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I have mentioned before that Bloomfield didn't have a place for you, if you weren't something striking enough. 428Please respect copyright.PENANAnNESoVtQta
When Jae had crowned me the stone diva, it was evident I was striking enough because people showed respect for me. When your reputation had been spoken, there was no way of running from it -you had one out of two choices -let it define you or define it. This was highschool at Bloomfield and traditions lived forward.428Please respect copyright.PENANAHNlgkPvdd5
When Monday came by, rumours did as well. I was summoned to the principal's office and it brought a nervous feeling as everyone's eyes was placed on me. They must know, I contemplated, weighing everything they could possibly have uncovered about me and it was terrifying as there were so many. As I walked to the principal's office, with Wiley tight against my side, it was hard to ignore the stares that followed me.428Please respect copyright.PENANAwTUpQVzd3o
The receptionist, Ms. Allendale, received us kindly and gestured for Wiley to take a seat when I went inside. He didn't, instead, continued ahead and entered the room with me.428Please respect copyright.PENANAcSymGldsKd
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"Ms...and Mr Burchart," principal Johnson welcomed us, surprised by Wiley's presence, "welcome. Please have a seat." He said.428Please respect copyright.PENANAuN6NEkEcyW
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We accepted gradually and once we were seated, Wiley said. "To what do we owe this pleasure, Mr Johnson?" Like he had been invited to meet with the principal.428Please respect copyright.PENANAjLdj6IXVZc
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"I'm happy to see you so fond of your sister, we should encourage it more often here at Bloomfield. Seeing how cruel the kids are to one another... How are you holding up, Kaye?"428Please respect copyright.PENANAwYlgUpfHV0
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The question so strange, made me uncomfortable. "Well, principal Johnson, I'd be much better if I knew the reason for requested presence here."428Please respect copyright.PENANAQ3PsVFpLfF
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"It's come under my attention that you've been through some hard times at Marigold Prep, an incident regarding one of your friends." He started.428Please respect copyright.PENANAYd9fhlyGwW
My face heated up, if principal Johnson knew, it meant that the whole school did too. I knew it could only one out of the pair -Wiley or Alexa and when I contemplated it over, I had realised it had been Wiley all along.428Please respect copyright.PENANAZeKAcI11vc
Wiley had not spread the word but he entrusted Alexa with one of my most vulnerable secrets and now the whole school had known it too.428Please respect copyright.PENANAmb1G71JfN2
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"Who told you?" I asked the principal.428Please respect copyright.PENANA27vIbyufiA
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"It's hard to get to the bottom of a story at Bloomfield, I've learned. I had to ask, since there's been something else that has also been brought under my attention and I need you to be completely honest with me. Excuse me, at the boldness of my manners, but do you know Doctor Wiggins by any means?"428Please respect copyright.PENANAgs53dbz1Jl
My stomach turned to a knot and I could feel my brother's eyes penetrating through me. "I don't know, I can't remember well...I've been to so many schools." I shrugged, "Why do you ask?"428Please respect copyright.PENANALGzsdFxr6w
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"Nothing..." Principal Johnson said. I could tell he was lying, he had something else he wanted to ask and I sensed he hadn't, all because of Wiley. 428Please respect copyright.PENANA4hG2WJyOh9
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"Can we go?" I asked.428Please respect copyright.PENANAjbZIVEIB3S
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"No, there's something else. Since you won't be representing us in the Olympics this year, I have something else that you're required to do. It's university accredited, so at least your hard work will pay off. Here you go." Principal handed me a form.428Please respect copyright.PENANAKSmgnrLkso
"This is Ms. Donahue's varsity accredited creative newspaper form. You're required to take it since you won't be competing athletically. Make the best of it, Ms Burchart, not everyone knows the value of words."428Please respect copyright.PENANA3OH4N05Ak2
I too, didn't know the value of words but I was required to be there, so I filled in the form and immediately left. When we were in the hall, Wiley had stopped me to converse over the thing that was on both our minds.428Please respect copyright.PENANAkVZU7Kwy6C
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Alexa had told everyone.428Please respect copyright.PENANAXt7yfXQt3k
I preferred to not speak to him, I was hurt that he had went and blurted my secret to his girlfriend and bestfriend; even though he hadn't known them that long. It was my secrets -to tell and to keep.428Please respect copyright.PENANAYC31WQTU0x
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The bell rang, and the hall was soon swamped with students, all glaring at me. I knew why, they had thought my stone cold behavior was associated with he horror of seeing my bestfriend hang from a tree. I couldn't allow it to become my reputation; I knew I had to get in front of the story before it got me.428Please respect copyright.PENANAhQrofoGB6n
"I don't trust you, now." I told Wiley quietly and walked towards Ms. Donahue's, where principal Johnson demanded me to go.428Please respect copyright.PENANA2Lw9bYTKeE
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The hall felt long and endless and I didn't notice the states redirected from me to Alexa, who stride her way up to me. I knew the things that would follow after, would only bring demise.428Please respect copyright.PENANAON2tbmNbwf
"I'm sorry Kaye..." She started.428Please respect copyright.PENANAZUir76AZuT
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I was so angry. She had entrusted me with her secret than she had turned around and spread mine to the entire Bloomfield student body. Before I could stop myself, my hand flew across her face. Everyone stood in disbelieve, my reputation had become one to fear not to gossip over. People realised I was a military brat and that day, my reputation didn't define me...I defined it.428Please respect copyright.PENANAtaTeUU4Zky
Alexa's eyes grew teary, they were no longer facing me. Behind me stood Wiley, they had a stare down everyone could read clearly. I walked away, passing the scene that escalated between them. I ducked down the hall to Ms Donahue's class. 428Please respect copyright.PENANALHKVoEJwcF
Both Jae and Graeme stood by their lockers, six lockers apart from each other. I would have lost all senses and marched up to Graeme but Heather Rory stood by his side, playing with his arm. I felt so jealous, seeing that I couldn't make it to our date on Saturday -that I wanted to walk up to Jae instead and kiss him in front of the whole school. I was so angry at everybody but I continued to walked with my head up when Kath suddenly appeared by them with Joey on her arm -I ignored them, like they were never there. I knew first Jae turned to look at me, knowing his friends would see him, as they stood only a few feet away.428Please respect copyright.PENANAy6F5vhqdYW
I had no hopes on earning Graeme's attention but I knew everyone else in his company, would surely turn to look, without realising that I had just punched the most popular girl in school. Carissa and Stacey ran up to Kath, for a moment I was confused. Kath had never showed interest in them and when they passed me, they both gave me a vile look -like I reeked of bad or sworn wrath upon them.428Please respect copyright.PENANAy4lXTahQte
Despite me ignoring them, didn't prevent the feeling of hurt that so harshly hit me. Why had they been talking to Kath and how could Graeme still remain by their sides when I knew for a fact, they had something to say about me.428Please respect copyright.PENANAagEgaJvw5j
"Kaye!" I heard two voices call at once. Jae Starling's, I recognised and the other I learned upon seeing as Jane Colby's.428Please respect copyright.PENANAarVQi26aOn
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Yes, the same Jane who had traded places with Alexa in Math.428Please respect copyright.PENANAKLs7wsqqgX
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Everyone that heard, looked at Jae Starling, despite all the suspicions and rumours about us, people almost never saw us together. He had called my name aloud, out publicly, for anyone to hear without minding all the rumors that would follow after. Even though Jane wasn't considered amongst the popular clan, she knew it was a matter that needed silence, so she allowed Jae to approach me first.428Please respect copyright.PENANA5rKwQHdrCl
"Screw them." He motioned to his friends, all including Graeme, who now interested himself with any matter that concerned me publicly. "I think you witnessing all that gives bone. No baggage, no life." 428Please respect copyright.PENANAJdCf09y3Cr
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I smiled. I liked how in some way, the bold Jae Starling was becoming comfortable in showing apart of his true self. I liked how he knew who he was -so sure of himself and than my eyes caught Graeme's.428Please respect copyright.PENANASZWHcczk5N
It was the look he gave that terrified me. Like he had no hope, no purpose, miserable behind his dark brown eyes. I had not seen it before and it made me wonder if anything had happened on Saturday night, something I should already know.428Please respect copyright.PENANAnlVKQ6cdco
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"Thanks." I said to Jae and he caught Graeme and I staring at each other.428Please respect copyright.PENANAyS6V9iqf63
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His facial expression changed, like he had committed a crime against all humanity and didn't know how to face them.428Please respect copyright.PENANAr4S7mLkBoR
His eyes asked me, Is it him? 428Please respect copyright.PENANALK6F25oA48
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There was no point in denying them the truth. Jae looked disappointed, like he too knew something I didn't.428Please respect copyright.PENANA2qEiA3ZtBG
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"Jane." I said and focused her small figure beside me, as Jae walked away without having to say any more.428Please respect copyright.PENANA0G0u8mPntq
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"I'm sorry for what happened to you," she said as we walked into Ms Donahue's class, "no kid should witness something like it. There's something you should know...Kath and Carissa spread the word. I don't know if Alexa had anything to do it but I heard Kath and Carissa talk about it."428Please respect copyright.PENANAsUS0GsDkwt
Whomever said not everyone had a place at Bloomfield. Everyone had a place in Bloomfield, just not the same opportunities as everyone who'd gained an honoree reputation. Jane had a place even though no one acknowledged her.428Please respect copyright.PENANAWT9IKs9j5j
"Seated everyone..." Ms Donahue spoke. Her energy vibrant and passionate, like the art paintings on her white walls, "we have a new fave in the Writer's Platform, today, welcome Ms Burchart." Everyone turned to look at me in the back of the class, although I knew the small group had already heard about Oakley. I earned an applaud and only a few smiles directed at me. 428Please respect copyright.PENANAoUy5tkd7IM
"Moving on to last weeks print of Bloomfield Post."428Please respect copyright.PENANABPIpYUtd4r
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"Bloomfield Post?" I found myself saying. I hadn't intended to but I had already spoke up and I couldn't just back out.428Please respect copyright.PENANAw7vWqGbkEB
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"Yes...stone diva... Bloomfield Post. Are you deaf or something." Echoed the voice of Blaire Ivanhoe, Kath's half-sister through the room.428Please respect copyright.PENANA5Pk0R1KgWs
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"No, but I do think its rather dull for a creative Varsity's magazine platform. It's suppose to represent us, not just in name but in everything own to Bloomfield."428Please respect copyright.PENANAQdzmAewChe
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"And what makes you think it doesn't represent everything own tous?"428Please respect copyright.PENANA9AJTI0bBIn
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"If it did -why are Bloomfield's students still so strung on reputation claims? How can someone decide who you are and everyone believes them. You're asking if I'm deaf, can you not see? Are you blind?"428Please respect copyright.PENANAVe3WNmQe4k
"Okay class," Ms Donahue said, clapping her hands against each other, "loving the energy we have going. Now, since Kaye is new to our class, we will give her the honours of drawing first."428Please respect copyright.PENANAolSg5D1yxd
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"What do I draw?" I asked.428Please respect copyright.PENANAarznwOih7h
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"Your column for this week's print." Jane explained.428Please respect copyright.PENANAHAdUjrITc2
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"So, Kaye come one up."428Please respect copyright.PENANAHN9qTMmbV7
I really didn't want to be apart of a print and I hadn't understood that I had to participate but I had no choice.428Please respect copyright.PENANALQn2Vkyj8J
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"Why not give everyone their own column, this way the readers would be able to connect with them. Where, as you give random columns that will make the magazine hard to understand."428Please respect copyright.PENANA9vEiiodl6E
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"The first thing we could agree on." Blaire exclaimed. "Ms Donahue, since we have another writer amongst us now, the magazine can return back to as it was when we started out. Everyone wants their own columns back anyway." 428Please respect copyright.PENANAuSPMQo4vL6
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Every one agreed with Blaire, so Ms Donahue said, "Okay, everyone can have their own columns back but, editor's position is open to everyone, depending on this weeks reviews."428Please respect copyright.PENANAQvnYqeUTz8
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"But I'm editor, Ms Donahue, we already voted." Blaire cried. I wanted to role eyes but remembered I wasn't one of those girls.428Please respect copyright.PENANAXIClgCEpVR
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"And it's going up for vote again," Ms Donahue gave a look that needed not be smart mouthed, "you're only editor for print, as far as the new digital is concerned, is happening this week."428Please respect copyright.PENANAH85I0b0yc8
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Jane looked excited, I couldn't quite tell why. 428Please respect copyright.PENANA4fCWWthHyf
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"What column do I get Ms Donahue?" I asked, with no interest at all.428Please respect copyright.PENANAhEK6Y2OOCF
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"Well, Kaye, since we hadn't yet covered the If You Knew You Me, story, it's yours for the taking. It's the only for the taking, so..."428Please respect copyright.PENANA8WbcNR9tQf
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"Is it just one issue or...how will this continue?"428Please respect copyright.PENANAUiV5bujHZt
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"We haven't considered but I think it can become recurring, right Ms Donahue? It's not such a bad idea. Be spontaneous."428Please respect copyright.PENANAFnTTEtJldF
It was, everything was a bad idea. I had no idea what to make of it and I wasn't a writer or spontaneous. It was all bound for disaster and I knew Blaire Ivanhoe would calmly await on my doom. Blood was thicker than water, proven evident in the case of Kath and Blaire.428Please respect copyright.PENANAHbIN9yfSHN
I contemplated it all over. Perhaps the story of Oakley surfaced for a reason -perhaps it was a sign. The time emerged for me to use my voice, to tell my story -or one of them at least. I looked at Blaire, she was so different from Kath, not too loud just enough to keep up with her wild reputation. I knew there was a story to her, all of us had one. It was a reminder that even though we were apart of the popular world at Bloomfield -everyone bled the same color blood.428Please respect copyright.PENANAQPUjacJrql
I was sitting in the den working on my issue for the Bloomfield Post, when I heard the doorbell ring. I wasn't up for people, I hardly made any process -uncertain about what to write and how I would organize those words.428Please respect copyright.PENANAQfzUBCTYzF
I stood up, eventually, forcing myself to the door. I could, in less than seconds be acquainted with a face of so many people I would rather ignore. When I opened the door, I wasn't at all too surprised to see Alexa there.428Please respect copyright.PENANAWiloWCaDMK
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"Kaye, wait!" She said, her voice demanding and pleading at the same time."It was Kath." She said and blocked the door before I could shut it.428Please respect copyright.PENANACnFnfk4ie8
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"When Wiley and I talked the other day when I came over, my phone accidentally called Kath. She must've heard only about enough to know about your friend. I swear I'm telling the truth."428Please respect copyright.PENANAjMuDfjlg3o
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I didn't trust Alexa anymore and although it could be the truth, it could also very well be a lie. I had seen this all before, where the new girl like me, gets dragged along in shining lights, build from her new bee phase to be torn down in public eye. 428Please respect copyright.PENANAioywgj7iUM
Issues as occurred between Alexa and I, was the true reason why I couldn't trust friendships to turn out loyal and real. I couldn't decide whether I was right about Alexa or if she was truly the typical popular stunner, whom everyone admired. For a minute, I truly wanted to believe that the real Alexa was the girl who'd confessed her brother's death to me but all defenses alarmed me that it was too late. A friendship could never be established between the two of us -we were a different kind of popular and her type of people differed far from what I had in mind regarding real friends.428Please respect copyright.PENANA6pLnbxBQ3B
The trust that once carried the base of our shorts lived friendship had been broken. There was nothing left to do, "I don't think I'll be able to trust you again, Alexa. I'm sorry."428Please respect copyright.PENANAQFE2dbCQ64
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"I excepted it but I just wanted you to know. I needed to know that you at least believe me."428Please respect copyright.PENANAKohS4Ch4Qh
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There was no room for thinking. "I don't know if I do. You don't have to worry about people finding out a out your mom. I'm not that kind of person."428Please respect copyright.PENANAOmQ6vyaTjX
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"Neither am I." She stood in her own defense. "Would you please give Wiley this?" She asked and I assumed it ended, badly.428Please respect copyright.PENANA7WnJerMTVq
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"I think you should give it yourself." I said, not minding to inquire what it was. 428Please respect copyright.PENANAvQSzjMKnkc
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"He doesn't want to see me at all, I would rather ditch all the other problems for now."428Please respect copyright.PENANA5c2xsyPtGa
I felt guilty and selfish when she as d those words. I was so self-conscious about my own issues that I had somewhat forgot that she too had problems that hadn't occurred to me as that big, at all. The realization that she and Wiley was over hit me unexpectedly -my mind immediately wandering to Graeme and how things for us would change, considering how he'd acted that morning.428Please respect copyright.PENANASlFLVPEtWI
I was extremely jealous, there's no point in denying it but I decided if Graeme really liked me, Alexa or any other girl wouldn't be a problem. I couldn't publicly claim him and the thought that he wasn't that close to my brother, made him a top option. 428Please respect copyright.PENANAQ0MvZwKnpT
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I can't the deny that the typicality of crushing, made me want to hate Alexa -she was very, very pretty; Graeme Yorkley found no problem with her and they had history.428Please respect copyright.PENANAMt5p9B87ZB
"Okay," I told her and took the small box. "His jacket is still in my car, I'll go get it."428Please respect copyright.PENANA9i3IIJ3KS9
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"It's fine, I'll go with you." I offered out of impatience.428Please respect copyright.PENANA9Csusf1YEY
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I could tell Alexa had been crying and although the tension was unbearably uncomfortable, I wasn't going to ask about her well-being -it was typical teenage pride and how things worked in the real world.428Please respect copyright.PENANAsqXBJVUt73
The street was empty, clean and the cold, nearing end-winter, had slowly started to wither and spring could visibility be seen on the trees down the road. They wore small buds of colourful blossom, reminding me of Jae's Starling's invitation to take us on his granddad's sail -how that social had been spoiled by the inneccesity of highschool's toxic gossip culture.428Please respect copyright.PENANAhV6B4SldST
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A car drove by, entering the house across the street I hadn't notice unoccupied. The house could hardly be seen behind the white walls and big golden gate. It was a scenic view yet ordinary and common in Bloomfield Hills, all homes elegant and picturesque in their own style. So, you could understand why it was easy to miss a few neighbours.428Please respect copyright.PENANAmTPfe1TZbv
Than, when I wanted a glimpse of the passengers inside, to fill my own curiosity. In desperate need to on longer be the obvious new kid, I wanted to see a teenager but the windows were tinted and a light shower has begun to pour.428Please respect copyright.PENANA2Cf3kITwYP
"Here," Alexa said, "I really wish we could've been friends."428Please respect copyright.PENANAxzm44MTYBG
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"I can't be someone's friend when I don't really know who they are, like, can hardly tell which one is you?"428Please respect copyright.PENANAy2KxdMur0i
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I could see Alexa wanted to cry, I was sad too. I couldn't allow her to see that, not for the pride of my own reputation but because I wasn't a feeble girl; usable. Although some part of me wanted to continue a friendship with Alexa, I couldn't.428Please respect copyright.PENANATwoGy3iTJQ
Friends were overrated, Alexa was right.
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