The Orphan

New School New Problems

I got dressed -don't get me wrong for an orphan I was pretty stylish- for school which sadly was the highlight of my life. It's my first day at a new school. The another orphanage I was at was in Boston, but for girls ages newborn-14 and I got moved here. To Chicago. I walked to school since it was only a few blocks away. When I got there I saw everyone in
their designated cliques and suddenly felt like a total outsider; more so than usual. Everyone was staring at me as if I some sort of freak. I just kept my head tucked down and walked into the school. Once again I felt everyone staring at me. They must not get new students often. Or maybe it's the fact that I'm starting In October that's throwing people off. I went to class and took a seat in the back praying that no one would sit next to me. It didn't work. Some guy with brown hair and green eyes and a varsity letter jacket on came and sat next to me. When he looked at me I wanted to have the power to turn invisible or melt into the chair. Class hadn't started yet. It was still homeroom. He tapped me as I was looking out the window. How I would love to be out there instead of trapped in here condemned by these 4 walls.

I looked at him and he said "Hey, I'm Malik, Malik Hodge. What's your name?"

"Amari."

"Do you have a last name that goes with that?" I shook my head no and he said "Well Amari, I can tell that your new so let me be the first to say Welcome to Chicago."

"Thanks." I said and looked out the window again. I could feel that he was still looking at me. My old orphanage mother used to say I have a sixth sense.(What up movie reference!) She was the closest thing to a mother I've ever had. My new orphanage mother is really nice too and her and her husband have a little 5 year old daughter Emily who is so cute and nice, but talks a little too honest and she loved to tease me. I don't mind though as long as she doesn't embarrass me. I looked out the window. It was a nice view. There was beautiful trees, with the leaves starting to change color and squirrels in the trees or gathering food. It all seemed so surreal. Like this was all one big lucid dream. It sure was a drastic change from my life.

Malik said "So, Amari. Where are you from?"

"Boston."

"Why did you move? Your parents get a new job or something?"

"I... I don't have parents. I'm an orphan. I got too old for my old orphanage and I got moved here."

"Wow. I'm so sorry."

"Its fine." I said while pulling out one of my favorite books. Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx.

"What are you reading?" He asked.

"Jake Ransom-"

"And the Howling Sphinx?" He said finishing my sentence.

"Yeah, how did you know that?"

"It's one of my favorite books."

"Mine too."

"How about this? On the count of 3 we both say our next favorite book or book series."

"Alright. One."

"Two."

"Three!" We said together and both said "Hunger Games." I smiled a smile, a real smile. Not one of my world famous sarcastic smiles, a genuine smile.

Then a redhead came and glared at me before saying "Hey Malik."

"Hey Ray." She sat down next to him and he said "Amari, this is my girlfriend Raven. Raven this Amari. She's new."

"Of course she is. I've never seen her here before so she must be new because I know everyone." Halfway through her sentence I returned my attention to my book. "What are you reading?"

"Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx."

"Oh, Malik loves that book. I'm not too fond of books."

"Shocker." I said sarcastically then turned the page.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You care more about your looks rather than your intellect."

"How would you know that? You don't even know me."

"I know that you're really a brunette thanks to that tacky red hair dye and amber highlights. You have brown eyes, but you wear contacts because you prefer blue.... Am I missing anything? OH! You have extensions that are way too easy to see. You also got to Forever 21 and pick out the shortest skirts, tightest shirts and most expensive shoes. Am I mistaken? I think not." They both stared at me slack jawed and dumbfounded. Raven's eyes filled with hate and rage. Malik's with amusement, intrigue and shock with a smile playing at his lips. I just smiled at her. The teacher started class. Ms. Phillips is my english teacher.

She said "Class, we have a new student with us today. Her name is Amari. If you would please stand up." I stood up smiled and sat down and the teacher left me alone.

Raven had to open her mouth and say "Wait, isn't Amari supposed to tell us a little about herself. We don't even know her last name." Malik shot her a look, but she just kept running her mouth. "I mean it is tradition."

Ms. Phillips hesitantly said "Amari, would you mind?"

I stood up and said "My name is Amari. I'm from Boston and I don't have a last name. I don't even have a family. I'm an orphan with a bad temper and a big mouth. I moved here because I got too old for my old orphanage so I got moved here. I've been in the system ever since I was left there when I was a few months old. I don't know when my birthday is. I just celebrate on the day I was left at the orphanage which is in four days. Yes my parents left me at the orphanage on Halloween. I don't know who my parents are, what they looked like or even their names. That's my life." I sat down with tears in my eyes. Everyone stared at me so I tried to blink them back. Raven with triumph and everyone else with pity. Pity I didn't want. I don't want to be someones charity case. Trust me I've had enough charity to last a lifetime. Malik gave me a weak smile, trying to cheer me up. I did my best to return one but it was forced and tight. I was still fighting back the tears. Malik shot Raven another look, but she just gave him the "Did I do something wrong" look. I could already tell that I was gonna hate her and be really good friends with Malik. This should be very interesting. I sighed and mumbled to myself "This is going to be a long year."