A New Beginning (Second Chance #1) (6 page)

              One week later Karla was sitting on her bed, playing on her laptop, when there was a knock on her door. She was still slightly shocked by the fact that Leslie and Andrew always knocked and waited for her to answer before they came in her room. “Come in,” she responded to the knock as she gently closed her laptop and stood up.

              When the door opened Leslie walked in, followed closely by Andrew.

              “Karla, Mr. Jennings just called. He got your school records from Charlotte.” Leslie said with a somber look on her face.

              “Okay. Are they bad?”

              “Do you remember taking several tests when you were at that school? They were tests to see how much you knew before entering high school.”

              “Yes, I remember. Right after I took those tests is when we took off again. Diane had just met Tony and he was moving to Daytona, so we followed him there.”

              “Those tests measured what you know before you start high school. Mr. Jennings went through all of your school records and you have always done exceptionally well in school. Even with moving around and missing a lot of school over the years, your test scores were higher than most eleventh grader’s scores. According to those tests you are almost ready for college. Now we have a question for you.”

              “You can ask me anything.”

              “Do you want to go to public high school and experience everything a teenager should or do you want to be home schooled with a private tutor and finish school within a year?”

              “I have never had what people would call a normal life. I don’t even know what normal feels like. I would love to experience normal. I want to go to high school like a normal teenager.”

              “Okay. We’ll go register you for school on Monday and get everything you need.” Leslie responded with a smile.

              “I do have a question.”

              “Sure honey. You can ask us anything.”

              “Will anyone know the results of those tests? Any of the other students I mean?”

              “No sweetheart. The only ones that will know those results are the teachers and administrators. They aren’t allowed to discuss these tests with anyone.”

              After taking a deep breath Karla responded. “Okay, good. I don’t want to be treated any differently then I already will be.”

              Leslie’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at Karla. A feeling of helplessness settled over her. She wanted to take the girl in her arms and just hold her tight, but she didn’t want to frighten her. Finally she said, “If anyone treats you bad please tell us. We will always stand up for you and take your side. Even if you’re wrong in something we will always be there for you. Never forget that.”

              Karla leapt off the bed, wrapped her arms around Leslie and burst into tears. Leslie wrapped her arms around Karla and softly stroked her hair until the tears stopped flowing.

              “Leslie, Andrew, you two are the best thing that could ever have happened to me. This is going to sound bad, but I’m honestly glad I tried to steal that food. If I hadn’t I would never have met the two of you, or Mrs. Jones and Detective Greeves.”

              “Oh honey, that doesn’t sound bad, it sounds like a teenager who has finally found hope. Can I tell you something?” When Karla nodded Leslie continued, “I’m glad you tried to steal that stuff too.”

              Karla smiled and hugged Leslie tighter. When Andrew walked over to them and wrapped his arms around them both Karla stiffened a little before she relaxed in his embrace, knowing he’d never hurt her.

              When they broke apart Karla took Leslie’s hand in one of hers, Andrew’s in the other and led them over to the bed. When they were seated she grabbed her laptop and sat between them. “Want to see what I’ve been doing?”

“If you want to show us we’d be happy to see it.”

When she opened it they looked at the screen and smiled. Karla had somehow got the last picture Leslie and Andrew had made and photo shopped herself into it. They looked like such a happy family.

              Two days later Karla and Leslie stood outside the largest school Karla had ever seen. It was three stories high and longer than the Daytona Motor Speedway. She trembled with fear and nervousness as they walked through the front doors. They were greeted by a short, plump older lady who directed them to where they needed to go to start the registration process.

              When they approached the table they were greeted with a smile. “Hello ladies, how are y’all today?”

              “We’re doing well.” Leslie answered, “We’re here to register Karla for ninth grade.”

              “Has she attended school in Davidson County before?”

              “No ma’am. She last attended in Charlotte North Carolina, but I have her records here with me if that helps.”

              “I’ll take those while you fill out these papers. When you’re finished if you’ll step over to the next table they’ll take it from there.”

              “Thank you.” Leslie answered, walked to the benches and sat to fill out the pages of papers. Karla followed her silently, having been struck silent with fear.

              About twenty minutes later they walked together to the next table. Leslie handed the man sitting there the papers and he smiled at her and Karla. “Mrs. Peterson, the principle looked over Miss Hall’s school records and wants to meet with y’all before you continue the registration process. If you’ll just take these and go through that door he’ll be with you in a few minutes.”

              “Okay. Let’s go Karla.” They walked into the room and only had to wait a minute before a tall, thin man walked in. Karla scooted a little closer to Leslie when he shut the door and walked behind the desk across from where they sat.

“Mrs. Peterson, Miss Hall, I’m Samuel Johnson. I was looking over your school records Miss Hall and I was quite surprised. Your high school evaluation test scores were phenomenal. I have never, in my thirty years of teaching, seen scores like these. Your scores were higher than most twelfth grader’s scores. I wanted to talk with you and Mrs. Peterson about a few of the options you have available. I want you to feel as comfortable as possible here. I called Mrs. Wright, the guidance counselor, to come and talk to you about our advanced learning and advanced placement classes. She’ll be here in a few minutes. In the meantime, is there anything you’d like to talk about?”

Leslie looked at Karla, who shook her head, before she turned back to Mr. Johnson. “Mr. Johnson, Karla has only been with us for a couple of weeks, but we’re extremely dedicated to her happiness and education. I hope you understand that despite her extremely high test scores she wants to have a normal high school experience. She wants to be treated normally. I really hope you, Mrs. Wright and the rest of the staff here can respect that.”

“Mrs. Peterson you have nothing to worry about. We will make Karla feel welcome here. I can promise you that no one other than our teachers and administration will know anything about her test scores.”

When the door opened Karla, Leslie and Mr. Johnson looked up as a young red headed woman walked in. “Sorry it took so long Mr. Johnson. I was on the football field watching practice. The team looks really good this year.”

“That’s okay Mrs. Wright. Miss Hall, Mrs. Peterson and I have been getting to know each other a little.” He turned to Leslie and Karla. “Mrs. Peterson, Miss Hall, this is Marcie Wright. This is her third year with us here and I have to say, she’s been a delight to work with.”

Mrs. Wright turned to Karla and smiled. “May I call you Karla?” She asked and when Karla nodded she continued. “I haven’t had a chance to look at your test scores yet, but Mr. Johnson filled me in over the phone. From the way it sounds you’d fit right into the advanced learning freshman courses here. These courses are for the ninth graders who learn at an accelerated rate and at a higher level than the rest of the ninth graders. You’d be in classes that are specifically designed to challenge your mind and keep you interested in school.”

“Wait a minute.” Karla interrupted. “I’m sorry to interrupt you, but Mr. Johnson said my scores were higher than any he’s ever seen right?” She looked at Mr. Johnson, who nodded and she continued, “Then how am I going to fit in anywhere? For once in my life I just want to be normal.”

Leslie took Karla’s hands and looked her in the eyes. “Karla you are normal. Your past, and everything in it, does not define who you are. You are a brave, strong young lady and you can fit in here. Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Wright will make sure of it.”

“That’s right Karla. We’ll help you in any way we possibly can. We just want you to be happy here. I can’t promise that it won’t be awkward, but I can promise that we’ll both be here if you need help with anything.”

“Okay, I can do this. I’m ready to do this. I’ll do the advanced learning classes and I’ll fit in here.’

“That’s great Karla. School starts in a week so I’ll get you a schedule set and email it to Mrs. Peterson as soon as I can. I’ll also attach a list of the things you’ll need for your classes so you’ll be completely prepared for the first day of school.”

“Okay Mrs. Wright. I’ll see you in a week.”

Leslie looked at Karla, “Would you mind waiting outside for a minute? I need to talk to Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Wright for a minute.” Karla nodded and walked out of the office, closing the door behind her. When the door closed Leslie turned back to Mrs. Wright and Mr. Johnson. “Karla has been severely abused most of her life. She just came into our home a couple of weeks ago and is still adapting to everything. This is going to be a huge adjustment for her. If she has any problems do not hesitate to call Dr. Peterson or myself. We’re both going to be very involved in her high school experience.”

“Mrs. Peterson, you have nothing to worry about. Karla will be taken care of here. I will look out for her myself if I have to. She is a sweet child and I look forward to helping her thrive.”

“Thank you Mrs. Wright. She really is a sweet child. I look forward to seeing you both again.”

“See you on Monday Mrs. Peterson.” Mrs. Wright said as Leslie walked into the hall, collected Karla and headed to the car.

As they pulled away from the school Karla looked back at the school she’d be attending next week. She hoped what Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Wright said was true. She really wanted to finally fit in.

              When they got home Karla went upstairs to check her email. She’d been emailing Manuel and Kiara daily since she found out about them and they always responded quickly. When she logged in and opened Manuel’s email her face lit up with the biggest smile she’d ever had. He and Kiara wanted to Skype call her. She was thrilled.

              She unplugged her laptop and went downstairs to talk to Leslie. “Leslie, I need your help with something.”

              “Sure, honey, what do you need?”

              “I need you to help me set up a Skype account please. Read this and you’ll understand why.”

              As Leslie read the email from Manuel her face lit up in a smile that rivaled Karla’s. “I’ll be happy to help you set it up. Email him back and see what time they’ll be able to Skype and I’ll be sure to give you some privacy.”

              “I want you here. I’m happy, but I’m scared at the same time.”

              “I’ll be here then. I’ll always be here for you.”

              “You’re the best Leslie. Thank you.” Karla said before sitting down at the bar to email Manuel. Once she’d hit send Leslie came over to her and they started setting up her Skype account.

              A few minutes later Karla got another email from Manuel. He and Kiara were ready whenever Karla was.

              Karla took a deep breath, looked at Leslie and nodded her head. Then she opened Skype on her laptop and accepted the contact add from Manuel. Not even a minute later her laptop signaled an incoming Skype call. She clicked to answer and laid her eyes upon the faces of her siblings for the first time.

              “Hello Karla, I’m Manuel, your brother.”

              “And I’m Kiara, your sister.”

              They talked for almost an hour, just getting to know each other, before Rosa appeared in the back ground. “Manuel, Kiara, it’s time for dinner. I’m sure you will get to talk to Karla again soon. Right Karla?”

              “Yes ma’am. Very soon. It was great meeting you Manuel and Kiara. I know these are unusual circumstances, but I am glad we know each other now. Bye for now. I promise we’ll talk again soon.”

              “Bye Karla. I agree that it was great meeting you. Hope you have a great night. We’ll try to chat again next week. Until then I look forward to your emails.” Manuel responded with a smile.

              “Karla, I was reluctant to talk to you through Skype, but I’m glad I let Manuel talk me into it. We’ll definitely talk next week. Bye.”

              When they’d logged off Karla sat there and stared at her laptop screen in amazement. She had a brother and a sister. She’d known for a while now, but seeing them made them real. Her life was truly starting to take a turn for the better.

****

Later that night, after Karla had gone to bed, Leslie told Andrew what had been said at registration and about Karla’s Skype chat with her siblings. He wasn’t really surprised that a school the size of the one Karla would be attending would have programs in place for advanced students. He was extremely grateful the administration pulled Leslie and Karla into the office to discuss everything instead of openly discussing it in front of other students and parents.

              “Babe, I think this program will be great for her. She’ll meet other kids with advanced learning abilities and should fit right in. I just hope she’s not too shy around everyone. This is a really big school she’ll be going to. As for the Skype conversation with her siblings, I think it’s a really good thing. A positive step for her.”

              “Andrew, she’ll be fine. She was a little scared today, but when Mr. Johnson told her everything about the program and she met Mrs. Wright, who is about my age actually, she seemed to calm down and really absorb what they were telling her. I think it’ll be a huge adjustment for her, but I also think that she’ll take it all in stride. Just like she has everything else life has thrown at her.”

              “Life has definitely thrown her some curve balls. Alright. If you feel she’ll be okay then I’ll take your word for it.” Andrew said with a deep sigh. “I love you so much Leslie. Having Karla here feels right. It feels like a void has been filled in our home. Do you feel it too?”

              “I love you too Andrew and yes, I feel it too. She’s closed the gap that was in my heart.”

“Mine too love. Let’s go to bed. Tomorrow’s going to be a really long day.”