Metamorphose.

Chapter One.

"Kelsey? It's about six . . . Um, you should probably get ready for school."

I rolled over and groaned. Back at home, I didn't have to wake up until seven - and then I got to eat a homemade breakfast every morning before walking, quite literally, across the street to go to school. I was not enjoying my new life already.

My dad looked around uncomfortably, unsure what to do. He let out a big breath, gave me one last awkward nod, and turned back out the door. He was just as confused about how this was supposed to go as I was.

I went through my normal routine of getting ready for school, although my favorite soaps and shampoos were missing. My hair was also a mess - figures, David didn't have a hair dryer. I dressed in the outfit I had spent an hour picking out last night; it gave exactly the impression I wanted. Sophisticated, but also girly and cute. Yellow and orange floral top with skinny jeans and my favorite silver necklace. It went well with my natural curls, which were a blessing - they were so pretty that I rarely ever straightened my hair.

"Hey," I greeted my dad. Better to be polite than awkwardly silent.

"Hey," he said, shrugging into his coat. I didn't know why he bothered - it was a beautiful, cloudless morning. Something I was not used to, having lived in Oregon my entire life.

David grabbed his keys and began stuffing his wallet into his pocket.

"Wait," I interrupted. "Aren't we gonna eat breakfast?"

My dad turned around, sheepish, and gave an apologetic smirk. "Sorry, hun. You have to eat breakfast at your school." Then he turned and walked to the car wordlessly.

"Oh . . . kay," I said to myself. I grabbed my backpack - the same one I'd had for years. It still smelled like home.

I hurried to the car and sat in the passenger seat. David had already started his fancy new Toyota and dangerously pulled out of the driveway. I became a little carsick.

Unlike at home, where school was just a few hundred feet away, the school here was miles away. It took thirty minutes just to get there - and after today, I'd have to be riding the bus that whole time.

I tried not to dwell too much on the fact that I was moving to a new school. I'd grown up in a tiny town where everyone knew everyone else - now I was in Cincinatti, Ohio. A sprawling city that I wasn't used to, and I probably looked like the misfit small town girl . . .

To be honest, though, I didn't care about not fitting in - I'd long ago accepted I was a misfit. I just didn't want to be talked about. I was used to flying under the radar, not really being the source of gossip or popularity. I didn't like drawing attention to myself, but being the new kid was sure to bring lots of talk. Unfortunately.

The car stopped in front of a giant brick building.

My new school.