Newfangled

By Kristin N. Spencer

After a rocky start at a new school, Olive hopes she can find a few friends to help win her crusade to survive the most awkward years of her life. Junior high beckons. But when she angers the class bully, her transition into public school is anything but smooth.
Though Olive prays for faith, she feels betrayed by God when things go from bad to worse. Then, when good things finally happen, the mean girls dial their torture up a notch. As Olive battles self-awareness and surging hormones, will she find stability through the promises of Christ?
At home, her father’s work injury causes even more stress to seep into Olive’s life. When suspicion is confirmed as foul play, she must fight even harder to trust in a God that has promised never to leave His children.
Join Olive as she journeys through the gambit of teenagedom. Can she it make it through the semester without losing her faith?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Literary Symmetry
• Release date: Apr 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9781533369604

Book preview

Katienne.

Chapter 1

It was the first day of school. The dark circles under Olive’s eyes were a wordless message to the world she hadn’t been able to sleep. At all. She had stared at the ceiling for hours. She had tried to pray. Olive had read her Bible, and then she had read the boring book — the one about different wood that her grandfather gave her at the start of summer — thinking it would tire her brain and eyes. It didn't help.

Well, she looked at her alarm clock, which read 5:30 MON, I guess now is a good time to get up. Ugh. I still haven’t decided what to wear today. Mom insists that I should wear those green overall shorts she got me last week, but I'm not sure if fashion renegade is the impression I want everyone to be left with on my first day. I would, but not today.

Skinny jeans were in, but Olive didn’t own any. They accentuated her growing curves in an unflattering way. She picked up a black pair of jeans that Aunt Barb found in a curvy cut at one of Olive’s favorite stores and paired it with her favorite tee — a plain red shirt that hugged nothing but her shoulders. There was a cute, tiny pocket on the front left. Bright, but casual. Perfect.

Today was not just the first day of school, it was Olive’s first day ever at Ronald Reagan Junior High, or R&R for short. The worst part was that as a seventh grader, she was joining the party a year late. At R&R, Junior High started in 6th grade. The other kids had known each other since last year, or longer if they had gone to elementary together. Even though the school wasn’t that far away from her house, she was switching from a private school to a public one, and she didn’t know anyone her age that went to R&R. She finished packing her backpack and sat on the edge of her freshly made bed. Her room was clean, except for the pile of clothes on the floor which drove her mom, Sophia, crazy.

A soft knock came at the door.

Hey honey, are you awake? her mother asked.

Yeah, I didn’t sleep. Olive said. Her voice cracked with exhaustion.

Oh sweetie! Sophia said. Let's make an exception to the no make-up rule today. Let me go get my concealer. She came back with concealer and a make-up sponge.

There, she said applying the final dab, now no one will see that you spent all night stressing about your first day. She winked at her daughter. Just don’t fall asleep at your desk.

Thanks Mom, Olive said, tugging at her shirt.

You should wear shorts. It feels crisp this morning, but today will be at least 80, even if it rains.

I’ll be fine. She said.

Sweetie, what’s wrong, I can tell you’re upset. You won’t even look at me.

I’m so nervous. What if I don’t make friends? Who will eat with me? I hate sitting alone. Are you sure I can’t go to Saint Stephen’s instead?

We have discussed this, Olive. Dad and I can’t afford that school, and besides, you don’t want to go to Catholic school, do you? We're not Catholic.

No, I don’t, but at least I have friends there. I wouldn’t have to eat alone.

You’ll be fine. God will help you through this. You don’t understand how, but He will. Let’s pray, ok?

Ok.

Sophia grabbed Olive’s hand, Lord, we don’t know what you have in store for Olive today, but please give her Your peace that passes all understanding. Please help the other kids to see how special and awesome Olive is and please help her to be confident in the gorgeous person You made when You made her. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

Amen. Olive said.

So, do you want oatmeal or toaster waffles? Sophia asked.

Olive’s stomach growled, and they both laughed.

::  ::  ::

Olive had been to R&R for enrollment the week before, but she still wanted to puke. Whatever you do, Olive, do NOT pass out! She stood next to a wall to steady herself.

Are you ok? Sophia whispered.

That depends on how you define, ok. The room is spinning. I think I need a drink of water.

Sophia asked one of the other parents where the nearest water fountain was and guided Olive over to it, attempting not to draw anyone’s attention to her shaky daughter. That would make things worse. She took Olive to the bathroom, but first she checked that no one was there.

I won’t tell you we can come back tomorrow. That will just make today and tomorrow harder for you. Listen, if you get sick, just go to the office. I will come pick you up at the midday bell and no one will notice you leaving. There aren't any photo gigs for me today. I love you, kid. You know that right?

Thanks Mom. I’ll be ok. I don’t know why I’m so stressed. I just have a weird feeling about this year.

Well, let’s just get through today, ok? We’ll figure out the rest later.

Sounds good. Ok, I’m better. Let’s go.

Sophia and Olive walked along the hall and Olive went through the door. Olive found the desk with her name on it and carefully sat. Sophia looked at Olive’s teacher, whose name was on the white board. She motioned for Ms. Finney to come. Ms. Finney leaned in as Sophia whispered, She’s feeling light-headed… she’s nervous. Ms. Finney said something that Olive couldn’t hear, Sophia smiled back at her, waved at Olive, and walked away.

So it begins, Olive thought.

Welcome everyone. My name is Sheila Finney, but you can call me Ms. Finney. No, I’m not married, and no, I don’t have thirty cats. Ms. Finney winked at the class. I’m glad to see each of your bright and happy faces this morning. Ok, maybe not bright and happy, but at least you are awake. I plan to make sure you stay that way. This year we will switch teachers three times every morning. This will be your homeroom. I teach Art and Social Studies. In my opinion you are starting off your day with the most exciting subjects, but I have to admit I’m biased. Do we have any budding artists in this class? she asked.

Jenna! a few of Olive’s classmates cheered. Jenna blushed and looked toward her shoes.

Great, Ms. Finney said, I don’t expect everyone in here to create art like Da Vinci, but I expect everyone to try their best. In addition, I expect you to be polite. Art is subjective. Please try to remember that, and if you have a negative opinion of anyone’s artwork, please keep it to yourself. There will be no gossip or insults in my class. She pointed to a sign on the wall that read, If you don’t have something nice to say… well, you know the rest.

Ms. Finney walked over to the corner of the room where she had a huge map of Europe. Each country had a label and was color coordinated with a list on the wall across from the map. Under each color coded country name were four or five bullet points. Olive assumed it summarized the lessons for the entire year. Ms. Finney must have spent a long time preparing her classroom before school started.

As far as Social Studies, that is far less objective. Please pay attention during the lessons because I can guarantee there will be a quiz at the end of most weeks. She noticed the students staring at the intense list of dates and events. Don’t worry, you won’t have to memorize every bullet point. They are on the wall as a point of reference. When you hear me say, ‘Write this,’ that means it will be on the test. So pay attention for that.

Ms. Finney went back to her desk and pulled out four folders. They were each a different color, and the colors matched up to the different colors of tape that ran along the top of each desk.

Today I thought we would spend our period getting to know each other. Homeroom is where you will spend most of your time each week. It is important for us to have each other's backs, if you will excuse my slang. What happens in homeroom stays in homeroom. I promise, I’m not trying to be cool.

She handed the four folders to random people in each group and announced that everyone holding a folder was now a team leader. Their job was to include everyone and to assure that each group member contributed to the hunt.

Everyone’s names are on the list in front of you. You need to write how each person contributed to the team effort at the end of the hunt. There are several clues hidden around campus. I had to get special permission from Principal Dewey to do this activity, but it was worth it. I made him a plate of cookies. Have you figured out your teams?

Yes! everyone in the class cheered. Olive noted that she was on the yellow team as showed by the yellow tape on her desk.

Ok, the winners get these homemade bookmarks with Sherlock Holmes on them. Go! Oh wait! No phones. Leave your phones here and I’ll look after them. I don’t want any of you tempted to cheat by searching for the answer. A collective groan came from the room as most of the class members emptied their pockets of the phones and placed them on their desks.

When Olive looked over at Ms. Finney she noticed that Ms. Finney was waiting for her to make eye contact. She held up a post-it note that read, You ok? Olive nodded, smiled, and joined her team. Ms. Finney would be her favorite teacher.

Olive’s team comprised six people total. Three boys and three girls. The team leader, Jason, was waiting by the door.

Come on Olive! You’re on our team, I’m Jason, he said. He was smiling. This will be fun. Maybe.

::  ::  ::

The folder had a map, the list Ms. Finney had mentioned for them to write how each team member helped, and a pen. On the map, each building had a label to indicate it was a specific European country. 

It looks like she reproduced part of Europe on a smaller scale so that the school would represent different countries, Jason noted.

Yes, this is going to waste the entire first period, sweet! one of the other boys said.

Ok, Olive doesn’t know anyone, so Ms. Finney reminded me to introduce you guys to her. That’s Tim, Jason motioned to the guy that had just commented about wasting the period, Those two girls are Trish and Jacey, and that’s Braxton, everyone calls him Brax.

Tim is my dad’s name, Olive said.

Cool, Tim replied.

Ok, Jason took the whole leader thing seriously, Let’s start. Here is our first clue. He pulled out a yellow envelope that had Clue #1 written on it and read it aloud.

French fries were not invented here, he paused and then continued. Look for the next clue in this country. All of your clues will be in yellow envelopes since you are the yellow team.

Easy! Trish said, A baby could figure this clue out, obviously it’s talking about France. Where is France on the map?

Looks like France is where the Tech Shop is, Brax said as he pointed to it on the map.

Ok, let’s hurry, we’re behind, Jason said as he ran toward the Tech Shop.

Olive didn’t know her way around campus, so she followed behind everyone else. Sure enough, next to the door of the tech lab there was a yellow envelope stuck to the wall. There weren’t any other envelopes.

Oh great, we’re in last place, Jacey whined.

Jason ignored her and opened the envelope. I am the country where the Rubik’s cube was invented. Serbia, Austria and Croatia boarder me, he read aloud.

Everyone was quiet for a minute.

Can I see the folder? Olive asked. Jason handed it to her. Well, she said, there are only seven countries on here. We can probably guess by eliminating most of them. I know that Spain is toward the outside of Europe, and if the mystery country boarders so many other countries, it is must be toward the middle. We can eliminate France, obviously.

What’s left? Jacey asked.

That would leave Finland, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and the UK, Brax said as he looked over Olive’s shoulder.

Hungary is the only country that is inland on this list, Jason added. Should we try it?

Yes! And hurry! Trish pushed Tim. It was clear she didn’t want to be last.

To the Eighth Grade Wing! Brax said.

Halfway through the hall of the Eighth Grade Wing, they found two envelopes taped to the wall. One was yellow and one was green. At least we aren’t in last anymore, Olive thought. Tim grabbed the yellow one that had Clue #3 written on it, opened it, and read it aloud.

In case you were wondering, Belgium is the birthplace of French Fries, and I am located just across the English Channel from Belgium. In case that isn’t clear enough, I have one more hint: Bigger on the inside is my type of sci-fi technology.

What is with the french fries thing? Ms. Finney must have been hungry when she wrote this, Tim said.

Olive started to say something, but Jacey interrupted. Hmmm, the English channel… so like, England?

Yes! Brax pumped his fist in the air. Where is it?

Near the Cafeteria, Jason answered. All six took off running again.

Again, there were two envelopes. The green team was still behind them, but who knew for how long.

Trish grabbed the yellow envelope off of the wall and ripped it open. Socrates, Sparta, and Span-ak-opita, she read. I don’t get it.

A person, a place, and a type of food… all Greek, Olive said.

Ok cool, where’s Greece? Jason asked. Jacey was holding the folder at this point.

The Nurse’s Office. Come on! Olive winced as Jacey yelled, again, but followed behind the rest of her team as they ran to the Nurse’s Office. This scavenger hunt was giving her a headache.

I don’t see it, Brax said.

Oh, look, Jason said as he pointed downward, There by the ground, propped up against the wall. Look, the red team hasn’t gotten theirs yet either. We’re in second place!

Yay! Let’s hurry! Jacey squealed.

The rest of the clues went fast, and even though the team ran to each clue, they never caught up with the blue team. Once they found the last clue in Finland, also known as the gym class storage container, Jason read it and asked, Who can write the fastest? Trish raised her hand and Jason handed her the notebook, Ok, before we can turn in our clues we have to write how each team member helped. Go in order, it will be faster that way.

Ok, Brax… she said.

I figured out the clue for Spain! He yelled. Brax wanted to win.

Now Jacey, Trish said.

I got Italy, the fashion clue of course. Oh, and the UK. Jacey explained.

Jason’s next, Trish announced.

He found most of the clues and read them out, plus he’s the leader, Olive said.

Obviously, Trisha replied, as she wrote fast. Ok, now Olive, she added.

She got Greece and part of Hungary, Tim noted, even if she did slow us down because she had no idea where we were going.

Jason shot Tim a stern look.

Tim, you’re next, Trish said.

I figured out Finland, yummy licorice clue. I told you Ms. Finney was hungry when she made this thing up, Tim said as he licked his lips.

And I helped with Spain, and wrote stuff, Trish said as she wrote it down. Let’s go!

As they ran toward homeroom they saw Ms. Finney handing each member of the blue team a Sherlock Holmes bookmark, as promised.

Gah, Jacey said, I hate losing!

Shock of the year, Olive thought.

::  ::  ::

Second period was ok. Mrs. Tam seemed nice enough, and Olive loved to read. Before meeting Ms. Finney, Olive assumed that English would be her favorite class, but now she thought homeroom would. The gap in between classes was long enough for a trip to the restroom. After class she headed to the benches to find a place to sit for lunch.

Ok God, she prayed, where should I sit? I can just sit by myself and wait for someone to sit next to me, or I can look for someone that looks nice. She didn’t wait for an answer to her quick prayer. Instead, she spotted Trish and Jacey at one table toward the covered hallway that lead to the front gate.

Hey, Olive said, Do you mind if I sit with you guys?

Trish and Jacey looked at each other, as if asking a silent question.

Sure, Jacey said. Nice work on the scavenger hunt earlier.

Olive sat on the bench and pulled out her brown paper bag. She unpacked her lunch, using the empty bag as a place mat.

You might want to save some of that for later, Jacey said.

Yeah, for sure, Trish added, we have gym class right after lunch.

Oh, was all Olive could think of to say.

I know, right? Perfect timing. Jacey rolled her eyes.

Thanks for the heads up. Olive put half of her sandwich and her orange back into her brown paper bag after she finished eating. Hopefully she ate just enough not to be starving. She did not want to overeat right before gym class. Throwing up on her first day at a new school was not her idea of making a good impression.

I don’t remember anything about gym clothes during registration, Olive said.

Yeah, well we don’t change. What you wear is what you have to work out in, and we don’t get to change afterwards either. Jacey gestured to her running shoes.

Ugh, my mom was right. Olive looked at her jeans and wished they would transform into shorts. The marine layer had disappeared sometime between second and third period, and the Southern California sunshine was turning up the heat.

Jacey and Trish looked at Olive with a question on their faces.

My mom told me I should wear shorts to school today.

Well then, Trish said, she was right. You are going to have a hard time running a warm up lap with those on in this weather. They’re cute though, where did you get them?

My Aunt Barb found them at Swarthy’s department store.

Oh, I love that place! Trish said. Jacey hates it though.

I only buy clothes in stores where other people don’t buy them. I don’t want to run into someone wearing the same thing, like, ever! Jacey clarified. I mostly buy my clothes at little boutiques or fancy second hand stores like ‘Kangaroo.’ Then I never have to worry about that.

Second hand is a great way to get cool stuff, Olive agreed. My mom buys most of her clothes online from a second hand store called Second Stitch. The prices are great and most of it is high end stuff.

That sounds cool, I’ll have to check it out. Jacey wrote the name of the website in her notebook.

Olive heard an entire table burst out in laughter. She turned around and noticed Jason was sitting there.

What’s the deal with them? They seem fun.

Those are the smart kids, Trish said.

Also known as the nerds, Jacey laughed, most of them go to the high school after lunch for advanced classes. Trust me Olive, you do not want to be associated with them. It will kill any chance you have of being popular.

Well Jason seems cool, Olive said.

Yeah, Trish admitted, but he’s the only tolerable one.

Olive made a mental note to meet the other smart kids. They seemed like they were having a great time, and Jason was so nice. Just then the bell rang.

Olive, we’ll go with you to put your stuff away in your locker and then we can show you where we line up for gym, Trish motioned to the locker bay.

Ok, thanks, Olive said.

::  ::  ::

The rest of the day was uneventful. Olive finished gym class, went back to her locker and then had two more classes, health and zoology. Zoology was her elective. She was excited she got into it because at registration the woman working at the desk said that it was a popular class. She was exhausted though, and her eyes lit up at the sight of her mom’s bright blue hatchback. Sophia stopped for a second and Olive climbed into the passenger seat.

Well, I didn’t get a call from the Nurse’s Office, so I assume you didn’t pass out.

Ha ha, funny. Olive pretended to be annoyed by her mom’s comment.

How was it? I prayed for you all day.

It was fine, I met several nice people.

That’s cool. Ms. Finney was nice, how was her class?

Oh! exclaimed Olive, It was my favorite. We did this European themed scavenger hunt, and Ms. Finney is the coolest. She asked me how I was feeling without embarrassing me in front of the other kids.

Well, it sounds like an ok day. Thank the Lord. Now let’s go get James and Zoe. I hope their day was just as fun as yours. Sophia put on her blinker to turn left, and they headed toward Spruce Elementary.

::  ::  ::

And this place is so much cooler than Shores was, Mom! They have a soccer league for the different ages and the teams from the different elementary schools play against each other. I will totally ask Dad to practice with me tonight when he gets home! There were a bunch of kids from Shores there too. Jacob and Buddy aren’t in my class, but at least I got to see them at recess and lunch. James had not stopped talking about his journey into fifth grade since he had gotten into the car. He was happy with the switch from their small, private, Christian school.

What about you Zo? How was your first day of second grade? Sophia interrupted James to make sure her silent seven year old was doing ok.

Well, it was ok. Zoe was always quiet, but this was too quiet, even for her.

Did you like your teacher, Mrs. Qualby? Sophia asked.

I wanted Mrs. Jackson this year, Zoe said with an edge to her voice.

I know you’re sad about Shores closing, sweetie. We all are. But we should be happy that God provided you guys with a great new school and nice teachers. Mrs. Jackson moved to live closer to her sister in New Mexico. She likes it there.

Still… Zoe said. Sophia could see a single tear slide down Zoe’s cheek when she looked in her rear-view mirror. 

It will be ok Zo. I’m sorry you had a hard day. We will pray that tomorrow will be better.

I’m not the only one struggling with this, Olive thought.

Mom, can Zoe help me make cookies for Ms. Finney and Mrs. Qualby when we get home? Olive asked.

What about my teacher? James asked.

Are you going to help us make cookies, James?

Well, no, he pouted.

Well, there’s your answer, Sophia said, and yes, you ladies can make cookies for your teachers when you get home.

Zoe’s tears stopped and a timid smile swept across her face.

Sophia winked at Olive and mouthed the word thanks.

Chapter 2

Tuesday, September 1st

Dear Journal,

I have officially been going to R&R Junior High for one week and one day. Today I met Franny. She is awesome sauce. Why do people say awesome sauce? It sounds weird. I’m getting off topic. Franny is in my homeroom, but I didn’t meet her until today. Jason asked me if I wanted to sit with him at lunch, and I decided to try my luck at the smart kid table. Franny was there. She has red, curly hair, and whenever she laughs it bounces all over the place. And she laughs a lot, so it is like, always bouncing. She pointed to my Deplorable Debbie shirt and told me she loves that cartoon. Best friends at first sight? It’s pretty likely. She even wrote me a note after lunch and handed it to me while I was waiting for my mom to pick me up. I’m going to tuck it into you on the page next to this entry for future reference.

Olive read the note again.

Hi Olive! I’m so glad you decided to join us for lunch. I hope you don’t mind, but I asked Jason to ask you. I noticed your shirt this morning. I don’t know you, like at all, but you don’t seem like the kind of person that would normally hang out with Trish and Jacey. They are ok and all, and I could be totally wrong, but you seem more like a Mashable. That’s what we call ourselves, me and Jason and the rest of our group. I know some people call us nerds behind our backs, but you better believe that when they need help with homework they come to us. Well, I better get back to geometry. I’ll see you tomorrow. -Franny

I also have to tell you, Journal, that Dad got hurt at work today. Something went wrong with one of the shelving units in his office, it’s on wheels or something, and it totally fell over and landed on him while he was putting some files away. I really need to pray for him more. So he had to go see the doctor and the doctor said that he has strained a muscle in his back and will have to take muscle relaxers and have at least a week off of work, resting at home. This is going to drive all of us crazy, because Dad doesn't like to sit still. He doesn’t seem too upset about the accident at work though, so that’s good. He said sometimes things just get worn out, it isn’t anyone’s fault. That’s all for now. Love, Olive

Hey honey, did you finish your homework? Sophia popped her head into the doorway.

Yeah, I was just journaling.

Ok, are you finished?

Yeah. Do you need something?

Actually yes, I do. I need to go get your Dad’s medicine from the pharmacy. Can you make sure James doesn’t take forever in the shower and then ask Zoe to get in? I will tuck everyone in when I get back. It may take a while because I have to wait until they can fill the prescription. His pain pill that they gave him at the doctor’s office is wearing off and he’s starting to hurt. Sophia explained.

Dad actually told you his back was hurting? Olive asked.

Well no, but he’s starting to scrunch his face up, a wife knows these things. Sophia mimicked the face that Tim had been making.

Oh, yeah that doesn’t look good. Go ahead. I’ve got you covered. Olive assured her mother.

Thanks honey! I knew I could count on you. Sophia went into her room, grabbed her purse and headed toward the bathroom. James, she said, Olive’s in charge. You better listen to her or else!

Ok, Mom. James shouted from behind the shower curtain.

Olive realized it would probably be at least 20 minutes until she could convince James to get out of the shower, so she went downstairs to try to cheer up her Dad. She went into the kitchen, got three big scoops of peanut butter cup ice cream out of the carton from the freezer, and took it to her dad.

Thanks sweetie. You aren’t having any? Tim asked.

I’m on shower duty, but after I get Zoe taken care of, I might have some. She’s upstairs playing with her plastic bricks for now. So what actually happened today? Mom said something about the file cabinets being on wheels. I didn’t even know that was possible.

Well, they have a bunch of file cabinets next to each other. They go all the way from the floor to the ceiling. They are on a track and can be adjusted. Each one has a handle and you can turn it to move them around depending on which one you need to get to. It saves space that way. Tim dropped some of the ice-cream from his spoon onto his shirt. Olive got up and came back with a paper towel.

Thanks, he said, using the paper towel to wipe off his shirt.

So, how did one fall over onto you?

Well, that is a good question, and I don’t really know the answer. What I do know is that the system is pretty old. We bought it from another office when their company went out of business. Tim took another bite of the ice cream. This is so good. Mmm, peanut-buttery.

Peanut-buttery isn’t a word, Dad. Olive said, smiling.

Give your ol’ Dad a break, will ya?

So you’re saying you don’t normally make up words in your normal, un-injured state then? Olive was really trying not to laugh.

Thank you again, for the ice cream, he said, winking.

I had better convince James to get out of the shower before he turns into Prune Boy, the creepy de-moisturizing super hero.

De-moisturizing? Really? That’s a real word, is it? Tim responded.

Don’t even, Olive shouted as she headed up the stairs.

::  ::  ::

The next day at school Franny waved to Olive once they got into homeroom.

Good morning Olive!

Hey Franny, thanks for the note yesterday. Here, I wrote you back. Olive