the senator's daughter

prologue

"36." He said.

"WHAT" 

"You got a 36 on your ACT. You're a sophomore."

"I DID?"

"Ms. Thomas, please stop screaming."

"Sorry."
"Now, administration would like us to call your father," He said picking up
the phone from his large oak desk, "Where is he?"

"Busy." I replied sternly.

Principal Lawrence smiled sympathetically and replied, "I'll be sure to email him then Ms. Thomas."

"Alright. Thank you. " I said smoothing out my skirt as I stood up from the large chair I had been sitting in for what seemed like forever. School had been over for a while, but it's not like I had anywhere to be. I gave Principal Lawrence a soft smile as I made my way towards the door.

"Oh wait! Ms. Thomas! I forgot one thing." He said. I shrugged slightly and turned back to face him.

"Yes?"

"You've done a lot of great things here for yourself and this school. But I've been talking with your teachers and we agree it might be a good idea for you to look at different options for your education."

"Um...," I said uneasily, "am I being expelled?" I asked.

"No!" Principal Lawrence chuckled, "Quite the opposite really. There's another boarding school in Washington D.C for people like you-people in your similar situation. You wouldn't be able to transfer in until the fall, but Lincoln International has been looking at you and see you as a fit candidate for the school. They have an opening in your class and because of your high grades and recommendations from your father, the school is very interested. They want more gifted students like you."

I didn't quite know what to say, but I replied with "Okay."

"GREAT! Lincoln will be extatic! Of course we will miss you here at Midwestern, and we will never forget you."

Right. They'll never forget me. The senator's daughter with no friends, a freakishly smart brain, and fluffy hair.

"Am I released?" I ask, giving him the fakest smile I've grown to master.

"Yes, good luck on your finals!" The old man replies.

I stand up and grab my bag and walk towards the huge wooden double doors that weigh more than me, and exit the school to go to my dorm. It's a short walk from the commons because my father's status gives me a lot of "privileges", including a single room by myself. This isn't a privilege, it's a curse. I was doomed to be friendless as soon as I walked into these hallowed halls.

I opened my door and sat down on my huge bed, opening up my computer. I clicked on the search bar and typed in "Lincoln International Boarding School, Washington D.C."

The school's webpage popped up immediately, showing pictures of the school. It seemed prestigious, I guess. I did some more research and found out that it was a boarding school for politicians' children from all over the world living in Washington D.C,. This might be my chance for some friends!!

That great idea was soon slaughtered when I looked at myself in the mirror. Tall, awkward, pale, frizzy. That was Hadley Thomas for you. The nerd freak senator's daughter who sat in the back of the class and was everyone's favorite cheating aid. I'm pretty sure the reason my parents never brought me anywhere was because of how ugly I was. I'm their only child, you'd think they'd care more. NO. Tears began to form in my eyes when I was interrupted with a knock at my door. I dried my tears and slugged over to open it.

"Good evening Ms. Thomas, here is your Dinner." The chef said.

"Thank you Armando." I smiled.

"And I heard about you transferring! I'll miss you raving about my grilled cheese Ms. Thomas."

"And I'll miss your grilled cheese Armando!"

"Ah Ms. Thomas," he said with his Spanish accent, "You're too much. Good luck on finals yes!" He chuckled.

"Thank you. Good night!" I shut the door.

I figured I might as well start packing, and I was interrupted once again by a phone call from my mother. Oh god.

"Hi mom!" I said, faking my excitement.

"Oh Hadley! Your father and I are so proud of you about your scores and you choosing to go to Lincoln! You're going to be so close to us honey!" She actually sounded happy.

That made me happy.

"Me too mom. Can I talk to dad?"

"Oh honey I'm afraid not! He's in meetings and press right now."

"Press, why?"

"We wanted to tell you together, but we're bringing you with us to Paris!"

"WHAT? YOU'RE BRINGING ME SOMEWHERE?" I yelled, clearly surprised.

"Yes! We want you to experience what Daddy does! And we can go shopping there too! We can both get makeovers before we go! A little mother-daughter time!"

"Makeovers?" Now I wasn't surprised. Of course they don't want the public to see me in my makeup less state.

"Yes! After your finals, you'll be meeting me in New York! We'll spend the summer in Paris, then we'll go back to Washington before you go to school!"

"Sounds great mom, thank you."

"Anything for my sweet, sweet Hadley. I love you honey! Good luck on finals!"

"Thank you mom, bye."

"Bye!"

I set my phone down and looked intently into the mirror.

It was my time.