“Ah, high school,” the man says softly as another shark passes. “Well, good luck settling in.”
I wait a beat, enjoying the patterns of the water reflecting across my face, then answer: “Thanks. Do you have any tips about the area?”
“Who are you talking to?” Cassie asks from my left side. Startled, I peel my eyes from the underwater world and glance at her. Then I look right, to where the man had been standing. There’s no sign of him. Confused, I look back at Cassie.
“I was talking to some dude, and then he disappeared,” I say.
“What did he look like?” Cassie asks automatically. It’s a question I’m used to hearing. Mason and Cassie are always trying to teach me life lessons, like how to be a keen observer. Normally, I’m excellent at this game, but when I think of the man, only the word average comes to my mind. I try to remember his hair color or what his clothes looked like. I try to picture whether he wore a hat or distinctive shoes. Anything.
“I don’t remember,” I say honestly.
Cassie looks deep into my eyes for a moment, probably expecting the usual list of colors and textures and mannerisms. Finally, when she realizes that I’m not going to say more, she tugs at my arm.
“Mason’s waiting. Let’s go.”
On the way to the car, I remember something about the man: his barely distinguishable lisp when saying certain things, like the word creatures. Excitedly, I look over at Cassie, wanting to tell her about it.
But like usual, she’s on the phone.
five
Omaha Victory High School is brand-new and modern, sharp angles and manicured grounds, high-tech and functional. School starts at 7:45, but Mason, Cassie, and I arrive at 7:00 to check in and pick up my class schedule and locker assignment. We follow signs through the new-smelling and nearly empty corridors. A surprisingly young-looking, dark-haired woman in jeans and a blazer is waiting for us at the reception area.
“I’m Vice Principal Erin Waverly,” the woman says, hand outstretched.
“Mason West,” Mason says with a smile, shaking Ms. Waverly’s hand.
“I’m Cassie West,” Cassie says. “So nice to meet you.” Her voice is sugary sweet like a doughnut this morning.
“And this must be Daisy,” Ms. Waverly says, looking at me with a friendly smile. “Welcome to Victory.”
“Thanks,” I say.
We follow Ms. Waverly back to her office. Mason, Cassie, and I sit on a small couch across from Ms. Waverly’s desk while she reviews my real but slightly altered birth certificate, government-manufactured school transcripts, forged yet accurate immunization records, and totally falsified proof of residence.
“You were in honors classes at your last school,” Ms. Waverly observes before setting aside the transcript.
“Yes,” I say.
“She’s a little smarty-pants,” Cassie teases as she smoothes back my hair.
“Mom!” I protest quietly, rolling my eyes at her and feigning embarrassment.
“I can see that Daisy’s a good student,” Ms. Waverly says to Cassie. “Unfortunately, we’ve got a larger than usual sophomore class this year due to some renovations at one of the magnet schools, and our honors classes are full.”
Mason shifts in his seat. “But can’t you make room for one more?” he asks.
Ms. Waverly holds up a hand. “Before you get too concerned, I think I have a solution.”
“Oh?” Mason asks.
“Yes. I think based on Daisy’s test scores, she’ll keep up fine in junior math, science, and English.”
I get a funny feeling in my stomach: a tinge of nervousness. Victory is grades nine through twelve, so I’m already starting high school a year after everyone else my age; now I’m about to be thrust into junior classes, too? But at the same time, it’s better than the regular sophomore curriculum.
That’s the equivalent of being held back.
Everyone agrees to the compromise, and soon enough, we leave the office, all smiles and optimism. I part ways with Mason and Cassie at the main doors. When they’re gone, I set off for my assigned locker in the math wing, navigating multiplying students as I go. A professional new girl, I check out what kids are wearing and note that my hip-length red T-shirt and faded skinny jeans were the right choice this morning.