The Prince and His Pauper

Chapter 2: The Pauper in School

Alright, I can do this. It's my last year in high school and then I can leave this state and my past. This time, it's going to be different. I'm not going to repeat what happened last year. This is a new school and a new start. I can do this. . . I mentally prep myself before finally entering the school office doors.

My mom had dropped me off five minutes ago and like all moms, she gave me the usual encouragement pep talk about how ok I'll be in this school. It didn't exactly helped much but it did made me feel less nervous. I mean, just on my way here, I was already shaking like a chihuahua and close to biting my nails.

This isn't like last year. The bullies are far away and forgotten. No more gangs of bullies coming after me during passing period, lunch, or after school. Go! I thought to myself again as I walk up to the front desk where the secretary is staring at her computer before glancing up at me. She scrunches her nose up to form a scowl as if I came at the wrong time. I would be lying if I said her scowl didn't intimidate me.

"Um, hi. I'm a new student. . ." I greet nervously. The secretary lady just stares at me with uncaring eyes. "I got a call that said I can pick up my schedule here. . ." I continue while my hands tighten their grip on the strap from my messenger bag.

"Name?" She asks.

". . . Cassiel Fairbairn." I mutter. Ugh. . . I hate saying my name. Not only is it weird but it has the girl name "Cassie" in it. It's already bad enough that it's weird to say but with "Cassie" in my name and I'm so small and meek. . .

"Fairbairn. . . Fairbairn. . . Ah, here you are. I'll have your schedule printed out and a note written for your tardiness. Please, wait here." She responds. I nod my head and watch her disappear into a hallway that probably has the printer. I really hope this year won't be a repeat of last year. . . Please. . . Don't let last year occur again. . .

~Third Period~

Ok, so far so good. . . A few people laughed at my name and already labeled me as "Cassie" but still no bullies. After I received my schedule and a note explaining why I was tardy, the teacher made me go in front of the entire class to introduce myself.

Fortunately, the teacher only cared that I said my name. Unfortunately, a dumb jock gave me a very original nickname that somehow made everyone laugh. This happened twice but third period is ending soon and then I have one more class to go to before I can finally get to eat my homemade lunch my dad made for me.

Hopefully, it's one of his dishes from his restaurant. . . Dad is the chef of a restaurant that he owns since he got out of culinary school. His cooking is the best. There is no comparison. Well, my mom cooks too but she never has time. Her specialty are desserts and whenever she does bake something, I always try to help her and they turn out better than ever.

Sighing while also trying to ignore my stomach's growling, I bring my attention back to my assigned class work which I find unfair because it's the first day of school! Then again, the assignment is writing about what I did over the summer which I don't want to share. The majority of my summer was spent in offices, some medications, and inside my room.

But there were a few good times like when my parents and I took a drive up to Solvang, CA. That was awesome! I got to see a little piece of Europe in California and the whole town was so cute! The Dutch-style buildings made me feel like I was actually in Netherlands! It was so beautiful, especially at night when the street lights made it look like Solvang should be titled the "City of Lights" because all of the buildings and even the trees had lights around them. That had to be without a doubt the best day of life.

"Hey. Hello? Anyone in there? Excuse me!" A high pitched voice calls me out from my thoughts. My eyes blink and I shake my head a little to see a really pretty girl standing in front of me which made me confused. Why would a girl that pretty be talking to me? Maybe she meant the person behind me! Oh wait. . . I sit in the back of the class. . .