Becoming Family

Chapter 24 School

(Ari's POV)
I had been going to set with Lana for a long time now and everyone there has become family. On the way home one day Lana brought up school. "You have to go sometime" she argues. I agree that I should. I mean I love the cast but I want to have some friends my own age. After dinner Fred and I worked on a puzzle and Lana got information  about the closest school they live by. When she walks in and has a big smile. "You are now the newest member of South Creek High School" she says excitedly. "Yay" I say plainly. Lana called for the next day off so she could be there for me on my first day of school.
*the next day*
I have to wake up at 5:30 AM so I can make it on time. Lana has to come in to wake me up because I never wake up with my alarm. "Ari" she says sweetly. "Time to get up for school" she said in a singing way. I roll over so I don't see the light through the window. "Awe babe I made pancakes you sure you don't want to get up" she says slyly. "What type of pancake.." I say hesitantly rolling over to face her. "Chocolate chocolate chip" she say with a big smile. She know that I'd do anything for those types of pancakes. I then get up and get dressed into a cute maroon long sleeve, dark skinny jeans, and light brown boots, with my wavy  black hair down. I then head downstairs. "You look so beautiful" Lana said starting to tear up. "You can chill" I tell her bluntly. Around that time Fred walk down. "Don't give your mother attitude" he says flatly. We eat then Lana drives me to South Creek. She walks in and there are some whispers through the out the office. "That's Lana from OUAT" one person said "she plays the evil queen" the other retorts. "Is that her kid?" Another asks. We head to the principles office. "I presume that you are Mrs. Kennedy. She is a thin blond around 5'6 in hight. "Yes and you must be Mrs. DiBlacio" she said hugging Lana. "You can call me Lana, and this is Ari" she said looking at me. "Um hi" I say looking down at the floor. We are very excited to have you as a student" she reassures me. I get my schedule and a map of the school, it's not small but its big enough to get lost. As we leave the office I hear Mrs. Kennedy want to talk to Lana by her self. So I wait outside, but I can still hear them lightly. "Now Lana, may I call you that? This is a new situation for our little school. We have never had someone so well known like you have a part of this school. For the safety of Ari would you want me not to tell people that she is the daughter of a well known celebrity. I just don't want her getting swarmed buy people who want to know more about you  or only want to hang out with her because of her last name, not because of her personality." Mrs. Kennedy sounds worried. "I think that that is is good idea. If Ari wants to tell people that she is the daughter of Lana Parrilla, it's her choice. And you are right, I want people to fall in love with her not her name. I don't want to be a hinderance to her friendships." Lana said. "Now for emergency contact, should I put you?" Kennedy asks. "It would be best to put my husband, Fred, as the contact. I am gone on set from 7AM to about 5:30, and we live close that if she ever got sick he could get her." Lana informs the principal. They finish up and both lead me to my first period. When we got there, I couldn't get my self to say goodbye. In my mind I thought that I would never see her agin. I haven't been apart from her sense I stayed with JMO in the hotel. And we have gotten so close we have such a tight bond. I respected her as a mother, loved her like a best friend, and teased her like a sister. The principal walk inside the classroom so we could have a second. "You will do great, I know you will make quick friends and fit in so well" she said while giving me a big hug. "Don't leave me" I start to cry. "Baby it's going to be ok I'll see you soon" she said in her most loving tone. I had to go in to the class room because the principal was glancing at us through the glass door. "And for good luck, text me anytime ok dear" she said as she gave my cheek a big kiss. She starts to walk down the hall back to the office. "Mama" I whisper. I then I feel tears rolling down my face. I wipe the away and walk in as confident as possible. "You must be Ms Ari" the teacher said. "My name is Mrs. Jess and I know that we will get along fine" she said with a smile. She is about 5'7 with chestnut colored hair and white teeth. "You may sit where ever you want" she informs me. So I sit in the middle row next to a pretty blond with freckles. "Hi my name is Ashlyn" the young girl said with a big smile. " you are lucky, this is one of the best English classes in all of SC, Mrs. Jess grades the easiest and if you behave she is super nice" Ashlyn says. "What's your next class?" She asks while taking my schedule. "Hey we have the next two classes together" she squeals. I really like this girl she is super nice to me. As the bell rang for our next class I just followed her. I walk in and sit next to her. The teacher Mr. Jones is a grumpy man with little patients. When it was lunch time Ashlyn invited me to sit with her and her friends Grace and Lizzy I open my lunch and there was a note from Lana on my napkin: My dearest Ari, I am so proud of you and love you so much❤️ have a good day munchkin
~ML
"Awe is that a note from your mother" Grace asked sweetly. "Ya" I blush. We talk about movies and classes. I get a text from Lana
L- Hi love how is the day going❤️❤️
A- it's better then I thought! I made some friends already! I miss you so much 😍😭
L- That's wonderful dear❤️ I knew you would! Do you want me to pick you up or take the buss?
A- could you pick me up:) I have to go now, love you.

I get through the rest of the day, I kind of like it here. People are super nice and helpful. There is even a guy I like in my 5th and 6th period. Jake Smyth. He is so hot and he actually talked with me and I got his number. His mom picked him up at the same place Lana was going to so we walked together. I see Lana  so I rush over to her car. I get in and we quickly hug. "So how was your day, who our your friends, and who is the guy you were walking with?" She asked quickly. Well the day was good, I actually like it here! And the girls are Grace, Lizzy, and Ashlyn. Ashlyn was the girl I meet first. And the guy was Jake Smyth we just talked and his mom parked by you and guess what??? I GOT HIS NUMBER!" I squealed. "Whoa whoa you have a love interest on the first day?" Lana faked being surprised. "Just make sure you stay on top of your school work" she said in her Regina voice. "Yes Ma'm" I giggled back.