Finding home

When I was young I used to always day dream of what my future would be like, living close to the ocean and studying the creatures that live in it.  My sister and I always shared that interest. Until my dad died from cancer and my sister went missing.  I tried to be strong for my mom, but it wasn’t enough.  She couldn’t take the pain of losing both my dad and Elizabeth.

“Avery Eileen.”  Mrs. Romero shouted.

I quickly awoke and shook my head from sleep.  “Umm… here.” I softly replied.  My best friend Lynn chuckled.

“Wake up sleepy head.”

“Shut up Lynn.” I lazily answered back.  Lynn sat behind me in almost every class, besides chemistry. She hates anything to do with science or thinking.

 Everyone likes her; she’s easy going with pretty red hair and emerald eyes. I am the exact opposite, with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes, plus the down side of freckles. She always gets invited to senior parties, while I on the other hand get made fun of for being a goody two shoes. I can’t get in trouble or my foster parents Heather and Mike would flip and ground me for life. 

“What are you doing later?” Lynn asked, while chewing on her nails.

“Nothing, why?” I turned around and answered.

“Because it’s a Friday night and I’m going to a party with Ben. Want to come along?” She stopped chewing on her nails and stared at me.

“As much as I’d love to go, I have to study. Besides isn’t Ben a little old for you? He’s twenty and you’re sixteen.”

“Study, seriously? And four years isn’t that much older!”  Lynn unconsciously shouted.

“Avery and Lynn why don’t you continue your conversation in the office?” Mrs. Romero snarled at us.  We both started to get up when she added, “Oh and detention after school Monday.”

                We walked down the wide green and white tiled hallway towards the office.  I didn’t hate public school, but it wasn’t my favorite. The people here were tougher and meaner.  When I went to private school you were expected to be respectful.

“The teachers here are pretty strict.” I stated.

“It’s like that at every school. Oh yeah, I forgot you went to a private school. What was it called again?”

“Rose Park Academy.”  I replied.

“How the heck were you able to pay for that?” Lynn asked.

In my head I answered, my dad. He was a pilot and made a lot of money. Lynn doesn’t know much about my life though. She thinks Heather and Mike are my real parents. I haven’t told her about what happened with my family because I don’t like talking about it.

Before I could think of something to say we reached the office. The secretary, looking annoyed looked up at us.

“Can I help you?” she involuntarily asked. Before I could answer her the school bell rang announcing school was over.

“We were going to ask you a question but I forgot.” Lynn quickly answered. She about dragged me out of the office.

“I have to go. Michaela’s going to leave without me, but text me about the party. Please come.” She begged.  As soon as she said it she quickly walked away and ran down the hall. I hate going to parties, I always feel out of place.  She owes me.