Dev Friedlander - You See Me

For Sherry, who gave me the gift of language.

And for Michael, who gave me the gift of love.

CHAPTER 1

ELLA STARTED HER senior year of high school the same way she started every year at Dellpine Academy: completely and utterly disheartened. She had the normal first-day jitters like everyone else, but there was nothing normal about a seventeen-year-old girl with a limp. A limp that, after three years, showed little sign of improvement.

Ella opened her locker and pulled out her history textbook. She would never admit to anyone how studying about the English monarchy in history class led her to a three-hour search online for more information. She had discovered that the English monarchs did not have surnames until 1917, when all English monarchs would be called Windsor. Most high school students couldnt care less about these facts, but Ella could get lost in them for hours.

Studying again? Maria asked, peering over her shoulder, her raven hair brushing Ellas cheek. Didnt you already take AP History?

That was AP US History. Im taking World History now.

Well, arent you glad you havent run out of AP exams like Barry? You would have nothing to look forward to.

I do other things besides study.

Like going to Madisons party on Sunday? Maria asked excitedly. She was always trying to get Ella to socialize more.

I wasnt invited, Ella replied as she put some books into her backpack.

The whole class was invited.

I dont think I will, Ella said.

Stop being such a hermit, Ella.

Im not a hermit. I went out last week with Chelsey. We went shopping for riding boots.

Its a wonder you can dress yourself without the help of your sister, Maria said, smiling.

Not everyone has their own personal stylist, Ella said proudly.

Chelsey, Ellas older sister, was the closest thing Ella had to a Barbie. With blond hair and long legs, Chelsey broke guys hearts simply by walking past them. She was studying to be a cosmetologist and took it very seriously. Their parents couldnt understand why their older daughter, who received straight As in college, didnt pick a career closer to her field of study. But Chelsey decided to follow her true passion and loved using Ella as a guinea pig.

Speaking of their own personal stylist, Maria said, bringing Ellas attention away from makeup and back to the present. You will never guess who is joining our school this year.

It was not uncommon for a private school like Dellpine Academy to host celebrity students. Last year, Sarah Black, a girl with a promising country music career, had attended the tenth grade. She didnt last very long, shooting right to the top of the country charts and dropping out of school a few months later. Still, it was fun to claim that Sarah Black had gone to Dellpine Academy.

So, can you guess? Maria prodded.

James Jude, Ella said, throwing out the only star name she could think of.

Maria nodded eagerly, jumping up and down. Ella put her hands to her mouth and shrieked with delight. James Jude was the latest teenage heartthrob. His father, Ian Jude, was a famous country singer whose songs played constantly on the country radio station. James had branched out into the pop music scene.

James found his boot in his mouth recently when he told a reporter that country music was a dying genre that only rednecks enjoyed. Country fans led the battle cry against his remark, taking to social media, demanding the little twit gain some sense and go back to school. His own father showed disappointment over his sons words.

Attending his senior year in high school was clearly a publicity stunt, to lay low while the storm he created blew over. His latest album had bombed, and he was snubbed at the Grammys. Some of his greatest supporters urged him to give an education a try, saying James would be a role model for his younger fans. It seemed he had taken their advice and enrolled in school in his hometown, probably to prove he was comfortable with his Southern roots.

When is he starting? Ella asked, her voice shaking from anticipation. Shed had a star crush on him since he first started his music career at fourteen. She had all his albums, watched his music videos, and hummed his song all the time, but she kept her obsession to herself. Only Maria knew about the James poster hidden deep in her dressers bottom drawer.

I think hell be starting sometime this week, replied Maria. Its just like James to miss the first week of school, Ella thought. She wondered what else the school would let him get away with.

Maria looked around. Where is your cane?

Im not going to be using it anymore, Ella said. I found I can walk just as well without it.

But the doctor said...

Ella lowered her eyes, tightening her lips.

I think you looked cool with the cane, Maria said.

I looked like Mr. Peanut, Ella shot back.

Only Brittany called you that. Maria threaded her arm through Ellas. I just know James will fall madly in love with you. It will make Brittany so mad she will want to pull her hair extensions out. This is going to be your year, Ella. I can feel it.

Happy thoughts of holding James Judes hand danced in Ellas head. It was completely unrealistic; his last girlfriend was a Delia clothing model. But daydreams were meant to be fanciful, and the idea of James holding Ellas hand was too wonderful for words.

The first day of school continued. Ella received a syllabus and the same speech in every class; the link between good grades and acceptance into college was reiterated over and over. Teachers warned against slacking off and senioritis, telling cautionary tales of the seniors who did not take their senior year seriously and ended up in community colleges because none of the more prestigious universities would have them.

Six syllabi later, Ella finally started the last period of the day, American Literature. Ella hurried from the science room in the west wing, determined to make it to the east wing on the other side of campus before the bell rang. The school had extended the time between classes so Ella could have enough time to reach each of her classes without being marked tardy. She felt ashamed when her mother told her the change in the bell schedule was because of her.

Ella got to class a full minute before the bell rang and eyed the vacant front row. Most students wanted to be as far from the teachers watchful gaze as possible, filling up the back rows. Ella didnt mind the front and took the seat closest to the door.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Salter said, a stack of papers in her hands. Ella had Mrs. Salter for British Literature last year and looked forward to being in her class again. Most students found Mrs. Salters passion for literature insufferable, but Ella admired her. Mrs. Salter was true to herself, not caring about what was fashionable. She taught the details that many teachers preferred to skip over in favor of covering more ground. Last year, Mrs. Salter spent two full weeks teaching the history of Canterbury before reading a single tale. She was whimsical, speaking like a poet. Her words were like music, flowing and ardent.

For those of you who love literature, this is going to be your favorite class, Mrs. Salter began after all the students took their seats. For those of you who are here simply to pass the AP exam, you will be disappointed. I am not a teacher who instructs towards an exam; I teach literature, pure and simple.

There were a few groans in the back of the classroom. Mrs. Salter ignored them as she handed out the class syllabus.

I believe literature is a study in human psychology before the science of psychology ever existed. Literature explores the question why. Why do we love? Why do we begin battles? Why is life worth living even when someone is in the nadirs of despair?