Chapter 6 JUNO

The first thing I noticed when I was about to leave for school was the trash can that had been knocked over. It was upright last night, and I wondered who’d done it.Maybe the neighbor’s dog, but I didn't really care. What actually caught my attention was the muffled yelling coming from inside their house.

It sounded like a guy’s voice, sharp and angry. I didn't care about their family drama, so I just gripped my bag straps tighter and headed to school. I had enough of my own mess to deal with.

The day was calm. Maybe it was because Greg wasn't in school to disrupt me, or because I hadn’t received any unnecessary nagging from the Head of Class.

I almost started to think I might actually survive this place.

Until I was called into the principal’s office and gestured for me to sit.

“Good day, Miss Maddox,” he said, “Are you enjoying your time here so far?”

I didn't want to lie. I actually enjoyed it here so far. No James or his minions, no unnecessary pestering from teachers, and everyone was actually giving me my space. Maybe it was just the "new girl" grace period, but I could manage this until graduation.

“No trouble so far,” I said. “So… yeah. I’m okay.”

“That’s good to hear,” he smiled. “And I believe I can make your stay even better.”

I raised an eyebrow slightly. “How?”

“I’d like you to join a club or school activity.”

“What?”

He nodded like it was the most normal thing in the world.

“We have several options; sports, debate, drama, music, art…” he said, sliding a stack of brochures across the desk.

“No… I don’t think that’s necessary.”

“Nonsense,” he said firmly. “To be part of this school, you need to engage. It’s important.” He handed me the flyers.

“You don’t have to decide right now. Think about it over the weekend and get back to me on Monday.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but he wasn’t having it. So I took the flyers. Because apparently, I didn’t have a choice.

“I’ll be expecting your decision,” he added.

“Yeah… I’m sure you will,” I muttered under my breath.

As I reached the door, I paused.

“Oh… I haven't been issued a library card yet.”

“I’ll issue one once you’ve selected an activity,” he replied.

Of course. I nodded slightly and stepped out.

I left the office, shoving the papers into my bag. As I dug around, my hand hit the corner of Finn’s notebook, the one he’d forced on me the first day. I figured I should probably return it since I hadn't even looked at it.

The recess bell rang, the sound echoing through the hallways. Students poured out of classrooms, heading toward the cafeteria.

I followed, grabbed something quick to eat, and left before it got too loud.

When I entered, I saw the Head of Class at his desk. I guess he hadn’t gone for lunch. His head was down on his arms, his face hidden. Was he actually sleeping?

I paused for a second.

Then I walked to my seat like I hadn’t noticed anything. It wasn't my business.

I ignored him and headed to my seat. I didn’t want to get involved in anyone’s business, just like I wanted them to stay out of mine.

The day ended peacefully enough. No nagging, no distractions. When I got home, I found myself actually flipping through the club list the Principal gave me. I didn't want to, but I figured I might as well pick the "least annoying" option so I wouldn't end up in something like the Glee Club by accident.

There was a knock at the door.

“Juno…” Mom’s voice came from the other side. “Are you in there, honey?”

I sighed and got up, dragging myself to the door. I opened it.

She stood there in a light blue dress, holding a takeout bag with a bright smile.

“Time for dinner,” she chirped, lifting the bag slightly.

I blinked. “Can’t I just eat here?”

“No, you can't. Brad bought Chinese takeout, so we should have dinner together and at least try to be a family.”

I crossed my arms. “We’re not a family.”

Her smile faltered.

“I said you could at least try,” she replied. “You’ve been avoiding him like a plague since we got here.”

“Because I don’t see what I’m supposed to talk to him about. He’s here for you, not me.”

She exhaled, clearly frustrated. “Juno, I don’t know what you want from me, all I’m just asking you to come downstairs for dinner.”

She turned before I could respond.

“Please,” she added softly, walking away.

A few minutes later, I gave in. I pulled on a sweater and headed downstairs.

Mom was setting the table while Brad poured drinks. Fried rice, grilled chicken and orange juice.

I sat across from them as silence stretched between us.

“So… how’s your new school?” Brad asked.

I didn’t look up. “It’s fine.”

“Have you made any friends?” Mom added.

“No.”

“Well… why not?”

“Because I don’t want to.”

“You can’t keep shutting people out, Juno,” she said, her tone tightening.

“Watch me,” I replied flatly.

“Juno…”

“What?” I snapped, dropping my spoon. “The part where I pretend everything is okay?”

“No one is asking you to pretend…”

“That’s exactly what you’re doing!” I cut in. “You bring a random man into the house and suddenly we’re a family?”

“He is not random—”

“Then what is he?” I shot back.

“Because last time I checked, Dad hasn’t been replaced.”

The silence that followed was heavy.

“Don’t you dare talk to me like that! After everything I’ve done to give you a fresh start.”

“You didn’t do it for me! You did it because you were embarrassed!”

Mom’s expression changed instantly.

“That’s enough,” she said.

“No, it’s not,” I continued, standing up. “You don’t get to act like everything is normal when it’s not.”

“I am trying, Juno!”

“Well, stop trying so hard,” I said coldly. “Because it’s not working.” I pushed my chair back. “I’m done.”

And I walked away.

I slammed my door shut and dropped onto my bed face-first. I didn’t even realize when I fell asleep. Till I was woken up by another knock.

“Juno…?” It was Mom again.

I stayed silent, staring at the ceiling.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you.”

Another knock.

“Juno…”

I didn’t answer.

Eventually, her footsteps faded away.

The next day was worse. It was the weekend. Which meant being around her. So I stayed in my room. The one time I came downstairs, I grabbed as many snacks as I could carry chips, soda, anything and went back up.

Later, I ordered pizza.

Mom tried to pay when it arrived, but I told her I’d already paid. That night, I sat on the balcony, a book resting in

my lap. The air was cool and quiet.

Before I heard another knock, I groaned internally.

“Juno…”

I rolled my eyes, expecting Mom again.

“It’s me. Brad.”