Orphans of the night

Chapter 27

First day

I sat in the living room with all my school supplies spread out and excitedly packed my bag "it's a little cramped but everything just fits" I smiled. Demi sat behind me on the couch with a mug in her hand "There should be plenty of room, let me see" she put her mug down and sat on the floor next to me. She slowly unpacked my bag pulling some things out. She sighed "hunny, you don't need a lot of these things. What do you need this for?" She asked pulling out a small kit I'd prepared "to survive?" I said in a duh tone.

Demi looked at me sadly before taking a deep breath "your only going to school Lizzy. You'll come back here after school. You keep all your belongings here at home. You only need to take what you need for school.. it's just a school bag" Demi tried to explained. I felt really embarrassed and awkward as I understood what she meant. I just packed my school bag the way I'd always pack a bag "I guess I'm just wired wrong" I mumbled sadly "no no not at all. Your still trying to get used to things" Demi gave me a small smile. Even though I knew she wasn't judging me and she understood, I felt so embarrassed.

Demi helped me repack my bag with only the things in it I'd need. She did let me keep a couple of things I felt anxious about her taking out. She said if it makes me feel better I should take them and when I realise I didn't need them, I can take them out on my own when I'm ready.

"See. Lots of room" Demi smiled holding open the bag "yeah I guess" I said awkwardly smiling "now, you better shower and get ready for bed. We're leaving early" Demi said as she hung my bag up on a hook by the front door. When she said that it made my stomach flip. Things started feeling real. I was going to school tomorrow.

***

I'd woken up early the next day too excited and anxious to sleep. I hopped out of bed and went over to my window and smiled as I looked down at the street below while the sun slowly rose behind it. I watched people start to fill streets and smiled from the warmth, privacy, safety and comfort of my bedroom. Today would be different.

"Good morning" I turned around to see Demi stepping into my room "oh, of course your already awake" Demi chuckled.

***

My knees shook as I stepped out of the car "your going to have such a good day. I'm so proud of you" Demi smiled as she walked around the car over to me and handed me my school bag. I threw it over my shoulder and gave her a scared smile "oh almost forgot. I got you a little present" she reached into her back pocket and handed me a small purse with a bow on it "aww Demi. Thank you" I smiled gratefully. I'd always kept my money in a tin or my pocket. It felt fancy to have something like this to hold your money in. I opened it up to see a small photo of Demi and I in a clear slot with a $20 bill.

"I know it doesn't seem like much, but it's more then you'll need just for lunch, just for today and I'll have snacks and dinner at home for you" Demi said "a whole $20 for one lunch?" I said excitedly "well, you might not spend it all" "thank you Demi" I said gratefully as I smiled widely at her.

"I guess I better go" I said tucking the purse into my bag.

***

I headed into the front office like I'd been instructed to do to meet the principle for my first day.

"Hey Mr Dobal!" I called out as I spotted him. He turned around and smiled "ah there you are, we've been waiting for you" "we've?" I asked curiously as a girl stepped out from behind him. She had mid length light brown hair and brown eyes "this is Kelly. She's going to help you around till you settle in" he smiled "Hi. I'm Kelly" she smiled warmly as she held out her hand, she looked friendly "Hi I'm Lizzy" I smiled shaking her hand "your in good hands, Kelly is our top student" Mr Dobal said "okay, show Lizzy where her locker is then head to class" "okay Mr Dobal. Come on Lizzy" Kelly smiled as we walked out of the building.

"So how long have you been at this school for?" I asked trying to make conversation "since year 7.. so two years" she responded. I thought she would ask me questions but she stayed mostly silent "here's your locker" she said opening it up for me. We were the only ones in the locker room as class had already started. I grabbed my books and threw my bag in, spending a few minutes setting up my locker with books I'd keep at school.

"Thanks for helping me out today" I smiled as I closed my locker. I turned to Kelly when she didn't answer, I assumed she didn't hear me so I repeated myself "thank you for-" "yeah I heard you" she snapped at me. My jaw dropped from shock at her sudden mood change. Her friendly face had turned into a angry glare and her attitude had become bitchy "okay.." I said slowly "so uh.. should we get to class?" I said nervously after a few moments of silence. Kelly scoffed and rolled her eyes, turning on her heals and walking off. I followed behind her wondering what that was all about.