Phase One: A Clean Slate?

“We know your records, Miss Chambers. And we’re willing based on the...” She paused for a bit, “heavy recommendation from your father. Now we do not tolerate any form of insubordination at Westley High and we certainly wouldn’t tolerate any,” She paused again to give me a pointed look. “Outburst.”

“Roger that, Principal Meyers,” I said without looking up.

“You will look me in the eye when I talk to you, Miss Chambers.”

I whipped my head up in a start and almost smirked as she took an involuntary step backwards. I knew the effect I had on people with my eyes that were so icy blue, they were almost white. But I was gunning for a fresh start at Westley High so drawing more attention to myself by intimidating the Principal on the first day was the last thing I wanted to do. So I pasted a smile that I hoped wasn’t too tight on my face and responded. “Of course, ma’am. I’ll be on my best behaviour.”

She gave me a dubious look. “That would be very much in your favour.” The next few minutes were spent with her handing me a class schedule and ringing for someone with the landline. Barely two minutes later, someone walked in.

“You called, Principal Meyers?” A cheery voice called from behind. The shrillness of the voice had me turning as I stared at the blonde beauty in front of me. Her eyes landed on mine and after giving me a once over, she smirked superiorly. Probably cancelled me as a possible competition for her throne or something. I knew her type, which was why I already decided to give the girl whom I learnt from the principal was Cecilia Cartier, a wide berth.

“So,” Cecilia began as we walked out from the Principal’s office. “Parentage.”

I was confused. “Parentage?”

She paused her movements with a start, almost causing me to collide with her. “Your parentage, transfer student. Like their occupations. Is your dad or mom a senator, congressman, or conglomerate owner.... That sort of thing.”

How elitist.

“None. I’m here on scholarship.”

She scrunched her nose disdainfully. “Westley’s accepting just anyone these days. How tacky.” She began walking again, a little faster this time. “Well, transfer student, it’s best you keep that bit of information to yourself. You’re not going to last a week at Westley’s anyways but at least your one week won’t be a misery.”

Already sick of the conversation, I didn’t say another word and just let her lead the way. If disclosing the fact that Dad was not just a senator but one of the leading in the country would get me good treatment, I’d rather not have it. It’s not like I wasn’t proud of Dad or anything. I just didn’t like the fact that everyone was mandated to tolerate my “excesses” because of him. The whole talk of recommendation was trash. I knew how fatter the school’s pockets had become because I was here.

“My name is Carissa Chambers. It’s a pleasure to meet you all.” I gave them a wide smile.

“Yeah whatever, transfer student,” Celine said from the front causing the class to erupt in fits of laughter. They turned their heads back to the teacher, obviously dismissing me.

I sighed as I sat back. Like I expected any different.

“You’ll get used to it,” came a voice from beside me. I turned to see a dazzling set of blue. Midnight. That’s the first thing that came to mind. Complete with a dimpled smile and I didn’t need a gipsy to tell me to steer clear from this one.

“Thanks. I know that,” I returned to placing my books in front of me as the teacher ordered everyone to settle down.

“I’m James. James Connor.”

Why couldn’t this guy leave me alone?

I turned to him, smiling through my teeth. “A pleasure. Now can I get back to the class?”

“Alright, Ice Queen,” he murmured, giggling. But he didn’t disturb me any further.

I didn’t have anything against guys. I just knew they weren’t worth the headache and the drama. With a face like that, that James guy was drama in spades and I wasn’t going to be a part of it. Not after what happened in Cosgrove High.

I took the lonely walk through the halls to where my locker was. I could swear that I’d heard transfer student at least a dozen times in that short walk between class and the hallways. With the snotty, nose-in-the-air looks the students were giving me, Cecilia must have already spread the word that I was a “scholarship student.” All the better, I thought. The less valuable I looked to these people, the less likely they were to dig up my past.

As I opened my locker, a piece of paper fell out. I let out an audible groan. Wasn’t it too early for stuff like this? But my breath stilled in my throat when I saw what was written in shabby, coarse handwriting.

I KNOW YOUR SECRET.

I felt my blood turn to ice and struggled not to stagger as I hastily scanned the hallway. No one suspicious, everyone milling around doing their thing. Yet I was positive that whoever dropped this was probably watching me. Couldn’t someone just have a fresh start? I crumpled the paper in my hand and walked hastily out of the school to where I knew Dad was already waiting for me. I got inside the comfort of the air-conditioned with its tinted glasses. “Dad, we have a problem.”

Jhymi🖤

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