Forbidden

Chapter 5

Despite Roseline's reservations about Sadie and William, she finds herself naturally longing for their company. The football game, although mildly exciting, pales in comparison to the enjoyment she got just from watching Sadie root obnoxiously for the team. Even William's antics delighted her.

The weekend following the game was painfully boring. Even clothes shopping alone for a new wardrobe failed to lift her spirits, but she was determined not to let the time go to waste. She ventured out into the mall and sat for hours, studying the movements of other teenagers. She filled a small notebook with slang terms that she picked up on and would hopefully remember to use. Having a thick accent is bad enough, but speaking like a grandparent is unforgivable.

When her alarm blares on Monday morning, Roseline is more than a little excited to shed the confines of her lonely home for the obnoxious halls of school.

Freedom. Dangerous as that freedom might be for her, she is desperate for it.

She rushes through her morning routine, shoving an apple butter bagel into her mouth as she hops into the living room with only one shoe on. She has just finished zipping up her knee-high boots when a horn blares outside Roseline's front window. She smiles. William has not only kept his word to drive her to school this morning, but he is also early, by nearly twenty minutes.

Roseline laughs to herself. "Seems someone is rather anxious."

Tossing the remains of her bagel into the trash, Roseline snatches her bag and hits the door. William waves his hand behind the glass window, obviously refusing to allow in a tiny sliver of arctic air. Roseline shakes her head, amused by his enthusiasm.

"Morning," William drawls as she sinks into the soft leather. He scrunches down in his seat and blasts the heater to steal away the chill in the air.

Without missing a beat, Roseline leaps into their playful banter, taking Sadie's side about how great Rosewood's team did at the game on Friday night. Although Roseline really can't care less about the outcome, it feels nice to be normal for a change, almost human.

They part ways as the first bell rings and Roseline settles into her second day of school. She quickly discovers that the teachers think they know it all, and the students don't give a hoot. Most spend their time chatting about the football game. She sinks back into her chair and observes.Apparently, American football is a pretty big thing around here.

When the bell for lunch echoes down the hall, Roseline is the first to emerge. She hits the double doors of the cafeteria and brakes just in time to slide into the food line and snatch an apple, a soda, and something that barely resembles a taco salad. She hands over her money and hurries to find a seat at the back of the room.

Students filter in over the next few minutes. It's obvious how the hierarchy of the cafeteria is set up. The jocks and cheerleaders command the use of the center tables, and the rest are designated for the outer circle-the uncool kids.

Roseline rolls her eyes. Obviously somethings never change.

Sadie's squeal pulls Roseline from her thoughts. Her new friend slams into the chair next to her, grasping her chest as she forces huge gulps of air into her lungs. "Are you alright?" Roseline asks, leaning in toward her friend.

"I...just...wait," she gasps. Roseline sits back as Sadie gets herself under control.

Sadie's lips peel back into a wide grin."I've got news."

"I assumed," Roseline says with a laugh. What on earth can be so important? The poor girl is practically hyperventilating.

Sadie runs her hands over her spiked hair and nods in approval. "You're not alone."