Chapter 14: Parent's, Boys and Drama.

The days counted until it was time for our presentation. It took weeks of planning and now is the school's annual science fair.it had been what a month after the incident. The Geo group will be prepping today which will be nerve racking and embarrassing. Luckily, is not just us that are worried about our parents and guardians invited to this.

Oh, my days. I'm so embarrassed and it hasn't even started yet. I screamed as I Sadie's alarm wails as I squish my face into the pillow and silently scream into it. I rolled on the bed as the blankets tangled against my skin and bit my tongue out of panic.

I really thought I would get used to waking up early after being here since march but bitch no. Sadie was screaming as she rolled over the bed, scrambled into the bathroom, and slammed the door. Staring into the familiar sky as a heavily sigh exhaled from my lips. Wiggling my toes, I slipped on my slippers and did my bed. Thoughts flooded my mind, wondering who Sadie panthers are and what her group presentation is.

Then it hit like bricks. It was global warming and its effects on living things. Even though gurgling was heard from the bathroom and I was exhausted by yesterday. I grabbed my glasses from the nightstand and then the cursed alarm started beeping like crazily. I grabbed and flung it over the desks when It shattered.

I'm dramatic, I know. Shit, that cost at least 15 bucks.

I dressed like it was the end of the world. Maybe my grades were a white shirt as I buttoned it, a grey wooly sweater with a green crest, and pulled on my light green plaid skirt then lastly I shrugged on my dark green blazer that I washed and ironed yesterday and patted my skirt twirling around and checking for wrinkles and ruffles. Sitting on the bed as I sighed heavily, I pulled on my black knee-length socks and made sure not to roll over my bed. Scrambling out of the floor, I slipped on my black loafers, dusted myself and tied my red and yellow necktie.

I decided to wear my full uniform unlike Sadie as I stared at the full-length mirror and puffed my hair. Darting around the room as I did a last minute checkup and sighed happily. "Sadie, are you still showering? "I screamed loudly, as Sadie slammed open the white door as perfume billows outside and coughing aggressively as I nodded curtly. Sadie stared at me, huffed then marched out of the room. Luckily, we could still hear shouting and stomping through the hallway as girls yelled as they bee lined through the hallway to the stairs to breakfast as me and Sadie did a fist bumped as we giggled.

I glanced at Sadie and looked at uniform. She made an ugly uniform look fabulous. She didn't wear the whole thing but it was nice. Just the blazer, a white buttoned up shirt, a plaited skirt, dark green stockings and plain black flats.

After eating a nice English breakfast, we passed the hallway cleaning our lockers before we arrived at the schools auditorium. It was packed with parents and students as all the chairs have been moved into the storage rooms but replaced with tables placed with projects and wacky presentations. Sadie and I were filled with awe and cringe as we stared at experiments from different grades. High school was loosely at the right and the middle school at left and in front at the alcoves was elementary.

At the stage completely pulled of the curtains was a mic and long tables with beautiful black tablecloth and tags. The judges must really be sophisticated and rich. It was so suffocating as Sadie jumped just to see her peers as she waved then disappeared into the crowd to visit a group of older guys. At the sidelines, were the chemistry club happily organizing and scrambling since they helped the committee and the seniors too.

I gulped as I passed a swarm of snotty parents, yelling and asking the kids about their projects, as they seemed immersed as the little ones rehearsed their presentations as one by one. We were called to the stage and present as the judges judges as and reviews us.

A freshman Asian girl dressed neatly and a shabbily dressed Mexican boy have an intense argument as they yelled at their ruined work and her uncompleted projects. Then they kissed. No, seriously, they kissed. A Teacher scolds them and stares at them in horror and distrust as kids giggle.

Whelp, this a place or hormone teenagers so this shouldn't faze me as I scrunch my nose, avert my gaze and tried not to gag. I saw Noah leaning on the wall, darting his head but his face softened as he saw me and a small smile formed on his lips. A small toothy grin that warms my heart. He seemed bothered and lost in space. He relaxed and ran to me and fixed his cuff and as I shamelessly checked him out. He was dressed in his full uniform. Khaki trousers and white socks the only new accessory added to his uniform.

"Are you alright?" I asked as I quirked a brow as concern that laced my features. Crossed my arms as I stared at a worried and anxious Noah. He gulped, sagged his shoulders and gave a sideways look. The perfect dude has a flaw. He is nervous. I wanted to sniffle a laugh .yes; I might be a bad person. "Dude, don't worry. I am also nervous is like about 80% of our geography and biology grade. "I muttered, biting my lip as my breathe hitched.

That rather made him hyperventilate and pretended to fan himself. We bolted into the crowd twisting and turning while we apologized only to meet a very angry Clara and a bored Jess as she waved at us. Clara glared at her as the crowd thin as we approached the stairs.

Noah whispered, "Is it just me or is getting hot in here? "He scratched his neck and fanned his face as I giggled and playfully shoved him. I clicked my tongue. "Nope, is just you. "I muttered dryly, as we tried or desperately attempted not to be yelled at.

As we entered the booth, then Clara went on full mamma mode. Lecturing us on timesaving, responsibility and group work as we shamelessly rolled our eyes as we took positions. The rest of the dudes helped sat up and pasted posters as we scattered out tiny sculptures.

Ciara and Avery strolled by, whispered, and giggled. "Fuck you. "Stupid mad slut." gritting my teeth and my hands balled at my sides as thoughts flooded through my mind. I literally had no idea why they hated me or treated me like shit. They even posted embarrassing photos of me as if they have time to fool.

I don't know what came over me but I had the urge to lunge at their throats and if it wasn't for an unexpected girl and Noah for restraining me and gripping my arms. There would have an insult party and his weirdly sedative words at my neck. But I'm not a werewolf so why the sudden hostility or impulse.

"Girls, what is your issue? "Clara shouted staring at them. They shrugged and glared at her. "Why don't you just, you know. Mind your business. "Avery chided her hair in waves as she leaned at Clara their short noses almost teaching. She recoiled as her voice scrunched and shoved them angrily.

"I've been observing "your reign or terror" or just plain bullying. Or do you want to slapped back into reality and not those stupid clichés I hate watching on TV." She said as threatened her palms out for emphasis as she rolled her eyes. Her tall but athletic frame towering both girls.

"I'll get you, Clara. You don't mess with her fa-I-I mean our plans. "She screamed angrily her mouth agape as her sister shoved her and winced. Quirking an eyebrow at her lousy attempt to correct herself as they sashayed out.

"Um, thanks Clara. "I said happily as she glared at me, sized me as her gaze softened and shrugged. "Is fine. Don't mention it .I hate just bitches and bullies but c'mon we're busy. "She snapped, I nodded and whirled.

"What do they even do? "I asked, rolling my eyes and recited my lines. "Um, I dunno maybe something embarrassing but their good at sports and technology, "She said and snapped her fingers, "Beware."

My blood was still boiling and I don't know why it should have subsided long ago so I sat down and breathed heavily as others exchanged looks or mind their business. Then I spotted my parents then panic engulfed me this me.

I stared at Clara with pleading eyes as parents spilled from the first floor to ours as I spotted familiar and warm faces.

***

I was at the hallway; downstairs from the third floor were the auditorium was. It was thin with teens leaning on the pastel green lockers with their parents or relaxing by the drinking fountain or outside chatting. Parents Day and a Science Fair. A great excuse to meet your parents or simply skype them. They darted their heads and lumbered to me as surprisely a familiar red head was patiently waiting by the cafeteria.

"Who that? "Damon asked, while approaching him and did not even bother to acknowledge his sister. I glared at him. "Who? "I asked just to piss hi off. He glared at me back. "The boy you were chatting with? "He pressed, pointing as Noah scrambled out and smiling at a classmate.

"Oh, hi. "He said as he approached my parents. He shot his killer smile. My mom's face hardened as she checked him out as my father trailed behind her. Accessing the person. Damon was wearing a white button up shirt. Khaki pants and sneakers and his hair was curlier than usual and stuck his tongue out. Luckily, Damon didn't wear uniforms at his public middle school.

"So Damon how's school? "I asked.

"You know, quite fun honestly. I got a friend. She kicks ass ,"he paused as mom glared at him, "I meant butt since she does taekwondo after school and she's bubbly. But history is a draaag. Honestly, Eighth grade is boooring,"He paused and smothered his wrinkles, "But at least I don't get to wear uniforms and stay at a school longer than ten hours. "He concluded.

I smiled. Is true, I honestly missed the nugget, the house, and the laughs but I've gotten used to this. I leaned and ruffled his hair.

"Um the house? "I chided.

"Jeez, the house is empty and boring without your girly problems and you guys nagging the TV and our bike rides. But hey, at least I got the house to myself until mom comes home then dad later."

Homesickness washed me as I sulked but I straighten as Noah approached us. I waved again.

My mother Abigail hair was braided and placed in a bun, a white frilly blouse and dark blue blazer, pencil skirt and black flats. Damn, she really dressed to impress. My dad just dressed casually ,A white and crème striped dress shirt ,black slacks and loafers.

"I think we overdressed. "My dad muttered while darting his head as my mother forcedly giggled. And nodded. "Oh "I gasped, "Um ,this is Noah ,one of the new students and also in my group too. "I said, placing my hands behind my back.

"White boi."Damon smirked he whispered loudly as Noah smiled and sniffled a laugh. I froze and my mother gaze hardens and averts his gaze, giggles then scolds him. She returns giving a fake wide smile and clamps his mouth shuts as his scream muffles.

My dad clears his throat as my mom again smiles as her lips widened as she embraces me into a tight hug and a small head bangs against my stomach and warped by rough facial hair. I felt their love and warmth as we finally recoiled. It was awkward and weird for Noah as he continuously darted his gaze to the door.

"Hello, Is nice to meet you. I'm Abigail and this is her brother, Damon. And I apologize, "She smiles, a cold but conflicted smile as she brought her hand out as he shook it, "No, ma'am. Is ok. "He pressed as she recoiled, smiled, and gave me a look. He's polite, be like that. Yep , a single glare tells you that. "You must also be new too, right? "She asked as he nodded. "Yes madam and I'm catching up quite quickly. "He continued and closed his eyes as my mother sighs dreamily. He winked at Damon as he pouted and crossed his arms.

My mom must have obviously like him as I shook my head and sighed. I stared wide-eyed and tried to enjoy the show. She acted like a schoolgirl and acted weirdly. A good influence .Check. Smart, polite and neat. Check. Now, what else?

I coughed. He glared.

After that we laughed, joked about all the weird school stuff that happened in all three months. Honestly speaking, I removed the part about werewolves and ect. It is because my mother will panic, be scared, not believe or label them as demonic and occultist. And the harassing and bullying because African moms are scary and unpredictable.

Just then, a petite plump lady padded through the hallway as she stops midway and smiles at Noah. I stared at the middle-aged lady as she beamed happily. She was a dark-skinned woman with a black bun and dressed in all white: White linen shirt and pants with black flats as she clutch a purse to her busty chest. What I mean by short was she was at least two heads shorter than my mom and she's quite short. I was even towering the lady as I felt a chubby hand tug my skirt as I whirled. She brought a hand out and wiggled her fingers as I shook it."Hello madam, Please do I know, you? "I asked confused , stunned and arched a brow.

She shook her head, "No. I'm 'fraid not. My name is Miss Bertha or Miss Smith Franklin, "She paused, sighed for dramatic effect as I froze and tried not to stammer. His mom but...but...the hell? Wow, Noah is adopted. I stared sat him and continued shaking. A collected gasp from my parents and me. I was speechless, shocked and amazement, "Yes, don't worry I'm not offend at all. He is my baby boy, Heather dearie he talks about you a lot. "She blurted giving him a sideways glance as Noah laughed nervously. "Yes, I'm his momma. "She clarified as even Damon gasp and stared at Noah with a newfound liking but she was curvy.

"I'm heather...wait .What, "I said, my mouth agape as I froze and stared wide-eyed, My parents snickered then whistled looking elsewhere or anywhere than in front .I have such an odd family. Her voice was sweet, accented and bubbly. It was soothing and deep like mint. Cute PDA and I usually dislike them.

As if forgetting, we were there. She raised her heels, kissed his cheek and they laughed as Noah's neck flushed and giggled loudly. He ran his hands through his messy curly hair in embarrassment. I later found out she's a single mom and Noah is practically a half Dominican and bilingual.

After this, again. I was speechless and confused but mostly confused. I had a long string of questions but no answers.

"You're bilingual, like me .Awesome."

"Yep, I'm a global citizen. I was born in Scotland, raised in Britain and learnt numerous languages but I'm a Domitian at heart."

Yeah, I gushed and squealed like some pig. My heart melted, this is so amazing and some nosy girls heard it then gushed too. It was so AMAZING.

My mom showered her with praises and blessing as she modestly declined her .My mom was unusually sweet. Pigs are flying.

"Whoa. Your middle name made me think .Honestly. "I said.

"Yeah, I love my mom. She's amazing. "He said dreamily.

We glanced over only to my dad vanished and Damon is wandering around this school. The two ladies started chatting and completely ignored us.

"They look busy. "I laughed loudly.

"Yeah." He nodded.

I gestured as we climbed the stairs as Noah's expression hardened.

As we climbed up the flights of stairs. Some girls were oddly touchy and oddly nice as Noah glared at them, rolled his eyes and totally ignored them. Hey, most of them didn't care or even acknowledge his existence. Honestly, I was never popular but invisible until the rumors made everyone think I'm mad, I need pity or a complete laughing stock.

"I don't like the unnecessary attention. "Noah whispered to my ear as I nodded. "I get it."I said. No, honestly, don't. I wished I was cute.

***

After sixteen students, It was finally our groups turn. Yay. The auditorium was packed as parents sat in front, on the bleachers or on the sidelines. Or the levels of seat and man, this place was huge. We entered the stage as cold eyes and judgementally eyes were glued on us as the place. It was awfully and eerily quiet; you could hear a pin drop which I hated. Clara started our introduction and halfway students looked restless and bored and some sixth grader in the back fake coughed, then snickering from the last four rows.

"Boring."

"Nerds"

But he was immediately scolded, shushed by the teachers then escorted out. More laughs flooded the back hall. Now one of the dudes showed a drawing pointed the parts. The principal glanced at his watch, stared disappointedly at freshmen then the fresh meat or us. The principal wasn't bad of you were interested in dad bods and rich looking dudes.

"We gotta wing it." Noah whispered as Clara shot him a look. Shut-up. She swallowed her pride, made jokes about the trips, and talked about things in a livelier way and simpler terms.

It worked. For a while but the teachers were mad and parents sent as weary looks. In the end we thought we made it but we were wrong.

We flunked our grades.

***

"You did your best. "My mom muttered and patted my back. I sighed heavily as l leaned on my locker, burying my face in my arms and the group exchange angry and worried glances. Even Jess wasn't happy. Clara was sobbing as she blamed Noah and herself for being so serous and boring. Like who were supposed to educate .the patents or the restless students. "Yeah." I muttered in disappoint and shrugged.

His mom was also consoling him.

"It was great but not that great. I got bored at some point. "Damon shrugged calmly, "But hey, I missed school for this which is cool. "I stared wide-eyed at Damon. He said something intelligent. My parents too. Pigs are definitely flying.

Suddenly a buzzing sound wafted into the room as the lights flickered then exploded. Panic and screams were heard as I darted my head. BOOM! Deep breathing and snarling could be heard. Thunder strikes but the sky is clear and no rain. We huddled together as my breathing exhilarates. Damon was trembling but he didn't react further. Rain pounded the windowpanes as winds howled but all it did was muffle the screams. I got a glimpse of Miss Bertha and Noah. I checked again, my heart was on the floor as I suppressed a scream. Soft footsteps echoed as thunder stuck and rumbled. They weren't there, they vanished .My brain created logical explanations but don't kid yourself. Suddenly, scratching could be heard from the windows and snarling. The principal announced that we'll be fine is just a flash storm then what's the sound and the sudden blackout.

No answer.

The light flickered on as everybody vanished. Except my breathing and me and at the end of the hallway was glowing poison green eyes.

It roared and lunged as I cowered ducked and shook. It vanished before I saw it as weird monstrosity forms and pile behind me as I darted and ran.

I staggered and screamed louder than banshee scream then I slipped onto the floor and curled into a ball. Then I was surrounded my people staring at me with concern as my bloodshot eyes blurred and darted away as I was swallowed by a crowd of scared and concerned parents.

Crazy. Mad. Werido.

Warnings, threats or something wanted me.