CHOSEN: The Secret Of The Frae

Drop Off

Chapter One

Tessa stared out of the window at nothing in particular. The trees and cars were simply blurs as they drove by. Today was her first day at her new school and she was already dreading it. She hated school, but even more so, she hated that her foster parents, Michael and Lydia Ross constantly forced her to attend a public school when homeschooling was a smarter, more acceptable option. They had let her ten year old foster brother, Tommy, get homeschooled the minute they found out he was asthmatic, but not her. According to them, the inability to socialise was not a disease. Tessa had felt so betrayed but she had no choice but to go with their decision.

"Teresa Ross, are you even listening to me!" Lydia scolded, staring daggers at her through the rearview mirror.

Lydia frowned at Tessa then turned back to the empty road. "I can't believe that even after what we went through for you, you still don't consider us as your parents." slowly, she turned down another lonely road. PineCreek was a pretty small town so it wasn't a surprise that even at rush-hour, there was barely any traffic.

It's not like that. Tessa wanted to say but then she decided it was no use lying. Lydia and Michael were great parents but she just didn't feel that special bond. It was the sad truth. "Thanks again, Mom." she said instead. "But it's been three months. You can stop bringing the accident thing up. I'm getting sick of hearing about it."

Lydia sighed. That was clearly not what she'd been hoping to hear. She took a left and started up towards the school.
Tessa stared out the window again. They were driving up a long driveway flanked on both sides by trees. The driveway led into the school parking lot and kids were littered everywhere, chating, laughing and making out. Tessa sighed. She'd arrived in hell once again.

Lydia parked in the lane closest to the entrance and turned to Tessa. "Remember the rules?" she asked.

Tessa rolled her eyes. "You've only told me like ten times today."

Lydia smiled. "Just making sure. You know your father and I can't afford to move again. So please Tessa, try to behave, and of course try to make actual human friends. The animal thing has to stop."

"Can I go now?" Tessa asked, already annoyed with her mom's lecture. The animal thing, she'd said, like petting little furry critters was a bad thing. Animals loved her. That wasn't her fault, or a crime.

Lydia nodded. "I'll be here by 2:30 okay? Try to make it through the day this time, I have a job interview."

Tessa rolled her eyes. "Whatever." she said and got out. She walked right up the stairs without a second's glance at anyone. If she'd learnt anything from her previous school, it was that she was better off minding her own business. And if she did just that, people looked right past her. That, above all, was what she hoped for the most.

Author's 📝 Note: Hey guys! Really excited. This is my first watty novel and i would really appreciate it if you commented on it. Still a new writer and i welcome all types of helpful criticism. Please comment!! Thank you!! :)