Janessa's view

The next day, something has changed.

Something big.

Serene walks into breakfast that morning---with all of us eating together, by the way, which is a rare occurrence for breakfast since Dad usually has to leave pretty fast to make it to work---looking like herself, sounding like herself, acting like herself. But something isn't herself. I can't quite place it. But something is different.

"Hi, Reen---Um, Serene." I mentally remind myself to call her 'Serene' instead of 'Reenee'. She looks surprised at that, but sits down at the table, her bowl of Froot Loops in front of her.

"Hi." She starts eating. The rest of the table kind of watches her for a second, then goes back to eating. Apparently my parents don't sense anything's off. Even Dude goes over and puts his head in her lap again, wagging his tail when she feeds him a Froot Loop.

Maybe I'm just being overcautious. Maybe I'm just seeing things that aren't there.

But is it just me, or is Serene weirdly pale?

Serene's view YES I KNOW IT'S SHORT IT'S WHAT WAS REQUIRED OF THIS CHAPTER 

I don't think anyone can tell that I'm hiding something. Mom and Dad seem oblivious, but Janessa is eyeing me suspiciously.

I don't lie often. Not for something this big, anyway. But I'm certain that if my parents caught even a whisper of my decision, they'd be all over me. The way my father would look at me...

I have to be careful.

The day is a blur for me. I only vaguely remember anything, from when Lucy greets me nervously, to when Brietta joins us and I weakly apologize again for yesterday and she brushes it away, grinning like her normal self. I don't pay attention when Max stops by to say hello to Brietta and splutters through said hello. I don't feel anything when Hayder talks to me again in Gym and Magic class. My mind is focused on one moment, one sentence.

Fifth hour. History class. It barely takes an instant to reach my powers out to Blake's mind and whisper the two words I've been dying to say all day.

I'm in.

Blake's slow smile isn't directed my way, but I know it's because of me. Excellent. Since you're on board, how about we start now?

Now?

Tomorrow. After school. On the Isle of the Lost, Blake corrects. Obviously not now now.

I'll be there.

I'll meet you at the entrance. Come alone. That is essential.

Got it. Before he can continue, I pull away. I can see him sending me a confused glance, but he doesn't push the subject. I don't even look at him the rest of the class period, and the second the bell rings, it's like a huge weight has been lifted off of my chest. I'm filled with relief, and heading to sixth hour is like floating on air.

I can do this. I can be better. I can be bigger.

I won't be the shadow nobody notices anymore.

_________________________

I KNOW it's short. Very short. But it felt like I was dragging it out if I kept going, and I don't want it to feel boring. 

:)

I just watched "Mean Girls" on Broadway and I am OBSESSED. Taylor Louderman was AMAZING as Regina George. I've never seen the movie, so I can't really judge, but I loved the musical. "World Burn" "Someone Gets Hurt" "I See Stars" and "Apex Predator" are currently my favorites. 

Also I need to vent. UFPAISJFAPIUE(WQ*F_H*_A(FINSAIUPBSFIHALAHOAH CHAUODFHAPUEQ(_*(_AUFBHA A*)W&)*&!BLJHFA*)AU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHY IS MY LIFE SO FREAKIN CONFUSING AND ANNOYING AND FRUSTRATING AND AAARRRRRRRRGH!!!!!!!

Idk why that helped... but it did. Apparently ferociously slamming keys helps frustration? Ok bye!