Page 1 of Race to Me

One

Today is going to be perfect, and nothing will ruin it! I draw a neon pink checkmark on my calendar, marking the day I’ve been waiting for.

Using my palms, I smooth my freshly curled hair, making sure that no strands are out of place. I can’t afford to not look my best. It’s a new environment, after all. One I’m entirely unfamiliar with.

Skirt is pressed, button-up is crisp. With a light sigh, I grab my bags and head out into the warm summer morning.

Bouncing across the pavement, I make sure to give my housekeeper a peck on the cheek. “You look beautiful today, Mrs. Rita!” I gush, twirling my keyring around my manicured nail. She sends me a brilliant smile as I trot down the driveway.

The salty wind catches my hair, attempting to knot it. I pull down the sun visor, checking for any imperfections. Once satisfied, I turn the ignition of my pearl range rover. It hums to life, and I slip out through the open wrought-iron gate.

My car phone rings, breaking me away from my sing along with the radio. “You bitch! You better hurry up and get me.”

It’s Kate. “About to pull in!” I tell her, laughing when I see her rushing down the driveway.

“Are you nervous?” She stares at my shaking leg while she climbs into the warm leather seat. Her crimson red hair slaps me in the face when she throws her suitcase in the back.

“Ouch!” I squeal, trying not to laugh as she plants herself firmly back in her seat.

“Sorry!” Kate giggles, looking me over with worry while I tap my nails on the leather wheel. “For real, are you nervous?” she asks.

I nod. This will be my first day attending a public school. I had to beg and plead with my father for months after I loathed every minute of my first semester at an all-girls private college. Elementary through high school has always been private, but at least it was co-ed.

I may have done a little more than beg and plead, I may have given him no other choice, but I like to think that he caved. He had rules, of course. It was hard for him because he’s always prided himself on keeping me in the best schools. ‘‘Education can get you far in life.’’ he would tell me, all the time.

His rules were as follows: I couldn’t live on campus, no parties, and I’d better keep my grades up. I jumped on the deal, naturally. I’d do anything to keep from going back to Crestview.

As for Kate, she lives in the dorms, but on certain special occasions, like my first day of school, she’ll stay down the street at her parent’s house.

“I just don’t know anyone.” I nervously grin.

Kate’s laughter booms through the car. “Skyler, you have nothing to be nervous about. You’re literally perfect. Look at you! Everyone is going to love you.” She smiles, turning up the radio to drown out my worries.

I take in a deep breath as the ocean springs into view, calming me. Salty air flows through the open windows, surely ruining my hair this time. But I need to breathe in the therapeutic scent of the ocean breeze. Surprisingly, the heat is calm. Not suffocating like a typical August in Florida, but then again, it’s only morning.

“You know you have me and Brett,” She winks. We’ve all grown up together. We’ve just never been to the same school.

∞∞∞

An unusual sense of freedom blankets over me as we pull into the University of Miami. Orientation with my parents was interesting but seeing it in full swing is completely different.

I drive past the front lawn in awe. Students dot the grass, soaking in the Florida sun before we all start our day stuck inside.

Diversity flows freely in public schools. Everyone is free to express themselves through fashion. My entire life, I’ve worn a uniform, and now I can dress how I want. My wardrobe doesn’t really go past plaid skirts and dresses, though.

Girls in all black smoke cigarettes, leaning against their cars. The jocks—I’m used to them—wear their lettermen’s and play fight on the courtyard. Band and Orchestra are to my left. Endless amounts of vibrant colors shine before me. Normally, it was only the jocks and cheerleaders, then just ... everyone else.

I link my arm through Kate’s. “I’m not ready for this first class without you,” I groan, wishing we were able to be in every class together. But I’m optimistic; this will be a good thing. I just know it.

She lets out a sweet laugh, tossing her hair over her slender shoulder. “You’ll be fine! We have gym together, so that’s a plus.” Kate winks, bringing me in for a hug in front of the doors to my biology class.

∞∞∞

The room is empty, and I take my spot at one of the front tables. In orientation, I saw large classrooms with massive pews. This, however, is more like a high school lab, which I prefer. It’s much more comfortable, smaller with less distractions.

As the room fills with students, no one sits near me. My stomach aches from the feeling of rejection, but it’s only the first day. Things will get better. “Welcome back, students. You’re officially sophomores, so no bullshit this semester.”

I snicker hearing a teacher curse. That would have never happened at my old school. My eyes trail down the professor’s accusatory finger, landing on a lean and long boy.

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