Embers. Chapter One. Part One

Instructions

Chapter One: The doubts continued to echo in my head, drowning out any other sound. Stepping through the front doors with my sister, Tasha, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of nerves and apprehension. She had been to this school before, and her confident stride implied that she was satisfied with her experiences here. I glanced up at her, my ears flattened against my head, and my wings tucked tightly against my back. She met my gaze and whispered reassuringly, "You'll be fine. The teachers are very nice here." Her words offered some comfort, but I remained on edge. We entered the front office, where the lady behind the desk greeted us with weary eyes. Were the students here really that tiring? My nerves spiked once again. Starting at a new school after it had already begun felt like an unusual decision. Who does that? Well, I guess I do... "Hello, my little sister has just transferred to this school. May she have her schedule?" Tasha asked politely. The office manager looked at us and inquired, "What's her name?" "Royalty. Royalty Baker," Tasha replied. I winced at the mention of my name. Tasha should have just let me figure it out myself. I felt as though whenever someone heard my name, they would make a slight face with a scrunched-up nose, just like the office manager did. "Here you go, Royalty," she said, handing me the schedule over the desktop. Her piercing glare sent shivers down my spine. I snatched the schedule from her hands and walked over to Tasha. "Okay, now that you have your schedule, I can leave," Tasha announced. I looked at her with wide eyes, a mix of surprise and despair. "You're not staying? I need you to come with me!" I whispered loudly, tears welling up in my eyes. Was she really going to leave me all alone? She couldn't! I needed her! "Ro, you'll be fine. Mom is waiting outside, I have to go to school, and Mom has work. I love you, bye!" she called out as she walked out the door. "TASHA?!" I exclaimed, feeling a rush of panic. I sat down and waited until my eyes stopped burning from the tears that clouded them. The office manager got up from her chair and approached me. "Sweetheart, are you ready for class?" she asked gently. I didn't respond; instead, I looked down at my hands and walked over to her. I suppose she understood what I was trying to convey because she embraced me tightly and instructed me to wait in the room until the other office manager finished speaking with a student. I waited and waited until finally, he said, "Okay, you may come in."