"Oh, look who's just now showing some interest in my life." I snapped back.
"Listen you..." Miana started before Lane cut her off.
"Jen. You are my sister, but Miana did not sign up for this. If we wanted to have to parent someone, we would have had kids. That's what taking responsibility is, something you are clearly lacking."
I fell silent for a moment, then said, "Fine. If you don't want me I will leave."
"It's not that we don't want you here Jennifer. But we just aren't prepared for this. So I think it would be best if you go to a boarding school."
That was basically the end of the conversation. It had already been decided for me. Lane had even talked to our sister Susan about me. She was away, traveling of course, and Lane didn't think me living with her was best for me. So she suggested a boarding school frequented by other "well to do kids" that were "too much to handle".
"I can't believe they are sending me away. Did you know the school is in Newcrest. Newcrest! There's nothing there! I'll be so far from the city now." I pouted to Nobu.
"It may not be so bad Miss."
I sighed. "Well at least I will probably fit in better there than here. Being a 'problem kid' and all. Maybe I will be accepted."
"As long as you are happy with you." Nobu replied.
"I guess." I paused then asked, "Will you miss me Nobu?"
"Of course. This house won't be the same without you."
I said my final goodbye's to Nobu before heading off to my new life. After a long trip I arrived in Newcrest. It was about what I expected. Not much there but a few farms and a lot of empty lots. The school itself was a large renovated barn. I took a deep breath and stepped into the Newcrest Hillside School.
"W-Welcome, you must be Jennifer? I'm Thomas, I run the school."
Thomas was a rather awkward individual. He was a bit of a klutz, and major nerd. I couldn't believe he ran a school for kids like me. Who would listen to him?
"P-please, have a seat. We'll go over the rules, not many. You should have received a uniform, y-yes? Good. Okay. Umm, you'll wear it during the day. The evening is free time for the students. Academic classes are held off campus, you have to attend those every weekday. You'll take up at least two skill classes while on campus here. And um, weekends are free, you can visit home or stay the weekend."
"Wait, so I have to attend school, and take up two skills? Great, full schedule again!" I sighed.
"Yes, well, we want to keep you grades up, but I also want each student to gain skills that will help them benefit themselves and the community. So you can learn things such as music, art, handiwork and gardening. Students will also be responsible for caring for this campus. So cleaning, repairs and cooking meals. When you leave you will be very well rounded in many areas."
Thomas went on and on for a while, but I eventually tuned him out. Finally I was free to settle in. It was late now and students were returning from the weekend. I was sitting at the dining table when I met the first student.
"Sul-sul!" A girl with bright pink ombre hair burst in, "OMG! You must be Jenny, the new student! So happy to meet you! I am Samantha."
"Uhh, hi. It's Jennifer." I raised an I brow.
"Oh my gosh, I love your hair. So edgy! Not my style, but it is totally you, Jen!"
"Jennifer."
"Well come on, I'll introduce you to our roommate!"
Grudgingly I followed Samantha upstairs to the dorms. There was a girl on the bed. She looked up as we walked in. I could have sworn she let out a sigh upon seeing us.
"This is Sophie. She's really nice, total bookworm, so if you ever need something to read, ask her." Samantha gushed. Sophie waved quickly and then went back to her task. Samantha babbled on until lights out. While I was glad for the silence, I actually kind of enjoyed the attention from Samantha. She was a bit abrasive, but I could tell she was really interested in others.
The next day I got acquainted with the boys. Once again, Samantha took it upon herself to make introductions.
"This is Rupert. Is a walking irony." Samantha stated. She was a little less bubbly when talking about Rupert. I raised a questioning eyebrow. "He's a wanna be playboy who's absolutely hopeless when it comes to romance."
"Y-your just sour because we have history babe." Rupert winked uneasily. The two started bickering, so I went on to work on my first chore. Gardening.
"Hi. I'm Timmy. Looks like me and you have garden duty today. Although I usually have garden duty, because I enjoy being outdoors."
"Tim-my? Really? 'Kay. What are you in for?" I stifled a chuckle.
"Yes." Timmy winced, "My parents are super athletic, my dad's a pro athlete actually. They sent me here to help me get more active. I enjoy a good meal ya know."
I couldn't help but let out a laugh. I didn't mean to tease him and quickly regretted it. I hadn't had many friends back home, and the ones I made in the city were older than me and spoke very freely. We finished gardening in silence.
The day went on without anymore awkward situations. Except for Rupert trying to hit on me, and totally failing.
"Hey good looking. Plans for the weekend?" Rupert smiled.
"Umm, it's only Monday. I just got here, I'm still settling in, so no plans. You? Going home for the weekend?"
"Home is anywhere you are toots." Rupert grinned again.
"Toots?"
Realizing I wasn't biting, Rupert went away sulking and muttering to himself.
Later in the day I met the last boy student I hadn't introduced myself to yet. His name was Nigel. He was trying, and I do emphasize trying, to play the violin.
"You haven't been playing long have you." I suggested.
"Yeah. I wasn't sure what to take on as a second skill study. Thought I'd give it a try." Nigel paused from his playing.
"Oh, what skill do you prefer studying?" I asked.
"I prefer painting. And yourself?"
"Oh, well, I'm pretty well studied on most instruments. But I guess I could learn singing, and I used to dabble in art when I was younger. Might get back into that." I pondered.
"Oh, that's cool." Nigel then returned to his music studies.
So I had gotten aquainted with everyone. We were the random misfits, socially awkward and family outcast. We would be eating together and studying together for the remainder of our teen years. I felt a little awkward being new. I felt a little unconfident in myself. What if I didn't get along with them?
One evening after dinner, I had dish duty. Nigel, who usually kept to himself, came up to me.
"Hey, Jennifer. I know you've been getting into art studies. I was wondering if you wanted to help me out with a project."
"Uh, sure Nigel."
We went around to the side of the barn. I didn't often come to the side, but had noticed it was painted white.
"Thomas let me use this wall to do a mural. I know it's hard being new, it was for me. So I was wondering if you wanted to help me do this mural. You can be a part of something."
"Sure." I smiled.
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