Chances

Chapter 1 (Chances)

"Ashley?"

I sighed and put down my book. I was really into it, as well! I couldn't remember the name, but it was about a guy who fell for this nerdy, quiet girl in his school...cliche, right? But I like these kinds of things. Don't judge.

"What do you need Mrs.Carter....?" I asked in monotone to the woman who had just called my name. She was my father's newest...for want of a better word, accomplishment. She strode over to my chair in the living room, and started talking.

"Oh Ashley, darling, I told you to call me Brenda! and I'm not a Mrs, honey.." a small crease appeared between her eyes, but she just cranked up the Dazzle-O-Metre on her smile. So far, none of my dad's new girlfriends had lasted more than two weeks, but this one had been hanging on for more than three months now. The fact that she was so irritating that my brain retreated into hibernation whenever she spoke didn't help either. She had bleached blonde hair, with black roots that made me cringe. She wore so much makeup that I wouldn't be surprised if she'd put it on with a trowel and cement mixer this morning.

"Of course, Brenda" I said, gritting my teeth.

"Now darling, I want to talk to you. You know your father and I have been dating for a while now...."

Immediately my brain went into sleep mode. I wonder if the clouds outside are really moving that fast, or is it just my imagination...? Wow, that patch of grass is really green...

"....so we've decided that you'll be going to boarding school!" Brenda finished with a flourish.

I snapped out of my reverie, blinking at her in surprise.

"B-boarding school?" I stuttered, staring at her as if she'd just declared that giraffes were purple.

"Yes darling, isn't it wonderful? They don't have a school uniform either, so we can go shopping together!" Brenda squealed and clapped her hands together in delight.

"I-I really don't think that's necessary..." I started.

"But of course it is honey! We must go right away, you'll be leaving tomorrow!"

"T-tomorrow?" I gawped at her. That wasn't enough time at all! I wouldn't be able to say goodbye to my friends! Well...friend. I supposed I could say goodbye before I left tomorrow...

"Yes darling, tomorrow! It's Saturday today, remember? Tomorrow is Sunday, and on Monday the new school year starts!" Brenda was practically jumping out of her seat now. I bet she couldn't wait to get her claws into my father once I was out of the picture...I sighed. I was such a pushover.

"Wouldn't it be so much easier for you to go alone?" I wheedled. I was not going shopping with her. I had a bad enough headache as it was. "After all, you're a much better shopper than I am!"

"Well, I do have to get some stuff for myself as well..." she pondered.

"Alright! I'll see you later pumpkin!" she swooped down to give me a kiss on the cheek. As soon as she was out the door, I rubbed my cheek furiously. Who knows what kind of germs she had? Okay, yeah. I have a slight case of mysophobia. Well that's what the shrink said...

I'm kidding. But I'll tell you one thing I am, and that is a neat freak. I can't stand people touching my stuff that is all in order. Whenever I went to school I would have my planner, and everything would be colour coded. I even divided up my lunch times into quarters. A quarter to eat, a quarter to study, a quarter to do homework, and a quarter to talk/mingle with...people. My dad always used to make fun of me for it. We used to have a laugh, dad and I. Until the accident...