the hunted

chapter one

(Rose POV)

“Hey, wake up! You’re going to be late for school. Rose, today you’re getting registered at your new school,you don’t want to be late. Now get up before I drag you out of bed!” my mom said, trying her best to wake me.

“Mom, just a minute. Like you said, I’m only getting registered, not starting classes yet. I need my sleep it’s not like I’m going to be punished,” I told her. But she immediately dragged me out of bed, pushed me into the bathroom, and locked the door.

“When you’re done, come downstairs for breakfast,” she added.

“Okay, mom,” I replied.

My name is Rose, and that was my mom. She can be strict at times, but she’s the kind of person anyone would want as a mom. Today, I was heading to a new school because my dad got a new job,he was fired from his old one, though he didn’t tell us why. That’s how I ended up in New York. I missed my friends and my old school, but I had no choice. I had to work hard to make my parents proud.

“Rose, what are you still doing in your room? Breakfast is ready!” my mom called.

“I’ll be down in a sec, mom,” I replied, not wanting her to come in and scold me again. I guess it was finally time to get registered. Gosh, I was nervous.

Rose, you’re going to a new school and meeting new people. Why wouldn’t you be nervous? I told myself as I put on my shorts, matching shirt, and sneakers. Then I hurried downstairs before my mom could call again.

“Good morning, Dad,” I said to my dad, who was reading his newspaper on the couch always the same routine.

“Morning, dear. How was your night?” he asked, eyes still on the paper.

“My night was good, Dad. How was yours?” I asked, expecting the usual nod. But this time, he looked at me and smiled softly. Oh my God, I loved this side of my dad, looking at me with so much affection.

“Breakfast is served. Eat now, or you’ll be late for registration,” my mom reminded me for the second time today.

“Okay, mom,” I replied, growing a little tired of the excitement. After eating, I grabbed my school bag and the other things I’d need for registration.

“You ready, Rose?” my mom asked after getting ready herself.

“Yeah, mom. All done,” I replied, taking my phone from the couch. I couldn’t believe I was finally going to be a high school student at **Whitney High School**, no less.

When we arrived, I was shocked. The school was huge bigger than my old one and the students… the girls were cute, the boys handsome. I just hoped I’d fit in. My mom looked at me, worry written across her face.

“Hey, dear, are you alright?” she asked.

“Mom, don’t worry. I’m just a little nervous about my new school. But I’ll be fine,” I reassured her, and she smiled.

“Okay, dear. Let’s find the principal’s office,” she said, scanning the campus.

“Okay, mom. Let’s go.” I felt a little happier now, certain I would enjoy Whitney High. A place filled with rich kids, bullies, popular students, nerds, gangsters, and those who get bullied. I wondered which category I’d fit in.

After some searching, we found the principal’s office.

“Good morning, ma’am. We’re here to register my daughter, Rose Willow. She just graduated from middle school,” my mom said to the lady behind the desk.

“Good morning. I’m Principal Linda nice to meet you, Rose. How are you? Excited about your new school?” the principal asked.

“I’m fine, nice to meet you too, Principal Linda. I’m excited and looking forward to being a student here,” I replied. Registration went smoothly, and I was asked to start school next Monday. Woohoo!

After registration, we went shopping. After five hours, I told my mom I wanted to explore New York. She took the bags and reminded me to be back for dinner.

“Mom, I want to see more of the city since we just got here,” I said.

“Okay, darling, but be back before dinner,” she replied, taking the shopping bags.

“Thanks, mom! I’ll be back before you know it. Love you!” I pecked her softly on the cheek.

“Love you too, baby,” she said.

I ran to the park, stopped at an ice cream shop, and saw a beautiful blonde girl struggling with heavy shopping bags. Some things fell to the ground. I couldn’t just watch I ran to help her pick everything up and carry it to her car.

“Thanks for your help. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you. By the way, what’s your name?” the girl asked.

“Umm… I’m Rose. You’re welcome. I just moved to New York. I have to go now, see ya!” I said.

“Okay, but can I get your number?” she asked. I hesitated ..just met her..but then nodded.

After giving her my number, I hurried home. My mom was in the kitchen. I helped her with some cooking and told her about the girl I met.

“Mom, while I was at the park, I met a girl carrying a lot of stuff. I helped her. She’s about my age,” I said.

“Really? Then I guess you’ve already made a friend in New York! I’m so happy for you. What’s her name?”

“I don’t know yet. But she took my number, so maybe when she calls, I’ll ask,” I replied.

After dinner, I went to my room to arrange my things. Tomorrow was my first day of school. Gosh… I didn’t know what to feel.