When the Stars come out to Play

The deal

I throw the stupid plushy across the room. Of course, lucky me, that's the moment Sorensen decides to check in on me. He looks at me, then at the plushy. For a second, I actually wonder if he is upset, but then he seems relaxed when he asks me "Hey how are you settling in?" I just look at him, turn my back and continue unpacking. I hear him sigh behind me. " Look Winnie... Guinevere" I interrupt him. "Fine Guinevere, we should really talk. I have so much to tell you and you can't keep being angry for the next two years" I turn around and look him dead in the eyes. "Watch me, Sorensen. I have no intention of building any kind of relationship with you, I have no interest in hearing your sob story or any excuses you might have. I am here because I am your ward until I am 18. I see how this situation will likely benefit me more than being in a foster home, and that is the only reason I decided to stay. So here is the deal, Sorensen. You stay out of my way and I will stay out of yours. We can both go about our lives until I am 18 and I can get out of your hair. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to finish unpacking." I once again turn my back at him. It takes all my self control to push down my anger and not cry in front of him. Did he really think I was just going to smile, sit down with him and chat about the past 8 years of my life?

"Ok, Guinevere, when you are ready, we will talk, I'll have Mary bring you some supper." I grunt in acknowledgment, and wonder who Mary is. The girlfriend? I hear him leave and he closes the door behind him. The second I am alone, big warm tears roll down my face and I start sobbing like a five-year-old. Why in heavens name am I crying right now? Frustrated, I throw my clothes down on the bed and decide to treat myself with a hot bath.

Soaking in the huge tub, I consider my situation. I truly hate being here, and can't really see how I am going to get through the next two years. With no money and no diploma, I don't have a lot of options, besides the street and, honestly, that is not an appealing thought. I will never trust Sorensen with my heart again, but I know he will never try to force himself on me, or physically hurt me. Or do I? He can't have changed that much? I sigh, trying to relax a bit and forget all the big feelings, even if it's for just a minute and close my eyes.

I startle awake when I hear someone in the bedroom. Oh heck, I must have dozed off. I hear a soft knock on the door and a woman's voice: " Everything ok? Miss Winnie?" Miss Winnie? I stifle the urge to look around the bathroom. I don't see any misses here. "Ah yes," I quickly answer back. " You must be Mary?" " Indeed, miss Winnie, I brought your supper. I will set it on the desk. Would you like something else before I go? Please call me Winnie", I tell her through the door, "and no thank you, I don't need anything else. Ok, Winnie, have a great evening. See you tomorrow."

When I hear the door close outside, I step out of the water. I look at myself in the mirror and see a pale figure stare back at me. I have

Dark bags under my eyes. My blond hair is still up in a bun. My blue eyes look almost gray... I absentmindedly take in the multiple burn marks on my breasts and belly. I will never be a pretty woman, not with those scars. This is what Sorensen did to me, as much as my mother and the man responsible. Sudden hate flares up in my belly, and I push it down before it consumes me. I will not, I cannot be a victim, and hate is for victims. It's a waste of energy, energy he doesn't deserve.

I return to my room and clothe myself in something comfy. The dinner smells delicious. A home-cooked meal! I haven't had one of those since Dan died. My diet for the past 8 years consisted mostly of bread, noodles or eggs. On the odd occasion, I was able to save enough money from my odd jobs to get a Mac Donald's or a pizza. Those days were rare though and always a feast for me. I lift the lid and the smell of mashed potatoes with steak and beans hits my nostrils. I dig in and scrape the whole plate clean. Maybe I can focus on the good things like amazing meals and hot baths, instead of being angry about the past.

When I am almost done unpacking, I hear a soft knock on the door. I immediately tense, not in the mood to see Sorensen at all. I stay utterly still, convinced he will leave, thinking I might have fallen asleep. When I don't hear another thing, I decide to take a peek in the hallway. I sigh in relief when I see it empty. Before I close the door again, I notice something on the ground. It's a laptop bag. I gently lay it in my bed and open it. It contains one of those sleek Apple MacBooks, a wireless mouse , an iPad in an Otter box cover and an iPhone. For a moment I am stunned. The only electronics I ever used were the ones the school provided in class. A note is tucked between the screen and keyboard of the laptop.

"Guinevere,

I wanted to give these to you earlier, you will need them for school. I have taken the liberty to enroll you at Trenton Highschool. It is one of the best schools around. It will give you a head start should you want to apply to university or college. When they received your record, they were all too happy to accept you. I am proud of you for doing so well. You start school next Monday. That gives you at least four more days to settle in. The sim card with a set-up information folder for the iPhone is in the side pocket on the left. The folder contains the wifi password and my phone number, should you need to reach me.. I left a list of all useful numbers on the fridge downstairs. I had to head back into the office, I will probably be sleeping there as well. I expect to be home by supper. Don't hesitate to explore the house and the garden tomorrow. Mi casa es su casa. Feel free to raid the kitchen whenever you feel peckish. Sorry to leave you on your own, your first night in a new house. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything. Sleep tight.

Rens"

I throw the note aside. I feel a mixture of excitement and anger. A whirlwind of thoughts blows through my head. Primarily, how dare he make decisions about my schooling without consulting me? And when did he do all this? Mom's been dead for what? 6 days? I have never heard of this school. It sounds like a prep school or something... how did he ever think I would fit in there? I decide that maybe I am getting ahead of myself since I know nothing about that school. I spend about 15 minutes setting up all the devices. It's quite easy when you have no cloud backup to speak of. When everything is fixed, I click open the browser and head to the Trenton website. That is definitely a posh school. As I click through the photos, I see high-tech computer and science labs, an actual coffee corner, a large cafeteria and high end sports facilities, such as a track, a fully equipped gym and a swimming pool. The school seems to be set in the middle of a well-tended forest with a creek running through the premises. It promises fresh air, quality education and the ultimate school experience. My mind is blown. This place looks more like a resort than a school. I read through the entire website for about an hour. I take note of all the subjects, and compose a few possible curriculums for the school year. Considering my levels in my former school, I should be able to pick up pretty easily. I should discuss the possibility of picking a few college classes with the teachers as well. The more prepared I am by the time I leave here, the best chance I have to a full-ride scholarship . By the time I am satisfied with my research, I feel exhausted. The day is finally catching up with me, despite my nap earlier. I drag myself to the bed and crawl between the sheets. They feel so soft. The second my head hits the pillow, I am asleep.