Saint-Rock High Book 2: So Different But So Right

HANNA

“Hanna, time to rise and shine. First day of school,” my sister’s voice filters through the door as she knocks.

“I’m up, I’m up,” I respond, more than once.

After a quick shower and picking out my outfit, I settle down for breakfast. Peanut butter and jelly, my favorite!

“Don’t forget, Jerry’s picking you up after school for your appointment with Dr. Anders.”

Jerry is the owner of the local bar, Puzzle13! My brother-in-law has forbidden me from setting foot in there until I’m eighteen.

My sister lucked out with Jerry. He’s the kind of guy who looks like he’s walked straight out of a movie. His gray eyes and tousled dark-brown hair make him unfairly attractive.

“Sis, I don’t want to argue, but I can’t continue with Dr. Anders. I’m not comfortable with him. I don’t like his methods,” I tell her.

“But you’ve only had one session with him. Maybe if you give him some time…”

I interrupt her with a vigorous shake of my head. I can’t believe she’s trying to change my mind. I’m the one who has to talk about it. I should be the one to decide who I speak with. She can’t force me. She just can’t!

Jerry walks over to Tess and whispers something in her ear. I can’t hear what he’s saying, but his eyes flicker toward me. I guess they’re talking about me.

“Maybe we can find someone else when you’re ready,” Tess says after her conversation with Jerry.

I mouth a ‘thank you’ to Jerry. He winks back, letting me know he’s got my back.

Tess drives me to school. As she parks, I find myself staring at the school, wondering what’s in store for me. At my old school, I knew what to expect, but now, the person I was then is long gone.

I don’t want to be her anymore. Hashtag I was a real bitch.

“Do you want me to go with you?” Tess asks, interrupting my thoughts.

“I’m not ten. Don’t worry. I got this,” I grab my bag from the back seat and step out of the car.

“Are you sure? I don’t mind running late for work, or I can call in sick to be with you,” she insists.

“Yeah, right! As if the station doesn’t need you to be on time for your show, which starts in about two hours. By the way, no way I’ll let you accompany me on my first day of school or any day. Bye.” I wave at Tess and head toward the school.

Taking a deep breath, I brace myself for what’s inside.

“Hello, I have an appointment with Mr. Bruce Rheims. My name is Hanna Parker.”

“Ah yes, you are the new student. Sit right there. He’ll be with you once he’s done with his meeting.”

The secretary, Lily Salazar, smiles at me as she speaks.

I choose a seat and notice another student sitting nearby, lost in thought. I pull out my phone to play a game, making sure to mute the volume. I don’t want to disturb anyone.

Before I can even start, a notification pops up. Someone’s sent me a message.

I check to see who it is. Of course, it’s Tess.

She’s worse than Mom.

The thought brings back memories of Mom and Dad. I miss them. I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault.

I shake my head, squeezing my eyes shut. No. No. No. Not now. I shake my head again, trying to clear my mind and focus on the present.

I switch my phone to vibrate and put it in my bag. Just in time, as the door opens. A brown-haired student walks out, and wow, he’s hot!

He’s got an athletic build, the kind that shows he’s active without trying too hard. His dark-brown wavy hair frames his face perfectly, giving him an effortlessly cool vibe. He looks like he’s stepped straight out of a sports ad.

Don’t stare. If he sees you, he’ll think you’re crazy. Besides, he screams popularity, which I don’t. You don’t need that crap, remember? I remind myself.

“Try to remember what we talked about, Mr. Lockwood,” says what must be the principal.

“Yeah, yeah!” he responds as he walks away.

“Miss Parker? Miss Hanna Parker?”

Sounds like James Bond when he introduces himself: Parker, Hanna Parker. Ha! That’s a fun thought. I stand and walk over to shake his hand.

“Mr. Rheims.” His sharp green eyes are full of wisdom. His hair is mostly black but peppered with streaks of gray.

Don’t let him see that it bothers you when he looks at you with pity as you limp into his office.

“So let’s see what we have here.” He sits behind his desk and opens a file.

Wait! Is that my file? Hashtag, I’m in big trouble now.

Shit, that’s not a good start. My curiosity gets the better of me, and I try to see what’s written in it.

“I have read your file and have to say I find it colorful.”

There it is. I knew it was too good to be true. But then he does something unexpected. He tears up my file right in front of me.

“Here at Saint-Rock High, we believe in a new beginning. What you did in your past is in the past. It’s up to you to show us what and who you are. Did I make myself clear?”

Is he serious?

“Of course, sir, it’s very clear,” I nod.

“Do you have questions?”

“No sir, I’m fine. Thank you, sir.”

Did he give me another chance because of what happened six months ago? I’m about to ask him, but he picks up the phone.

“Miss Salazar, can you tell Miss Lennox to come in here, please… Thank you, Miss Salazar.”

It’s the same girl I saw earlier. I realize this when she walks into Mr. Rheims’ office. Her hair is a light, curly brown that seems to dance with each movement she makes. Her bright blue eyes meet mine, likely filled with curiosity about who I am.

“Miss Parker, allow me to introduce Miss Viola Lennox,” the principal says. “Miss Lennox, this is our new student, Miss Hanna Parker. I’d like for you to show her around the school.”

“With pleasure, Mr. Principal,” she replies, her smile directed at me.

As Viola and I step out of the principal’s office, ready to embark on my tour, the secretary’s voice rings out.

“Miss Parker, don’t forget your schedule,” she says, handing me a folder filled with papers.

“Miss Lennox will guide you to where you can pick up your textbooks.”

“Let’s get this tour started,” Viola suggests once we’re clear of the office.

I’m not sure what to make of her just yet.

Guess I’ll find out in due time.