New Beginnings Read Free

crushed it!”
    The bus driver looks at us in his rearview mirror. In fact, I’m sure everyone on the bus is looking at us. I bet my face is as red as the strawberry jam.
    Another girl behind us peeks over and under the seat, then she asks the redhead, “Are those the sneakers your cousin sent you from Hollywood?”
    â€œYeah,” the redhead says.
    Hollywood? Please, who buys their shoes in Hollywood? Who does she think she is?
    â€œCome to my locker when we get to school,” the other girl says. “I have an extra pair of sneakers.”
    â€œThanks,” the redhead says, loud enough for the whole bus to hear. “What I’m going to need is glue and a whole new science project. If I get a bad grade, I’ll be grounded for life. “
    Josh leans toward her and turns on his charm. Once more he says, “We’re really sorry—”
    â€œDon’t talk to me,” the redhead says, lifting the towel and peeking at her project. Then she tries to kick the muffin onto my shoes.
    Josh convinces the kid next to him to move back a row when the driver isn’t looking.
    â€œJules,” he says, motioning to the empty spot next to him.
    Josh and I slump in tandem beside each other.
    â€œWell, things can only get better now,” Josh whispers to me, trying to make me smile.
    â€œYeah,” I say.
    I hate that we have to start all over again in a new middle school. I hate riding the school bus. I hate that girl. And it’s pretty clear that she hates me, too.

Chapter Three
    W e find the office. At least the school secretary welcomes us.
    â€œJust in time,” she says. “Principal Phillips was just heading out. Mr. Phillips, these are our new students I told you about, Julia and Joshua Darrow.”
    â€œHello, hello,” the principal says. “Great to have you here. Sorry to rush off, but we’ve got an overflowing water fountain and a miniflood in the gym.” Then he hurries out the door.
    Two students about our age come in, and the secretary introduces us to David Hutchinson, who will be Josh’s school buddy for the day, and Sunita Patel, who will show me around. Josh and I briefly compare schedules, but we have no classes together. I was afraid of that. The trouble is, twins aren’t usually put together in the same classes. Mom says it’s because separating twins helps them become independent. So I’ll be on my own, except for lunch.
    I wait for Josh to say something first. His friendly personality usually puts everyone at ease, including me. But after the whole school bus fiasco, he’s quieter than usual.
    David asks, “Where are you from?”
    â€œPittsburgh,” Josh answers. But that’s it. He doesn’t say more than that.
    Our morning didn’t get off to a great start, but David and Sunita seem nice. Sunita is pretty with long black hair and a friendly smile. She rolls her eyes as David jokes about “making pit stops in Pittsburgh.” David has a loud voice, just like my little sister, Sophie. Josh smiles. Once Josh starts feeling better, they’ll get along just great.
    The bell rings. “See you at lunch,” I tell Josh.
    But as we walk down the hall, Sunita looks at my schedule and says, “We have alternating lunch periods here. You might or might not see your brother at lunchtime.”
    â€œOh,” I say.
    Sunita must sense the dread in my voice. She looks right at me.
    â€œDon’t worry,” she says.
    â€œI can’t help it,” I say. “I’m not good at meeting new people.”
    â€œJust think positive,” Sunita says. “Besides, I’ve got the same lunch period as you, so look for me if you don’t see Josh. And really, everyone is so friendly here, you’ll make lots of friends right away, I’m sure.”
    Everyone is so friendly?
Clearly she doesn’t know the mean red-headed girl from the bus. I’m about to say