In The Stars (a novel)

First Day

The next morning, I had woke up. Tired than ever, I walked down the stairs and started for the kitchen. There, I saw Dad and Emma. Dad was sliding pancakes off the pan and onto a plate, while Emma was already at the table, devouring her breakfast. Dad turned to me, now realizing I was here. He smiled.

"Hey, kiddo. Breakfast's ready." 

I rubbed my eyes, and made a wave that seemed inhuman. Dad handed me a plate of pancakes, with bacon and eggs on the side. I walked over to the table and sat down. 

"You ready for school?" Asked Emma, as she finished up her last few bits of eggs. I shrugged and started eating. 

"You know, it took Dad a long time to enroll you. You weren't in the fifth grade while at Juvy, and so when you got back you would probably have stayed there. Just be happy you get to start middle school and not be behind." 

My eyes met Emma's eyes. I smiled. 

"Thanks, but I still feel way to nervous. Why didn't you two tell me sooner?" I said, as I took another bite of my food. 

"Dad wanted it to be a surprise." Emma rose from the table, plate in hand, and carried it over to the sink. "Look," She said, "Give it a try. If you don't like it, then I'll try to convince Dad to take you out of school, okay?" 

I nodded. It felt weird, as she never was nice to me, three years ago at least. 

"Why are you being so nice to me?" I asked out of curiosity. 

Emma chuckled. "It's a mystery to me too." She said, as she left the kitchen. 

I didn't get it, but it didn't matter. Once I finished my food, I rinsed my plate and headed upstairs. I walked into the bathroom, and looked in the mirror, where I saw myself once again, this time, more put together. I still had the same tawny dark hair, and dark midnight eyes. But my face, it was different. I didn't seem like the boy who would commit a severe crime. In fact, I seemed like the exact opposite. I seemed innocent. 

I tried to shrug off the dreadful thought. I grabbed my toothbrush, turned on the water, and started brushing my teeth.