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“Hug, Noo,” she says, opening her arms.

“Uh, okay,” I say, walking over to accept the hug and gently squeeze her back. It’s a little awkward since Theo is holding her, but we make it work.

“Pretty,” Addie says, pulling back to cup my face with her hands. “Good day.”

“Thank you,” I say, in awe that I just got the first compliment I actually believe from a two-year-old. “You’re very pretty too. I’ll see you later, love.”

Stepping back, I get hit with a group of adults trying hard not to make a big deal about my hug. They’re not doing a good job, and I think Liliana is trying not to cry. God, how did I end up in a family like this?

They’re just so good, despite saying things I shouldn’t hear.

“Okay, now we really have to go,” Rachelle breathes, brushing a tear away.

Hustling out the door, I get into the back of a cute electric car, and Rachelle drives quickly around the driveway and out the gate. Since I was sleeping when we came in yesterday, I didn’t notice there’s a gate that separates the house from the street. As a whole, there aren’t a lot of houses on it, which keeps this area from having much traffic.

I can see the appeal.

“We’re about twenty minutes from the school,” she says. “The front office is going to be straight down the hall and to the left. You’re going to confirm with Mrs. Rentz nothing has changed with your schedule. I could come in with you…”

“I can do it,” I say, my lips twitching in amusement. I was wondering how she was going to play this. She had my classes printed out and ready for me last night, and then drew me a map to show me where to go. I’m as prepared as possible. “Thank you though.”

“Oye. Tough cookie,” she mutters, driving as I crack and giggle. “I suppose I should hold onto the foster mom card for when I need it, huh?”

“Probably a good idea,” I tease her. Rachelle has a fire inside of her, and I bet it would be easy to think that she’s a push over.

She just waits until it’s necessary to show her cards.

“Ugh, it looks like I’m going to let you out here,” she says, pulling off before the entrance.

Chesterfield Prep School is teaming with kids being dropped off or parking their cars. Damn, it’s busy. Rachelle is definitely getting stuck if she doesn’t drop me off here.

Okay, deep breaths, Noor. It’s not too far of a walk inside. We’re good.

“Thank you,” I say, pushing open the back door after I unbuckle my seatbelt.

“I’ll meet you at the front at dismissal,” she says. “Have a good da⁠—”

I wince as the door shuts on her words and wave as I begin walking toward the entrance. The grass is green and beautiful around me, and the building reminds me of the one I’m living in now. It has the same Spanish revival architecture, wide windows, and pretty molding. Instead of being dark and stuffy, it’s bright and airy.

The air smells like fresh cut grass, sunlight, and it’s not too hot out today. I have a note to remind the front office I’m opting out of gym class, and I’m feeling pretty good about things.

“You’re in the way!” a voice calls just before I’m pushed.

Since I don’t weigh much, I go airborne, falling hard on my knees and elbows on the grass. My heart thunders from the shock, and I push my hair out of my face as I glare at the punks that laugh in startled surprise.

“You alright there, Twinkles?” one of the guys asks with a smirk. His green eyes are mean and calculating, and he has piercings up his right ear. I didn’t think that was allowed, but when he flicks his blonde hair out of his face, I see it covers his ear. That explains that. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a girl fly before.”

Twinkles as in the fairy? I’m pretty sure that’s not her name. These guys are broad shouldered and tall, reminding me of jocks. God, I hate muscle bound idiots.

“Maybe someone who can’t remember Tinker Bell’s name shouldn’t be taunting pixies,” I say, making sure he can hear me. “We bite back and make sure to give you lightning crotch.”

The guy’s eyes grow large as he puts his hand over his cock, shaking his head.

“Like I’d ever let you near my dick,” he scoffs.

“Itching powder does the trick in a jock strap every time,” I say with an evil smirk. “I wouldn’t touch your tiny dick if you paid me to. Maybe one of your friends can find it with a pair of tweezers.”

I’m sprawled on the grass and make sure my skirt covers my thighs and ass as I push myself off the ground and fully onto my knees. I’m pretty sure my socks are stained and skin is split underneath them. I bruise too easily.