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Chapter 2 - people don't like 'different'

Juliet

"What was that all about earlier?" Bella asked as the two girls sat on her bed.

"Oh, some girl was listening into my conversation with the teacher about parents evening and started questioning me about my parents." Juliet replied with the roll of her eyes. Although it was frustrating, the shock and fascination in people was nothing new.

"That is so bad! People should just keep their noses out."

"I know right! She kept asking me where my parents were, why they weren't around and why I lived with my sister. I don't know why people care so much!"

Juliet's and her sister's parents had always been very career focused and even though they would always try to conceal the truth, they tended to favour their work over their children. It became obvious when big opportunities caused them to travel back and forth to New York, leaving both girls to look after themselves. This obviously caused huge arguments but it didn't stop there. It was made even worse when the couple decided they wanted to remain in New York permanently and when the girls refused to get up and move so suddenly, they were basically disowned.

Juliet's sister, Sophie had been left to juggle University alongside working a part time job to pay for rent and food while Juliet was left to experience her teenage years with no parental guidance. It was hard work and although both girls tried their hardest, it was never plain sailing.

"It's because it's different and people don't like different, it makes them uncomfortable. It's so messed up."

Bella had a point. In this stage of their lives, everyone felt the need to be the same. Girls in a group always dressed the same, had the same interests and the same goals because everyone was too scared to be different. The limitations they put on one another to be their true selves meant that whenever something was slightly unique and out of character, it would immediately catch their attention.

"Are you okay though?" Bella went onto ask. She knew Juliet dealt with a lot and she didn't need this added to her stress.

"Yeah I'm fine. I don't care what they think. I'm happy as things are and I wouldn't change it." She nodded, knowing that there were a few things that could be better but that wasn't always capable in life and she could handle that.

"Exactly! You and Sophie have the best relationship. I wish I was like that with my sister."

Juliet and Sophie were close and always had been. What with their parents always working, the close bond had just built naturally. However, their few years of living as a two without their parents had strengthened that. They were learning a lot together and with only one another to rely on their unconditional love was taken to a whole new level. This sisterly bond was one that could never be broken.

"So what is happening with parents evening?"

"Sophie's coming, I think." Juliet responded simply.

She didn't mind things happening in that way as it was what she had grown used to however, it was everyone else's reactions she hated.

"I know other parents are going to have their judging faces on though."

No one truly knew what was going on but they still liked to build their opinions anyway. It was difficult because it lead to Juliet being the talk of the school for a few days after but there was always hope it would just pass quickly.

"Just ignore them. You don't owe them any explanation. As long as you're getting good grades, nothing else should matter."

Juliet knew Bella was right and she was getting those grades that she wanted. It seemed as though everyone expected her to fail due to the situation. They looked at Juliet as a lost cause because she didn't have parents around and was living with only her sister who was a part time student too.