The Swap

Not A Natural Red Head

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I finished applying my mascara and looked at myself in the mirror. I had on simple makeup, just eyeliner, mascara, and dark burgundy lipstick. My dark brown hair was in a pony tail with the ends slightly curled. I stood up and walked to the full-length mirror. I had on a casual grey dress that went to just above my knees and my black leather jacket. I paired the outfit with my black ankle boots.

Melanie walked into the room and I smiled. We decided it would be easier for me to sleep at her house since it was, of course, a lot closer to her school than mine. I went to an independent school, so I only had to show up for about three hours once or twice a week. Her parents still wouldn't be back from their trip for another two weeks or so, so we didn't have to worry about explaining our twin-ness yet, and I was only staying here on week-nights.

"You look awesome." Melanie said.

I grinned. "Well it is my first day of school." Technically, Mel's school had been in session for a few months, but she'd skipped all last week to prepare. I had Maeve call the administrators and say that Melanie was sick. Maeve was no amateur when it came to skipping school.

"So, you're ready then?" Melanie asked and I nodded. "You remember the teachers' names, right? And where my locker is, and the combination?"

"Yes, Mel, relax. We've gone over everything at least fifteen times." I said with a laugh.

"I'm still nervous. What if someone figures it out?" She bit her lip.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, because I'm sure everyone's first thought will be, 'Whoa, Melanie's acting really weird. She must have a secret twin that no one knows about!'"

She huffed. "Shut up."

I ignored her. "Okay, I should get going. Wouldn't want to be late!"

"Yeah, you're right." We hugged and made our way to the front door. "Be careful, and good luck! Text me if anything bad happens."

"And what will you do if anything bad does happen?" I asked with a teasing smile.

"Okay, text Clara if anything bad happens." She corrected herself.

I laughed and with a final wave I got into my black 2013 Camaro and began driving towards my new temporary highschool.

The building was extremely nice. It was tall, obviously with more than one story, and it had a steel gate that separated it from the rest of the world. I drove into the parking lot and parked my car. I looked around and noticed that a couple of students had stopped to look when I pulled in. How cliche.

I did a final check of my makeup in my rearview mirror before opening my door, with my designer backpack(a gift from my parents) in hand and stepping out.

I put my backpack on and made my way to the giant building in front of me. Inside the hallway was filled with students. I made my way to the office to pick up the packet of homework that Melanie had missed last week.

The office was cold and empty. There wasn't even anyone behind the desk. Confused, I looked around for any sign of life, but nothing.

"There was a copy machine emergency. They'll be back in a minute." A voice said.

I turned to a petite girl sitting in one of the chairs. I hadn't even noticed her before. She was curled up on the chair like a mouse in her jeans and white t-shirt.

I raised my eyebrows at her. "A copy machine emergency? What, did it catch on fire?"

Her eyes widened. I don't think she was expecting me to respond.