The weight of a name

Chapter 1

" this is your last chance Harumi"

I stared out the car window. There is was again, the thing parents say when they don't know what else to do.

I had heard it before, at Westbrook Academy, at Cresthill High and Ashwood Preparatory.

Apparently my parents think that the fourth time is a charm, but we all know that should've been the third time.

I watched the buildings blur together as we drove into the legendary ninjago city.

" i think you've said that before"

My mother sighed

"Harumi."

"What?"

"You know we're only doing this because we care about you."

I looked over.

My father kept his eyes on the road.

"Do you?"

The question came out quieter than i expected, then my mother reached over and touched my arm.

" of course we do rumi "

I looked away, because caring is so complicated.

People always say they care, but they only care when you are the person they want you to be. And when you're not, you disappoint them.

I'm good at disappointing people.

"You were suspended again," my father said.

"Technically."

"Harumi."

"What? They suspended me before they even heard my side."

My mother gave me a look.

"And what was your side?"

I shrugged.
"That she deserved it."

A long silence followed.

Yeah. Maybe that wasn't the best answer.

My father sighed.

"You can't solve every problem by fighting."

"Maybe people should stop creating problems."

"That attitude is exactly why we're here."

I ignored him and looked at the brochure in my lap.

Ninjago high

The most prestigious school in the entire country,  the school where the best students went, the school where future leaders, inventors, athletes, and descendants of famous families studied.

Basically

The last place someone like me belongs

"So let me get this straight," I said.

"I'm being sent to a school full of perfect people because you think they'll fix me?"

My mother frowned.

"No one is trying to fix you."

I raised an eyebrow "Really?"

She hesitated.

"Okay maybe we're hoping you'll find something better."

I looked back outside.

Something better.

I almost laughed. Then the car slowed.

I saw it, Ninjago High.

For once i hade nothing sarcastic to say. The school looks more like a palace than a school.