time is positive," Sawyer said; Callie never pegged Sawyer as a cynic.
"This time it is," Keni said.
Callie checked out as Sawyer and Keni debated. These two wore completely contrasting outfits. Keni wore baggy jeans and a t-shirt with some weird slogan on it that made no sense to Callie. Sawyer was wearing skinny jeans, a fitted t-shirt, and what looked like a partially buttoned man's shirt. Their hair was also worn differently; Keni had it in space buns, and Sawyer wore it down. Callie felt like such a fake compared to these two young women.
"So, Callie?" Keni asked, bringing Callie back to the present.
"So, what?" Callie asked.
"Ready for what?" Callie asked back.
"For the moment that everything changes?" Keni asked.
"What?" Callie asked.
"My God, they're still asking that around here?" a woman's voice asked as she entered the room. Callie looked to see Elizabeth "Ellie" Scott, Sawyer's older sister. The way Ellie strode into the room, all Callie could think was confidence and cool. Ellie wore black skinny jeans, a white t-shirt, and a black moto jacket; her curly blonde hair fluttered while she walked. The click of Ellie's motorcycle boots echoed off the marble floors. Callie could picture Ellie on a motorcycle. Callie looked at Ellie and Sawyer and still marveled at how much they resembled each other. With the resemblance and age gap, Callie first thought Ellie was Sawyer's mom, but Sawyer set her straight on the facts.
"Yes, we are," Keni said.
"It was tiring when your sister said it to me," Ellie said.
Keni stuck out her tongue.
Sawyer rolled her eyes, "God," she said.
"So, mature, Keni," Ellie said, shaking her head.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Callie asked.
Sawyer sighed, "Since you'll be arriving at school in a limo, she's suggesting the school will change their perception of you," she said.
"Oh," Callie said, "I'll cross that bridge when I get to it."
"Okay," Sawyer said, "Let's introduce you to Mina."
"Mina?" Callie asked.
"Our driver," Keni said, "She'll be outside; let's go."
Callie nodded, "Okay, I'll catch up," she said.
"Okay," Sawyer said, moved out, grabbed Keni's arm, and dragged her out.
Callie sighed and looked at Ellie.
"Well, I think we both should be going," Ellie said.
"Ellie, a moment," Callie said.
"Make it quick you don't want to be late," Ellie said.
"I would like to go shopping for new clothes," Callie said.
"Shouldn't you be telling Brooke?" Ellie asked.
"But I like your style more," Callie said.
"Well, I'm busy tonight, and you should check with Brooke, but I could do it tomorrow," Ellie said.
Callie nodded, "Okay, I can do that," she said.
"Well, better get to your ride," Ellie said.
Callie nodded, "Thanks," she said.
"You're welcome," Ellie said.
Callie walked outside and saw a limo waiting. A woman stood by the door, looking at Callie.
"Are you, Mina?" Callie asked.
"You're Callie," Mina Vasquez said, "And yes, I'm Mina, the girl's driver."
"They have their own driver?" Callie asked.
"From a pool, but usually I drive the girls," Mina said.
"Whoa!" Callie said.
"I would get in, so y'all won't be late for school," Mina said.
Callie nodded and climbed into the back seat of the limo. She found herself across from Sawyer and Keni. Callie noticed Sawyer had been more muted recently and moping. Callie knew of Sawyer on sight and by reputation. Sawyer had this energy that drew Callie to her. Nodding, Callie took in the beauty of Sawyer, even though damped by whatever she was going through.
"So, you don't have to hang out with me," Callie said, "I have places I can hide."
"Non-sense," Keni said.
"What?" Callie asked.
"You'll hang out in the field house with us," Keni said.
"What just happened?" Callie asked.
"You're a misfit toy, so you should be on the island," Keni said.
"What? Seriously?" Callie asked.
"Serious," Keni said.
"Welcome to the Isle of Misfit Toys," Sawyer said, and Callie nodded her thanks.