Moving On

Chapter One

"You want me to do what?" I stared at my parents in dismay and shock. Twelve years in public school and suddenly they decide that I "need to make changes" and "broaden my horizons". 

"Your father and I finally got the money together to send you to Parkwood Academy. You know, the school that Lucy goes to? We thought that spending your senior year in a different environment would... open your mind." My mother was calm, expectant even, waiting for me to jump for joy. 

"But I like public school. I like my friends there. What's wrong with staying there!?" I had tried to stay calm, honestly. But going to Parkwood would be a nightmare - even if it was with my best friend. 

"I told you she would protest, honey. Willa never did like change." Father shook his head, giving a 'what can you do' gesture. 

It's not that I didn't like change. I don't, but that's not the point. The point was that I would be going to school with him. I wasn't sure if my heart could handle that. 

"Willa Mae, I don't care what you say. Your father and I have worked incredibly hard in order to afford for you to go to Parkwood. No matter how you feel on the matter, you are going and that's final." She crossed her arms, giving me a stern look. 

I sighed, dropping my eyes to my feet. I knew how  hard they worked nowadays. I rarely ever saw them, and when I did, it was only for a brief moment while they worked their way to the bedroom to sleep. 

"Okay, mama. I'll go. I can't promise that I'll like it though." I gave her a small smile. 

Mom nodded, then pulled a paper from the counter. "This is your schedule. School starts at eight a.m. and ends at three. You have lunch at noon with a free period straight after. I expect you to keep your grades up and stay focused." 

As she ticked off all the rules that I had already memorized, I grabbed the schedule from her. 

'  Period 1 - AP English 

   Period 2 - AP World History 

   Period 3 - Physics

   Lunch

   Free Period

   Period 5 - Advanced Art '

"I promise to abide by all set rules and limitations -" my parents started nodding, already having heard this from me when I started high school, " - as long as I have the choice to discontinue my education at Parkwood and go back to public school," I finished my vow, staring expectantly at my parents. 

It was a long shot, but I knew that if I had to spend any time around him, then I wanted the option to be able to leave whenever I deemed necessary. 

My parents looked between each other for a long time before finally, they nodded. "If that's what it takes to make you go, then so be it." 

~~~~~~~~~~

The next few weeks flew by quickly, and before I knew it, the first day of school had arrived. 

At 7 sharp, my alarm went off and two minutes later, my best friend bounded into my room. "Good morning my lovely muffin cake! Ready for the first day?!" 

Lucy Blackwell was my best friend since preschool, and also an incredibly cheerful person. She comes from the second most wealthy family in Parkwood, but you would never know it by her attitude. She didn't fit the stereotypes for 'rich kids'. 

"Lucy, the sun is barely up. Why are you so cheery?" I asked groggily, rubbing my eyes. 

I am not a morning person. 

"Because, silly! We're finally going to school together!" She squealed and hugged me as best she could with her standing and me sitting on my bed. 

Shoving her and my covers aside, I stepped into my closet, reaching for the uniform that had been placed neatly on the hanger. 

Yes, I said uniform. 

They're nothing special; blue t-shirts with a black, flowing skirt that reached just above the knee. It covered everything, but, (and this is according to Lucy), most of the female population liked to shorten the skirt length to "barely covers ass". Her words, not mine. 

I shook my head at her, changing out of my pajamas and into the uniform. It was comfortable, surprisingly, even if the shirt did show off every curve. Or, in my case, every pudge. I poked at my stomach, hoping that maybe if I just poked it enough that it would go away. 

"Stop doing that! You look amazing! Well, as amazing as someone can look in these uniforms." 

I laughed quietly, shaking my head at her. 

Brushing my hair quickly, I made it into a quick braid and let it fall over my shoulder. 

This time, it was Lucy's turn to shake her head. "I don't know how you do that so quickly and so easily. It took me an hour to do my hair!" 

I shrugged at her, slipping on the flats that came with the uniform. "Lots of practice, I guess." 

She frowned at me, knowing how I felt. "When will they be home?" 

I shrugged again, and the atmosphere grew heavy. 

"Well, anyways, let's get going! Don't want to be late!" 

Gripping my hand tightly, Lucy dragged me outside to her car, barely giving me enough time to lock the door, and sped towards Parkwood Academy. 

"You're going to love it!" She said again, for the tenth time since we had entered the car. 

I wasn't focused on her though. My heart was beating too fast, too many memories running through my head. I took a deep breath, readying myself to see him. 

Breathe in. 

Breathe out. 

Breathe in.

Breathe out. 

I could do this. 

Right? 

Right. 

The car suddenly stopped, and I opened my eyes, realizing we were already at the school. 

"You ready?" Lucy watched me, excitement dancing in her ivy eyes. 

Deep breathe. 

"Let's go." 

****

Hey guys! 

So I hope it wasn't too boring for you, but intro stuff is always a bit tedious to write without making it boring and lengthy. 

Let me know what you think in the comments? 

~Tori~