If You Believe

Cara

     "Make it a fantastic dayyyyy." Our ridiculous principal slurs over her whispered words like she's in a perfume commercial. The intercom shuts off and first period begins. 

     "We have a new student joining us today," says Mr. Tyler, me and Paige's English teacher. "Cara, tell us about yourself! Where are you from? What are your interests? What do you hope to take away from English class this year?" I scan Cara up and down. She is tall, thin, has piercing gold eyes, straight chin-length blonde hair, and olive skin. 

     "I am Cara. I am from Wisconsin. I enjoy reading and traveling. I hope to learn English in English this year." A few people giggle at that last part, but I detect that Cara has practiced this speech before. She doesn't seem nervous, she doesn't stumble over her words, and she talks with no trace of emotion. I realize that I'm squinting at her, and I immediately break my stare and look down at my desk where a copy of Beautiful Creatures rests. 

     "Thank you for that introduction, Cara!" Mr Tyler exclaims with unnecessary enthusiasm for the underwhelming speech Cara gave. Cara walks over to the desk directly next to me and sits down. Our eyes meet for the longest second I have ever experienced, and then she looks away. 

***

The bell rings and I grab my messenger bag and book and stand, waiting for Paige, who is taking her sweet time at the back of the room. Cara steps over to me. 

     "Hey. We should hang out sometime. Beautiful Creatures? Great book. I love it." Cara says this with sudden personality and assertion; I never would have guessed she is capable of such traits. 

     "Sure. I never really have any plans. Like, at all. But, I don't really know you, though, so I mean..."

     "No, I totally get it. You're right. I'm just the weird new girl. It's fine." She hurries to walk away.

     "Wait! Cara!" I feel bad. "You can sit with Paige and I for lunch, if you want. We usually sit wherever the populars do, but we could use some actual friends, too." Cara beams at me.

     "Okay, sure thing." 

Paige finally swings up to me. She asks what all that was about, but when I turn to gesture to Cara, she's already gone. Fishy.