9

“How was your weekend?” My chemistry partner put his book on the table.

I rolled my eyes.

“That bad?” JerRic laughed.

“You don't know the half of it.” I muttered.

JerRic glanced around. Our classmates were coming in. Each one was looking more tired than the last. Monday mornings were the worst. Our teacher was playing with the projector, trying to get it up and going.

JerRic put his arm around my chair like he had done every class so far. I smiled sadly at him as he waited. I raised my eyebrows, trying to dissuade him from asking more questions.

“You have to tell me sometime.” JerRic smirked.

“Out of everyone at this school, you are the only one that has all the same classes as me. How is that possible?” I frowned.

“Just lucky I guess.” He flashed me a lopsided grin.

I chuckled. “Well, I got a new family.”

JerRic sat up a little straighter. His eyes were clearly asking an unasked question. I hadn't told anyone about Anna yet or... well, any of it. Mom and I had talked a little, but not much.

“Apparently, that whole switched at birth thing actually happens.” I shrugged.

JerRic's eyes were wide. “For real?”

I nodded.

“So... who are...?” JerRic switched gears. “Are you okay?”

I shrugged.

He didn't say anything as the first bell rang. It was the three-minute warning bell. We'd be passing notes the entire class if I didn't just tell him. I don't know how, but JerRic had a way of getting information out of me that I didn't want to share with anyone else.

JerRic leaned forward. He cocked his half smile. “You know you want to tell me.”

I started laughing and rolled my eyes. I was trying to bide my time. It wasn't working. His smile widened.

“Apparently, I was supposed to be Anna Beatrice Poveste.” I let out a deep breath. “Anna spent Friday night at my house. She is like... perfect.”

“You're perfect.” JerRic leaned a little closer.

“I'm really not, but thanks for saying so.” I smiled. “Then I spent Saturday night with them.”

“What are their names?” JerRic's interest was piqued.

“Peter and Maddy... Poveste.” I rolled my eyes. “Apparently, I have an older brother. His name is Felix. Oh, and I found out I am an aunt. His daughter's name is Ginny. She's cute, but bossy.”

JerRic's smile was reassuring. “Are you okay?” His eyes held mine like they could read my soul.

“I will be. They told me that I didn't have to move in with them or anything.” I leaned on the table.

“If they tried, you could always move in with me instead.” JerRic laughed.

“Yeah, right!” I laughed. “My Mom would kill me!”

“Which one?” JerRic wiggled his eyebrows.

“You're horrible.” I laughed as the bell rang.

“Okay, class. Hand your homework assignments forward.” Mr. Rightheart motioned his hand for the papers to come. I opened my binder and pulled out the paper, and handed it to the girl in front of me.