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Description

“I see you’ve made friends.” His upside down appearance smirked.
All I could do was let out a nervous laugh.
“And all boys, no less.” He breathed.
I blushed at what he was getting at and sat up.
“Does it really matter?” I answered, slightly annoyed.
“No,” he sighed, “I guess not.” He let out a slight chuckle, “Just be careful, my sweet_ baby_ sister.” He ruffled up my hair then left.
I sat there, motionless at first, then let out a pained sigh, eyeing him darkly as he headed back to his seat. He looked over his shoulder and immediately read into my expression: Try again and I’ll bite you.
I sat back in my seat, combing my fingers through my hair, flattening it back to its normal, durable state.

“That guy… is scary.” Roy said.
So… he did send them the glare after all. I rested my cheek in my palm as I set my elbow on the table.
“It’s just an act. Trust me, his bark is worse than his bite.” That was a slight lie, but I wasn’t about to let my brother scare away my first group of friends, especially on my first day of school.
“Ah… a Chihuahua, eh?” Roy joked, looking over with a brave look.

Two classes had passed since lunch and my day seemed mostly okay at this point. Just a few more classes and I was done. Just sit down, do as I’m told, get on the bus, get home, and do my happy dance. For the first time in a while, there wouldn’t be any screw ups on my first day.

Now, was Art class, my third favorite subject.
“All right, class.” said our teacher.
As he continued on, James leaned over, whispering, “That’s Mr. Schortzen. He used to be a college professor before retiring and started teaching here.”
“Why would anyone want to teach kids after teaching in college?” I asked.
He shrugged, “Beats me.”
Mr. Schortzen’s speech was cut off by a door opening in back of the classroom.

A girl with long, wavy, red hair walked into the class with a sass-like strut. Her pink skirt flanneled down to just a few inches above her knees and held in place by a red tank top that seemed to be mostly covered by a hot pink, low cut shirt as her white tennis shoes lightly clanked against the gray marbled floor. Frankly, she looked like your average, typical, innocent girl with makeup and a bedazzled purse. She handed our teacher an orange piece of paper, a pass no doubt, and apologized for her lateness.

She then turned with a happy smile down the aisle toward… James. Her innocent look then turned to one of disgust when she noticed me next to him. Mr. Schortzen then continued his speech as soon as he saw her reach the table.
“You’re in my seat.” She said in a royal tone and leaned one leg, waiting.
Her green eyes then sent me a harsh glare, seeing I hadn’t moved.
“Um, hell-o.” she said, “Did you hear what I just said?”
“Lay off, Sharon.” James defended, “We don’t have assigned seats.”
Her expression immediately turned back to one of innocence as she looked at James.
“Aw, Jamie.” She gave him a gentler look, “You don’t have to be nice to the new trash.”
“What?” I hissed.
Her eyes then flashed to me.

Great… Just when my day was almost over.
My hands clenched into fists.

I knew her type all too well. It was one of the reasons why I couldn’t get through my first day of school. Most girls were just like her, the snooty type. Of course those delved into many categories, but that was beside the point. I hated girls like this.

Back in Creek Row these girls always seemed to feel as if they ruled the school. Always strutting around as if they were part of the royal family, untouchable. In my town they’d have connections or be on the richer side of things. And no matter what age I was, no matter what season, what grade, we never got along. And it always would start off on the first day of school. I was different from those girls and mostly hung around boys, not wanting to hang around their many acts of drama. It was always outfits, shoes, makeup, nails, etc.

From time to time, I’d befriend a girl out of their click that was a normal girl or tomboy like me. But it never would last due to one of three reasons; they moved, skipped a grade, or fell prey to the girls’ cult, practically worshipping model magazines that’d tell them to wear low cut shirts to show more cleavage or to shorten their shorts to just centimeters from almost looking like underwear. It became more hectic when sixth grade rolled around. Boys were finally going through puberty and had boobs on the brain, practically throwing themselves at their feet like panting dogs.

I wasn’t one for their snooty antics toward me and would literally have them take it to the gut. Yessiree, every school year would start off with a fight ending with me grabbing those high heeled brats by the hair and into submission. And every time I’d be sent to the principal’s office or sent home. All since third grade.

But, I promised my father it’d be different this time around, that for the first time in over five years, I’d come home on time like everyone else without even one phone call to the house from school.

I sighed, holding back my urges to take her down many needed notches. James was about to say something when I got up.
“Sorry for taking your seat.” I forced myself to say, bile almost rising into my mouth. I’d never apologized to someone like her before. I guess there’s a first for everything… sadly. I walked over to one of the empty seats at the next table over.
“Hmph, that’s what I thought.” She said, throwing back her hair as she sat down next to James, giving off a girly giggle as she hung onto his arm.
“Sh-Sharon.” He complained.

I turned my attention to the teacher who didn’t seem to notice the small commotion. I could feel James’ eyes on me. Eventually he turned his head away, taking in the whines of the bratty teen next to him. I could also see Roy shaking his head as he whispered something to James indistinctly. The only thing I could hear was, “…idiot.”
My day was now beginning to fall into the category of bad.

Finally, our teacher began explaining our new project, “Today we will be starting our clay sculptures. You can sculpt any appropriate object you’d like. However, before starting, please remove your jackets and grab an apron.”
I froze.
No… No, no, no! If I take this off-
I firmly refused to follow the directions and just grabbed an apron, putting it over the jacket.
Sorry, James. But your jacket's taking one for the team today.
I then rolled up its sleeves.

“Jeez, man, control your dog.” I heard Roy complain.
“Excuse me?” Sharon asked.
I looked over to see her eyeing Roy with a dark intent.
“I don’t recall stuttering.” he answered then looked at James, “Seriously dude, why do you let her hang on you like some dog in heat?”
“I don’t recall asking your opinion.” she said.
He wasn’t even talking to her.
“Oh, and she’s part parrot, too.” Roy joked.
James sent him a look.
“You know, my aunt has this Maltese that humps every person’s leg it comes across in her house.” He looked passed James at Sharon.
“Come on, RJ.” James sighed.
Roy suddenly went into a stance where he was holding an invisible object and begin humping the air as he silently barked.
“Holly want a cracker.” He then said, followed by a howl.

He was then interrupted by Mr. Schortzen clearing his throat.
“Is there something you wish to share with the class, Mr. Jackson?” he asked.
James turned his head with a slight chuckle, masking it with a cough as Roy froze then turned to the teacher.
“Nope. Just… can’t wait to start this project.” He started dancing, eventually going all out with a hair whipping move.
Our teacher rolled his eyes and began giving out instructions.
Sharon and Roy continued to argue with Roy ending it with a gruff, “Woof.”
I let out a laugh, immediately catching Sharon’s attention.

Her hand shot up, prompting the teacher to stop, “Yes?”
“Sir, don’t we all have to take off our jackets?”
Oh no. I shot her a glare. Really, just because I laughed at you?
The teacher’s eyes immediately found me.
“Miss… Clover, I presume.” He called out, “No students have special privileges in my class. Would you please remove your jacket?”
An idea instantly popped into my head. I could easily take off this jacket while still under the apron and put it back on before taking it off at the end of class. No one would have to see my shirt. I then nodded in acceptance to his command and unzipped the jacket from inside the apron.

Fate must really hate me. Just when I thought I had defied the yearly tradition that haunts me by the skin of my teeth, all my hopes were then snuffed out. Sharon quickly undid the strings in back of my apron and ripped it away. A few gasps and hurried whispers filled the room as eyes travelled down to my shirt.
“Ms. Clover, please report to the principal’s office at once!” Mr. Schortzen ordered, keeping his voice at a steadied volume, “You are out of dress code.”

I mechanically grabbed my bag and exited the classroom. I stopped after taking a few steps, my backpack falling from my shoulder and onto the floor.
So close… and yet I still managed to screw up.
I slid down the wall.
I held back, I apologized to a snot-nosed brat… Why-
“It’s okay…” I breathed, “Just… got to get out of here.”
I really thought today would turn out differently.

Someone then tapped my shoulder.
I looked up to see James with a comforting smile, “Hey.”
“What are you doing here?” I asked, standing back up and wiping a tear off my cheek.
“I asked the teacher if I could take you to the office, since you’re new and all.” He then passed me his jacket, “I think it would be best if you wore this for the rest of the day.”
I scoffed as I took it and put it on and began following him as we made our way to the office. I stayed silent most of the way, dreading the outcome of when I came home.
“Next periods are PE, Culinary, and free period.” He noted, “So you won’t be missing anything.”
We entered the elevator and began descending to the lower floors. My eyes drooped as I stared down at the ground, drowning in my thoughts.

“Are they going to send me home?” I finally asked, still looking down.
“No, they’ll just call your house and have you stay in the office until school’s out.” He answered.
My grip on the strap of my backpack tightened.
Finally reaching the office, James approached Ms. Daunry’s desk and explained the situation through the small vent in the front glass window. Luckily, the principal had left early on an emergency call. She gestured for me to come through the side door and sit down in the small, gray, fold-out chair.
“Don’t worry,” James whispered, “I’ll make sure you won’t be put absent.”
I stopped him, before I entered the glassed office and began unzipping the jacket.
He then stopped me, “Keep it on until school’s out, okay.” He sent me a reassuring smile and began heading back to class followed by a quick wave.
I entered the office, shut the door, sat down, and waited for school to end.

Walking toward the bus platform was like a walk of shame. I could feel gazes on my back as I waited to board the bus. After sitting in the same place as I did earlier this morning, I buckled my seat belt and put the hood on my head. And just in time too. Sharon was riding the same bus. I sighed in relief when she hadn’t noticed me and rested my head on the window.

The passengers quickly dwindled and soon we made it to my block. I quickly got off the bus with my bag slumped over my shoulder and began speed walking toward home, ignoring the loud roar of the bus jetting away above.

My bag was suddenly tugged on, pulling me back, followed by my hood being swiped off my head. I looked over my shoulder to see Kristen and quickly pulled myself from out of his grasp.
“Nice jacket.” He said, “Where’d ya get it?”
“I’ve been wearing it all day, jerk.” I said.
“Don’t recall seeing it this morning.” He pushed.
“It’s none of your business.” I finally said back.

“Bad day, I take it?” he teased.
I began walking away and immediately picked up speed. He caught up.
“You seemed happy at lunch?”
I stayed silent the entire way home, ignoring his stupid questions.
WHY COULDN’T BROTHERS JUST TAKE A HINT?!

Just a few houses from home, I looked to see Dad’s car in the driveway and grimaced at the sight. Hesitantly, I knocked on the door. Seconds passed and the door opened abruptly. Dad’s blue eyes looked down at mine with a disappointed glance.
“By all means, come in.” he gestured into the house.
I numbly walked in, Kristen not far behind. Upon entering the house, I could hear Kristen mouth a question to dad about what was happening.
“Have a seat in the living room.” He ordered.

I walked to the first room on the right and tossed my bag on the couch, shortly following after it. Kristen then plopped down on the loveseat.
“I got a call from the school today that you had to stay in the office for three class periods.” he said looking at me, “Care to share?”
“What, did she start a fight?” Kristen asked.
“No specifics were given.” He said, sitting on the coffee table and crossing his arms, “So what happened?”

I didn’t answer at first, trying hard to find something I could use to escape his gaze.
“I didn’t know, okay?” was all I could muster up as an answer.
“Didn’t know you’d get caught fighting someone?” he asked, now on the edge of a rant.
“I didn’t get into a fight, okay.”
They both seemed surprised.
“I’m sorry, come again?” our father shook his head, trying to understand.
“I didn’t_ start_ a fight.” I repeated.
“So… you finished it then.” Kristen said.
“No!” I rolled my eyes and turned to him with a frustrated growl, “I didn’t get into any fights today.”

I didn’t know how to explain but let the jumbled words come out anyway.
“I didn’t know our school was shared with Angelicans and my shirt was out of dress code due to anything referring to them being disrespectful, or something.”
I just unzipped the jacket, revealing my shirt, and let the chips fall where they may.
I sighed, “Can I just go to my room, please? Kind of had a bad day.”
Dad stared at me with a blank look that then changed back to his serious stare down.
“Go.” He ordered as he nodded toward the room’s exit.
Quickly, as if wings were attached to my ankles, I ran upstairs to my room.
During my ascent, I could hear Kristen break down into laughter.
“That’s why she was in the office?” he continued laughing, “Because of a shirt? Seriously?”
He continued to joke about it.
“Hey, does this mean my sister is racist?” he asked, jokingly.
His laughs immediately died down, most likely from Dad’s glares.
“Right. Too Soon.”

Description

“I see you’ve made friends.” His upside down appearance smirked.
All I could do was let out a nervous laugh.
“And all boys, no less.” He breathed.
I blushed at what he was getting at and sat up.
“Does it really matter?” I answered, slightly annoyed.
“No,” he sighed, “I guess not.” He let out a slight chuckle, “Just be careful, my sweet_ baby_ sister.” He ruffled up my hair then left.
I sat there, motionless at first, then let out a pained sigh, eyeing him darkly as he headed back to his seat. He looked over his shoulder and immediately read into my expression: Try again and I’ll bite you.
I sat back in my seat, combing my fingers through my hair, flattening it back to its normal, durable state.

“That guy… is scary.” Roy said.
So… he did send them the glare after all. I rested my cheek in my palm as I set my elbow on the table.
“It’s just an act. Trust me, his bark is worse than his bite.” That was a slight lie, but I wasn’t about to let my brother scare away my first group of friends, especially on my first day of school.
“Ah… a Chihuahua, eh?” Roy joked, looking over with a brave look.

Two classes had passed since lunch and my day seemed mostly okay at this point. Just a few more classes and I was done. Just sit down, do as I’m told, get on the bus, get home, and do my happy dance. For the first time in a while, there wouldn’t be any screw ups on my first day.

Now, was Art class, my third favorite subject.
“All right, class.” said our teacher.
As he continued on, James leaned over, whispering, “That’s Mr. Schortzen. He used to be a college professor before retiring and started teaching here.”
“Why would anyone want to teach kids after teaching in college?” I asked.
He shrugged, “Beats me.”
Mr. Schortzen’s speech was cut off by a door opening in back of the classroom.

A girl with long, wavy, red hair walked into the class with a sass-like strut. Her pink skirt flanneled down to just a few inches above her knees and held in place by a red tank top that seemed to be mostly covered by a hot pink, low cut shirt as her white tennis shoes lightly clanked against the gray marbled floor. Frankly, she looked like your average, typical, innocent girl with makeup and a bedazzled purse. She handed our teacher an orange piece of paper, a pass no doubt, and apologized for her lateness.

She then turned with a happy smile down the aisle toward… James. Her innocent look then turned to one of disgust when she noticed me next to him. Mr. Schortzen then continued his speech as soon as he saw her reach the table.
“You’re in my seat.” She said in a royal tone and leaned one leg, waiting.
Her green eyes then sent me a harsh glare, seeing I hadn’t moved.
“Um, hell-o.” she said, “Did you hear what I just said?”
“Lay off, Sharon.” James defended, “We don’t have assigned seats.”
Her expression immediately turned back to one of innocence as she looked at James.
“Aw, Jamie.” She gave him a gentler look, “You don’t have to be nice to the new trash.”
“What?” I hissed.
Her eyes then flashed to me.

Great… Just when my day was almost over.
My hands clenched into fists.

I knew her type all too well. It was one of the reasons why I couldn’t get through my first day of school. Most girls were just like her, the snooty type. Of course those delved into many categories, but that was beside the point. I hated girls like this.

Back in Creek Row these girls always seemed to feel as if they ruled the school. Always strutting around as if they were part of the royal family, untouchable. In my town they’d have connections or be on the richer side of things. And no matter what age I was, no matter what season, what grade, we never got along. And it always would start off on the first day of school. I was different from those girls and mostly hung around boys, not wanting to hang around their many acts of drama. It was always outfits, shoes, makeup, nails, etc.

From time to time, I’d befriend a girl out of their click that was a normal girl or tomboy like me. But it never would last due to one of three reasons; they moved, skipped a grade, or fell prey to the girls’ cult, practically worshipping model magazines that’d tell them to wear low cut shirts to show more cleavage or to shorten their shorts to just centimeters from almost looking like underwear. It became more hectic when sixth grade rolled around. Boys were finally going through puberty and had boobs on the brain, practically throwing themselves at their feet like panting dogs.

I wasn’t one for their snooty antics toward me and would literally have them take it to the gut. Yessiree, every school year would start off with a fight ending with me grabbing those high heeled brats by the hair and into submission. And every time I’d be sent to the principal’s office or sent home. All since third grade.

But, I promised my father it’d be different this time around, that for the first time in over five years, I’d come home on time like everyone else without even one phone call to the house from school.

I sighed, holding back my urges to take her down many needed notches. James was about to say something when I got up.
“Sorry for taking your seat.” I forced myself to say, bile almost rising into my mouth. I’d never apologized to someone like her before. I guess there’s a first for everything… sadly. I walked over to one of the empty seats at the next table over.
“Hmph, that’s what I thought.” She said, throwing back her hair as she sat down next to James, giving off a girly giggle as she hung onto his arm.
“Sh-Sharon.” He complained.

I turned my attention to the teacher who didn’t seem to notice the small commotion. I could feel James’ eyes on me. Eventually he turned his head away, taking in the whines of the bratty teen next to him. I could also see Roy shaking his head as he whispered something to James indistinctly. The only thing I could hear was, “…idiot.”
My day was now beginning to fall into the category of bad.

Finally, our teacher began explaining our new project, “Today we will be starting our clay sculptures. You can sculpt any appropriate object you’d like. However, before starting, please remove your jackets and grab an apron.”
I froze.
No… No, no, no! If I take this off-
I firmly refused to follow the directions and just grabbed an apron, putting it over the jacket.
Sorry, James. But your jacket's taking one for the team today.
I then rolled up its sleeves.

“Jeez, man, control your dog.” I heard Roy complain.
“Excuse me?” Sharon asked.
I looked over to see her eyeing Roy with a dark intent.
“I don’t recall stuttering.” he answered then looked at James, “Seriously dude, why do you let her hang on you like some dog in heat?”
“I don’t recall asking your opinion.” she said.
He wasn’t even talking to her.
“Oh, and she’s part parrot, too.” Roy joked.
James sent him a look.
“You know, my aunt has this Maltese that humps every person’s leg it comes across in her house.” He looked passed James at Sharon.
“Come on, RJ.” James sighed.
Roy suddenly went into a stance where he was holding an invisible object and begin humping the air as he silently barked.
“Holly want a cracker.” He then said, followed by a howl.

He was then interrupted by Mr. Schortzen clearing his throat.
“Is there something you wish to share with the class, Mr. Jackson?” he asked.
James turned his head with a slight chuckle, masking it with a cough as Roy froze then turned to the teacher.
“Nope. Just… can’t wait to start this project.” He started dancing, eventually going all out with a hair whipping move.
Our teacher rolled his eyes and began giving out instructions.
Sharon and Roy continued to argue with Roy ending it with a gruff, “Woof.”
I let out a laugh, immediately catching Sharon’s attention.

Her hand shot up, prompting the teacher to stop, “Yes?”
“Sir, don’t we all have to take off our jackets?”
Oh no. I shot her a glare. Really, just because I laughed at you?
The teacher’s eyes immediately found me.
“Miss… Clover, I presume.” He called out, “No students have special privileges in my class. Would you please remove your jacket?”
An idea instantly popped into my head. I could easily take off this jacket while still under the apron and put it back on before taking it off at the end of class. No one would have to see my shirt. I then nodded in acceptance to his command and unzipped the jacket from inside the apron.

Fate must really hate me. Just when I thought I had defied the yearly tradition that haunts me by the skin of my teeth, all my hopes were then snuffed out. Sharon quickly undid the strings in back of my apron and ripped it away. A few gasps and hurried whispers filled the room as eyes travelled down to my shirt.
“Ms. Clover, please report to the principal’s office at once!” Mr. Schortzen ordered, keeping his voice at a steadied volume, “You are out of dress code.”

I mechanically grabbed my bag and exited the classroom. I stopped after taking a few steps, my backpack falling from my shoulder and onto the floor.
So close… and yet I still managed to screw up.
I slid down the wall.
I held back, I apologized to a snot-nosed brat… Why-
“It’s okay…” I breathed, “Just… got to get out of here.”
I really thought today would turn out differently.

Someone then tapped my shoulder.
I looked up to see James with a comforting smile, “Hey.”
“What are you doing here?” I asked, standing back up and wiping a tear off my cheek.
“I asked the teacher if I could take you to the office, since you’re new and all.” He then passed me his jacket, “I think it would be best if you wore this for the rest of the day.”
I scoffed as I took it and put it on and began following him as we made our way to the office. I stayed silent most of the way, dreading the outcome of when I came home.
“Next periods are PE, Culinary, and free period.” He noted, “So you won’t be missing anything.”
We entered the elevator and began descending to the lower floors. My eyes drooped as I stared down at the ground, drowning in my thoughts.

“Are they going to send me home?” I finally asked, still looking down.
“No, they’ll just call your house and have you stay in the office until school’s out.” He answered.
My grip on the strap of my backpack tightened.
Finally reaching the office, James approached Ms. Daunry’s desk and explained the situation through the small vent in the front glass window. Luckily, the principal had left early on an emergency call. She gestured for me to come through the side door and sit down in the small, gray, fold-out chair.
“Don’t worry,” James whispered, “I’ll make sure you won’t be put absent.”
I stopped him, before I entered the glassed office and began unzipping the jacket.
He then stopped me, “Keep it on until school’s out, okay.” He sent me a reassuring smile and began heading back to class followed by a quick wave.
I entered the office, shut the door, sat down, and waited for school to end.

Walking toward the bus platform was like a walk of shame. I could feel gazes on my back as I waited to board the bus. After sitting in the same place as I did earlier this morning, I buckled my seat belt and put the hood on my head. And just in time too. Sharon was riding the same bus. I sighed in relief when she hadn’t noticed me and rested my head on the window.

The passengers quickly dwindled and soon we made it to my block. I quickly got off the bus with my bag slumped over my shoulder and began speed walking toward home, ignoring the loud roar of the bus jetting away above.

My bag was suddenly tugged on, pulling me back, followed by my hood being swiped off my head. I looked over my shoulder to see Kristen and quickly pulled myself from out of his grasp.
“Nice jacket.” He said, “Where’d ya get it?”
“I’ve been wearing it all day, jerk.” I said.
“Don’t recall seeing it this morning.” He pushed.
“It’s none of your business.” I finally said back.

“Bad day, I take it?” he teased.
I began walking away and immediately picked up speed. He caught up.
“You seemed happy at lunch?”
I stayed silent the entire way home, ignoring his stupid questions.
WHY COULDN’T BROTHERS JUST TAKE A HINT?!

Just a few houses from home, I looked to see Dad’s car in the driveway and grimaced at the sight. Hesitantly, I knocked on the door. Seconds passed and the door opened abruptly. Dad’s blue eyes looked down at mine with a disappointed glance.
“By all means, come in.” he gestured into the house.
I numbly walked in, Kristen not far behind. Upon entering the house, I could hear Kristen mouth a question to dad about what was happening.
“Have a seat in the living room.” He ordered.

I walked to the first room on the right and tossed my bag on the couch, shortly following after it. Kristen then plopped down on the loveseat.
“I got a call from the school today that you had to stay in the office for three class periods.” he said looking at me, “Care to share?”
“What, did she start a fight?” Kristen asked.
“No specifics were given.” He said, sitting on the coffee table and crossing his arms, “So what happened?”

I didn’t answer at first, trying hard to find something I could use to escape his gaze.
“I didn’t know, okay?” was all I could muster up as an answer.
“Didn’t know you’d get caught fighting someone?” he asked, now on the edge of a rant.
“I didn’t get into a fight, okay.”
They both seemed surprised.
“I’m sorry, come again?” our father shook his head, trying to understand.
“I didn’t_ start_ a fight.” I repeated.
“So… you finished it then.” Kristen said.
“No!” I rolled my eyes and turned to him with a frustrated growl, “I didn’t get into any fights today.”

I didn’t know how to explain but let the jumbled words come out anyway.
“I didn’t know our school was shared with Angelicans and my shirt was out of dress code due to anything referring to them being disrespectful, or something.”
I just unzipped the jacket, revealing my shirt, and let the chips fall where they may.
I sighed, “Can I just go to my room, please? Kind of had a bad day.”
Dad stared at me with a blank look that then changed back to his serious stare down.
“Go.” He ordered as he nodded toward the room’s exit.
Quickly, as if wings were attached to my ankles, I ran upstairs to my room.
During my ascent, I could hear Kristen break down into laughter.
“That’s why she was in the office?” he continued laughing, “Because of a shirt? Seriously?”
He continued to joke about it.
“Hey, does this mean my sister is racist?” he asked, jokingly.
His laughs immediately died down, most likely from Dad’s glares.
“Right. Too Soon.”