Living in Power (First Draft)

Chapter Six

Luciana an I had very differing experiences on our first day of school. When we walked on the bus, my favorite song blared through my earbuds. I stood confident, as opposed to Luciana's hunched body. My brothers stand ahead of us shooting dirty looks. I saw everyone's head turned toward me, and I was happy. My younger sisters stood behind me, not noticing. Maybe a new school won't be so bad.

When I got off the bus, I went to the office, as I was told by my mother. Luciana and I walked together, with our brothers going into a different office, through the narrow, crowded lobby. In the office I received my schedule. Algebra 1 first period with Mr. Smith. Great, I have to start my day with my least favorite class. Luciana and I had three classes together, P.E, Biology, and Lunch. The principle, Mrs. Deaner, told us to wait for our guides who would take us on a tour of our new school before first period started, they didn't, it was the middle of first period before either of us saw a guide. Luciana's guide showed up first, a girl with long brown hair named Andrea. The left as soon as the bell rang. My tour guide was late. What a great first impression she was making. Mrs. Deaner left me in her office while she went to find my guide. I looked around at the family photos and thought, I hope my tour guide is popular, so I can join her group and rise to power. Mrs. Deaner pulls me out of my trance.

"Danica," she says in her soft, melodic voice, "This is your tour guide."

I whip around to find a tall, dark skinned boy in front of me.

"Eli, meet Danica Forza," She pauses and waits for us to shake hands, "Take as much time as you need on your tour." she says as we exit, walking side by side.

"So where did you move from?" he asks when we are a considerable distance away from the office. His voice is deep and rich. Getting a better look at him, I notice that he isn't lanky like Luciana. He is tall and strong, his face is round with high cheekbones and a petite nose. His hair in short and curly. He wears black joggers and a camo hoodie. But he has the most stunning eyes I have ever seen. Though brown they hold so much depth, they are soft and welcoming, though he stands guarded.

"Sicily," I reply.

"What state is that in?" He asks. I can't help feeling a little hurt, but also amused.

"Italy," I say with a fierce tone.

"You don't have an accent."

I stop trying to sound "American" and speak with the thick accent I use at home.

"Are you sure?" I say giggling. He laughs with me.

"Why did you move?" He asks gently. I can't tell him the truth. Can I? I mean the best place to hide is in plain sight, I think.

"We were being chased by the Mafia." I say seriously, then burst out laughing. I can see he doesn't get it. "Ever seen The Godfather?" I ask.

"No," He looks quite confused. Wow Danica! I think cynically, You are really good at small talk.

He promptly ends the conversation by starting the tour. First, he takes me to the second floor, that contains many classrooms down a long, wide hallway.

"This is where most of your core classes will be," He says taking me down a long hallway.

"What are core classes?" I ask. I feel really dumb now. I hate American school already.

"Like Math, Bio, English, and History." He says.

"Oh that makes sense." I reply.

We walk past a door with pyramids on it, Room 216.

"Mr. Halsteds room" he says as we walk past a class who is almost falling asleep. "He teaches History."

He shows me another door, Room 231, English, and makes an offhand comment about nearly every student being in love with Mr. Delaney.