CHAPTER 2 HIGH SCHOOL MISERY
1240 Words
The next morning, Carmella’s room was quiet until her mother, Ann Johnson, gently shook her awake.
“Wake up, sweetie!” her mother called softly.
Carmella groaned, blinking sleepily. “What?”
“You’ve got school today,” Ann reminded her.
“What school?” Carmella asked, irritated.
“Fairburn High. You start today,” her mother replied, already heading out. “Get ready, I can’t be late for my interview.”
Carmella sighed, thinking, *What new problem is this?*
---
At Fairburn High, Principal Karlton—a tall, no-nonsense man in his mid-40s who managed the school with a mix of discipline and kindness—led Carmella’s family through the campus.
“So, this is the middle school section,” he said, pointing ahead.
Fred Johnson, Carmella’s father, admired the facilities. “Wow, outstanding!”
“That’s where Maya and Mason will be,” Principal Karlton said.
Just then, Mrs. Elena Jay, the twins’ 39-year-old teacher known for her caring but firm approach, walked by.
“Mrs. Elena!” Principal Karlton called. “Please show these two to their 5th-grade classroom.”
“Okay, sir. Come on, guys,” Mrs. Elena smiled as she led Maya and Mason away.
: “Take care of yourselves, alright?” Fred called after them.
“Okay, Dad! Bye!” Mason shouted.
“Bye!” Maya waved.
As the twins left with their teacher, Principal Karlton turned back to Fred and Carmella.
“Now, let’s head to the high school,” he said.
---
Later, the trio reached the high school building. Principal Karlton walked confidently through the halls.
“This is my turf,” he said. “Our school is different from others—we have a dress code and a hair code. Shoe code? Just kidding, wear whatever you want. But dyed hair is not allowed.”
Fred nodded in approval. “That’s amazing.”
“But I have to ask—please change the color of her hair,” the principal added, looking at Carmella’s striking natural red hair.
Fred smiled. “She was born like that.”
The principal paused, surprised. “Are you serious? This is her natural hair color?”
“Yeah, I can get her DNA reports or birth certificate if you want.”
The principal chuckled. “Wow. Another wonder of the world.” He continued down the hall, leaving Carmella to think, *Not a surprise.*
---
Just then, Lisa Reen appeared. Lisa was a popular and friendly 16-year-old known for welcoming new students.
“Lisa!” Principal Karlton called.
“Yes, Principal Karlton?” Lisa responded cheerfully.
Lisa smiled warmly. “Okay!”
Fred gave Carmella a final reminder. “Behave, alright?”
“No problem,” Carmella replied with a smirk.
Lisa grabbed Carmella’s arm. “Come on!”
Together, they walked off, leaving Fred and Principal Karlton behind.
---
Back at the *Johnson household*, Carmella’s mother, *Ann Johnson*, walked through the front door, phone pressed to her ear. She sank into the couch, a smile spreading across her face.
“Yes, I did,” she said. “And I got it!”
Her husband’s voice crackled on the other end. “Really?”
“Yeah. I’m starting tomorrow!”
Fred sounded pleased. “That’s amazing, honey.”
“I know,” Ann said, breathless with excitement. “I really needed this.”
Fred promised to get the full story later. When the call ended, Ann headed upstairs, her joy dimming slightly as she passed a certain hallway.
In her room, she spotted an old box tucked in the corner—*the box of her spiritual past.* Frowning, she carried it to the attic. Dust swirled in the air as she opened an iron safe and locked the box inside.
“That should do it,” she whispered.
---
At *Fairburn High’s cafeteria*, Carmella carried her tray across the room. Lisa spotted her and hurried over, sliding into the seat beside her.
“Hey, new girl. Since I still don’t know your name…”
Carmella sighed. “What now?”
Lisa smiled anyway. “Just came to say hey.”
Carmella remained silent and focused on her food.
Lisa leaned closer. “You’re… kind of icky. I mean—not like dirty! Just... weird.”
Carmella raised a brow. “Do I look like I care?”
Before Lisa could respond, two boys approached—*Daniel Richard* and *Alex Russ*, both 16, sharp in wit and schoolwork, known for their laid-back charm.
“Hey Lisa. New girl,” Daniel said casually.
Alex nodded. “What’s up?”
Lisa smiled at them. “Guys, this is—uh, never mind. She hasn’t said her name.”
Without a word, Carmella stood and walked off.
“Hey!” Lisa called again, following.
Daniel watched her go. “Weird girl.”
“Right?” Alex added. “And what’s with that hair color?”
---
As Carmella neared the exit, something light brushed against her shoe. She looked down and saw a folded letter on the ground.
She picked it up cautiously, unfolded it—and froze.
*"I know you're a witch. Meet me after school at Bruno Café."*
Her heart raced. She looked around, searching for whoever dropped it.
Before she could react further, Lisa caught up with her, panting.
“Why’d you leave like that?”
Carmella shoved the letter into her pocket. “Why are you still following me?”
Lisa blinked. “I thought you might need a friend. First day and all.”
“Don’t follow me.”
Carmella walked off, leaving Lisa standing there, stunned.
“I won’t…” Lisa mumbled under her breath, watching her go.
Carmella didn’t look back—but her fingers tightened around the letter in her pocket
---
After school, Carmella made her way to Bruno’s Cafe and took a seat at a quiet corner table. The cafe buzzed softly with the afternoon crowd, but Carmella kept to herself, eyes scanning the room nervously.
Soon, a woman entered. She glanced at Carmella briefly before walking over and sitting down across from her.
“Hello,” the woman said with a warm smile.
Carmella looked up. “Are you the one who sent me the letter?”
“Yes,” the woman replied calmly. “I’m Mrs. Emma.”
“How do you know I’m a witch?” Carmella asked, a mix of suspicion and curiosity in her voice.
Mrs. Emma smiled knowingly. “Your hair... and your unapproachable nature gave you away.”
Carmella raised an eyebrow. “Easy.”
“And,” Mrs. Emma added softly, “I can see the witch’s glow in your eyes.”
Carmella’s eyes widened slightly.
Mrs. Emma continued, “My brother is a warlock but I’m not a witch—I didn’t inherit the trait.”
Carmella leaned in, intrigued. “Why did you call me here?”
“Do you want to go to the world of witches and wizards and even warlocks?” Mrs. Emma asked earnestly.
Carmella’s voice dropped. “I yearn to go there, but my mother says I shouldn’t.”
Mrs. Emma nodded knowingly. “Deep down, I can tell you want it badly. I can help you get there. I can teach you how to become the best witch you can be—how to master spells, ride a broom, and learn all the tricks.”
Carmella sat back, thinking deeply.
---
- Writer
