The Real Evie Chase (Part 1, ON GALATEA)

5

"It's fine," I said, before realizing that she was apologizing because that file probably had my real name in it. I glanced back at Rachel. She was just two seconds away from finding out what was really happening.

Once we were out of view from the students, she wrapped her arms around me in a way that wasn't too personal, but good for a greeting. "How've you been, Evelyn?'

We pulled away from each other. "Good. I've been good."

"I'd say more like great, Miss Triple Platinum. Who would have thought, huh? I mean, I pegged you as a future doctor, but superstar. . ."

Her words sent a shiver down my spine, and I laughed nervously. "I mean, superstar seems—it seems like a lot."

"Nonsense. You've been on The Heidi Show, dear. You've made it. My granddaughters love you, and I can't picture a better role model for them. They can't believe you were my student, and that I've spoken to you before. And don't get me started on Cassidy and your younger sister. Your parents must be so proud of you girls. I know the members of our community are."

Despite the fact her calling me a 'role model' felt like pressing a weight on my shoulders, I smiled. Instantly I felt the need to stand up straighter, to look perfect and put together, as if everyone was watching my every move. It took me reminding myself that I was Brittany Marshall now, not Evie Chase, to relax. It seemed like every reminder that I wasn't myself was more and more comforting.

"I'd love to meet them one day. You know, when I don't have to deal with all of this." I gestured to my ensemble.

"Oh, of course! They'd love that." She went around her desk to get a folder. "Now, let's get you all settled in to start your day up. I know you're already aware of how things are run here—the type of schedule. I can give you a quick refresher of that, and then I have your homeroom, locker assignment, and class schedule. I can have a student show you where the classrooms are if you'd like."

I did my best to take in everything she was saying. I didn't really remember where the classrooms were, but the thought of having someone show me around made me nervous. Or rather, the thought that it might be one particular person.

"Can I choose who shows me around?"

Principal Sanders rose an eyebrow. "Adam Fields?"

I jumped back. It made sense that was where her mind went. Besides being the kid I was always dropped off with, Adam used to purposely get himself in trouble and sent to the office so he could be with me and make sure I was okay while I was in here.

That kid was a far-cry from the one who'd gone out of his way to hurt me. The draw of popularity, reputation, really changed people.

"No, not Adam." I tried to mask my solemnness. "I was actually wondering if Valerie Taylor could."

In all honesty, I hadn't spoken to Valerie for at least two years. After the songbook incident, she was the only one whose calls I answered. She helped me through everything, gave me advice on what to do. She'd told me to wait until Adam called me, for me not to call him, because if he really didn't mean what happened, he'd say something.

Adam never called me.

After we moved, Valerie and I tried our best to stay connected, but gradually our calls were less frequent. Oddly, we ran out of things to talk about, and eventually, we completely lost touch. I didn't know if she even lived around here or went to Roosevelt anymore. But still, she was one of the best friends I'd had here, and the only one I could picture speaking to, besides Will, without wanting to strangle them.