The alarm buzzed for the second time since she hot snooze. 6 am came to soon for her liking. Ash rolled out of bed and felt the cold floor beneath her toes. She pulled on her robe off the end post. Her room had a draft and the October mornings didn’t help much. Her neck felt stiff, she had fallen asleep earlier in the night at her desk. She was trying to get through the first few chapter of Anne Frank’s diary. Freshman English was starting off with such a morbid tone. Shakespeare would have been a better choice but what could you do.
Ash made her way down the hall to the kitchen. The others hadn’t woken up yet which she was grateful for. She noticed the beer cans on the counter. She groaned. Frank didn’t know how to clean up after himself, especially after a binder. She tossed the cans, wiped the counter and put a few slices of bread into the toaster. As she waited for the toaster to ding she glanced at the fridge. The 17th was circled with red marker and the word Court date scrawled across it. It was there annual meeting to update her case files. It’s been 7 years since she was placed in the Steps home. 8 since her mother died, 6 since she last spoke to her father. As shook her head to clear her thoughts. The toaster popped just in time. She buttered it up and headed back to her room to change for school.
As she went to pass the bathroom the door swung open almost hitting her in the face. She stopped short just in time. Frank leered down at her. He was 6 foot and built like a linebacker. He reeked of beer and stale cigarettes. Usually he didn’t pay much attention to Ash unless he wanted her to clean something up. He didn’t move at first just looked at her with bloodshot eyes. Ash began to feel uneasy. She moved to step around him and reach her room. He followed her movements. She felt a sinking feeling in her stomach. Lately he would do this from time to time. Just stand there and look at her, like she was some puzzle to figure out. Finally, he stepped aside to let her through. Ash shuffled off to her room and shut the door, wishing she could lock the door.
Ash closed her locker just as the first bell rang. She was running behind since she lingered in the kitchen cleaning up after everyone had finished breakfast. She wanted to make sure Frank had left the house before she ventured out. Lisa and the twins, Chris and Meg, were around so she didn’t have to worry about him saying anything with them around. She still felt out of sorts.
“Excuse me?” came a voice from over her shoulder. Ash startled, spun to coming face to face with a boy. His dark brown eyes were level with hers and his jet-black hair hung in curls in his face. He was way too close for her liking
“Yes?’ ash managed to squeak out.
“I’m new. I’m looking for Ms. Rivas class. Sophomore English. Do you where that is?” he took a step back and glanced down either side of the hall. There were not many students left in the hall. They only had a few minutes before the tardy bell sounded.
Ash swallowed and squirmed. “I’m heading there now. I can take you if you like.”
“Thanks toots, you’re a life saver” the boy beamed. Dimples showing and teeth at full wattage.
Ash breathe caught in her throat. She nodded dumbly. The boy stepped back and Ash lead the way to class. She snuck down glances at the boy. He didn’t walk, he seemed to bounce with every step he took. He was taller than her by a few inches. He wore the uniform loosely and his messenger bag bounced with his every step. They arrived at the door just as the bell rang. Ash excused herself and shuffled to the back of the room. She had a reserved seat by the window next to Robin.
“Who is that!?” Robin whispered once Ash sat down and placing her bag on the hook on the desk.
“Some new kid. Needed direction. I helped him” Ash mumbled taking out her books. She glanced toward the front where the new guy talked with Ms. Rivas.
“Well he is hot!! Finally, some eye candy. Mama likes” Robin made a growling noise and clawed. Ash giggled at her antics. Robin was always boy crazy and looking for her next flavor of the week.
“Ok class. We have a new student joining us this semester. This is Jason Charming. Please welcome him and show him the Falcon spirit. Now find a seat and we will begin with last night chapter review.” Ms. Rivas said in her Spanish accent. She turned around and began writing on the board.
Ash watched as Jason walked to the open seat two rows over and sat down. He turned to her and smiled before getting out his notebook. Ash felt her cheeks warm and was glad for her dark complexion. Robin caught her attention and made kissing faces at her. Ash rolled her eyes and focused on the front of the room where Ms. Rivas was teaching.
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