Life, Starting All Over Again

Chapter Two

I woke up the next morning at almost 11. The time startled me since I never sleep in that late, never even past 10. I leapt out of bed and started making it, this being a morning routine I was used to from back at the foster home. I quickly finished in a few minutes. Then, I selected an outfit for the day. I settled on a black turtleneck, gray sweats, green socks, and a magenta bracelet my mom got me for my 16th birthday, about 5 months ago. I sighed and twirled it around my wrist for a minute or so. I missed my mom a ton, she always gave the best little gifts. And Dad couldn't go a minute without cracking a joke or laughing about something. I sat on my bed and began pulling my long brown hair into a fairly neat side braid. 5 minutes later, I walked downstairs to breakfast.

David and Jody sat at the kitchen table, 2 coffee mugs and 2 bowls of cereal in front of them. I said a quiet "good morning" to them and poured my self some orange juice and a bowl of Raisin Bran. "So, do you guys go to church?" I asked, curious about their religion. My parents were Christians, but we only went to church twice a year- on Christmas and Easter. "No, we aren't very religious. But, we do celebrate Christmas and Easter, not to worry. Jody was raised Catholic but I didn't really grow up with a religion." David explained. I nodded and glanced at Jody. She was intensely studying the Portland newspaper on her IPhone. "Mmmmmm." She murmured her response to my question. I giggled and David joined in. I finished my food and put the dishes in the sink.

After breakfast, the 3 of us sat on the couch and talked about school. I hate going to new schools. They wanted to send me to Highland High School, which is public. I agreed, mainly since I don't really have a choice. We are going to take an hour long tour of it from 3 to 4 later today. They told me they're not going to give me any chores, at least for awhile. I thanked them for that privilege. I told them that a month before the accident, I got my learner's permit. David said he would take me to a place where I could practice driving tonight. I'm excited to practice, since the last time I did might be almost 3 months ago. We made sandwiches for lunch at 1, and they were pretty good.

At 2, I walked around the block while Jody was at the the grocery store and David was at a dentist appointment. The area has many tall trees, and scrawny bushes and shrubs outlining the yards of most houses here. I called my BFF from back home, Ally Pearson. We have been friends since we were 2 years old. "OMG, Lily, why haven't you called me in so long?! You promised to call as soon as you got off the plane! I was worried sick! Shame on you!" Ally ranted on, scolding me. This is typical Ally, overprotective and always treating me like I was her kid instead of her best friend. I smiled and let her finish her accusations. When she finally took a breath, I said, "I know, I know. I'm sorry I forgot. I was busy unpacking and getting to know my new foster parents." "I see. Tell me about them, and Portland." She said, asking a question that couldn't be more vague. I sighed and began relaying every detail since I landed in Oregon to her. She listened intently, stopping me only a few times to ask questions or clarify something. When I'd finished, I was back at the house again. We hung up and began texting for a long time. At 2:30, Jody and David got back. They said in 10 minutes we would leave to go tour Highland, since it takes about 15 minutes to drive there.

15 minutes later, we pull into a pretty large paved parking lot. In big golden letters, at the very top of the building it reads, Highland High School. I gulp at the thought of starting high school here. I hate being the new kid, the spectacle of everyone and everything. We walk in and enter through the 2 big brown doors. The first thing I notice as I step inside, is the smell of paper.

Paper. Books. Reading. School life. That basically sums up what I scented within the first few seconds. A long hallway filled with lockers and garbage cans straight ahead. First door on the right reads OFFICE. We walk in there to get the principal to give us the tour. "Is Mrs. Christina Hathaway here? We're the three o'clock tour group." Jody tells the lady at the main desk. "Yes, you must be Mr. and Mrs. Farris! And Lily! I'm Laura, the school secretary. Nice to meet you! Christina will be with you in just a moment." Laura said. We shook hands and then sat down on the hard black couch next to the desk. I glanced at a People magazine on the coffee table, becoming bored fast. About 2 minute later, a woman who I'd say is about 5'6" with shoulder-length blonde hair and blue eyes came in. She wore a black shirt and matching black pants, and small white flats. "Jody! David! Hi!" Mrs. Hathaway hugged Jody and shook David's hand. I guess they were already friends. "You must be Lily Drayley. I've heard a lot about you! I'm really excited to show you around the school today. Shall we began?" I smiled at her and we began walking further down the hall. "Here at Highland High, we give all of our students equal and fair chances to learn and grow throughout the year. Not one child is more or less privileged than the other." Mrs. Hathaway said. I recognized this intro. It's what my dad used to call, "buttering it up". If you have a company or business, it's key to be constantly making your company or business sound great. That's exactly what Mrs. Hathaway was doing.

We peeked into 2 classrooms: the biology room and the library. The library is HUGE. Books are crammed into tiny shelves aligning on all 4 walls. This would defiantly be a huge hazard in an earthquake, I thought. She explained how suspension and expelling worked, as well as detention. Punishment review, I thought. Next, we moved to the home rooms. An average home room ranges from 35 kids, to 50 kids. The freshman and senior ones are the largest. Good thing I'm a sophomore, I thought. We explored the rest of that level and then climbed the long, old, creaky winding staircase to get to the 2nd floor. I checked my phone: it's already 3:30. I sigh, rubbing my eyes. When will this tour end???

Finally at 3:55, Mrs. Hathaway lead us back to the office. We went into her office and sat down in 3 very comfy and soft chairs. "So, Lily, what do you think of Highland High?" Mrs. Hathaway asked me. "Looks like a nice school, I like the building and the classes and everything." I said, my voice shaky. "Do you think you want to attend high school here?" She counters. I swallow hard and think for a moment. "Yes," I say, sounding more confident than I feel. "Excellent! Shall I enroll you then?" Jody and David nodded. Looks like my first day of sophomore year at Highland High is tomorrow. Oh boy.

Hi everyone! Thanks for reading the 2nd chapter. I hope to update weekly, but don't count on it. Please vote and comment! Thanks! 😀