Strangers

New school

Memories of Joe Alwyn
15 years ago before the events described
Part 1

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Joe looked at the plate of pancakes in front of him but didn't feel like eating. He was very nervous, though he didn't show it. His younger sister Mary reached across the table for a bottle of maple syrup and accidentally pushed Joe's cup of tea. The tea spilled and ended up on the pancakes. Joe pushed the plate of food away from him.

"I'm sorry Joe, it was an accident. Take half of my pancakes" Mary offered.

"No thanks, I'm not hungry. Come on, we've got school soon"

Mary didn't mind and ate quickly. Joe was patted on the shoulder by someone, it was his dad.

" So, how are the kids ready for their first day of school?"

"Yes, and Dad, if you say that one more time, Joe will have a nervous breakdown" Mary said with a laugh.

" Not at all, I'm perfectly calm" countered Joe.

"Hey, Joe, don't be afraid. There's some good guys there" said his father William.

" Dad we don't know anybody there, how can you be so sure?" asked Joe.

" I just know, get ready, I'll give you a ride in the car"

" Uh, no, Dad, that you won't do" Mary interjected.

"What's wrong with you?" William turned to her.

" Joe and I are gonna walk. We don't need everyone thinking we're little and need our parents' help everywhere"

"I have to agree with her, we still have a few years to go to this school and without friends it will be a little difficult" supported Mary Joe

Mary dusted off and said:

"the best part is that this is coming from Joe who had one friend at his last school"

"Shut up Mary"  Joe gave her a little nudge in the side

Mary got up from the table and showed Joe her tongue. Joe took a sip of his already cold tea and took his briefcase and went outside with Mary. The school was not far from their new apartment, only a fifteen minute walk through the park. As Mary and Joe approached the school they saw a black limousine. A tall brunette man and a blond girl got out of it. The driver gave the brunette a backpack and they entered the school.

"Yes, thank God Dad didn't give us a ride. I'm afraid no one would believe he was our driver"Mary said.

" Come on, we stand out anyway. You can tell we don't have rich parents"

" but we go to this private school with the children of millionaires and celebrities. Closer to elite society, you know"

"Like that elitist society needs you"  Joe rolled his eyes.

"Yes, Joe, it does. And trust me, they'll see that"

Joe and Mary were just entering the school when Joe was pushed by a group of girls. He didn't understand anything, but he stepped away just in case. Everyone standing next to him parted ways. And he saw a tall, long-legged blond girl walking up the stairs. She took off her sunglasses, looked around, and said with a devilish smile:

"It's been a long time, my favorite classmates"

Another girl with an expensive purse came up behind her.

"Taylor, there's Harry and Jack waiting for us. What are you standing there for?"

"I'm not late. And how could I not say hello to my subjects?"
The girls laughed, and with another look around, they walked to the back of the school hallway. Traffic was restored.