The Path to Love

Chapter 1:Emergence

 Friends came and left but loneliness has chosen to remain with me. At age 18, I should be out with friends rebelliously living without a care since I live once right?

Wrong. I was always too different.

The woman who chose to cast me aside after sparing me a glance knew that. As for the owner of the sperm that fertilized her eggs, that's another story.

The parents I wish I had were great classical composers, Frederic Chopin and Clara Schumann. Maybe if they had united as one, I would have entered the world destined for greatness.

Maybe they wouldn't have been absent for almost every single birthday in my life so far.

Today, I am so excited to be the new girl again in another school full of scrutinizing prying eyes. I will sit in the library during every lunch and pretend to wait for friends that I don't even have.

Anyone walking through the array of fortune I was cast into would feel more at ease with life. Fortune and wealth has brought me financial security in the future. But it hasn't supplied me with any joy.

Fund raisers full of fake rich kids that would stab anyone in the back for self - interest sicken me. I happen to be attending one tonight. Just great.

"Claire, the chauffer is waiting for you. Why are you staring off into empty space again? Are you not happy with the Versace jacket that I bought you ? I can order any other merchandise you want."

"It's still in the bag. I haven't brought it out yet." I coldly replied.

Sensing my mood, my mom gave me a tight smile before bringing out her iPhone X and answering a call. I stoically exited the house and entered the car as James held out the door for me. The engine came on and I was off to another new world/ living hell.

James followed the GPS directions given to him by my mom and I absent-mindedly stared out the window at the snow covered city. Through the tinted glass, smiling families and happy couples could be seen. At this sight, I tightened my fists and looked away. After what felt like hours, we reached the gates of hell. Another private school full of snobs came into view.

Unlike the movies, nobody stopped and stared as I exited the car. They were all familiar with  fancy cars entering and exiting the school premises. The school could be described as tall brown box like buildings spread out over a course of fields. Before I could turn around and decide to go back home, James sped of and I internally cursed him. Slowly, I made my way to what appeared to be the main entrance. Too many perfumed fragrances entered my nostrils and a fit of sneezes escaped my mouth.

My eyes began to water and people walking in my direction gave me some skeptical looks. Luckily for me, the school office was just down the hall and for once in my life I felt relief and happiness at the sight of it.

I was greeted by a middle aged man with shoulder length black hair and piercing green eyes. "How may I help you ?"He asked. The depth of his voice shocked me but I quickly hid my shock under my stolid expression.

"I'm Claire McLeighton and I'm new here. Where can I get my schedule?" His eyes widened and he quickly rushed out of his seat and walked briskly into the vice principals office. Looking around, I noticed a magazine rack in the waiting area and helped myself to a National Geographic magazine. After reading the first page, I heard heavy footsteps and looked up. A tall bald man in a a grey tight suit and tight pants smiled at me,  extending his hand out for me to shake.

The man with green eyes stood to his left, still looking as shocked as he did when I told him my name.

I shook his hand as he introduced himself as the Principal. "It gladdens me to have the daughter of one of the most influential men in the country in my school. You are very welcome here." He smiled.