Carry On, Claire

Chapter One

The air brought goosebumps to my arms and a smile to my face. I love the fall weather and was waiting to break out my sweaters again. I tied up my hair with the scunchie around my wrist and ran inside.

"Baby girl, we're gonna be late." I ran past my mom, who was on her way out.

"I know, sorry! I just need to change real quick! Sweater weather!"

I ran up the stairs and into my room on the left. My sweaters were pushed all to the right side of my closet. I paused for a quick moment to think of which one to wear with my black jeans, then decided on a maroon crewneck with a little black heart on the left corner. After closing the closet and looking at the mirror satisfied, I ran downstairs and out to my mom waiting in the car. 

"First day of senior year, Claire. How ya feeling?" Mom smiled and backed out of the driveway.

I rolled down the window and sniffed the air. Burning leaves and dewy grass.

"Nervous. Home schooling wasn't something I really wanted, but I'm excited to be back. I miss Hailey's snacking and Brian's stupid jokes."

Mom's smile lessened a bit.

"I know you didn't want to, baby girl. They just couldn't get you in until this month. After everything, I think it may have been good to have a break. A little less stress."

I smiled and put my hand on mom's.

"I know. Plus, I got to spend some extra time with you."

Silence interrupted our conversation.

I could tell her mind was thinking on things again. I looked at the little scar on her check she got from the fight between her and dad. I found relief in knowing she wouldn't ever have to defend me from another man again, or defend herself. The last fight was the worst it had ever been.

"How was work on your first day back?"

Mom's smiled came back. I loved seeing her smile again.

"The other teachers pitched in on pencils and Mrs. Lar brought me coffee in the morning. The students were happy to see me back too."

"Told you that you're the school favorite."

She laughed and shook her head.

"I don't know about that, but it was nice to have a trouble free day." She fake gasped. "And guess who else was actually nice, as well."

I paused and remembered her mortal enemy amongst the teachers.

"Mr. Wanel?" I left my mouth agape a bit and she nodded her head. "No! What did he do?"

"Get this." She threw me a quick glance and looked back to the road. "He asked me how my day was and told me to have a wonderful day. Oh, and that's not all. He also told me that he had missed me and was glad I had returned."

I laughed and shook my head.

"Jeez mom. Better watch out. Keep thy enemies close."

Pretty soon we pulled into the school parking lot and mom parked in her teacher spot. I looked around seeing if I could spot any familiar faces waiting outside of the school. I didn't see Hailey or Brian standing around.

"Alright. You know where I am, if you need me or have any problems. I've gotta go in and start make sure everything's ready. You gonna be okay?"

I let out a breathe. Honestly, I was a little worried. What were people going to say? What were they saying?