My Child (Twilight)

{2}Whispers and Speculation [10]

Dad parked the car next to my uncle's, which held both him and Aunt Alice. It was apparent that Mum was still upset with Alice after yesterday's shopping trip. She kept me practically glued to her side, her arm hovering protectively around me as we exited the car.

As we approached the school's main entrance, the air felt thick with whispers and stares. I could feel dozens of eyes on us, following our every move. Alice had warned me that our family often drew attention, but experiencing it firsthand was something entirely different. The whispers felt like tiny needles, each one prickling my nerves.

My heart pounded in my chest as I took in the sea of unfamiliar faces. Everyone seemed to be watching, and I couldn't help but feel exposed.

"Come on," Mum said, her voice soft but firm as she extended her hand towards me. Without hesitation, I grabbed onto her hand, feeling the warmth and comfort it provided. She pulled me closer, tucking me into her side, shielding me from the prying eyes. "Ignore them," she whispered, her tone gentle but reassuring. I nodded, trying to focus on her words rather than the unsettling attention.

Inside, the school felt older than I expected. The ceilings were incredibly high, and the decor seemed dated, with worn tiles and faded paint. We made our way to the reception desk, where a stern-looking woman sat behind a counter stacked with papers. Mum let go of my hand to place both of hers on the counter, leaning in slightly.

"We're here to collect our timetables," Mum said bluntly, her voice leaving no room for small talk. Dad moved up behind me, his large hands resting reassuringly on my shoulders. I could feel the steady pressure of his grip, grounding me in the moment as I glanced around the room, taking in the old-fashioned decor.

The receptionist looked up, her eyes briefly scanning the three of us. "You three are the new students?"

"Yes," Mum replied, her tone clipped. "Rosalie Hale, Rainn Hale, and Emmett Cullen."

The receptionist nodded, rummaging through a drawer before pulling out a camera. "I'll need to take a photo of each of you for our system security. After that, you can head off to your first period. A student representative from your classes will arrive shortly to show you to your rooms."

Rosalie went first, standing tall and composed as the camera flashed. Then Emmett, with his usual easygoing grin. When it was my turn, I tried to mimic their calm, but I could feel the nervousness creeping back in as I stood in front of the camera, my heart pounding in my chest. The flash was quick, but it felt like it lasted forever.

As I stepped back, the door to the office opened, and a boy walked in, his expression bright and welcoming. He looked around our age but had a confidence that I could only envy at that moment.

"Ah, Archie," the receptionist said, looking up from her paperwork. "You'll be showing Rainn to his classes. Rainn, this is Archie. He's on the same timetable as you and will help you get to your classes."

She handed me a piece of paper—my timetable, I assumed—and my stomach tightened with a fresh wave of anxiety. This was it—the moment I would have to separate from my parents and face this without my parents.

Archie smiled at me, his eyes friendly and warm. "Hi," he said, his voice cheerful and upbeat. I could tell he noticed how terrified I was, and it only made me more self-conscious. I glanced quickly at Mum and Dad, searching for reassurance.

Dad patted my shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. "See you at lunch, okay?" His voice was calm and encouraging, but I could sense the unspoken concern behind it.

"Bye," I mumbled, my voice barely audible. I glanced back at Mum, who gave me a small, encouraging smile, before returning my attention to Archie. Reluctantly, I took a step toward him, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on me.