The Haze [The Rosati Series]

four

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I asked skeptically. I stared dubiously at the image staring back at me in the mirror. I barely recognized myself with my grey eyes, bleached blonde cut, and light use of mascara and red lipstick (which was Amerie’s idea by the way).

“Of course it’s a good idea.” Amerie reassured. “You’re going to school, and this is just helping your new image.”

“But don’t you think the makeup is just a tad bit-“

She held her hand up silencing me. “Just relax, everything is going to go great today. Now, let’s review one last time, name?”

“Julie Rodgers.” I sighed.

“Why are you transferring so late in the second semester?”

“My mom recently started a new job, and this school is closer to home.”

“Grade?”

“Sophomore.”

“Okay, I think you’re ready. Just remember-“

“Never reveal any details that could easily be traced back to my old life, I got it.” I interrupted dryly.

“You know this is only temporary, right? We’ll figure this out.” She said softly.

“I know.” I nodded.

“Well then, let’s go.” She smiled sympathetically at me before swinging her backpack over her shoulder and exiting the bathroom. I grabbed the bag she’d let me borrow that was stocked with whatever I’d need for the day, and followed behind her.

“Is Derrick coming with us?” I asked.

“He normally leaves on his own time. I on the other hand walk to school.”

“I know.” I mumbled more to myself than anything.

It took fifteen minutes as usual to get to the school, and Amerie and I walked in mainly silence. When we arrived to the school Amerie headed to class, and I headed to the main office for registration. It took a little longer than I’d imagined, and oddly enough they didn’t question me too much about why my parents weren’t with me to register. I thought it was kind of strange, but I pushed my curious thoughts away and tried to focus on the new schedule that had been made for me. I looked over my classes and I knew it wouldn’t be hard to find them since I was familiar with the school, and I’d even been assigned some of the same teachers.

The day went by dreadfully slow, and Amerie was in most of my classes. I even saw Derrick and Nate in a few. Regardless, having to sit through classes with my mind going a million miles per hour, and not being recognized by teachers I’d had all year was frustrating to say the least.

By the time I’d gotten to last block Chemistry I was drained. I’d noticed Nate and Amerie were in the class with me, and the last few minutes of class edged by agonizingly slow. Once the bell had finally rung students emptied the class in record time, and I struggled to gather my belongings.

“Hey my mom wants Derrick and I to pick up some things from the store on our way home which means unless you want to tag along, you’ll have to walk home alone.” I turned to see Amerie, and Nate standing by her side.

“I can walk with her.” Nate interrupted.

“Oh no, it’s fine. I can walk by myself, really.”

“It’s no problem.” He added.

“It probably would be for the best if you walked with someone, and as immature as Nate can be-“, She paused to look at him causing him to roll his eyes. “I’m sure he’s more than capable of walking you home.”