Chapter 4
819 Words
LORETTA
“I’m sorry,” I said sheepishly.
“You better be!” she yawned. “Make sure you get back in time to cook my food and clean the house.”
“But I cleaned the house yesterday.”
“Are you complaining?” she glared at me and dropped onto the sofa.
“No.”
“Good. You better behave.”
“I already cooked two dishes because I’ll be late,” I told her.
“So you want me to microwave them myself?” She placed her feet on the table. “You’re so stupid. Why would you be late?”
“Well…”
“Let me guess—you’re going to that stupid friend of yours.” She rolled her eyes. “You’re both the same. Worthless.”
“I’ll be back by ten-thirty.”
“Ten-thirty!?” she shrieked. “Don’t tell me you’ve gone into prostitution.”
“No!”
“Whatever you do, don’t die,” she said flatly. “I don’t want the cops breathing down my neck. And if you do get yourself killed, make sure you bury your body.”
She leaned back.
“If you misplace the spare key I gave you, you’ll sleep outside. And don’t you dare wake me up.”
“Yes, Aunt,” I nodded.
Coward.
“Get out.”
I rushed outside and inhaled the soft, sweet scent of the flowers lining the house.
‘You can’t mess this up, Loretta. You’ll be the best in that class. You’ll make mum proud.’
I pushed the small gate open.
The moment I stepped out, I knew—
my life was about to change.
By the time I got to Max’s house, I was already sweating. Max had always told me to do at least thirty minutes of cardio everyday but I never had the time.
Maybe I was kinda lazy. Or too busy. I don't think I'd have enough time in-between shifts or juggling school and taking care of my sick mother to lose some fat. That's enough cardio.
Plus, I'm not fat!
“What are you wearing!?” Max exclaimed the second she saw me.
“What? I should be asking you!” I shot back, scanning her outfit.
She wore black baggy pants and a black turtleneck, paired with her favorite boots—black Timberlands with chains.
Her nails were painted black. Black lipstick. Dark eye makeup.
I present to you: Maxine Paul.
My best friend.
“What are you talking about?” she grinned.
“You’re going to school like that? Aunt Lucy let you leave the house like that?” I stared at her. “Everyone is going to remember you.”
“That’s the goal, sweetheart.” She shrugged. “Give the people what they want.”
We started walking.
“I highly doubt they have a goth yet.”
“Since when do you care about attention?”
“I don’t,” she smirked. “I’m just giving them something to remember. I dare the first person who tries to bully the goth girl.”
“You little witch!” I laughed. “Just don’t hurt anyone.”
“I won’t.”
“And don’t be rude. Or passive-aggressive. Or aggressive. Or wicked. Or threatening or—”
“Fine! I get it!” she laughed.
“Where’s your blazer? You know it’s compulsory on the first day.”
Mine helped cover my chest.
“Relax, Miss Principal. It’s in my bag.”
“I’m sorry for trying to keep you from getting expelled,” I muttered.
We got on a bus and eventually arrived at our new school.
It was clean. Quiet.
Beautiful.
“We look like we don’t belong here,” I whispered to Max.
“Speak for yourself,” she said, already heading for the gate.
“Wait!” I grabbed her arm. “I feel nervous.”
“Why?” she frowned.
“I don’t know… I just do.”
“Is it because you’ll be surrounded by rich kids?” she asked gently.
I nodded.
“Don’t think about it, babes,” she said, pulling me into a hug. “I know I don’t usually say this, but not all of them are the same. Some of them are actually good. And if you ever feel out of place, I’ll be right there with you.”
I smiled. “Thanks, Max.”
“Good. Now let’s show these people who’s boss.”
We walked into the school—and I was overwhelmed.
This was the kind of place you see on TV and wish you could be part of.
But now—
I was here.
I was part of it.
Everything blurred together when I stepped in.
I saw a tray. Milkshakes. Painted nails. Bright smiles. Fake laughter.
It all happened to fast.
“Ow!”
I stumbled back after bumping into someone.
- Writer
