Darkside 40

“I still don’t understand why I couldn’t drive.” Avery said. 

“We all agreed first week we’re going to take you and pick you up. After that we’ll see.” Bette said. 

“Don’t worry we won’t embarrass you.” Tina grinned. 

“Oh yeah that comforting.” Avery said. 

They pulled up in front the High School. 

After two hours of talking to school officials Avery was enrolled, and given a schedule. It taken Bette throwing a hissy fit in the principle’s office to get the school to use her last test to place her in junior classes. 

“Tina will pick you up here after school.” Bette looked at her phone. Avery watched her. Tina watched to two very carefully.

“Okay. I better get to class.” Avery said and walked away. 

“You could have been a little more supportive.” Tina said. 

“I’m sorry but I’ve been down this road with her before, and no matter how much I want this time to be different I can’t help but think that it won’t. Look I have to get to school. I’ll see at Darkside later okay?” Bette kissed her and walked towards her car. 

*********

Avery walked through the courtyard during lunch and sat at an empty table. All eyes were on her. 

“Just ignore them they have no sense of personal expression.” A girl said sitting down. She had dark dreads with different colors mixed in. “The whole school is talking about the new girl that’s covered in tattoos. Personally I think its cool. What did your parents say?” 

“They don’t care.” Avery answered. 

“Really Mom freaked when I got mine. Oh by the way My name is Page. Spelled like a page in the book. My mom was librarian.” She was rambling. 

“That’s cool.” Avery said. 

“Yeah except for my middle name that was just cruel. I mean who names there kid Page Turner Anderson. So what’s your name?” Silence. 

“Avery.” She held her hand out to Page. 

“Nice to meet you. So what are you into?” Page shook her hand. 

“What is this 20 questions with the new kid?” Avery asked. 

“Yeah kinda. Sorry people tell me I come on too strong but I figure its the only way to meet new people.” Page said.