home coming

Part 3

I stare blankly until i remember i havent said a word back. "Thanks" i force out. I sat down quickly and tried to settle into my seat, avoiding eye contact. Why didnt my grandma tell me that someone else would be living here? what is this an orphanage ? This would have been nice to know ahead of time! Hopefully my face isn't exposing my true feelings. I hate rudeness so much i myself wouldnt wanna be rude. It wasn't Raenas fault after all. "Well Alex, i know this might be a bit of a surprise and i hope it doesn't rattle you too much." she left out a sheepish laugh. Of course it upset me! who wouldn't be upset by such sudden news. I am sure its all over my face by now. "Anyways, dig in. you skipped dinner so im sure your hungry!" she followed up.
My thoughts were to emotional to hear what she just said. all i could concentrate on is attempting to control the look on my face. they served their plates, poured some juice, and started eating. I did the same out of instinct, despite my lack of appetite. The food did look good, even pretty on all the mix match dishes. I tried to force as much food down that i could stomach without feeling nauseous. We all ate in silence for the rest of breakfast. When we were done i dried and put the dishes away as Raena washed them. Focusing on the cleaning to harbor my feelings. When i did break focus i fought my muscles instinct to run upstairs to the bed. Well my bed now i guess.

"So Alex, do you feel up for after school shopping today?" Asked Chris. I nodded in response. "That would be great." I guess id have to pick up new supplies. Id be starting a new curriculum, and my current notebooks were filed with old lessons.

We finished up dishes and all packed into the car.  Christ drove an old Volvo. It looked like a small bus. I sat in the back staring out the window for the 20 minutes ride. Id be lying if i didnt admit how beautiful it really is here. The open sky not congested with people and buildings. The big beautiful old houses. The little gardens every one kept. Eventually we arrived at a supply store in the small plaza of stores.

While browsing all the aisles, i finally picked up a pack of my favorite pens and a new binder that included its own dividers. I followed them over to the electronic section. "Whats the name of the one you have Raena? i think we should get Alexa the same." She wondered while scoping out the different types of laptops. "A macbook 13 inch." Raena replied. "Oh grandma, its fine you dont have to get me one of those. Wont they have a computer lab or library?" i interjected.
"They do but no one uses them, everyone just brings their own these days" said Chris.
"Its almost expected, especially at our school."
Our? Id be going to school with her too?
"Dont even get me started on the uniforms!" Raena continued with sarcasm. Uniforms?! We never had those at my old school. I let the distaste show on my face.
Chris started "Oh with the amount of tuition i pay for your education, i dont wanna hear it Rae." she finished with a smirk. Chris then walked over to get a employee to help with the laptop.

"Shes paying for my tuition too?" i asked Raena quietly. Nervous for the answer. I didn't expect all this.  The move was big enough, i felt like a burden as it is. I feel like a burden financially now too.  Raena chuckled "Alex, Pleaseee!" she finished laughing. I waited, confused. She was still smiling a charming smile staring after Chris.
"What do you mean?" i asked. "Alex, you dont have to pay, they basically pay you to go there. You have a scholarship!" I stared blankly trying to understand why everything here is a surprise. Does no one think to tell me a thing?
"You didnt even know, did u?"
"I didnt know, I didn't know this, laptops, about you! nothing!" i choked on the lump in my throat, causing my voice to break. I felt my tears swell and wandered off trying to keep my eyes to the floor. While walking faster with each step.