Emerald826Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AG76L4ncB
"FUCK!"
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I cried out as I stubbed my toe on the coffee table corner. I had woken up early so I could be there on time to greet the new kid. His name was Jaxon Claifton. I was put on the welcoming committee to help the poor guy settle in.
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I had heard about the guy. It was impossible not to in this small town where everyone knew everyone. This was a town where the people either looked the other way or gossiped day and night. There was never an in between.
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Unfortunately, Mr. Claifton was all anyone was talking about. Supposedly, he moved in with his sister over the weekend with no parents. He was very hostile to the adults and seemed to have a be temper. But the girls who had caught a glimpse of him said he was drop dead gorgeous.
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I didn't know about that. Besides I was just about to meet him and I already stubbed my toe? I don't know. Sounds like some bad luck is associated with the guy.
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I pushed it out of my mind and finished getting dressed. I headed down to the cafe called Cake Couture. I can already smell the baked pastries wafting through the air. I open the door to the back kitchen and quickly grab 3 cinnamon rolls.
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I then pulled on my sneakers and grabbed my book bag and tried to leave before Trey could find out.
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Key word: tried.
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I was not fast enough because I heard him scream my name as I opened the door.
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"Damn it, Emerald! You know how long it takes to make those just right!" He screeched.
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With a quick "love you," I ran out the door and made my way to school. I knew I would be there extra early but I just wanted to make sure I was presentable and not in my normal pissed morning mood.
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I stuffed 1 of the 3 hot cinnamon rolls in my mouth and hummed happily as I slowed to a brisk walk. The school was 10 minutes away by foot and I needed the exercise, I knew.
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And if I was being truthful, I couldn't wait to meet the new kid.
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++++++++++++++++
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Jaxon
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I had arrived to the school early. I don't know why, but after dropping Nadia off with the teacher, I headed over.
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The house we lived in was too dark and barren. It was uncomfortable and cold when I was alone. It was empty.
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I was eternally grateful to Ms. Mason for accepting to see Nadia at 6 in the morning. I wanted my sister to be comfortable in the new environment and I knew the classroom would be a big part of her new life.
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I was relieved when Ms. Mason said she didn't mind coming in early to help Nadia. Since she had to use her fingers to get used to her surroundings, it would take a minute. I knew that and so did the teacher. I'm just glad she didn't give me a weird look when I told her that Nadia was blind.
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I hated that. I didn't want or need anyone's pity. People treated Nadia like she was from another planet. I absolutely despised it.
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Now here I was, waiting for some welcoming committee to parade me around the school. I sighed as I continued to stand by the front doors for a good 10 minutes. A couple kids walked in, whispering about me as they strolled through thee doors.
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Just as I was about to head inside, I see a girl waving to me. She was dark skinned and as she came to a halt in front of me: I was instantly reminded of brown sugar.
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That's what she smelled like. Brown sugar and strawberries.
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I gave what I hoped looked like a smile. "So. You're welcoming me?" I drawled, noticing how she looked away as though embarrassed.
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"I'm so sorry. I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. I tried to get here as early as possible."
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"Naw, it's cool. I'm just glad you didn't bail on me." I tried to pass it off as though I did have breakfast, but it didn't work. My stomach let the both of us know where my mind was.
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I hadn't eaten breakfast, like usual, but I didn't know why it was acting up now. Normally I'd be fine until lunch. I was usually too busy fawning over Nadia to notice.
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She didn't give me a weird look. All she's did was smile and give me the brown bag she was holding in her hand. I hesitantly took the pouch and opened it. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla instantly overrode my senses.
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"I brought these. I hope you like cinnamon rolls. I just thought the day would be a little better if you could start it out with something sweet."
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Her smile somehow made everything brighter. After taking one bite of the warm softness, I was in love.
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The bun practically melted in my mouth, something I didn't think was possible. She smiled as though winning a battle with herself and walked through the doors.
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She showed me where my new locker would be and how to get to all my classes in record time. She introduced me to the cafeteria and lounge room only meant for seniors. She taught me which halls to avoid and what bathrooms not to enter.
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I was surprised by how naturally happy she was. Even when around someone dressed in all blank and twice her height. Finally she dropped me off to my first class.
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Then I realized I didn't know her name, even though she most likely knew mine. I asked in a gruff voice, not used to the kindness she had shown me, even though it was her job.
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She reached her arm out and shook my hand and a smile graced her face for the thousandth time today.
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"Emerald."
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ns 15.158.61.18da2 
