Chapter 33
Monday morning DC traffic is something that tends to give Emily a headache.
With parents making their way to school, others driving to work, and people simply running errands in the morning, it can be a hassle to maneuver through the city.
Especially in D.C., There can easily be streets shut down out of nowhere due to protests going on or even the president himself being escorted out with a caravan of security.
Luckily, Emily and Dani made it out of the house at a decent hour. Though traffic is moving slowly, Emily believes they should be there on time for school.
Hopefully.
She is glad that Dani woke up on time, which can be a challenge for her. Especially on a Monday morning.
But her waking up on time has a price. Now she is half asleep on the passenger's chair, staring outside aimlessly at the traffic.
"I'm glad you woke up on time for once but seeing you right now, I'm worried that you will fall asleep in the middle of the hallway or something."
"And your worries are not far-fetched. I need a gallon of caffeine or I will continue to be in this zombified state," Daniela grumbles.
"I did tell you to sleep early," the agent nags as Daniela rolls her eyes.
"Emily, asking any teenager to sleep early is an almost impossible task. Plus, even if I did I would still be as tired."
"Kid, you are too young to be this tired," the woman says.
"I know. At this rate, by the time I hit 18, I will be sent straight to a retirement home."
Emily laughs as she shakes her head.
"Well, you can go ahead and get some shut-eye until we arrive. It looks like traffic is on your side."
The teenager simply nods as she rests her head against the window, seeing the buildings pass by. She is tired but remains awake as Emily continues driving.
The local radio is on, creating background noise in the car. Local news and weather are the main topics as they manage to squeeze in pop music.
Daniela lifts her head when she hears the agent's phone alert a text message. Emily takes a glimpse of the message and lets out an annoyed sigh.
"Based on how you reacted to that message, I would assume it was Penelope alerting you about a new case," Daniela comments.
"Unfortunately, you are right. The team has got a case in South Carolina," Emily replies.
"And all I wanted to do for today was catch up on paperwork from the comfort of my office," Emily sighs.
"See, I told you we should have gone to a Starbucks run before going to school. We both could have used a caffeine boost," Dani tells the agent.
"I guess we will both just run in low power mode for today," Emily responds as she continues driving.
"I mean, look at the bright side. Your trip wont be long considering you'll still be on the east coast," the girl says as she sits up.
"Plus, South Carolina isn't too bad I think. Could be worse."
"Oh yeah? What makes you say that?" The woman asks.
"I mean, at least your case isn't in Florida. People from that state are a completely different breed. A lot of old folks, alligators, and Florida men."
"Actually... you aren't wrong. Cases in Florida can be... unique," Emily replies.
She hopes the girl is right. None of her cases are easy. After all, it always involves a murderer on the loose and death.
She just wants to go on out and tackle the case. The sooner her team arrives, the sooner they catch the killer and place them behind bars.
They arrive at the school, and Emily pulls up in front of the building where parents are dropping off their kids.
It's a busy morning as always. Endless cars arriving on campus, a line of buses dropping off students, and the building surrounded by teenagers and adults alike.
Emily sets the car on parking and turns around to look at the girl.
"Okay then. Have a good day at school and try not to sleep in all your classes, please."
"Will do. I'll just ask my friend for a 5 Hour Energy shot," the teen replies as she unbuckled her seatbelt.
"Be good and don't cause any trouble when I'm away. I'll send you check-in texts as well as call you later this evening. Okay?"
"You're the boss. Plus, trouble? I don't know her," Dani comments as she gets her book bag.
"Well, apparently she knows you," Emily responds and Dani chuckles.
Emily reaches over and drapes her arm around the girl's shoulder, giving her a side hug.
"I'll see you soon. Love you," the woman tells the teen as she is still holding her.
"Love you too. Take care of yourself out there," Daniela says as she slowly pulls back.
Emily simply nods as the teenager steps out of the car. She makes her way toward the building but not before turning around once more and waving goodbye to the woman.
Emily smiles to herself as she drives off, heading to work.
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Benjamin Academy High School
Daniela sighs as she looks up at the clock for the twelfth time, seeing how the second hand slowly makes its way around the clock.
10: 52 am
She knows she shouldn't be staring at the clock. That only makes time feel slower.
And this day feels slow enough already.
She is in her second class of the day. Her English teacher goes over her presentation as the class attentively listens, taking down notes.
Daniela understands the general concept and isn't concerned about her falling back. It's just that all the teacher has been doing is talking.
She has been talking nonstop for the last 15 minutes.
The worst part is that they still have a long way to go.
The teenager has been taking notes but her attention to the presentation is drifting away.
She is bored and sleepy. Those two feelings combined do not help her at all in this situation.
Daniela rests her head on her desk as the teacher continues to lecture.
It takes all her will to not fall asleep. A lecture on a Monday morning. As if Mondays couldn't get any more boring.
In the girl's defense, she isn't the only one with low battery in the classroom.
After all, it's a Monday morning with a room filled with sleepless teenagers. The girl is genuinely surprised there isn't one person snoring yet.
Daniela perks up her head when all of a sudden the classroom's door opens.
She recognizes Mr. Alfaro, her school counselor, entering the room with a courteous smile as he walks up to her teacher.
He tells her something that Daniela wasn't able to hear as they spoke at low volume.
Honestly, she doesn't care what they were saying. She is just glad they caught a break from the lecture.
She then sees how Mr. Alfaro signals someone to come in. Daniela looks at the door and sees an unfamiliar person walk in.
It's a girl she has never seen before.
She walks next to both adults as Mr. Alfaro begins to speak.
"Class, this is Alexandra Castillo. She is a new student and is starting her first day here at Benjamin Academy."
The girl smiles shyly at the class, her eyes barely making eye contact with the crowd.
She is small in height, no more than 5'3. Her hair is dark black and wavy, reaching down to her waist.
Her clear circular glasses suit her well, showing her piercing blue eyes for everyone to view.
She is wearing a pair of loose-fitting jeans along with a baby blue crop top and sweater. One thing is for sure, it suits her well.
"I expect all of you to welcome Alexandra with warmth as well as help her settle in. Alexandra, do you mind introducing yourself to the class?"
The girl perks her head up and starts to starts to fidget with the sleeves of her grey sweater.
It's obvious she is nervous but Daniela sympathizes with her. She knows exactly how it feels to be the new kid at school.
"Im Alexandra Castillo. Im an exchange student from Spain and new to the area. I can't wait to meet all of you," the girl says timidly.
"Again, I hope you help your new classmate in her transition. Now that we are on the topic of having you settled in, Ms. Hernandez, please raise your hand."
Daniela is unable to hide her initial confusion about this request. Despite her doubts, she does as she is told and raises her hand.
"Alexandra, Ms. Hernandez will be giving you a tour around the building and show you where your classes are located since you both have very similar schedules," the man explains.
"Ms. Hernandez, you are permitted to enter late to class to show Alexandra around. Please don't abuse this."
"Will do, Mr. Alfaro. I'll be the tour guide," Daniela replies.
The counselor thanks the teen and lets the new student settle in. The desks are separated by individual rows with a few vacant seats.
The new student makes her way through the rows of desks and decided to settle down for the table right behind Daniela.
As she passes by, she takes a glance at Daniela, knowing she will be the one guiding her for the day.
In response, Dani offers her a courteous smile and nod, silently welcoming her to the class.
Well... maybe this Monday might not be so boring after all.
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Daniela is relieved once the bell rings, announcing that her second class of the day is officially over.
She practically jumps out of her chair and quickly packs her things, making her way out of the classroom.
That is when she remembers something.
She can't leave. Not right now. She has to show the new student around the school.
She stops in her tracks and looks back at the girl, who is finishing packing up her supplies. Daniela makes her way back to her desk as the classroom slowly clears away.
"Please don't think I booked out the room to be an asshole. I just genuinely forgot I am your designated school tour guide for today," Dani sheepishly says.
The new student looks up at her and smiles as she grabs her book bag.
"Im Daniela by the way. You can call me Dani," she continues, offering her hand to shake.
The new student extends her hand and nervously introduces herself.
"Im Alexandra... I mean... I know you probably know by now but just in case. Most people call me Alexa for short."
"Alexandra Castillo if I remember correctly. It's a pretty name," the girl casually acknowledges as the new student quietly thanks her.
"Im ready whenever you are. If you have your schedule on hand, I can show you where your classes are as well as other important places in the building."
"Im good to go. Mr. Alfaro gave me a printout of my schedule if you want to take a look at it," Alexandra says as she hands over her schedule.
They make their way out of the class as Daniela looks over the schedule, planning where to take Alexa first.
"Mr. Alfaro wasn't lying. We do have similar schedules. You just have three classes that are different from mine," Dani comments.
"I can show you the ones that we don't have together. Then as the day goes on, we can go to our classes together. Does that sound good?"
"That sounds great," Alexandra responds with a smile.
"Cool! We'll start with photography since it's down the hall," Daniela said as they start to walk.
"Thank you for doing this. I know you were told to do this. I just hope it isn't too much of a hassle," the new girl expressed.
"Don't worry about it. If anything, you did me a favor. I get to miss class and not be bored anymore."
Alexandra smiles at the girl's response.
"Well still... thank you. I owe you one for sure," the blue-eyed girl insists.
"How about we settle that during lunch? We'll probably make it the 4th lunch shift and I don't know anyone in that lunch since most of them are upperclassmen."
"We eat lunch together and I'll tell you a little more about how to survive this place. That way, we don't wound up alone and get to know each other a little more," she offers.
"Deal."
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"So, you from Spain?" Dani asks as they take a seat at a nearby table.
"Yes, I'm from a small town in Galicia," the new student replies as they settle their trays of food.
"That sounds cool! But I have no idea where that is."
"It's upper northwest of the country, practically up the corner. Where I live in a small urban community, surrounded by farmland for the most part."
"In that case, it not only sounds cool but it is cool," the girl states as she takes a bite of her fry.
"Well, it's nothing compared to D.C. I haven't been to the inner city yet but from what I saw from the plane, the city is extensive."
"Oh, so it's your first time here in the city?"
"Yes. Actually, it's my first time here in America. I've never traveled here before," Alexa shares.
"Wow. So this is probably a big change of scenery for you, huh," Daniela comments.
"Yes, it definitely is," the new student replies with a light chuckle.
"My parents wanted me to explore out of my comfort zone and see places I've never seen before. They found out about the exchange program and well... I'm here."
"Well, I'd say this is definitely outside of your comfort zone. I mean... a whole different country. That's something."
"Yes. That explains my nervousness about introducing myself in front of the whole class earlier today. To think I have more classes to do the same thing makes me feel uneasy," Alexa expressed.
"It's understandable. Trust me when I tell you that I know what it's like to be the new kid. I've been there more than once."
"Really?" Alexandra asks.
"Yep. Let's just say I had to move around often," Daniela says.
"I know that feeling of introducing yourself to a whole bunch of strangers and trying to adjust to school chaos. You'll do alright. Just keep your head up."
"Thank you for that. I guess I want to make sure I make a first good impression," the new student replies.
"No problem. You shouldn't worry too much about making a good impression. I mean, I've only known you for a bit but you're pretty cool."
"Plus, adding the fact that you're an exchange student adds some cook kid points," Dani points out.
"I think you're the first person who considers me cool," Alexa puts out.
"Really?"
"Yeah, I think so. I mean, not many people think photography or gardening is cool. Yet, those are some of the things I like to do."
Alexandra isn't sure why she shared this information with Daniela. Sharing one's hobbies is normal for most.
But for the new student, each time she would share her hobbies and topics she finds of interest, she was met with odd looks and even laughs.
That is why she prefers to be reserved. No one can judge her if no one knows.
"Well, it shouldn't matter what others think about what you like to do. If we always chose our hobbies based on what other people think then we will end up miserable."
"Just do what you like to do and screw anyone who tells you that it isn't cool or whatever. I just think they are jealous that they don't have the talent," Daniela adds.
"Seriously though. Not everyone has a green thumb, especially someone like me. And photography? Cmon now. I bet you take some pretty cool pics."
Alexandra lets out a small chuckle before she begins to speak.
"You're right. I guess I care too much about what others think."
"Try not to care too much. It only adds unnecessary stress. And if anyone messes with you or tries to tell you differently, you let me know, and ill handle them," Dani says as she rolls up her sleeves.
"By politely talking to them, of course," she finishes with a tight-lipped smile.
"That shouldn't be necessary but I thank you for having my back," Alexa replies.
"Anytime. As I said, I know the feeling of being the new kid. It has its ups and downs but hey, the good thing about being new is that you start fresh."
"How did you do it? How did you manage to maneuver in a new school so often?" The new student asks.
"I can't lie to you. It was hard at first, especially since I didn't know anyone but you learn to manage your way through. A helping hand goes a long way," Daniela answers.
"And from the looks of it, you're a smart person. Especially considering you are taking honors courses. You'll adapt just fine."
"I hope you're right," Alexa voiced out.
"If a person like me can manage then you have nothing to worry about. Plus, I can be that helping hand in what you need," Dani offers.
"You would do that? I just don't want to be a bother or something."
"I see no reason why not and it's no bother. I want to help you get adjusted to this place. That way, it isn't so hectic."
I feel more at ease knowing that I have a friend I can count on in this new school. Well... that is if it is okay for me to consider you a friend," Alexandra says awkwardly.
"I know it's probably weird.. and awkward- considering we just met so I uh-"
"Hey. It's not weird at all, so don't stress," Daniela speaks up, reassuring the girl in front of her.
"It will be a great honor to be your first official friend here at Benjamin High. I take that title with great pride," Daniela states with a sincere smile.
Alexandra cannot help but smile in return.
She never expected her first day at school to go as smoothly as it has so far.
Her initial anxiety kept her up all night, thinking about how stressful it would be for her to go to a new school. A new environment. A new group of people.
She is more than grateful that Daniela was chosen to show her around.
The girl seemed slightly intimidating at first glance but was welcoming to her.
Despite her initial nervousness when talking to Daniela, she made her feel comfortable and at ease. Alexa doesn't know how the girl did it but she somehow aleviated her tension.
Alexandra has a good feeling that they can become really good friends. She cannot wait for what this new school has in store for her.