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“Got it, thanks.” I stood, carefully backing up in a way that didn’t give him a front row seat view to my ass.
Maybe I would have to consider running for class president so I could overhaul this god-awful uniform. Now there was a thought.
A slight smile curled at my lips.
My main therapist at Albany Hills would be so proud. She’d constantly said I needed to ‘Look for the positives and find purpose in my life.’
“Thanks, Principal Diego,” I said, grabbing the door handle and pulling.
“One last thing, Harleigh. Can I call you Harleigh?” His eyes narrowed. “We pride ourselves here at DA on our impeccable reputation. I expect, given your recent change of… living situation, you’ll fit right in.”
My cheeks burned, indignation heating my blood. “What is that supposed to mean?” My voice shook as I tightened my grip on the doorknob.
“Consider it a friendly reminder. Now get to class, Miss Maguire. You wouldn’t want to be late on your first day.” He gave me an easy breezy smile as if he hadn’t just threatened me.
Because I wasn’t from here.
I didn’t belong.
And if Principal Diego knew, so would everyone else here.
Storming out of his office, I slammed the door a little too hard, instantly regretting it when the secretary glowered at me.
“Sorry,” I said.
“First day jitters, sweetie?”
Dear God. I was going to need something to get through the day at this rate. Something to take off the edge at least.
But it wasn’t like I could ask Celeste who could hook me up.
“Can you point me in the direction of…” I dug out my schedule. “AP English?”
“Of course, dear.” She smiled. A genuine warm smile that reminded me a lot of Celeste.
“Would you like directions, or I can show you?”
I was almost eighteen years old. I was pretty certain I could find my way to class. But she was the first person outside of Celeste to put me at ease. And it cut me deep.
With a weak smile, as my façade cracked a little more, I said, “I’d really appreciate it if you could show me.”
