Protective Love

Ch. 18 -- First Day of School

     (The picture above is the library inside Viviana's house)

New chapter, completely different. - 2025 

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     It's officially the first day of school, and it is six in the morning. I am in the barn with Sam, feeding the animals and getting the horses ready for the day. Sam gently lowers the feed bucket to my level so I can scoop up the feed for the chickens, his watchful eyes never leaving me. He looks worried—he has been ever since my panic attack last night. After I finish with the chickens, he helps me carry small amounts of hay for the horses, effortlessly lifting the bigger barrels himself. By the time we finish our chores, it's seven, and I head back to my room to get ready. Sam, still concerned, insists on picking out my outfit: a long flower dress with cream stockings, a cream-colored sweatshirt, and my baby blue vans. I shower and put on the clothes he chose, feeling a little more comforted by his attention. Just as I finish, Dean comes barging into my room, yelling that breakfast is ready.

I eat my pancakes and eggs quickly, the familiar mix of excitement and nerves bubbling up for the first day of school. "Whoa there, little cowgirl, slow down," William teases with a chuckle. "I don't want to see anyone choking." His voice is warm, tinged with his usual humor. I flash him a wide smile and make a conscious effort to chew my food more slowly.

When Cody finishes his breakfast, I gather my plates, and we dart toward the kitchen sink together. "No running!" Dean bellows, his voice echoing through the dining room.

"Sorry!" we yell back in unison, slowing to a brisk walk. At the front door, we pull on our jackets and gloves and sling our backpacks over our shoulders. The door creaks open, and Sam and Damon appear from the dining room, already dressed and ready for the day. Sam gives us each a big hug and plants a quick kiss on the top of my head, his warmth and care always reassuring.

"Have a good day today, children," Sam jokes with a playful grin, earning an exaggerated eye roll from Cody and a giggle from me. Damon smirks and gives Cody a gentle smack upside the head. "Be nice, or you'll start the day with more chores," he warns, his tone lighthearted.

"Go say goodbye and hurry to the car," Damon adds. Cody and I rush over to William and Dean, giving them quick hugs and kisses before heading out the door. Outside, Vanessa and Chris are already waiting by the car.

"Good morning!" we call out, waving as we scramble inside. Vanessa immediately starts chattering about the first day of school, her energy both infectious and slightly nerve-wracking. She talks about new teachers, potential surprises, and the challenges of dealing with the class bully, Caroline. I listen, my stomach twisting with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Damon, our older brother, drives us to school, his hands steady on the wheel. "Okay, kids, remember, I'll be picking you up at 12:40 at the front of the school," he says as we pile into the car.

"Okay!" we chorus in unison, our voices blending with laughter. The ride is filled with chatter and the kind of jokes only siblings and close friends understand, the excitement of the first day of school buzzing in the air.

When we arrive, my stomach twists with nerves. The hallways are already alive with the hustle and bustle of students, the sharp contrast between old friendships being rekindled and the awkward shyness of meeting new classmates. Most people know who we are, but we aren't exactly popular. It's not because people dislike us—far from it. But Caroline, with her unshakable hold over the school's social hierarchy, ensures that most students keep a careful distance. Her family's wealth and influence shield her from consequences, even when teachers disapprove of her behavior.