Forever lost

11

This was supposed to be out yesterday but i was so sick :(

Today is Lilly's first day of school, and saying she's nervous would be an understatement. In America, she wasn't exactly known for attending school regularly; in fact, she missed more days than she actually showed up. But in England, things would be different. Her parents were determined to drive her to school every day, along with her older siblings. Plus, she'd be constantly watched by a personal bodyguard, whom her parents had introduced her to yesterday. His name was Jerry, and he'd be following her everywhere she went—perfect for making friends.

It's currently seven-thirty in the morning, but Lilly has been up since six, trying to find the perfect outfit for school. With a closet now full of clothes, the choice wasn't easy. Finally, she decides on a purple sweater with small embroidered flowers and a pair of basic jeans. Pleased with her selection, Lilly heads to the kitchen, not particularly hungry but knowing she should eat something before school.

In the kitchen, she finds her parents and her older brother Alex, all seated around the small, simple round kitchen table. Her parents are quietly talking, nestled together on the bench around the table, her mother's head resting on her father's shoulder while he traces random patterns on her arm. Every time Lilly sees them like this, a warm feeling stirs in her chest—they truly are the definition of soulmates, just like in storybooks. Alex, on the other hand, looks like he's about to fall asleep in his breakfast, propping his head on one hand and alternating between big yawns and bites.

"Good morning," Lilly says, announcing her presence.

"Good morning, sweetheart," her parents respond, looking up. "What would you like for breakfast?" adds Jane.

Alex, glancing slowly over at his little sister, remarks, "Why aren't you wearing your uniform?" skipping any form of greeting.

"What uniform?" Lilly asks, confused.

"The school uniform, honey. I left it in your closet yesterday; everyone has to wear it," explains Jane.

"Oh, I didn't see it! Sorry, I'll go put it on," Lilly apologizes, dashing out of the kitchen. A big knot of nerves forms in her stomach. School uniforms are for snobby schools, and she's anything but that. How will she make friends? Surely no one will want to approach her, and she'll end up alone every day.

Back in her room, she opens her closet and spots the uniform her mom mentioned, hanging there in plain sight. She can't help but feel a bit silly for not noticing it earlier.

The uniform is simple yet elegant: a navy-blue skirt with matching tights, a white shirt embroidered with the school crest, a blue and red tie, and finally, a matching sweater and blazer.

Without wasting time, Lilly starts getting dressed. Everything seems fine until she reaches the tie; needless to say, it's her first time trying to wear one. Despite her efforts, she can't get it to look like the one her father always wears.

Defeated, she heads straight to one of her brothers' rooms. From Apollo's room, she can hear music and running water, so she guesses he's busy. But Ethan's room is silent, so she ventures in.

The first thing Lilly notices is her brother sprawled out on his bed, clearly fast asleep.

She tiptoes over to his bed and gently shakes his shoulder. Ethan doesn't budge, so she tries again, a bit harder this time.

"What do you want? I'm sleeping," Ethan grumbles, barely opening his eyes.

"I need help," Lilly whispers.

"I can't help you; I need to sleep," he mutters, settling back down.

"Please," Lilly begs.

Ethan opens his eyes just enough to roll them before sitting up slowly on the edge of the bed. He looks absolutely dreadful, his hair sticking up in every direction, with a pillow mark across his cheek.