Katherine LaRusso has the lifestyle most would envy: huge mansion, six-figure allowance no normal teen would have, imported sports cars, private parties, and a crew of unwavering supportive friends. Growing up, she realized all the material possessi...
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THE insistent chirping of her alarm clock shattered Samantha's peaceful slumber. Groaning, she swatted at her phone, silencing its obnoxious tune. Today was her and Katherine's first day of High School. The word itself felt heavy, a looming presence casting a long shadow over her summer break. However, after her eyes adjusted to the sun creeping from her blinds, she quickly jumped back into her routine as if it were second nature.
Across the hall, however, Katherine snoozed her alarm but laid motionless, burrowing her face under her pillows, hiding from the sunlight. Almost as if predicting her cousin's behavior, Samantha barged into her bedroom and sighed in exasperation. "Come on, sleepyhead," Samantha chirped, pulling the comforter off of her cousin in determination. Katherine groaned, burying her face deeper into the pillow. "Five more minutes, please. " She mumbled, her voice muffled.
Samantha shook her head, a gentle but firm hand on Katherine's shoulder. "Not a chance. We're going to be late." With a dramatic sigh, Katherine finally emerged from her blanket cocoon, blinking against the sudden light. "Sometimes I think you're actually a vampire." Not having sufficient effort Katherine settled on giving Samantha her middle finger, before sluggishly trudging to the bathroom. That's when the chaos commenced.
Katherine's mind, although still half-asleep, began to race, a whirlwind of anxieties and self-doubt taking over. After what seemed like eternity of digging through Samantha's closet and her minimal clothing, Katherine finally emerged from her room, her hair and makeup expertly done by Samantha. Heading downstairs for breakfast, both girls were greeted by a smiling Daniel and Amanda, who each held a cappuccino in their hands. Samantha, ever the attentive cousin, pushed a cup of coffee towards Katherine.
"You look like you need this," She teased, laughing at her cousin's weary expression. "Do I really look that bad?" Katherine asked, taking a sip of her coffee, the warmth spreading through her as it hit the spot perfectly and instantly made her feel more awake. "You look dead, Kat." Anthony remarked from across the table, his eyes glued to his iPad. "Thanks, Tony," Katherine retorted dryly, rolling her eyes. "Really helpful." Daniel rolled his eyes, a familiar expression crossing his face, as he turned to the girls.
"You two ready for school?" Samantha nodded eagerly, bumping shoulders with her cousin. "Ready as I'll ever be," She declared, her voice brimming with excitement. Katherine, despite the caffeine coursing through her veins, still felt a flutter of nerves. "Sure," She replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "Alright then, you two better get going," Daniel urged, checking his watch. "Don't want to be late on your first day." Both girls gathered their backpacks, exchanging a quick glance. Amanda and Daniel gave them each a warm hug, whispering words of encouragement.
Katherine knew she should have jumped out of the car when she had the chance. Or at least she could have pretended to be ill. The drive to All Valley High School felt agonizingly short. Katherine, despite her best efforts, couldn't shake off the nervous jitters. Luckily, Samantha was none the wiser. "Need help finding your way around?" Samantha asked, as they stepped out of the car. Katherine flinched, the stares of the other students burning into her skin. She forced a weak smile. "No, I think I'll be fine. Let's just meet at your locker after class?" Samantha nodded, her smile fading slightly as she noticed Katherine's discomfort.
