my mom is billie eilish

Chapter 6: Navigating New Waters

The first week at Saint Eliza's came and went, each day blurring into the next. Despite the luxury of the school and the new surroundings, it wasn't an easy transition. The grandeur of Saint Eliza's was a stark contrast to my previous school, and while it was initially overwhelming, the place had started to feel slightly more familiar.

The other students, while polite, often kept their distance. I was the new girl, and in this tightly-knit community, it felt like I was under a magnifying glass. The whispered conversations and curious glances didn't go unnoticed. I did my best to focus on my classes and maintain a positive attitude, but it was hard not to feel like an outsider.

One afternoon, as I was heading to my locker to grab some books for my next class, I heard a familiar voice behind me. "Hey, Katherine, wait up!"

I turned to see Matthew hurrying towards me, a friendly smile on his face. "Hey, Matthew," I said, feeling a bit of relief at seeing a friendly face.

"I was wondering if you'd like to join me for a study session after school," he offered. "We've got a big history project coming up, and I thought it might be helpful to go over it together."

I hesitated for a moment. My past week had been full of adjusting to new routines and facing the challenges of being the new girl. But Matthew's offer was genuine, and the thought of spending some time with a friend was comforting. "That sounds great," I said. "Thanks for inviting me."

"Awesome," he replied. "How about we meet in the library around 4?"

"Sounds perfect," I agreed.

The rest of the school day seemed to drag on, but the thought of spending time with Matthew and working on the project helped me keep my focus. After the final bell, I made my way to the library, where Matthew was already waiting.

The library at Saint Eliza's was impressive—a large room with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and cozy reading nooks. Matthew had already secured a table, and he waved me over as I entered.

"Hey, Katherine," he greeted. "Ready to dive into this project?"

"Definitely," I said, sitting down across from him. "What's our strategy?"

Matthew grinned. "I was thinking we could start by dividing the research topics and then meet up to put everything together. That way, we won't be overwhelmed."

"Sounds good," I agreed. "What are we focusing on?"

He handed me a printed outline of the project. "We're doing a presentation on the impact of historical events on modern society. I've got the section on the Industrial Revolution, and you can take the Enlightenment."

"Got it," I said, taking the outline and flipping through it. "I'll start on the Enlightenment and gather some sources."

As we worked, Matthew's easygoing manner helped ease the tension. We chatted about school, our favorite subjects, and our interests. I found myself relaxing, grateful for the chance to connect with someone who genuinely seemed to want to befriend me.

"So, how's the new school treating you so far?" Matthew asked, glancing up from his notes.

"It's... different," I admitted. "The campus is beautiful, and the classes are interesting, but it's been hard to fit in. I feel like everyone's watching me, and it's a bit overwhelming."

Matthew nodded sympathetically. "Yeah, I know how that feels. It's not easy being the new kid, especially at a place like this. But you're doing great. You've already made a good impression on some people."

"Thanks," I said, appreciating his support. "It's nice to have someone who understands."

"Of course," he said with a reassuring smile. "And don't worry about the gossip. Most of it is just noise. If you stay true to yourself, people will see the real you."

We worked in comfortable silence for a while, occasionally exchanging thoughts on the project. Matthew's presence was a comforting distraction from the stress of the new environment. I found myself opening up more than I expected, sharing thoughts about my past and my feelings about Billie.

"Sometimes, I feel like I'm living in a dream," I said, more to myself than to Matthew. "Like everything's too surreal to be real."

"I can imagine," Matthew said thoughtfully. "It's a lot to handle. But you're strong, Katherine. You've managed to handle so much already. This is just another step in your journey."

His words were reassuring, and I found comfort in his perspective. It felt good to talk about what I was going through, even if it was just in snippets.

As the afternoon wore on, we managed to make significant progress on the project. The time spent together was enjoyable, and by the end of our study session, I felt more at ease. Matthew gathered his things, and we headed out of the library together.

"Thanks for the help," I said as we walked towards the parking lot. "I really needed this."

"Anytime," he replied. "We should do this more often. It's nice to have someone to work with."

"Definitely," I agreed, feeling a bit lighter than I had in days. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"See you tomorrow," Matthew said, giving me a friendly wave as we parted ways.

When I got home, Billie was waiting for me. She greeted me with a warm smile and a question about my day. I told her about the study session and how much it helped.

"I'm glad to hear that you're starting to make connections," Billie said, her eyes reflecting genuine relief. "It's important to have support, especially when you're in a new place."

"I'm starting to see that," I said. "Matthew's been really great. He's been a good friend."

Billie's smile widened. "That's wonderful. Having a friend like that can make all the difference."

As we talked about my day, I felt a sense of calm that I hadn't experienced in a while. The uncertainty and fear that had been my constant companions seemed to recede, if only for a little while.

The days at Saint Eliza's began to blend into a new routine. The initial struggles of fitting in started to ease, and with Matthew's support and Billie's encouragement, I began to find my footing. Each day was a step towards making this new place feel more like home.

As the week drew to a close, I found myself looking forward to the future, uncertain but hopeful. There was still much to navigate and understand, but with new friends and a supportive mother, I felt more prepared to face whatever came next.