Chapter 2

Pov: Jules

LUNCH TIMEE. The only good part of the day because it means the day is almost over and FOOD. I love food, it makes me so happy.

I head outside and sit at my usual spot where I bother no one and no one bothers me. Out of habit I put my headphones in and play my favourite song. I love you, I'm sorry by Gracie Abrams.

Ugh I love this song.

I unwrap my sandwich, take a bite and close my eyes, letting the music drown out the noise around me. It's peaceful out here. No Katie, No awkward conversations. Just the fresh air, me and music.

Halfway through my meal I start to feel the familiar tension rising, the nagging that I don't really belong here. Two years of being ignored and Katie and her followers' remarks. This is my last lunch here. The thought should make me happy, but it feels... heavy.

My mom, dad and I don't really get along. We don't fight we just don't talk, it's weird. They know I don't fit in Riven High School, so we all decided to move me to a different school. But what I didn't know is that they would ship all the way across the country to Evergreen Academy. A fancy ass boarding school on the East coast.

I mean a completely new start doesn't sound awful but leaving everything behind is still hard. Especially my cat Juno, I love him so much. He always sticks by my side, and I secretly give him treats, it's our little thing. He's like my emotional support animal.

I feel my eyes start to water at the thought of leaving Juno. Awhh man I don't wanna cry. I look up and blink a lot, I don't want my mascara to smear. After a lot of blinking and probably looking like a weirdo, the tears leave my eyes. I look at the time, and lunch is almost over.

Fast forward to my last period. Remember when I had two goals for today? Avoid Katie-that failed and not fall asleep- also failed. I mean who wants to hear about things that happened 100 years ago,  definitely not me.

I'm now walking into the office to finalize leaving this place. The receptionist Mrs Wheeler looks up from her computer and gives me one of those 'I'm tired I want to go home but I have to stay nice' smiles.

"Hi, I'm here to finalize my transfer." She doesn't say anything and turns around. She turns back to me and hands me a few papers. "Sign these and you'll be all set"

I pick up the pen and hover over the line. This is real. I'm really leaving. A small part of me that still cares about this place- Riven, my hometown and even this stupid high school- clutches for something familiar. But then I remember the loneliness, the mean things people say about me, the hours spent being ignored when I finally tried to make friends. I take a breath and sign my name.

"There you go" I mutter, handing the papers back.

Mrs Wheeler give me a curt nod "Good luck at Evergreen, Dylan"

Dylan... I never liked my first name. So decided I wanted to go by Jules, my middle name. It's a fresh start and plus, I think it fits me better. In a few days no one will know who Dylan Wilder is. Just Jules.

I say a quick thank you and leave the office. The echo of footsteps follows me. I don't look back, there is nothing for me here. As I open the exit door, the bell rings. The sound of chatter fills my ears, and a wave of relief falls over me.

I plug my headphones in and let the music cover the chatter.

It's over.

Now all I have to do is survive Evergreen Academy.

————————————————————

A/N

I am a major cat lover so I just had to it into the story. Jules is ready for a fresh new start but still kinda hesitant to leave everything behind.

Leave your thoughts below, I would love to hear them ✨