SECRETS IN THE WOODS

chapter 4:First Day At School

Finding the school wasn't difficult, though I'd never been there before. The school was,  like most other things, just off the highway with a big sign that said Lake Water High.

I parked in the parking lot,then I spotted a sign infront of the first building which had a small sign over the door that said front office.I stepped unwillingly out of my red 1979 fiat spider and walked down a little stone path lined with dark hedges. I took a deep breath before opening the door.Inside, was brightly lit, and the air conditioning was on. The office was small; a little waiting area with padded folding chairs, notices and awards cluttering the walls,with a big clock ticking loudly. Plants grew everywhere in large plastic pots,as if there isn't enough greenery outside. There were two desks behind the counter, one of which was manned by a large, brunette woman wearing glasses. She was wearing a bright red t-shirt, which immediately made me feel overdressed.

The brunette woman looked up. "Can I help you?"."I'm julie," I informed her, and saw the immediate awareness light her eyes."Of course," she said. She dug through a precariously stacked pile of documents on her desk till she found the ones she was looking for. "I have your schedule right here, and a map of the school."She went through my classes for me, highlighting the best route to each on the map,and gave me a slip to have each teacher sign, which I was to bring back at the end of the day. She smiled at me and hoped, like my grand parents, that I would like it here. I smiled back as convincingly as I could.When I went back out to my car other students were starting to arrive.I was glad to see that most of the cars were older like mine, nothing flashy.

I looked at the map in the car, trying to memorize it now; hopefully I wouldn't have  to walk around with it stuck in front of me all day. I stuffed everything in my bag, slung the strap over my shoulder, and sucked in a huge breath. I can do this, I lied to myself feebly. I finally exhaled and stepped out of the car.I kept my face pulled back into my hood as I walked to the sidewalk, crowded with teenagers. My plain black hoodie didn't stand out, I noticed with relief. My first lesson is english.I tried holding my breath as I followed people through the door.When I got in the teacher noticed me and introduced me to the class everyone was staring at me so I quickly sat on the spare seat at the back of the class.