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Friday morning arrived, bringing with it a sense of normalcy—yet everything still felt new. It had only been a few days since my adoption, but the weight of that moment still sat with me. I wasn't just Emily anymore. I was Emily Blake. And somehow, that made waking up a little easier.

The soft morning light filtered through my curtains, casting a golden glow over my room. I stretched, feeling the warmth of my blanket lingering on my skin before tossing it aside and rolling out of bed. The house was already stirring—muffled voices drifted from Sam and Lily's room, and the faint clatter of dishes accompanied the rich aroma of fresh coffee and toast rising from downstairs.

A smile tugged at my lips. A family. A home.

I pulled on my clothes and brushed through my hair, glancing in the mirror. My reflection stared back—same brown eyes, same messy waves—but somehow, I looked different. Maybe it was just the feeling of belonging that changed things. Maybe it was knowing that, for the first time in a long time, I didn't have to wake up worrying about what would happen next.

I made my way downstairs, my socks making soft thuds against the wooden steps. As I rounded the corner into the kitchen, the warmth of the room wrapped around me. Mom stood by the counter, pouring herself a cup of coffee, her auburn hair still slightly damp from a morning shower. She turned as I walked in, her smile as comforting as the scent of cinnamon in the air.

"Morning, sweetheart. You feeling okay?" she asked, her voice gentle but searching.

I nodded, sliding into my usual seat at the table. "Yeah. Just... still getting used to everything, I guess."

Her knowing look made my throat tighten, but she just reached out and ruffled my hair in that easy, affectionate way I was still learning to expect. "It's a big change, but it's a good one."

The words settled deep inside me, like an anchor holding me steady. I wanted to tell her that I believed it, that I felt it—but all I could do was smile and hope she understood.

Sam and Lily were already at the table—Sam with his ever-present book propped open beside his plate, occasionally glancing up to take a bite of his breakfast. Lily, on the other hand, was practically inhaling her French toast, syrup glistening on her fingers as she tore through each bite.

"You're eating like you haven't been fed in days," I teased, picking up my fork.

Lily grinned at me through a mouthful of toast, her cheeks puffed out. "It's good!" she mumbled around her food.

Mom chuckled as she set my plate in front of me. "You'd think I never feed these kids."

I took a bite, the warm cinnamon and butter melting on my tongue. She was right—it was good. A simple moment, an ordinary breakfast, but it was more than that. It was a memory being made, a new rhythm settling in, a reminder that I wasn't just passing through anymore. I was part of this. Part of them.

The car ride to school was peaceful, the soft hum of the engine blending with Lily's cheerful singing. Despite Christmas having come and gone, she was still happily humming "Jingle Bell Rock" under her breath, tapping her fingers against the car door in rhythm.

Sam groaned, tossing his head back against the seat. "Lily, seriously? Christmas is over."

"But it's still winter," she shot back, undeterred. "That means I can still sing Christmas songs."

"Yeah, for like three more months," Sam grumbled, reaching for the radio controls. "Can you at least pick something else? Please?"

Lily crossed her arms, puffing out her cheeks. "Fine. But I get to choose the next song."

Mom chuckled from the front seat as she adjusted the rear view mirror. "Let's not turn this into a battle over the aux cord, okay? I'd like a peaceful drive."

I looked over at mom, I was confused. "What's an aux cord?" I thought.

Lily huffed dramatically, scrolling through her playlist on her phone. "Fine. How about this?" She tapped the screen, and "Abracadabra" by Lady Gaga filled the car. The song was nearly two decades old—released about three years before I was even born.

Sam sighed. "Better than Christmas music, I guess."

I sat quietly in the back, listening to their playful argument with a small smile. The familiarity of their banter was comforting, a reminder that despite everything going on, some things hadn't changed. My fingers traced the edge of my backpack as I gazed out the window, watching the world blur past. The morning light cast long shadows across the pavement, the frost on the grass shimmering in the sun.

"You okay back there, Em?" Mom asked, glancing at me through the mirror.

I blinked and nodded quickly. "Yeah. Just tired."

Mom gave me a knowing look but didn't press further. "Alright. Just remember, if you need anything, you can text me."

The school soon came into view, the parking lot already filling up with students. As Mom pulled up to the drop-off lane, she turned to look at me again. "Remember, Em, just take it one step at a time. And if anything happens, text me, alright?"

I nodded, gripping my backpack straps. "Okay."

Lily grinned. "And if anyone gives you trouble, just say the word, and I'll—"

Sam groaned. "You're, like, the last person she needs defending her."

Lily gasped. "I am very intimidating, thank you very much."

Mom shook her head with a chuckle. "Alright, enough bickering. Everyone, have a good day."

I gave her a small smile before unbuckling my seat belt and stepping out of the car. The cold air nipped at my face as I adjusted my backpack. With one last glance at Mom, I shut the door and took a deep breath, bracing myself for the day ahead.

Walking through the school doors felt... normal. But today, normal felt good.

The scent of freshly polished floors and distant cafeteria food mixed in the air, the usual hum of conversation and laughter echoing down the hallway. Lockers clanged open and shut as students hurried to their first classes, backpacks slung over shoulders, sneakers squeaking against the tile floor.

Jasmine and Mia found me at my locker, as usual, but today, their faces were practically glowing with excitement. Jasmine, always the more animated of the two, bounced on her heels, her dark curls bobbing around her shoulders.

The three of us started walking toward our first class, slipping effortlessly into conversation. The morning rush moved around us in a blur of chatter and motion, but for once, I wasn't focused on dodging stares or preparing myself for whatever Trevor might have to say. I wasn't carrying the weight of the past on my shoulders.

"So," Jasmine nudged me with her elbow, a sly smile creeping onto her face. "So lets have a movie night this weekend?"

"Absolutely," Mia agreed, adjusting her glasses. "Your pick, Emily."

I pretended to think for a moment, then grinned. "How about something totally ridiculous? Like one of those horror movies where the characters make every bad decision possible?"

Jasmine groaned. "Ugh, you mean the ones where they run up the stairs instead of out the front door?"

"Exactly," I laughed. "They never learn."

Mia smirked. "You just like watching us yell at the screen."

"Maybe." I shrugged, still grinning.

Jasmine rolled her eyes dramatically. "Fine, but if I lose my voice from screaming at these idiots, I'm blaming you."

I smirked. "Fair enough. But you have to admit, it's fun watching them trip over literally nothing while the killer just casually walks after them."

Mia chuckled, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "It's like they have a built-in self-destruct mode. 'Oh no, a perfectly good car with keys in the ignition? Better run into the creepy basement instead!'"

Jasmine groaned again, shaking her head. "And the way they always split up! Like, come on, do they not watch horror movies in their own universe?"

I pointed at her. "Exactly! It's a tradition at this point. If they actually made good choices, the movie would be over in fifteen minutes."

Mia tapped her chin thoughtfully. "So, are we going for classic dumb horror or extra cheesy low-budget horror?"

Jasmine perked up. "Ooh, what about one of those old-school slasher flicks? The ones with the super fake blood and the over-the-top screaming?"

I snapped my fingers. "Yes! Something from the 80s where the dialogue is terrible, the effects are questionable, and the killer has some weird gimmick."

Mia's face lit up. "Like the one where the guy uses an ice cream scoop as a weapon?"

Jasmine gagged. "Ew, I forgot about that one!"

I laughed. "Perfect. Let's make popcorn, get some blankets, and prepare to suffer through two hours of people making the worst decisions possible."

Jasmine sighed but smiled. "I swear, I have no idea why I let you pick the movie."

"Because it's fun," I said, slinging my backpack over my shoulder as we started heading to class.

Mia grinned. "And because you secretly love yelling at the screen just as much as we do."

Jasmine didn't argue, just rolled her eyes again with a small smirk. That was basically confirmation.

"How about that classic movie from the 80's 'Night of the Comet'?" I asked.

Mia's eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh! Night of the Comet! That's a good one!"

Jasmine gave her a skeptical look. "Wait, isn't that the one where almost everyone turns to dust, except for, like, two valley girls with machine guns?"

I grinned. "Exactly. Post-apocalyptic, kinda horror, kinda comedy, and super 80s."

Mia smirked. "So, basically, it's perfect for us."

Jasmine groaned but was clearly amused. "Ugh, fine. But if it's too ridiculous, I reserve the right to make sarcastic commentary the entire time."

I shot her a thumbs-up. "That's literally half the fun."

Mia nodded. "Alright, we're set. My place or yours?"

"Mine," I said without hesitation. "My parents will be out, so we can turn up the volume and reenact the most ridiculous lines without judgment."

Jasmine snorted. "Yeah, because that's what we're worried about being judged for."

I playfully elbowed her. "Hey, it's a valid concern!"

Mia giggled. "Okay, so it's settled. Friday night, ridiculous 80s horror, and enough popcorn to last through an apocalypse."

Jasmine sighed dramatically but couldn't hide her smile. "Guess I better start preparing myself now."

I smirked. "Don't worry. If the world ends in a comet disaster, at least we'll know how to survive."

Mia adjusted her glasses with a smirk. "Step one: find a shopping mall."

We all burst into laughter as we headed off to class, already looking forward to what promised to be an absolutely ridiculous—and totally fun—movie night.

By the time we reached our classroom, the usual morning chaos had settled, and students were slipping into their seats. I slid into mine, the cool surface of the desk grounding me. For the first time in a long time, I felt ready to take on the day—not just survive it, but actually be present for it.

As the bell rang and class began, I couldn't help but let my mind wander back to how different things felt now. The fear, the uncertainty, the weight of my past... it wasn't gone, but it wasn't controlling me anymore.

I was Emily Blake.

And that was enough.

By the time lunch rolled around, my stomach was already twisting in hunger. The cafeteria was its usual loud, chaotic mess—shouts bouncing off the walls, trays clattering against tables, the scent of reheated pizza and something vaguely resembling mashed potatoes hanging in the air. But I didn't mind. It was normal. And right now, normal was something I desperately needed.

I grabbed my tray, trying not to grimace at the slightly congealed cheese on the pizza, and followed Jasmine and Mia to our usual table near the far window. The spot had become ours over time, a little corner away from the worst of the cafeteria madness. As we walked, my eyes flickered toward the lunch counter, where Lexi was still stuck behind the metal trays, serving food as part of her punishment.

Yesterday, she'd done something I hadn't expected—she had defended me. Stood up to Trevor. It had thrown me off, and even though the moment had passed, it still lingered in my mind. I hadn't had the chance to talk to her about it, and I wasn't even sure what I'd say if I did.

Instead, as I reached the end of the line, I caught her eye. For a second, I hesitated, then gave her a small nod. To my surprise, she nodded back. No smirk, no sarcastic comment. Just a simple acknowledgment. It was... weird.

"Enjoy your free lunch," Jasmine muttered under her breath, mimicking Trevor's sneer from yesterday in a mocking tone.

I rolled my eyes, shifting my tray in my hands. "Please don't remind me."

"Speaking of," Mia said, tilting her head slightly toward the far side of the cafeteria.

I followed her gaze, and my stomach did a little flip—but not because of the food. Trevor was there, but something was off. He wasn't at his usual spot, where he was always surrounded by a group of guys who laughed at every joke, no matter how cruel. Instead, he was sitting alone.

For a moment, he looked up, and our eyes locked. His expression twisted into something I couldn't quite read—anger? Guilt? Something else entirely? Before I could even begin to decipher it, he quickly turned away, shoving a fork into his food with a little too much force.

I furrowed my brows. "Weird."

Jasmine snorted. "Guess even his friends are getting sick of him."

"Good," Mia said simply, taking a seat and biting into her apple like she didn't have a care in the world.

I wasn't about to argue. But something about the way Trevor sat there, shoulders tense, jaw clenched, didn't sit right with me. He looked... smaller somehow. Deflated. Like all the bravado and arrogance had been stripped away, leaving behind someone who didn't quite know where they stood.

I shook the thought away and focused on my lunch. It didn't matter. Whatever was going on with him wasn't my problem. Not anymore.

Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted.

The rest of the school day flew by. Classes were uneventful, and gym—thankfully—wasn't a nightmare. Trevor kept his distance, and for once, I didn't feel like a target. It was strange, going through a whole day without constantly checking over my shoulder or bracing for a cruel remark. Maybe it wouldn't last, but for now, I'd take the peace where I could find it.

As the final bell rang, I gathered my things from my locker, carefully placing my books into my bag, when a voice stopped me.

"Emily."

I turned to see Lexi standing a few feet away, still in her lunch duty apron, looking uncertain. The bright blue fabric stood out against her dark jeans and the faded hoodie she always wore.

I hesitated. "Yeah?"

She shifted, like she wasn't sure how to say what she wanted. Her fingers twitched slightly, then curled into the pockets of her jeans. "Just... about yesterday. I meant what I said to Trevor."

I studied her, trying to figure out what she wanted from me. Her voice was steady, but there was something vulnerable about the way she held herself, like she was waiting for me to confirm or deny something important.

"Okay," I said cautiously.

Lexi exhaled, her shoulders dropping just a little, like she'd been holding her breath. "I just... I know I wasn't exactly nice to you before. I get why you wouldn't trust me. But I just wanted you to know, I'm not that person anymore."

For the first time, I actually believed her.

It wasn't just the words. It was the way she said them, the way she looked at me—not with pity or guilt, but with a kind of quiet sincerity that made me think she meant it. Lexi had always been part of the crowd that made my life miserable, but maybe she really was trying to change. Maybe standing up to Trevor wasn't just a one-time thing.

I gave her a small nod. "I appreciate that."

Lexi's shoulders relaxed slightly, and she gave me a quick nod in return before turning to leave. I watched her walk away, processing everything that had happened in the last two days. A week ago, I never would have thought Lexi would be on my side. But maybe things were starting to change.

~o~O~o~

When I stepped outside, the cool afternoon air brushed against my face, crisp and fresh compared to the stuffy hallways. The parking lot was a flurry of activity—students weaving between cars, laughter and chatter filling the air, buses rumbling in the distance. My eyes scanned the lot until I spotted Mom's car near the curb.

She was already watching for me, her expression warm as I slid into the passenger seat. As soon as I buckled my seat belt, she glanced at me with a knowing smile. "So? How was today?"

I thought about it for a moment, letting the question settle. There were still so many things hanging over me—but today? Today had been okay. More than okay.

"Good," I finally said. "Really good."

Her smile widened as she pulled out of the parking lot. "I'm glad to hear that."

So was I.

We drove in a comfortable silence for a little while, the familiar hum of the engine and the soft sound of the radio filling the space between us. I stared out the window, watching as the school disappeared in the rear view mirror, replaced by quiet neighborhoods and leaf-covered sidewalks. The sun was starting to dip lower in the sky, casting everything in a golden glow.

Mom reached over and gave my knee a light squeeze. "You seem different today. Lighter."

I shrugged, but she wasn't wrong. "It's just... I don't know. Things feel a little less awful right now."

"That's good," she said softly. "You deserve that."