Under the blood moon

Happy Birthday to me, I thought as I sat outside the Principal’s office with an aching head and a split lip. I cannot believe that Tiffany pulled my hair. It shows she doesn’t know how to fight. My split lip was pure luck on her part. She tripped over, and as she swung her arms around frantically, her elbow got my lip. I learned how to fight a few years ago. My parents thought it would be good for me to learn how. I stopped going about a year later, so I was a little rusty, but I got in a few good shots. Waiting in the chairs opposite the office that belonged to our principal, I looked over at Anna. Anna is the administration clerk. She sat at the desk typing away on the computer. The boys loved coming to the office to see her. She was beautiful. I mean, her long brown wavy hair and ocean blue eyes would turn anyone’s head, and she would be no older than twenty-five. My foot started tapping as I watched the clock. It hung on the wall behind Anna as it seemed to tick ever so slowly. Mum had been with the principal for ten minutes and fifteen seconds exactly. I was getting nervous, as I had never been in trouble before. I had always been an excellent student, but now I am here, waiting for the door to the office to open and find out how much trouble I was in. Another five minutes passed, and the ticking coming from the clock drove me mad. The door finally opened, and I stood up, expecting that I would go into the office to receive my punishment. However, Mum thanked the principal before turning her attention to me. “Time to go. Get your things.” She said to me and walked off out of the administration area. I followed behind her silently and worried about what was to come. Walking through the hallway, the school was extremely quiet. Considering an hour earlier, it was bustling with students watching Tiffany and me fight. Unfortunately, we did not quite make it to the exit when I noticed Tiffany leaving the first aid office. She was holding a blood-stained washcloth up to her nose. A black eye was also forming around one of her brown eyes. She is around the same height as me, which I would consider being of average height. She is, of course, skinny with big boobs and has long fake blonde hair that I noticed has a bit of blood in it from her nose. I could not help but smile a little, but regretted it as I felt the sting of my split lip. “You broke my nose. You are a crazy b***h. I hope you get expelled and never come back here!” Tiffany whispered as she passed by. My mum was further ahead and probably would not have heard what Tiffany said. I was feeling even more nervous now. How much trouble was I in? Was I going to be expelled? I did like school and I always behaved myself. However, the thought of having to deal with Tiffany for another year, maybe I would prefer the expulsion. Tiffany is the biggest b***h in school, so of course she is super popular. She has bullied me every day since we were thirteen years old and I’m unsure why she hates me so much. I think it is because I have a brain with functionality, but I guess I have never really fit in. I have friends, but sometimes I still feel like I do not belong, even more so now. Mum pulled the car into the driveway. The car ride home had been excruciatingly quiet. I figured she must have been thinking about what to say. I was thinking about what she was going to say. Opening the car door, I grabbed my school bag and walked to our front door. Our house is quite a decent size. It has two stories, with three bedrooms upstairs - my bedroom, my parent’s room with an en-suite and a sewing room for Mum to create designs for work. There is also a bathroom upstairs. Downstairs is the kitchen, my dad’s office, the living room, another bathroom and the built-in garage that contains a small room for the washing machine and dryer. I waited for Mum to open the front door as a few drops of rain fell on my face. Closing my eyes, I tilted my face to the sky to feel more rain as it picked up. The sky lit up from lightning, soon followed by the crackle of thunder. I loved it when it rained and found the thunder oddly calming. My dad would joke that I mustn’t be human, as even as a child, I did not fear the thunder. My blissful moment was short-lived as my mum ushered me inside. “Sit in the living room.” Said mum once I stepped inside. I went to the sofa and sat down. A few minutes later, she joined me. “Seriously, Clara, fighting? What is going on with you? You have had quite the temper lately. Does this have anything to do with your dad and I telling you about being adopted?” She asked. Yes, that was a fun conversation a few months back. In hindsight, this shouldn’t have surprised me. I look nothing like my parents. They have brown hair and brown eyes, whereas I have platinum, almost white hair and green eyes, but I guess I didn’t want to notice. No one wants to think that their parents aren’t actually their parents. I just wanted to be ordinary, whatever that means. To fit in like everyone else. “Maybe, I don’t know. I have just been feeling off lately and angry with everyone. Today, with Tiffany, I couldn’t control myself. I just lost it.” I said. I lifted my legs onto the sofa so I could hug them. “I am sorry you feel this way, but that is no excuse for getting into a fight.” She said. I nodded in response. “What did the principal say?” I asked. I wanted to get off the subject of my feelings. “I had a long conversation with your principal and decided on a two-week suspension. You will see the school counsellor when you return. We are also grounding you for those two weeks.” “Really? The school counsellor, is that necessary?” I asked. “It might help you with your feelings.” She replied. I wanted to protest, but thought better of it and just nodded. “Good. I have to get back to work now. I left Betty there by herself. We have a sale on, and it’s quite busy. Your dad is picking up dinner. I will get the cake for your birthday dessert. Your grounding will start tomorrow, and I will see you tonight.” “Don’t forget your umbrella!” I said. The rain was pouring down now. We could hear it on the roof. “Thanks.” She said and grabbed the umbrella from the cupboard near the front door. She stopped before walking out the front and turned to me. “I love you. You know that, right?” She asked. I nodded. “I love you too,” I replied. She smiled, opened the door, and left. I lay on the sofa and put the television on to pass the afternoon. Mum returned home around five with my birthday cake in her hands and I jumped off the sofa to examine it. My favourite! Chocolate mud cake with chocolate icing, strawberries and whipped cream. I couldn’t wait to eat it. Mum placed the cake in the fridge as I started setting the table. Dad should be home soon with dinner. It was a tradition that on my birthday; I got to pick whatever I wanted for dinner. This year was Chinese food. Sitting at the dining table, we were all stuffed after dinner and cake. Thankfully, the button didn’t pop off my jeans. I was that full. My mum cleared the plates from the table before handing me a small box. It was my gift, wrapped in silver wrapping paper, with a red bow on the top. With a smile stretched across my face, I ripped off the wrapping paper and opened the box. Inside was a key. Grabbing the key out, I examined it, and it looked like a car key. “What’s this key to?” I asked excitedly. “Go look in the garage.” Said my dad. I couldn’t contain my excitement. I practically skipped to the garage door. Inside was indeed a car, a red car. Squealing with excitement, I walked into the garage to inspect the car, my car. I know little about cars, but I could tell it was a Mazda from the symbol on it. Other than that, I have no clue, but I loved it. I ran to my parents and hugged them. I thanked them profusely before returning my attention to the car. “You will have your license soon, so we thought it would be beneficial for you to have your own car.” Said dad. I couldn’t wait to get my license, be able to drive and see my friends. I opened the driver-side door as I heard the doorbell ring. I noticed my dad leaving to answer the door, and I slid into the driver’s side of my car. The car was spotless. Not a single dust particle was noticeable throughout the interior. The previous owner must have looked after it or barely used it. “Clara.” My father said, interrupting my thoughts. I turned to him, and beside him stood my friend Gus. His curly brown hair hung in his eyes as he awkwardly adjusted his glasses so he could see. His hazel-coloured eyes showed sadness. They always did. His dad left before Gus was even born. He has twin younger siblings, Hannah and Haley, who will turn ten this year. Their dad died from cancer about five years ago, turning their mum into an alcoholic. Gus, being the oldest child, took on a lot of responsibility at twelve years old. He has a job at a restaurant in town and takes home dinner for his mum and sisters. His mum does work but spends most of the money on alcohol. Gus works every day after school and on weekends to pay the bills and provide food for himself and his sisters. I told him to report this to the police as he should not have to work, go to school and look after his mum and sisters, but he won’t do it. He doesn’t want to lose his sisters in foster care, which I understand, but I hate he has so much weight on his shoulders. I smiled at him and jumped out of the car. “What are you doing here?” I asked, as my parents disappeared back inside the house. “I just finished work and wanted to give you your gift. You left school early because of your fight with Tiffany, so I didn’t have time to give it to you.” He said and handed me a small box. I took the small box and smiled. Red wrapping paper framed the box - favourite colour. I pulled off the wrapping paper to reveal a jewellery box. Opening the box, I was excited to see a beautiful silver necklace with seventeen on it inside. “Thank you,” I said to Gus and hugged him. “You’re welcome.” He said as he hugged me back. “I better get home. Mum is waiting for dinner from the restaurant.” He said as he released me. The noise from the television startled me as we left the garage. My parents were watching some documentary about Earth as we walked past them to the front door. “Thank you again. I will talk to you later.” I said to Gus. “You’re welcome. Again.” He said. I opened the front door, and he smiled at me and left. “You ready to watch a movie?” Asked mum from the living room. “Yes, just a minute!” I closed the front door and rushed upstairs to put my gift in my room. I placed it on my desk and grabbed a blanket from the cupboard before going downstairs. “What did Gus give you for your birthday?” Asked Mum as I sat on the sofa. “A necklace!” “That was nice of him.” Said dad, chiming in. “Yeah, it was!” “Same movie as last year?” Asked mum. “Yes, please,” It was another birthday tradition that we watch my favourite movie. For the past four years, that has been Dirty Dancing. Mum put the movie on as I snuggled up with my blanket. It was nine-thirty by the time the movie finished. “Happy Birthday again, sweetie, and goodnight. I have some files I need to look over before bed!” Said my dad. He kissed my forehead and left to go to his office. Yawning, I got out from under the blanket and stood up. I placed the blanket back on the sofa before stretching. “I’m going to head up to bed. Goodnight.” I said to mum. “Oh wait, before you go, I need the key back for your car!” “Why?” I asked, confused. “Because you do not have your license yet.” “It is not like I will drive it!” I said defensively. “Maybe not, but you will be home all day alone, so please give me the car key. I refuse to let you ruin the night as well.” I stood there, stunned for a moment as anger seethed within me. She opened her hand out in front of me to give her the key. That tiny little gesture was all it took. My body temperature rose, and my heart began racing. Clenching my jaw so tight, I thought my teeth would break from the pressure. Digging the key from my pocket, I slammed it into her awaiting hand. The force caused her hand to repel downwards, and she dropped the key. “Ouch.” She said. Leaving the key on the ground, she grabbed her wrist. I blinked, snapping out of my rage immediately. What did I do? I hurt my mum. What is going on with me? I’m not usually an angry person, especially towards my parents. Whatever was going on with me, it needed to stop. “Sorry!” I said to my mum and ran upstairs. I barely got to my room before the tears began falling. Flopping down on my bed as the tears continued to flow. I couldn’t stop them. They just kept coming. I wish I knew what was causing this anger within me. I hated feeling angry. Tiffany at least deserved what she got. My mum, however, did not. The tears finally stopped, and I dried my eyes before grabbing my robe. I went to the bathroom and turned on the shower. Examining my face in the mirror - while I waited for the water to heat - I noticed that my busted lip was no longer busted and felt fine. I even pulled faces in the mirror and nothing. It healed completely. Was this odd? Was it normal? I was unsure. I shrugged it off and got into the shower. I left the bathroom, wrapped in my soft robe. The warmness from my shower made me feel better, but I was ready for the day to be over. I put on my pyjamas, turned off my light so only my bedside lamp was on and laid down in my big queen-sized bed. I pulled up the blankets until I found my phone and scrolled through my social media page. It had friends and family saying Happy Birthday all over it. I wrote thank you to them all and was about to put my phone down to go to sleep when I received a message from Gus. I hope you liked the necklace. Happy Birthday! x I replied. I love it, thank you so much x Gus was always sweet. He, unfortunately, suffered the wrath of Tiffany also, along with our other friends Amber and Penny. I placed my phone down on my bedside table. I had forgotten about the necklace. Getting out of bed, I went to my desk and grabbed the small box. Sitting cross-legged on my bed, I opened the box and looked at the necklace. It was beautiful, and on closer inspection, it had two little diamonds on the s of seventeen. They obviously wouldn’t be genuine diamonds, but I loved it. It was such a thoughtful gift. I placed my finger on the necklace and touched it. I yelped and immediately withdrew my finger. What was that? I thought. It felt like the necklace had just burnt me, but that can’t be. It was a necklace. I examined my finger and noticed a small red mark. Thinking back to my day, trying to find a logical explanation for the burn mark on my finger, I remembered we had the burners on in science class this morning. I must have burnt my finger on the burner, and putting pressure on it when I touched the necklace caused pain. That makes sense. Besides, what else could it have been? Shaking off this weird feeling, I put the lid back on the box and placed it back on my desk. As I got back into bed, there was a knock at my door. “Come in,” I said. Mum entered my room and sat on my bed next to me. “Are you alright?” She asked. Was I alright? No, not really, but I didn’t want to tell her that. “I’m alright. I’m sorry I hurt your hand. Is it okay?” I asked. She tried to hide it, but I noticed the bandage wrapping around her wrist. “It will be fine. I’m sorry today wasn’t the best day. You did, however, get a car. And in two weeks, when your suspension and grounding are over, I will take you to get your license.” She said happily. It was a distraction, but I was happy that soon I would have my license and be able to drive everywhere. “Get some sleep. You have schoolwork tomorrow. Goodnight.” She always saw the glass as half full. She was such an optimist, and I loved her for it. “Goodnight,” Mum left, closing the door behind her. I turned off my bedside lamp and snuggled under the blankets. The rain, unfortunately, had stopped. I loved listening to it, especially when going to sleep, but the storm had passed, and I fell asleep to silence. ****** A disturbance in my room woke me before I felt someone gently touching me. It was mum. “Its eight clock, you have schoolwork to do.” She said, as though I needed reminding. Believe me, I hadn’t forgotten. I couldn’t get back to sleep after that, but I didn’t get up either. My mum owns a boutique shop in the middle of town. She mainly makes winter clothes, as its never warm enough to wear much else. I also work there on the weekends, and my dad is a lawyer. He works long hours and leaves around six in the morning. I rarely hear from him in the morning. Looking at the ceiling, I considered spending the day in bed. However, the nagging voice of Mum crept in, and I dragged myself out of the comfort of my bed. Not bothering to get dressed, I went downstairs and into the kitchen. There, sitting on the kitchen bench, were apple and cinnamon muffins. Mum must have made them before she left for work. She must have been up early - probably when Dad was up for work. I grabbed one and an orange juice from the fridge before returning to my room. Grabbing my laptop from my desk, I sat on my bed and turned it on. As it slowly loaded, I started eating the muffin - which was delicious. Mum is the best cook. She would always make treats for me. She always made me feel special, and now that I know I am adopted, I can see why. My home screen finally loaded on my laptop, and I went straight into my emails. I had three unread emails, two were spam, and the third was an email from Elizabeth Fisher, my principal. I opened the email. Clara Wilson, Attached is your schoolwork for the two weeks of your suspension. English–read a book from the list below and write an essay about what you persevere to be the meaning of this book. · To kill a mockingbird · Catcher and the Rye · Lord of the Flies Mathematics–attached are mathematic worksheets. Science–read through chapters 1-3 of your chemistry book and answer the questions on the attached worksheet. History–read through chapters 7-11 of your history book and write an essay on your favourite historical event. Geography–read through chapters 10-13 of your geography book. Textiles and Design–design an article of clothing and create the pattern pieces. Please email through your English, Mathematics, Science, History and Textiles and Design homework by Friday next week. Please be sure you complete all the schoolwork above so you don’t fall behind when you return to school. Sincerely, Principal Elizabeth Fisher. I sighed, closed my laptop and flopped backwards onto my bed. I begrudgingly got up and grabbed my chemistry book from my school bag. Laying back on my bed, I began reading. After finishing the first two chapters, my phone said it was eleven forty-five. Taking a break, I wandered around the house, bored, before eventually going into the garage to look at my car. It was just sitting there, waiting for me to drive it, and I wanted so badly to do so. I reluctantly left the garage as my stomach began growling. With a ham and cheese sandwich in hand, I went upstairs, but instead of going to my bedroom, I stopped in front of my parent’s bedroom door and instantly grabbed the handle - my car key would be in there, somewhere. I turned the handle but jumped as my phone began ringing and I dropped my sandwich. Fishing the phone from my pocket, it was my mum calling. “Hello!” I answered. Holding the phone to my ear, I bent down to pick up my scattered sandwich. Thankfully, I had not put sauce on it. “Hello! I just wanted to check-in. Are you getting your schoolwork done?” She asked. “Yes! I am doing my schoolwork!” I said, annoyed. “Okay, I will let you get back to it then.” She said abruptly and hung up the phone. I sighed. Although I was mad at Mum for annoying me about schoolwork, I was also upset over my sandwich, which was all over the floor. I picked up the mess, took it to the bin in the kitchen and made a new sandwich, which I ate at the table. I didn’t want to drop this one too. Lying on my bed with a bloated stomach, I continued reading my chemistry book. I jolted awake as the front door slammed. Oops, I fell asleep. It must be after four as Mum finishes work at four. I frantically got up and found my chemistry book on the floor - near my bed. I picked it up and quickly sat at my desk, just as there was a knock at my door. “Come in!” I said, trying to sound alert and not like I had been sleeping all afternoon. “Hi, how was your day? Did you get some of your schoolwork done?” She just kept pushing. “It was okay. I read all three chapters of my chemistry book. Now I need to print out the worksheet and answer the questions to finish it.” Not that I finished the last chapter as I fell asleep, but she doesn’t need to know that. “I received an email from your principal about all the schoolwork you need to get done. Reading a few chapters is not enough for one day.” “Okay,” I said irritatedly. I turned my attention away from her. “Don’t take that tone with me. I’m getting over your attitude.” She responded sternly. I didn’t reply. My irritation was turning to anger, and I didn’t want to lash out - it was hard, but I just looked at the floor and waited for her to leave. “I have tried being patient with you, as I know you are dealing with a lot, especially about the adoption, but that does not give you the right to treat me this way.” I knew she was right, but I don’t know how to control the anger that seems to boil at the surface so easily. “I’m sorry,” I replied. “Okay, now I’m going to go start dinner. I want you in the kitchen in half an hour to set the table. I suggest you get those worksheets printed out and started.” And with that, she left my room. I found the page in my chemistry book that I last remembered reading and placed a bookmark in the book. Needing to print out the worksheets, I went to my dad’s office downstairs. The office is a typical office - I would think. A large glass table took up most of the space, yet there was not much on it, only the computer and notepads. The printer sat on the shelves, along with books on law. Turning on the computer, I snooped around the desk. I opened the top desk drawer and inside sat neatly organised pens, pencils, paperclips and all other office supplies. The bottom drawer, however, wouldn’t open, as I pulled on it. It was the only draw that contained a key lock. Assuming dad locked it because of work related documents, I left it alone. I quickly printed out the worksheets and ran upstairs to my room. It took me about fifteen minutes to get everything printed. I placed it all on my desk before picking up my chemistry book. “Clara, where are you? Dinner is ready.” I heard my mum yell. Checking the time, I realised I was due downstairs twenty minutes ago. Thankfully, I was on the last page of chapter three of my chemistry book. “I’ll be right down!” I yelled. I quickly read the last page before going downstairs. “What took you so long?” Mum asked. “Sorry, I got everything printed, then did a bit more schoolwork, and I guess I lost track of time,” I replied while getting the plates out of the cupboard. “I’m glad you got some more work done. Can you get the table set, please? Your dad should be home any minute, and dinner is ready.” I nodded and took the plates to the dining table. Dad walked through the front door just as Mum finished placing the food on the table. “Talk about perfect timing.” She said. Dinner was uneventful. My parents spoke about their day and asked how mine was. My dad had a big case at work that he couldn’t “talk about.” Mum had designed a new dress to sell at her boutique. I had very little to say. I am stuck at home doing schoolwork, so my day was boring, to say the least. After dinner, I cleared the table and washed the dishes. Once finished, I joined my mum in the living room. “Where’s dad?” I asked, noticing he wasn’t there. “He is in his office. He has some paperwork to look at.” She said. He said at dinner he had a big case. I guess I won’t be seeing much of him until the case is closed. I love Dad but hate that work keeps him so busy. Sighing, I leaned back on the sofa and watched the television. “Here, pick something to watch.” Said mum handing me the television remote. “I thought I grounded?” “Yes, but you can still watch a little television at night, as long as you have done enough schoolwork. I have let you keep your phone, but if I notice you are on social media on your phone or laptop, I will take them off you.” She said. “Okay!” I said. I flicked through Netflix and found a movie to watch. I could barely pay attention to it, though. My uncontrollable anger is affecting everyone in my family. I have been so horrible lately, especially to my mum, and she has been nothing but a wonderful parent and has been very patient with me. I may not know who my birth parents are, but the ones I got are pretty amazing. Smiling, I snuggled against my mum and promised myself I would be a better daughter.