Chapter 21

That night, I laid down on my back and gazed at my rooftop. Mackenzi… This girl is amazing. I stretched my hand and admired my nails for a while. It was now a bit longer with pink blush and lined with black edges. She had wanted to add sparkles, but I told her it wasn't necessary. I didn't want my nails looking out of place with my outfit.

Speaking of outfits, I'd have to either repeat the clothes I had worn previously or wear the ones that are 'Not so cool'. They were the ones that were faded and old. Very few of them are torn, from various occasions; but I still wear them back at home.

A day after the embarrassing dinner incident, I sorted out all my clothes, dividing them into two. The ones that were okay against the ones that would bring stares, probably insult and unnecessary pity in this place. Maybe I'll summon the courage to ask miss Rodriguez for permission to work. It wouldn't be a problem because, at a point in my life, It was my normal lifestyle.

I know it is a little bit after midnight. Surprisingly, I didn't feel sleepy. Should I read my book, or probably sleep? What else could be done? Mom…She still hasn't called. It is very unusual for her to do that. She normally calls right back, making sure we are okay and all. How is Ruth and Joseph? I let out a sigh. Gosh, I miss my siblings… Even Lucy.

It is nice living here, though it makes me feel uneasy. Nobody is talking about the problems and strangeness of our family. Does Mackenzie know who I really am? I am very sure miss Rodriguez didn't say a word to her…Why? What will happen if Mackenzie finds out, even Mather? Martha acts like she has some information. Oh God, I can't even breathe properly in this environment. So much tension, and secrets. Even the wealth and luxury that surrounds me feel poised. Well, at least help can be offered to mum. I am just going to be on my best behavior so she wouldn't have to worry about me. A scholarship to college wouldn't be bad. That has been my desire, it will make mom so happy.

......….

Thank God it's Friday. The last time I saw miss Rodriguez was on the day I arrived. I think the family has a problem with staying at home…Or maybe they are just busy.

For some very important reasons, I woke up before six and prepared for school. I had cooked up the lie I was going to tell Mr. Brad, a very active guard because I knew from past experiences, it wasn't going to be easy.

"Good morning, Martha,"

She jumped. "Young lady, you startled me," she said now laughing.

"Why are you up so early, all dressed?"

I was beaming. I didn't expect her to be awake already, talk more about being in the kitchen. "I need to go to school early today"

Who told you, you haven't been going to school early?"

"No! I know, but it must be earlier today… For some reasons."

"What reasons dear?" Martha dropped the knife she was holding and looked at me.

Why is she asking questions? I didn't plan for this, what would I tell her? "Well, it's really important."

Okay...?" She dragged.

"I just want to show a good example, that's all. A lot of the students tend to come late these days and I want to change that by making a move. I plan on doing this for a while." Yes, I was doing well.

I had stopped talking, but Martha still stared at me with a disbelieving look.

"What? Don't you believe me??"

Why wouldn't I? Your plan is a smart one. It would even distinguish you from other students in the eyes of your teachers.

My heart shrank. She believed my lies.

Well. We would have to call the drivers any moment because this isn't the usual time you are picked up. Also, tell mack_"

"No noo, I don't want to inconvenience her. Mackenzie would be asleep by now; I wouldn't want to wake her up because of my change of plans. I can walk to school, or take the bus, I don't even like the kind of attention the cars give me at school by the way."

"Hmm," okay then. You know miss Rodriguez didn't give me permission to allow you to leave the house and walk to school."

"Am I a prisoner Martha? Does she really have to? Please."

"Fine, I will allow you for today, but from tomorrow, miss Rodrigues would have to know about it."

Okay, No problem. Thank you, Martha."

After I finished my rushed breakfast, I left the house successfully with Martha's help. It was a good thing she ended up knowing about it because I wouldn't have been able to cross the front door or convince some guards that were outside.