Vera

Bouquet of Wallflower

It was the last day of summer break, last day of holidays and now the academic year would commence. Vera Carter who was going to start as freshman at Bloomingdale High School seemed indifferent.

Many girls of her age had been watching as well as making vlogs about high school shopping, stationery hauls, etc. It was past twilight and here she sat under a tree clutching a book. ‘Now the suck phase begins’ she said as she went inside the house. She glanced at her new books and wondered how the next day would be. ‘Nothing new is gonna happen. What’s so special about high school? Just advanced studies, getting good grades and maintaining a good CGPA that would land you in a good college. That’s all-high school is about. Prom, homecoming, cheerleading is all crap. There is no need to hype such trivial things, I bet some girls must have started imagining themselves as prom queen now. Duh.’

Her mother called for the dinner soon after. At the table as the food was set, the table ritual of asking each other about their day and etc. was done, as usual. “The Synder has finally adjusted to new environment. You should have seen his resume! Jeez! Boss was so impressed!” said Mr. Carter who had come home from work. “Oh really!” said Mrs. Carter as she served the shepherd’s pie to her hungry attendants. “Adjusting to new place in such short time. Impressive indeed. They moved here California, isn’t it?” asked Mrs. Carter as she settled in her own chair.

“Yeah, San Francisco. Posh area. And speaking of that- he looked pointedly at Vera and took a pause, with the silverware still in the hands he continued- his daughter had been selected for summer program organized by NASA. She is the same age as yours. Try to befriend her.”

 Vera sighed. ‘Is it really necessary to wag around the people who are better than me in some areas?’ she thought.

“Okay” that was all she said. “And what about your friends, is the matter resolved now” he asked. “No, she didn’t apologize yet” Vera replied without any emotions in her voice.

“Why don’t you apologize and sort it out? After all you shouldn’t have made a scene, that too in front of everyone. Do you understand how useful that contact could have been? Mr. Hammond is in talks to win again. You better mend it at earliest” her father warned her.

Vera headed straight to her bedroom, locked the door and sat at the edge of window. The cool night breeze caressed her face and for once she relaxed. Soon and reluctantly, she went through the conversation they just had. The brows of her calm face now furrowed as fury spread.

‘Befriend her! Apologize her!’ she said through her teeth. ‘Why should I apologize even if it's not my fault. Sure, she is the daughter of the to-be-Mayor but rules are rules! ‘After venting out her anger, she put her headphones on and laid down on bed. “Hmm! Music is the best therapy!” she cooed.  

The next morning, the breakfast was a quick affair. Her mother wished her good luck for the first day, Mr. Carter even offered to drop her. The spotless periwinkle blue sky greeted her along with morning sun. Lovely day, Vera thought to herself. Everything so far was good. They reached the school; it wasn’t bustling yet. Just few groups of kids here and there.

As Vera unstrapped the seatbelt her father said, “You do remember what I told you last night, don’t you?” Those brought the bitter memory back. ‘Bham! There goes my good day!’

“Yes” she replied. “Good. Just keep that in mind” he said.

Soon the parking lot was filled with laughter , chatters of the students. Many were showing off their new yearbooks to their friends, some were making promises and wearing the bands so as to remain ‘besties’ till the end of semester. Amidst of all this Vera simply stared at the trees. Her features were locked sort of ancient ache spreading across her face. Soon the first bell rang and students made their way inside.