Jaded

Prologue

An announcement shook the house.

"The Simms, who have been an established family since the 1700s, are investing in the future. The Peyton Empire is a multi- billion dollar company. A company that is inviting 48 blessed orphans to the family alma mater, the Alden Academy for Boys and Girls. The program will be called Students On Scholarship or SOS for short. Why do you think the offer is only for orphans, Phil?"

"Well, the Simms were adults but their mother died 5 years ago and their father 21 years ago. It would seem they have a soft spot for orphans. Either way, as a company that has succeeded in every industry, it makes sense for them to recruit young talent. No doubt, these privileged orphans will feel a loyalty to the Simms family and Peyton company."

I wasn't interested but Mrs. Bachchan insisted that all eligible girls take the test. Our children's home was near the academy. She would be able to keep an eye on whoever got in.

I was the only one from the home to get in.

▪▪▪▪▪

Chapter 1

"That class felt like it was never going to end." I say as I stretch.

"You might have enjoyed it more if you hadn't been staring out the window."

"A boring science class should not be situated in front of a beautiful lawn."

"That's true. The teacher didn't say much."

"Didn't say much? Our projects are due in two days. How is that not much?"

Lindsay smiles.

"I guess it's not important to you since you finished Saturday. It may be the last week of summer classes but the academy resumes in two weeks. I'm just glad to be done with science."

"I'll miss it."

"There's always college, Lindsay. You have a lock on the scholarship, as the smartest person in school and the most deserving."

"You deserve it too." Lindsay says, blushing.

"Lizzie!" Jennifer calls.

She has the younger girls with her.

"How was class?"

"Fine. Say is anyone hungry? Nascha, Rizalyn?" They nod.

"Well we're not doing anything about it until we get home." I reply.

The four young girls sigh.

"Didn't you pack a lunch, Tess?" Mikalya asks, joining the group.

"Oh, I didn't hear you come." Tess says.

"You're working with Lindsay at 1. Don't tell me you forgot to pack a lunch."

"Rizalyn packed me a lunch. Jenn thought asking the freshmen would tug at Lizzie's heartstrings."

"It was a good idea. Except four people have work and we are waiting for our allowance from Peyton." I say, patting Rizalyn's head.

"The bus is here." Lindsay states.

"Where's Bianca?"

"I lost her, Lizzie."

"Good job, Mikalya. Let's get out of here." Jennifer says.

"I heard that."

"That's great, Bianca. Scold her on the bus." I say as I turn to Nascha. "Do you have your bus pass?"

"Found it." Nascha says.

I pocket the change I had out and get on.

Lindsay has settled in with a book. Jennifer and Maritess, or Tess as we call her, are talking while Rizalyn watches. Nascha sits next to me and carefully puts away her pass before starring out the window. Bianca and Mikalya are across from me discussing the benefits of summer school.

I feel bad for the driver as we are known to be a loud group. It sounds like a full bus but there are no other riders. The driver smiles at me through the mirror and I smile back. He must not see us as an annoyance but full of life.

We're an odd group. We have outgoing and reserved members. We are contradictory and struggle to get along at times. But we understand each other for the most part and that is what matters.

"Lizzie, she's at it again." Mikalya says.

"I'm not at anything. I was just saying it would be easier to use the downstair showers."

"It would be easier but it is impossible. We've been over this, Bianca. We can't enter the main part of the academy while school is closed. That includes the rest of the dorms."

"We must be content with shouting across the cafeteria." Jenn says.

"Just as we shout everywhere." Bianca replies.

"Exactly."

They both start laughing loudly.

"It's going to be so different with more people." Rizalyn says.

"Don't worry.  They're not scary." Tess soothes.

"But you guys said…"

"I know. They're unfriendly but they aren't scary."

"Treat them politely and you'll be fine. Remember, every night you're coming home to us." I say as the bus stops. "Work hard."

Rizalyn smiles and nods. Tess picks up their lunch. Mikalya leaves first.

"I don't know how you do it, mistress." Lindsay whispers.

"Lizzie, dear not mistress." I whisper back.

She squeezes my arm and leaves.

"Maybe they'll be nicer this year."

"Who?"

"The 9th graders. I know the upperclassmen have been mean to you guys. But it's the 9th graders first year too. Maybe they'll be nicer." Nascha explains, defensively.

"I'm sorry, Nascha. I was just distracted. I wasn't angry with you. Some may be nicer, others are younger sisters of those mean upperclassmen. Be optimistic but realistic, ok? For your own emotions."

"I'll try, Lizzie."

Lindsay doesn't know how I do it, how I lead. I can't help it. Ever since the beginning of sophomore year when Mikayla and Bianca looked so terrified standing in front of the academy, I knew the "scholarship orphans" students would need to be an united force. Ms. Weaver, the teacher assigned to Lindsay and I had just been promoted to headmistress. Lindsay is older than me but has been through too much to direct people. I knew it was my job.

All it takes is observing and listening. I've learned everyone's personality and circumstances. I know how to help them through the pressure of the academy.

Lindsay loves studying and being alone. I make sure the other girls don't bother her too much. Mikalya needs positive feedback and time to reflect on her surroundings. Bianca and Jennifer adore a good joke. They can find something funny in almost any situation but that's just to cover their scars. Tess needs direction and a listening ear. Rizalyn simply needs her sister, Tess.

I've only known Nascha a summer. But from what I can tell she requires constant attention. She's a daydreamer and while that's pleasant, she's forgetful.

I'm the only one whose story is unknown.

"Lizzie, it's our stop." Nascha says.

I smile at the irony.

"Lizbeth!"

"Headmistress Weaver calls." Bianca says.

I glare at her.

"I didn't do anything. I promise."

"We didn't." Jenn seconds.

"Alright, I believe you."

"Lizbeth." Headmistress calls.

"I'll see you later. We're finishing our projects and homework tonight."

Bianca and Jenn groan.

"I had dessert prepared but maybe it's not necessary." I shout back.

"It's always necessary." Bianca says.

"See you later, Lizzie." Nascha says, giggling.

"I see the ship is as tight as usual." Headmistress says.

"As tight as it ever will be." I say, matching her step.

"How was the semester?"

"Good. Everyone's doing well. We just have a couple last assignments."

"I'm glad to hear it." She says, opening her office door. "Elizabeth Gent, I'd like you to meet Belle Simms."

"Nice to meet you." I say, offering my hand.

The young woman I've seen on television countless times stands up. She beams as she shakes my hand.

"Lovely to meet you, Elizabeth."

"Well, let's be comfortable." Headmistress says, gesturing to the chairs.

We sit down. This room is for parents and students. I've only been on the parents side when Bianca and/or Jennifer got into trouble. It's strange to sit in the "child" seat.

"The Simms family has invited you to spend the first quarter at their house and attend the original academy in Massachusetts."

I freeze, shocked and overwhelmed. What did I do to merit such attention?

"Thank you for the invitation, Ms. Simms, but I'm afraid I must decline."

"May I ask why?"

Which obvious problem should I point out? The fact that I don't know the Simms family? My friends need me? That it's my senior year?

"I can't leave my sister, Jennifer. Not again."

"I wasn't aware you had a sister." Ms. Simms says, surprised.

"They aren't related by blood. They met years ago and share a tight bond." Headmistress explains.

"I see." Ms. Simms says. "Then, why don't you bring her with you?"

Wow, extending the invitation to Jenn didn't even phase her.

"A change of scenery would be good for Jenn." Headmistress says.

I know what she's referring to and realize she doesn't only mean Jenn.

"I will have to think about it."

"Of course. You could come back with me in a couple days to check out the town if you'd like."

"That sounds reasonable. Can I discuss it with Lindsay, my best friend, first?"

"Yes, Lindsay would need to know you're leaving all those girls to her charge."  Headmistress states.

"I'll give you my email." Ms. Simms says, a little confused. "Do you think you could tell me by this time tomorrow?"

"Definitely."

"I look forward to hearing from you, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth. I wish she would stop calling me that. But I feel bad that I keep rejecting her.

"Thank you. If you'll excuse me, I have homework to do."

Headmistress nods.

"It was really nice to meet you, Elizabeth."

"My pleasure as well." I say, my hand on the door.

"Can you leave it open, Lizbeth? We're just about to tour the school."

"Of course."

"So she's in charge of the other girls?"

"Not officially. She guides them and helps them adjust to the school."

"Wow. she's rather mature."

"She's had to be." Headmistress says, saddened.

We were walking in opposite directions  and they're finally out of earshot.

I let out a sigh. I don't feel any obligation to go, even though the Simms family is paying for my tuition. Headmistress brought up a good point as to change for Jenn and I, though.

----- ----- -----

"Mistress?! She's doing it again." Lindsay says.

I sit on Jenn's bed and rub her back. She shakes and gasp for breathe from behind her sobs.

"Lizzie?" She calls out, unsure.

"Don't worry, dear. I'm here for you." I reply.

She pulls me down next to her. I lay on the edge of the bed, thinking about when I was the one crying in my sleep. Lindsay and I were the only two SOS. We shared one room and Ms. Weaver had the other.

Lindsay would wake up Ms. Weaver to take care of me and go back to sleep. I didn't really mind. Linds didn't have any way of helping me. I'm glad it only lasted a few months.

Jenn's going on a year.

----- ----- -----

"We're done!" Bianca says, falling on to the couch.

"For now." Mikalya states.

"Don't be a killjoy." Tess says, turning on music.

"Pizza's here." Jenn exclaims as the door slams open.

Rizalyn guides the door close with her foot and follows Jenn and Nascha to the kitchen.

"Thank you for getting the pizza from downstairs."

"No problem, Lizzie. Thanks for ordering it." Nascha says, skipping to the living room.

"Did she just turn her back on pizza?" Jenn asks, incredulous.

"I think she did. Here are the plates." I say, setting them down.

Rizalyn stares at the paper pkates.

"Are we eating in the living room?"

"Yes.  The tryant lets us from time to time." Lindsay deadpans.

"Oh, you're so funny. Girls, stop fighting and get food." I tell the other girls.

Once everyone is seated in the living room, I decide it is time to discuss.

"We all know school starts next Wednesday so we only have 10 days of freedom. How does everyone plan on enjoying it?"

"Reading." Lindsay says.

I smile. Her answer has been the same for four years.

"I'm hanging out with my brother." Mikalya says.

"I'm haven't seen him all month. How is Jon?"

"He's fine. He's been working and training. Finn gave him some tips."

"Well, tell him I said hello."

Rizalyn and Bianca add their greetings.

"We're buying Rizalyn and Nascha's cell phones and shopping for the room." Tess says.

"I didn't have any plans but that sounds fantastic."

"I want to go too." Bianca adds.

"What are you doing, Lizzie?" Rizalyn asks.

"I'm, um, I was invited to spend a couple of days at the Simms in the east."

"Really? Isn't that by a beach?" Jenn asks excited.

"So you won't be here before the semester starts?" Nascha asks.

"That's cool. They must think highly of you." Mikalya says.

"Yes, it's a beach town. No, Nascha I won't be here. Thanks, Mikalya."

"So shopping." Bianca starts.

"Don't you care about Lizzie leaving?" Tess asks.

"Of course, but she'll be back. We need to plan our shopping attack."

"Mistress?"

"Linds." I sigh. "Yes?"

Now isn't the time to correct her.

"A moment."

I follow her to to our bedroom.

"What's going on, Lizzie?"

"I don't know. They want me to visit for the first quarter. I said I couldn't go without Jenn so now Ms. Simms invited me to check it out."

Lindsay blinks at me.

"First quarter? You said a couple days."

"I'm going to check it out for a couple of days and decided whether or not to stay."

"What? Mistress you can't!"

"Lindsay!" I say, surprised by her emotion.

"Lizzie, I meant, Lizzie. I'll call you by your name. I'll socialize more and support the younger girls. Just don't leave for ten weeks."

"Lindsay. You don't have to push yourself. I'm not thinking of leaving because of you. I'd only visit if it's good for Jenn and I."

"Is it because of Finn?"

"Wait, what? Why Finn?"

"Why are you thinking of leaving for ten weeks? It's because he hasn't talked to you in months, isn't it? You don't want to see him when school starts because he's a bad best friend."

"Lindsay, you're my best friend. Finn's just… Finn. I'm not skipping state because he hasn't called me. Jenn needs a change of scene. I feel the most at home here but something is still missing and I think returning east might help. I'd ask for you, but this school and town is best for you. I need you with the girls too. If, and only if I go, I'll call you everyday, alright?" I say, resting my forehead against hers.

"Alright. You're right about Jenn and you. I'm just wary because you were my first constant since Mistress." Lindsay says, pulling back.

"I know. I'm sorry. It's selfish of me but it may be the best for everyone. I still have a week to decide though."

"You have to tell the other girls."

I don't reply.

"Lizzie, Jenn deserves to know if you're uprooting her and the other girls need to be prepared. They expect you to return for the year not possibly stay for ten weeks."

"Alright. I'll tell them."

Lindsay nods and leaves the room.

She rarely shows her emotions. And never realizes what others' might be. I think she's growing.

"Red orange is the color of the season." Bianca says.

"So? Burnt orange is a classic. They need at least two pieces." Tess argues.

"I think we can decide at the store." Rizalyn says.

"Lizzie has something to tell you." Lindsay states.

That was pretty brutal. She didn't give me any time.

"There's a little more to me going east that I hadn't mentioned. I was invited to attend the first academy for ten weeks while staying with at the Simms house."

"What?" Tess, Nascha, and Bianca shout.

"That's … cool." Mikalya says.

"You'll be gone for ten weeks." Jenn whispers. "We'll be left alone?"

"They invited you as well Jenn because I wouldn't go without you. Look girls, I don't know why they invited me. But I think it could be a good experience. It will be a change for all of us. But I'll be leaving this school next year anyway. We can prepare for that. "

"You and Lindsay are going to Northwestern and getting an apartment in town next year. This is going states away." Bianca says.

I don't have anything to say to that. It's silent for a few moments.

"Guys, Lizzie has sacrificed so much to make us comfortable. We can sacrifice a little too. It's only ten weeks of our lives."

"You're right, Mikalya." Tess says. "You have to promise to talk to one of us once a day at least."

"I can promise that." I say, sitting down.

"I'm going with you?" Jenn whispers confused.

"If you don't mind. I won't go if you don't want to."

"No, I think it'd be good for me. And you. If you like it when you go to visit, I'd like to go."

----- ----- -----

“Good morning, Elizabeth. I’m sorry I couldn’t pick you up. How are you today?”

“I’m good. Thank you for sending me a cab, Ms. Simms.”

“Oh, you can call me Belle.”

“Thank you. Could you call me Lizzie? My mother was the only one who called me Elizabeth.”

“Of course. I’m sorry. I’ll call you Lizzie.” Belle says, looking down.

She gets a call and walks away.

Belle seemed upset about my name. I guess it was me mentioning my mother.

“The plane is ready. Do you have all your things?”

“Yes.”

I’m returning to my home state.