My New Family

Chapter Three: Before and After School

Evelyn

     I am walking to school. Pauline is walking ahead with Jane. Catherine keeps jogging on the spot, then running to catch up with us. She is very annoying and makes me dizzy just looking at her. Then Pauline stops to talk to John in front of a huge mud-puddle. She is talking in a low voice so I can't hear her, and she's looking at me, kind of nervous. By this time I am caught up with them. Then everything seems to happen in slow motion. John reaches over, pushes me, I fall forwards- and get my new uniform covered in mud. OH NO. I will probably get a pinkslip and then get in trouble with Dad and I can't imagine what Stepmama will say. Everybody except John and Pauline are ahead so they can't do anything. I feel really angry at John. I rush at him, blindly to hit him, push him, anything. Pauline catches me. "No, Evelyn! Calm down!" I stop and slowly calm down. But I'm still angry at them. ''You told him to do that, didn't you?!'' I say angrily. ''No, I only told him to keep out of the mud-puddle!" she says. ''But why didn't you say it out loud and why did you look at me?" I ask. She says nothing, just walks ahead. Tells that brother of hers with the funny name that I can never remember what happened. He walks over and speaks sharply to John. ''I'm sorry, but you must believe Pauline. She wouldn't tell John to do that.'' He says. I'm not so sure. I walk over to Susy. Phill has a cold today so she stayed behind. I talked to Susy on the way to school and felt better.

      Phew, school is over. I did get a pinkslip and I had to stand in the corner for the whole first class. It really annoys me that we aren't allowed to excuse ourselves. I suppose its to make us humble or something. I walk into the kitchen with everyone else. Dad says, "I suppose you all want to know about the honey moon?'' Everyone except the older girls, Pierre,and Pauline shout ''YES!" I feel my face burning red. Why did Pauline not shout, it makes me feel like I'm one of the little kids. ''Will you go to the moon and eat honey?'' Joey asks. Everyone laughs. ''No, we're going to Italy for a couple weeks. We'll stop through Naples, Rome, Florence, and Milan and spend the last few days in Venice before returning. I suppose I might bring you some presents when we get back.'' I giggle. ''I know you will, Dad. If you're stuck with present ideas for me, please get a book and for John please get a cage.'' Dad laughs but Stepmama looks horrified. ''Don't say such barbaric things, Evelyn! Pauline would never be so rude! You should copy her.'' Dad looks puzzled and Pauline looks smug. Ugh! She is going to drive me crazy! ''Who will look after us while you are away? I don't think me and Susanna could do it.'' Says Philomena. Of all my step-siblings I think I like her best. Mademoiselle Camille Freyer. She'll be here tomorrow. Evelyn, as a punishment for your pinkslip you can get her room ready. She can have the spare bedroom in the top storey, left wing.'' ''Yes, Dad,'' I say. I'd been going to finish A Little Princess this afternoon. I wish Pauline would start being nice. As if she's read my thoughts, she volunteered to help me. Dad said yes and I thanked her with a smile. As I make the bed and she sweeps the floor I say to her, ''Pauline, did you tell John to push me in the mud because I got ice-cream on you?'' She won't answer and doesn't speak the rest of the whole time. I'd rather clean by myself.