Chapter 2-

Mom parked the car, I headed to the back and grabbed my things. Turning the knob, it was locked. Remembering the keys in my front pocket suitcase, I unlocked it and entered. The potpourri scented around the house, neat floors and clean couches, I took a deep whiff and appreciated how not much has changed in a year.

Taking the single flight of stairs, I opened the door to my room. It's the same how I left it: white bare walls, dark colored sheets, new multi colored mesh carpet, the folded clothes and new shoes near the closet. It seemed like yesterday when everything happened: dad and mom's constant arguments, me and my younger brother Jim playing loud music until they stopped. Dad's drinking, his 'working late' excuses and leaving us for another woman. Mom was inconsolable, she became depressed and despondent neglecting us while locking herself in the room with a bottle of gin.

I began unpacking at a steady pace and removed my shoes and jeans. Finding my go to polka dot pajama bottoms inside, I wore them one leg at a time. I laid on my bed, staring at the ceiling and doing my four count breathing. My eyes becoming droopy so I shut them fully.

+++

A knock sounded on the room door, startling me I sat up tiredly and said come in. "You hungry?" mom asked peeking through the cracked door.

"Starving," I answered and cleared my throat from the spit.

"I ordered us pizza for dinner, everything on it."

"Cool." I looked out the window, day became night and crickets sounded by. How long was I asleep? My old digital alarm clock was still on the dresser: 7:31 PM. I scratched my scalp, roughing my hair and stood on my feet.

Following her downstairs, we headed to the dining room taking a seat across from each other. The combo pizza pie box open and steaming. I did a mental dance, staring at the melted cheese and variety of meat and vegetables.

"I'm so happy you're home," mom said, her smile tight lipped looking to me. I grinned before taking a slice.

Since the divorce things became stagnant and distant, I knew mom needed it for a close relationship again I had to give that to her at least. She went to her AA meetings, therapist sessions with Dr. Brett too. Now sober we could be a normal mom and daughter. If that's even the case.

Talking of random things and sharing a chuckle it felt usual, the first time we had a pleasant conversation in a while. The subject of father niggled in the back of my brain to ask how he was but the timing wasn't right. She went on about her and her new boyfriend Matt, how her eyes gleamed mentioning how he was there for her and has been a wonderful support system. I met him when he came to visit months ago and he seemed sweet. I still wished dad and mom worked things out instead of separating. That's life I guess.

"You should head for bed early, you have school Monday." She took the last bite of her pizza. I looked at the clock above the kitchen, it read 8:44 PM.

"It's the weekend," I spoke with my mouth full. I was not looking forward going to a new school. Being a transfer was stressful enough, I had to start over with new teachers and students.

"Dr. Brett expressed that you should keep a healthy sleep schedule, you have a lot to catch up on for the fresh and new curriculum," she said grabbing both of our plates to clear the dining table.

I did have extra school work to do, I caught up studying while in the institution, however I was required to finish my year to graduate. Just in time for school, it started on Monday. Puttering my lips I reluctantly gave in, helped with the dishes and washed my hands. I kissed mom on the cheek telling her goodnight and headed to my room for bed.

+++

The rest of the weekend, I read and mediated. Mom and me went shopping on Saturday bought me school supplies and some clothes so I was prepared physically and hopefully mentally. We had frozen yogurt at the food court avoiding personal things until we got home. We went to the pharmacy to pick up my new prescription, which I needed to take twice a week. At first I refused to take any, already had enough of it at the institution. The dose was low, taken with food with my mom supervising.

Monday morning I woke up at 7:30 a.m, I stretched my arms over my head and flexed my neck before getting out of bed. My sleep wasn't enjoyable, I tossed and turned all night until I fell asleep. I was on edge and already irritated on the first day.

Showered and dressed I saw mom already her suit and black skirt having her usual cup of coffee with cream and sugar. Toasted Waffles on the table, I chewed slowly with a cup of orange juice.

We left prompt at 8:35, arriving 8:50. The school wasn't far from home, I could walk to and from the location.

Hesitant to open the car door, my fingers lingered on the handle staring at the big white and green school building. Nerves made my palms sweat and heart beat fast, I took deep and long breaths.

"Sweetie, it's going to be fine, I promise you," mom comforted, squeezing my knee gently.

"You can't promise something like that, mom," I responded pessimistically shaking my head.

"Just try to make the best of it, okay?" Trying to boost my attitude, she gave a small smile. My mind racing with bad thoughts, memories from bullying and bad decisions I had to suppress.

"Ok," I hugged her, breathing a little easy, getting out of the car.

"I'll pick you up at 3:30!" She yelled out from the wind down window. I waved bye,walking into the school semi confident.

"You got this," I mumbled quietly and repeated it mentally, tugged on my backpack straps and entered fully opening the heavy door.

Pulling out the schedule and map, I entered the chill hallway. Spotting some students by their lockers, I stepped toward them for directions to the principal's office but decided against it. Shaking away the negative energy to relax, I looked around to find the office, the blue walls strewn with motivational posters and awarded projects.

In my peripheral vision a boy stared at me down the opposite end. I glanced to him, his grey eyes glossy staring at me he smiled. I smiled back tightly continuing to walk down the hall. I could still feel his eyes on my back, I ignored the fluttering feeling in my chest stepping away, no matter how cute he was.

Clearing my throat I saw the label Main Office on the wall and opened the heavy door. The room was empty, desk empty but computer on.

"Is this the principal's office?" I wondered speaking to no one. Spotting a second door, I approached it and turned the doorknob to open. A red haired floral dressed woman sitting at her desk scrolling through her phone. I knocked and asked, "uh excuse me? I am here to see Principal Moretti."

"And you might be..." said the assistant not looking up.

"Jordan Baker, transfer. Senior."

"Her office right around the corner. Just knock on her door. By the way I'm Miss Lisa Harper, her assistant. If you need anything, come to me and I will tell her."

"Sweet, nice to meet you Miss Harper and thanks." I turned the corner, knocking on the door twice.

"Come in!" The authoritative voice yelled through the door. Turning the knob, I entered the office. The skinny tall brunette, hair in bun, glasses and pantsuit, resembled a bit like Helena Bonham Carter to me standing in front of her desk drawer. She ushered me in to sit down, and we introduced each other with firm handshakes.

"How do you like the John Adams campus?" Mrs. Moretti asked.

"It's big," I answered simply, shrugging my shoulders removing my backpack I placed it near my chair on the ground.

"Well, we have a great curriculum. The teachers are well educated, extra curricular activities and we have a zero tolerance to bullying."

Thank God, I thought happily and grinned wide.

Opening the folder she wore her glasses and read off, "I went over your records, you excelled in your grades," Ms. Moretti stated. I nodded smiling. I loved learning about new things, growing up my face was in a book avoiding conversation.

"Also that you are on probation. And you recently were in a rehab clinic."

My pulsed raced again I nodded slowly, filled with guilt and regret goose bumps forming on my skin I wrung my fingers together. For my temper I couldn't control, the bullying was one thing but when someone puts their hands on me I blacked out.

"Don't worry, only your teachers know." She winked, filing the folder back in the cabinet. "Are you on medication?"

"Yes. And I have to see my therapist three times a week," I told her.

"All right, well you don't want to be late for class. I will lead the way, again welcome to John Adams," she handed me my schedule. I took the paper folding it in my pocket. She opened her arms for a hug, I stepped towards her as she closed her arms around me. I liked how warm and nice she was, I squeezed a bit tighter and we broke apart. She gave more encouraging words before escorting me to my first class.