Wait, we’re moving to West Virginia? I assumed Michael would relocate here.
“Michael’s going to see if he can arrange an interview for me at Montgomery Preparatory. It’s a middle school ten minutes from where he works. He knows the vice principal, and luckily, there’s an opening for a sixth-grade history teacher.”
My head spins. The thought of leaving my friends and transferring to a new school churns my stomach. It’s my senior year, for goodness’ sake. I’ve made a name for myself. I’m popular, and a shoo-in for captain of the cheerleading squad. Not to mention editor-in-chief of the school newspaper too. Journalism is my passion.
The homecoming and prom queen titles belong to me, goddamn it. Now, I’ll be at the bottom of the totem pole. There is another option. I’m sure I could stay in California and crash at Lo’s place. Mom wouldn’t oppose, but it’d break her heart.
My mom gazes at me apprehensively, waiting for a response. I can’t be selfish. She’s suffered enough. The last thing I want is for her to be guilt-ridden.
“So, what’s the plan?” I ask, plastering a smile on my face.
She visibly relaxes.
“Find a venue to have the wedding and reception. Somewhere small and intimate. Only a few family members and close friends will be invited.”
This is too much to take in. Everything is happening too fast for my equilibrium. I’m trying to be enthusiastic, but it’s hard. My life changed drastically in the span of minutes. I inhale a calming breath. I’m a big girl. I’ll just have to make the best out of this situation.
“There’s a lot to be done, but we can discuss details more in the morning. Michael is taking us to breakfast.”
“Sounds good.” Food always brightens my mood.
“He’ll be here at nine o’clock.” Mom pecks me on the forehead. “Goodnight, Cocoa.”
“Goodnight.”
My brain is too wired to fall asleep. I’ll call Lo, Saint, and Micah tomorrow to tell them the bad news. We’ve been thick as thieves since elementary school. The move will affect them as much as me. This was supposed to be a great year for us. At least it’s not hard for me to make friends and fit in wherever I go. And the best part is, I’ll be closer to my family members on Dad’s side. Things are looking up already.
Mom and Michael’s outlandish flirting is enough to make me barf.
“All right, this is a family establishment.” I stuff a forkful of Quiche Florentine into my mouth.
They have the good graces to blush. I’m thrilled for them, but gag. We got to the quaint French café twenty minutes ago to iron out the details of their pending nuptials and our subsequent migration to West Virginia.
I Googled my future home. Montgomery has approximately four thousand residents, giving true meaning to the phrase “Small Town, USA.” Total snoozefest. The nearest mall is nearly a sixty-minute drive to Charleston, the biggest city in the area. What the heck do my teenage counterparts do for fun?
I have to put in my two weeks’ notice at the coffee shop. I’ve worked there since I was fifteen. Cindy will be upset. I’m the most dependable employee she has. Mom didn’t approve of me working and preferred I focused on school, but we came to a compromise.
Ace all my classes, and I could keep the job.Accomplishing that was a cakewalk. My GPA is a 4.0. I’m no Einstein, but I get by in the classroom. I’m independent, mature, and responsible for my age. I saved money and purchased my own car; a blue Ford Focus. It’s not glamorous by any means, but it’s reliable. I’m given an allowance, but it doesn’t cover my bi-weekly trips to the nail salon, let alone my other spending habits.
“Cocoa, did you hear me?” Mom asks.
“Sorry, what did you say?”
“We’re enrolling you in Montgomery Academy,” she says.
“Isn’t tuition there expensive?”
“Twenty-five thousand annually, but employees get a forty percent discount for their children, and you’ll be my stepdaughter soon,” Michael answers.
“Isn’t this wonderful news, baby?” Mom gushes.
I don’t want to go to school with a bunch of snobby rich kids.
“All you have to do is maintain a 3.5 GPA, which is no problem for you. Your mother told me you’re as smart as a whip.” Michael winks.
I hope Mom hasn’t oversold my academic abilities. I’m sure the curriculum is far more complex than the lessons taught in a public education setting. What if I can’t keep up?
“A public school is fine.”
