Temporary

Chapter 1

   ''He was only temporary,'' my mother says, referring to Melanie's father. ''But I miss him and Melanie, and the old winding road in North Conway.'' My mother sighs. ''He isn't your father, remember that.'' My father, out of nowhere, rudely pipes in. ''Would you knock it off with Melanie's goddam sappy father?'' Sappy. ''He is not sappy. He means a lot to me and has helped me through a lot and there's no other replacement for him,'' I confidently add in. My father ignorantly flips me off and cracks open a can of beer.

   We've never had that father-daughter bond, my father and I. My father is a selfish alcoholic and got fired from his job as a realtor agent. You can assume why. Tomorrow's my big day. First day as a Freshman in a new location, new house. My house is pretty small. Two bedrooms, one bathroom, a cute kitchen. But this is New York City. I was born in a small, rural area in North Conway, NH. Nearly 15 years back. This is my first time here in ''The Big Apple,'' as they call it.

   When I wake up, I forget this is the big day. I take a deep breath and assure myself that everything will run smoothly. I peek into my parents' bedroom. My father is passed out drunk, beer in hand. Nothing new.

   I slip on my robe and quietly make my way downstairs to prepare myself a cup of coffee and some toast. I'm too nervous to eat, but I know I should. The toast pops out of the toaster and I slap some butter on and sit down to eat breakfast and drink my coffee. I take a bite only to immediately spit it out. My stomach is nauseous and my mouth is dry, refusing food. I poured out my coffee and put my dishes in the sink.

    ''It's my first day of high school, and my father isn't going to even get up to see me make my way out the door or wish me luck,'' I whisper to myself. Then I begin to sigh in anguish at the truth, the realization. Why should I question it, or let it bother me? I know he wouldn't bother to care anyway. My mother left work already this morning but she cared enough to leave a note on the cold, granite kitchen counter. I gingerly pick it up. ''Have a good time at school, Rose. It will be tough, this being your first day in a foreign place, but you'll do great. You'll adjust in no time. Make friends.''

   The clock strikes 5 and I remember I have time. The bus arrives at 7:00. I decide to look at my schedule the school gave to us. There is no homeroom. Period 1: Science with Mrs. McGrath, Period 2: History with Mr. Fallon, Period 3: Math with Mr. Jones... I have Lunch, Study, Gym... English, Foreign Language, you know. I shove it in my bag. I'll need it.

  Somehow I fell back asleep after reading my schedule on my bed and I realize it's 5:30. Better hop in the shower. I have my clothes all set. Light blue jeans and plaid shirt. Black Toms. I get out of the shower and dry myself off. I play some music as I change into my clothes and get ready. I decide to wear some makeup. Mascara, powder, and blush seem adequate. I'm still somewhat tan from the summer sun. I do burn, though. I have thick, straight strawberry blonde hair and hazel brown eyes. I hate how I look even though I'm told I'm pretty. I dry my hair. I feel like loose curls today. As soon as I finish my makeup and hair, I wear my gold studs and the necklace Melanie gave me before I moved. My makeup, jewelry, and beauty items are all in one box. Obviously, I am still not completely settled yet. I've only been in my new home for a week now.

   I grab my bag and head out the door. It's 6:58 and I race down the street to reach the bus stop. I lost track of time. I'm a mess. I look presentable, though. The bus stops at my feet, and I'm just noticing I almost missed the bus. I also note that I am the only person at the bus stop. I guess maybe other parents drive their spoiled kids to school.