I was also excited about my classes. All these subjects were so fascinating to me. I really didn’t know much and I was eager to learn.
I sat down to my first class, eager – Social Studies. I smiled at Amy, the girl who sat next to me, and offered her a Tic Tac – she politely declined. I lined up my textbook, notebook, pencils and butterfly pen, neatly on my desk. I was all ready to do some serious notetaking, when the morning announcements came on over the speaker; the usual; the day’s weather, the week’s coming special events, but this time there was something else.
“…we would also like to request the presence of the following students in Mrs. Adler’s office. Leo Estrada, Ace Rogers, Kendra Smith, Brianna Williams and… Anna… Annabelle Jenkins. Please make your way to the office in the next five minutes. You will be exempt from first period, but you must return to your classes at second period.”
My heart practically leapt out of my ribcage at the sound of my name. Was I in trouble? I couldn’t be in trouble. I was on a scholarship, and I could not mess this up. I hadn’t done anything bad. So yes, I had gone to that party on Friday night, but everyone was there. And I’d only had two drinks. And I hadn’t touched the suspicious looking cigarettes or pills they were passing around. Okay, I had sort of stolen a Kit Kat from the vending machine when two came out instead of one. But that was just luck, not a crime.
I could only imagine the expression on my face when every single person turned to stare at me, wide eyed. Jaws were practically reaching the floor. They were all as shocked as I was.
“Well, what are we waiting for, Miss Jenkins?” Mrs. Renault asked. “Go now.”
I scrambled and quickly tucked my things back in my bag. I had a complete butterfingers moment – my butterfly pen went flying, and my notebook fell on the floor. Thankfully, Amy was kind enough to hand me my pen.
I darted out of the classroom, my heart racing. I ran to Mrs. Adler’s office, and thankfully I knew exactly where it was.
“Come in and have a seat, Miss Annabelle,” Philippe urged in his charming accent. I sat on one of the fancy upholstered mahogany chairs in the waiting area, and felt very smug – my old high school had lame plastic chairs. Every day, I was reminded how spectacular RAMS was, and it only made me want to stay more.
I was the first one there. My heart was still racing when Kendra and Brianna came in. They seemed excited, not troubled at all.
Kendra settled on the seat next to Brianna. “I wonder where we’re going this time.”
“I can’t wait to find out.”
The pieces all fell together. Kendra, Brianna… the announcement had also mentioned Ace and Leo.
Simone’s pets.
I was wondering what the hell I was doing there when Leo made his entrance. He smiled awkwardly at the three of us, and then he quickly pulled his gaze away. I didn’t even dare look at him, too afraid he could read me. He was a Reader, after all. If I made eye contact, I was sure he’d be able to tell I was a little bit in love with him, despite the fact that we’d actually never uttered a single word to each other.
I had officially gone crazy, and I knew it.
Simone stepped out of her office, elegant as always. She wore a gorgeous red two piece dress suit. Her hair was in an up-do; a golden donut perched at the top of her head, she was perfection as always. “Hello, my wonderful little wizards.” She cocked a brow. “I see Mr. Rogers is fashionably late again.”
Kendra rolled her eyes. “Typical.”
“Actually, I’d like to speak to Annabelle privately while we wait,” she said, turning to me. My heart skipped a beat and my throat went dry. I was in trouble, after all.
“Come on in, Annabelle,” she urged me into her office with a friendly wave of her hand. “We have much to discuss.”
I’d actually never stepped foot into her office. Six sleek modern chairs were lined up in a semicircle across her ginormous antique desk. Stylish bohemian drapes framed the tall windows looking out to the beautiful greenery outside. I loved the contrasts of the space – it was nothing like I’d expected.
“Take a seat,” she urged. “I’ve wanted to talk to you for a while, but I’ve unfortunately been so busy.”
I smoothed my plaid skirt under my butt as I settled on one of the fancy retro chairs facing her desk. “No worries,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“How have you been? Have you settled in okay?”
I nodded. “Yes, I’m great, actually. Thank you so much for rooming me up with Alicia. She’s great.”
She smiled wide as she fanned out a collection of red folders on her desk. “I knew you two would get along famously. I think I just might have a sixth sense as well.”
I grinned, not quite knowing what else to add. I couldn’t exactly talk about the party, or my new crush.
Her smile faded then. “You miss your family, I imagine.”
“Yes, very much. But I get to catch up with them on my media hour… I just wish I had more media time.”
She smiled again. “I know it may seem restrictive but the limitations are there for a reason. It keeps you all focused.”
