Pure

7

-Caterina

It always surprised me when things go somewhat my way. When I was younger, it was always like that. But the older I got, the more uncommon it was.
But even though I started in this school smack in the middle of the year, it's going very well. I'm only a week in, but I'm already enjoying myself. The teachers are great and the subjects are mostly interesting and I've been doing pretty good. I haven't really made friends and I'm not really looking to, either. I mean, most of the people are very nice and friendly and the other people are just minding their own bussines, not paying me any attention. And that's just the way I like it. I'm only here to finish high school, get my diploma and have a head full of knowledge. I'm not here to create a social life for myself. I really don't need it and it won't mean anything after the school year is over anyway. I don't know yet where I'm gonna go, but I'm pretty sure I will not be here. And I'm horrible at keeping in touch with people. So why I even bother putting myself in a situation like that?
I still have a hard time finding a balance though. I've been driving Demi up the walls- I really do have to applaud her for still sticking with me. I just don't know how she does it. But it's like I don't know what else to do, since I'm doing so good at school, to show her and everyone else that I'm not a goody goody. And because I am exactly that in school, I have to kick it up a notch when I come back to her house, making myself even more extreme then I was before.

Demi drives me to and picks me up from school every day. It is walking distance, but she wanted to start off driving me at least until I get more used to it and settled in. I'm not complaining, I love the car rides. It's the only time where I don't have to act out. I always give her a hearty thank you when she drops me off and a genuine smile when she picks me up. We sometimes make small talk or she turns on the radio and we pass the ride in silence. But either way, it's the calmest time we have together. Cause as soon as I step into the house, it's as if a new skin crawls over me, hiding my real body and turning me into a person no one wants to be around. It doesn't bother me as much as it did in the beginning- being so unbearable -and that scares me. It scares me because it shows that this really is who I am becoming. And I don't want to be that person, but I know I have to for when Demi sends me back to the streets. It's the only way I'll survive it.

"Time to go, Cara," she smiles at me, as she picks up her car keys and makes her way to the front door, opening it for me and letting me pass in front of her. "Don't forget your backpack," she chuckles, as she holds it out for me to take. As if I would ever forget it.
She took me shopping a couple of days before I started school and bought me so many things that I don't even need, but I appreciated it a lot. I had brought a backpack with me to fit some of the things that didn't fit in my duffle bag, but it was old and starting to break, so she got me a new one.

I really still can't figure out why she's investing so much in me. And in a way it makes me feel horrible for what I put her through, but it also makes it harder for me to leave cause then I'd feel even worse that she spent so much on me for nothing. "Thanks," I say, as I take it out of her hands and make my way to the passenger seat.

She climbs in too, after having locked the front door. "Ready for another day?" She asks.

"As always," I reply.

"Good," she turns on the car. "Your principal actually called yesterday. He said he can't say much yet, since it's only been a week, but from what he has seen and from what the teachers say so far, you're doing wonderful. I'm so happy to hear that it's going well. Are you happy with your choice? Is it a good school?"

"It seemed the most similar to my last one," I shrug. "And it's not exactly as I expected it, but I am pretty sure it is better then the other one would've been. I mean, I'm obviously still adapting, but everyone's nice enough and patient so yeah, I'm confident in my choice."