Chapter 2 JUNO

I barely slept last night, I was up packing most of my stuff, and I’m pretty sure Mom didn’t sleep either. I could hear her moving around in her room even after I went to bed.

We were almost done packing when the moving truck arrived. The movers handled most of it, loading our furniture and boxes into the truck while Mom called a taxi to take us to the new house.

By the time they finished, Mom and I stepped outside with the last of our things. I carried a small bag with a few essentials.

“Get in, Juno.” she said as she held open the back door of the taxi.

“Umm… I’ll sit in front,” I said, already moving toward the passenger seat. She didn't argue as we drove off.

As the car pulled away, I found myself staring out the window, wondering if I’d miss this place and I knew I wouldn’t. There was nothing here for me. No memories, no one I’d miss.

The drive was about three hours, surprisingly smooth with barely any traffic. By the time we got there, I felt drained. The movers were already outside, unloading our things.

“Go check your room upstairs,” Mom said as we stepped out of the taxi.

I headed inside as I walked past the movers carrying boxes, Mom was already telling them where everything should go, and made my way upstairs.

I found my room easily. It was a little bigger than my old one. There was a small balcony window, the kind you could actually step out onto if you wanted.

The walls were painted a soft grey. Something else caught my attention in the room. There was a vanity mirror set up in one corner.

I remembered asking Mom for one last year. She kept saying “later,” over and over again. I guess she still remembers. I just didn’t feel the way I thought I would when I finally got it.

I walked further in, checking the bathroom there was a tub and the closet. Most of my things weren’t here yet, but most of it had been brought up for me to settle in.

I arranged what I could. When I was done, my stomach growled as I headed downstairs. Mom was already in the kitchen, she moved around effortlessly like she’d lived here for years.

Everything was already arranged and in its place. I stepped in and realized that she was making eggs and toast.

“Are you done unpacking?” Mom asked, turning when she saw me.

“Yep. Just finished… and I saw the vanity mirror you got.” I hesitated. “Thank you.”

She looked a little surprised, then she smiled. “You’re welcome.”

“Do you want some?” I nodded.

I sat on one of the barstools by the counter as she dished out the food and passed it to me.

“Thanks.”

I didn’t even wait for it to fully settle before I started eating. Mom just watched me for a second.

“I’ve been doing some searching,” she began. “And I think I’ve found the perfect school for you.”

“Mom…” I started, dropping my fork, but she kept going.

“It’s not that far. About a thirty-minute drive from here.”

“Mom!” I dragged out.

“And it’s a fresh start. New town, new people… you can make friends.”

“MOM.” I snapped. She stopped, looking at me.

“I can’t make friends,” I said, quieter this time. “I have a hard time keeping friends.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You’re going to school. I can’t stress this enough.”

“But I don’t want to. I could get a job.”

“What do you think your father would say about that?” she shot back. “Do you think he’d be happy? This is what he wanted, Juno. Why can’t you give him that?” I froze.

“I’m sorry, I just…” she trailed off. “You have to try. This is your final year. Just try and get through it. Do this for your Dad… and I know he’d be proud of you.” I lowered my head.

“You’ll start next week, alright?” she added more softly. “So you can rest a bit.”

“Alright,” I said, finishing my food.

The rest of the week passed in a blur. Most people would’ve explored a new place, maybe taken a walk around town or tried to get familiar with things, not me.

I stayed inside most of the time, watching the neighborhood through the balcony window, sometimes sitting out there for hours, even into the night.

I noticed our neighbors had a dog. A couple, I think maybe three kids. I wasn’t quite sure. That’s about all I knew.

The town itself was small. It was quiet and calm with little coffee shops, flower stores and even a bakery. I could smell fresh bread as we drove past.

I sat in the backseat of Mom’s new boyfriend’s car as they talked in the front, laughing like everything was normal. I just watched the streets go by, a small smile tugging at my lips.

“And you are?” he asked.

I blinked twice, realizing he was talking to me. I must’ve zoned out.

“I’m Juno,” I replied. I was pretty sure he’d already said his name, but I didn’t remember it.

“It’s nice that you two are getting to know each other,” Mom said, smiling.

“I hope we get to spend some quality time together soon,” he added.

“Maybe after school? I could take you both out for dinner.” He glanced at me through the rearview mirror.

“Aww,” Mom cooed. “That sounds lovely. Doesn’t it, Juno?”

I gave a small nod, even though I knew I wasn’t going.

“Make sure you call me after school, okay?” Mom said, turning slightly in her seat. “We’ll come pick you up.” she said as the car pulled into the school’s parking lot.

I didn’t respond. I just grabbed my bag and stepped out.

“See you later, honey!” she called.

I shut the door and walked away.

I managed to find my way to the principal’s office. He handed me my schedule and gave me quick directions to my class. I followed the hallway numbers until I managed to find it.

I took a deep breath before I pushed the door open.

The room went quiet as I stepped in, everyone turned to look at me like I had two heads.

Gosh. Like they’d never seen a new student before.

“Alright, class,” the teacher said, as she broke the silence. “We have a new student joining us today. Her name is Miss Juno Maddox.” She said with a smile.

“Would you like to introduce yourself to the class, Miss Maddox?” she asked.

“I’d rather not,” I said.

A few murmurs spread across the room, but I didn’t care. There's nothing special happening in my life so I had nothing to say.

“Oh… alright,” she said, a bit awkwardly. “You can take a seat.”

She gestured toward an empty desk at the back of the class, near the window.

Perfect.

“And Finn,” she added before I could take a step, “please give her the notes and help her get settled.”

A boy with dark, slightly messy hair stood up, giving a small nod.

I assumed that was Finn.

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