Chapter 1
Selah
"This is bullshit!" I exclaimed. My parents sat there, at our dining room table, like statues on a pedestal. My mom was the first to chime in, "What did you expect? You're running around all hours of the night doing God knows what. How are we expected to control you? We're too busy to worry about what you're doing."
"So sending me to boarding school down to the south of nowhere is your solution?! You have literally never given a damn about my life before! I guess now it's making you look "bad" to your stupid socialite friends... Do you even know where I was? Do you even care?!," I replied with all the malice I could muster. I ran my fingers through my auburn curls. They were surely a mess by now.
"This is not up for discussion. You will be packed and leaving by the end of the week. Say goodbye to your little delinquent friends. You probably won't see them again," my dad said in a stern manner. I stormed up to my room slamming my door as loud as I could.
I guess you're wondering how we got here. For me to go there, you must first know my parents shouldn't have had a kid. They're both passionate about their jobs and rarely home. My dad is a surgeon more obsessed with his patients’ lives than his daughter. My mom worked in the hospital as a lawyer. They were constantly at benefits or dinners for the hospital. I was raised by my Hispanic nanny Mera until I was fifteen then they fired her because my mom didn't like that I was closer to Mera than her and we spoke a "secret language". Spanish... She taught me Spanish.
My parents were very spiteful of anyone getting close to me but didn't make the effort to get to know me themselves. They had no idea I'm a great artist and violinist. They don't know that I've been in four plays and the most recent I was the lead! All my "late nights" were spent at rehearsals, practices, and art exhibits. Somehow I was being punished for being great at the arts. Honestly, my grades are flawless and I’ve never let my late nights hinder my school work. I just don’t get it.
On the night they had finally "caught me" out late, I was in the performance of my life! I had scored a lead role in the local theater's production of Phantom of the Opera and it was our final performance. I received a standing ovation that night and came home to my parents pissed that I wasn't home and that I was wearing so much makeup.
My best friend Hannah tried to help me explain where I was as she was part of the stage crew running the production but they weren't hearing it. They forbade Hannah from coming over again and sent me to my room "until they could figure out what to do with such a rebellious teen" as my father coldly stated.
Back to the present. The week came and went quickly. I was able to sneak away to say goodbye to Hannah and all my friends who were literally more like family than my parents. They were the ones at every performance, celebrating birthdays, and helping me when I was sick. The only upside is that I had two-ish more years until I was eighteen. I could survive two years, right?
I walked into the front door seeing my entire life reduced down to a trunk and two suitcases. My parents couldn't even be bothered to take me to the airport or say goodbye from home. I was handed a note by our housekeeper that said,
Have a safe flight. We'll talk soon! -Mom and Dad
Not even an "I love you" or "Sorry we couldn't make it". I rolled my eyes and crumpled the note, throwing it on the floor. Screw you!, I thought as I grabbed my backpack and got in the black sedan that was meant to take me to the airport. I didn't need them. I had scholarships galore for college and as soon as I was 18 and graduated I'd never see them again.
The drive to the airport was relatively quick. The only perk was that I got to fly on my Mom's company jet which meant no sharing space or checking my bags. The flight from New York to Charleston was a couple hours. The only downside is complete and utter boredom. I tried reading, sketching, and even annoying the hell out of a stewardess.
Once I arrived, someone from the dreaded school was holding up a sign with my name on it. I walked over to a lady wearing a business suit, much like one my mother wore to work, with white hair cut into a bob. She smiled at me asking, "Are you Selah Burgess?" Why would I walk up to a complete stranger? If it wasn’t me they were looking for? Was this lady seriously in charge of a school?, I thought.
"In the flesh! Hold your applause," I replied, each word dripping with sarcasm. She had some men with her grabbing my trunk and bags and putting them into a cargo van labeled Ducharme School. Again I inwardly groaned at being sent away like some dog, put into a kennel and left hot rot, but faked a smile as I was led to a dark car in front of the van. The lady didn’t look back and I debated making a run for it. Glancing back I knew I lost my chance as the big guys were standing behind me making sure I got in. I rolled my eyes and proceeded to get in.
The ride to the school felt long. Ms. Derby, as I found out her name, was the Headmistress of the girls and there was a different head for the boys. She explained the history of the school like I was going to be tested on it. It used to be an old southern plantation and was later converted into a school after it was abandoned from the Civil War. They had since built on and updated the school and she explained each of the updates.
I wanted to gouge my ears out. Why would I care about any of this? Did she think I was here willingly? What had my parents told her about me? It's not like they knew me at all... I just wanted to do my time, graduate, and get the heck out of here. I didn't say that to Ms. Derby obviously. I let her go on and on while nodding my head politely. Mera had taught me manners after all.
"I know you're probably not thrilled to be moving all the way from New York but I promise you its a great school. There's plenty of arts and extra curricular activities to get involved with. Reading your transcript I saw you were an accomplished violinist, actor in school and local plays, and quite the artist. I know you'll fit in just fine! Not to mention Charleston is full of rich history, and culture that I’m sure you’ll love." Ms. Derby beamed as she spoke in her heavy, southern accent.
I was stunned. She had taken more of an interest in me than my parents ever had. "Umm.. Thank you. I love being involved and being creative. I'm hoping this will be an opportunity for a fresh start," I said, hoping to sound enthusiastic. Maybe it wouldn't be as bad as I thought. Maybe I'd make friends and go to college down here to be away from my know-it-all parents.
We arrived at the school and I was impressed by the size and the plantation feel of the place. There were huge oak trees with students reading or hanging out under them. These trees needed to be sketched! We pulled up in front of the large white building. As I got out I was greeted by a few girls who looked way too chipper.
"This is Marjorie and Jenna. They will show you to your room and then give you a tour of the grounds and classes. They will also be the "go to" if you have any questions," Ms. Derby said as a man came up to her with a paper to sign. "Girls this is Selah Burgess. Please make sure she is well taken care of!" Then she walked away leaving me with these overly happy strangers.
The girls were identical twins but clearly very different. They both were thin with straight brunette hair and brown eyes. Despite them being in the school uniform they each had their own style. Marjorie, or Margie as she liked to be called, was wearing glam-type makeup while Jenna seemed to be more simple. Jenna was more soft spoken and seemed to think through what she said whereas Marjorie said anything that came to mind.
"So... Why'd you get shipped off all the way down south?" Margie asked. It was clear she was getting straight to the point. Jenna elbowed her. "What? I'm just curious. Wouldn't you rather be living the glamorous life in New York?" Margie continued with a sigh and a dreamy look in her eye. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her enthusiasm.
"Umm... yeah. My parents think I'm a problem kid so they shipped me off here. I didn't get much say in the matter," I replied nonchalantly. No use making a big deal about it now.
Jenna looked at me apathetically through her long lashes, "Hey, I'm sure you'll love it here. Ignore my nosey sister. We're actually excited to have a new friend. Luckily for you, your room is right next to ours." I smiled at Jenna and nodded as we continued walking. Luckily, Ms. Derby had my luggage delivered to my room while I got a tour from the girls. This place was huge. There’s no way I’m going to be able to find my way around here without their help. I might as well be nice to them.
As I opened the door and entered the space, which would be my home for the next two years. The room resembled a two bedroom apartment. There was a common area with a bathroom then a door on either side. There was a couch, two chairs, and a mini-fridge with a microwave on top. I saw my name on the door to the left and entered to find my luggage by the bed. The room was a decent size with a bed, dresser, desk and a closet. I clearly overestimated what I thought this place was like considering my parents standards.
I wondered if I could order some stuff online to make it look more homey. My parents had given me a credit card in lieu of actual interaction so I’d just use that. It’s not like that’d be the “move me into college type” so I might as well get a head start at collecting my “dorm room items”.
Taking out my phone, I quickly face-timed Hannah. She picked up on the second ring, "Hey girl! How's the south? Any cute southern boys?" How was it fair that she couldn't be here with me? How is it fair that I’m here at all?, I thought for the millionth time.
"Ugh everything is fine… I guess. My room is kinda boring but the girls I met seemed nice. I don't know my roommate yet. The name on the door said 'Katherine something'. Who knows what she’ll be like with my luck she’ll probably be the roommate from hell,” I said with a grumble.
"Just look at it as an opportunity to live a more independent lifestyle and show more of the world all your amazing skills. Maybe they'll have some art shows or plays you can get involved with! I'll definitely come down there to party with you on spring break!!" Hannah said, trying to cheer me up. I knew she meant well but I wasn't ready to give up my anger at being here so soon.
"Yeah maybe. I don't know. I gotta go unpack. Just wanted to let you know I made it to Doomsville. Don't forget about me back in civilization," I replied sarcastically.
"Never! We'll FaceTime so much you'll be tired of me. I'll talk to you soon," Hannah said. We said our goodbyes and I hung up. I can picture now how it was going to go. We would talk for a few weeks and then she would meet someone when school starts and become her new best friend. And who is not to judge her? I am the one who went away.
I threw my hair into a messy bun and got to unpacking. As soon as my stuff was sorted and cases put under the bed I lay on my bed staring out the window at the students going on about their day. They all seemed so happy and I could see the different groups of friends laughing and talking. I wanted to hate them but it wasn't their fault I was here. I just had to make the best of it. Maybe being away from my parents was a good thing. I could be my preamble to college.
As I was lost in my thoughts there was a knock on my bedroom door. I pulled myself out of bed and walked across the room. As I opened it a gorgeous blonde smiled back at me. She seems like the epitome of a “southern belle”.
"Hi I'm Katie... Your roommate. It's so nice to meet you!" she said while shaking my hand and pulling me into the common area. I soon learned Katie loved to talk. It didn't matter if I said anything at all, she talked enough for both of us. I soon realized it was time for dinner and Katie continued talking as she led me down to the dining hall.
Have you ever seen those movies of high school where you get your tray and question where to sit like it would determine your entire future? Yeah... this was my tv high school moment. At my old school, with all the kids that I grew up with, I never had a question where I fit in. I never had to wonder if I would be accepted or question myself in the least.
