Sisterhood Eternal

By Falia Koppe

About the Book
It’s the first day of school—the first day of junior year, to be exact—and best friends Jade, Maddie, Hailey, and Grace know they have to make this one great.
Though each girl must deal with her own hardship—whether it be bad boyfriends or trouble at home—they know friendship can carry them through anything.
Enter Savannah Taylor, a beautiful and charming exchange student all the way from Australia. She is sweet, supportive, and understanding—everything Queen Bee Jade is not. She quickly finds her way into the girls’ friend group, but is she bringing drama with her?

About the Author
Falia Koppe lives in Ohio with her husband. She is an avid pet lover and is passionate about animal rights.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Company
• Release date: Oct 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886833645

Book preview

It’s not the length of time we knew someone that makes them so special. It’s what they brought into our lives.

-Sandra King

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Chapter One:

(Jade)

It was the first day of school. The first day of junior year. I was ready for this new year. Not only was it one step closer to senior year—and this year had a lot in store—but I’d get to see my friends every day again. I mean, we spent a lot of time together over the summer, or at least, as much as we could, considering Grace had gotten a summer job at the grocery store, and Maddie had been working at the animal shelter. We still had plenty of sleepovers and pool parties. And I wasn’t the only one who didn’t have any summer plans. Hailey and I spent the most time together. We were at the mall practically every day. This was going to be great, having everyone together again; I missed it.

I applied my makeup and double-checked myself in the mirror. Hailey and I had just bought back to school clothes last weekend, and I was killing it in this blue sparkle-top and designer jeans. I quickly sprayed myself with some of my favorite perfume, Swan Lake, and I headed downstairs with my bag of books around my arm.

Morning, Dad, I chimed as I walked through the kitchen on my way to the door. My dad was busy sipping his black coffee and doing paperwork at his desk. He was the CEO of one of the biggest businesses in town. I was kind of surprised he was here, to be honest, since he spent so much time at work.

Hey, Pumpkin. You staying for breakfast this morning?

Not today, Grace and I are actually going to swing by and get some coffee on our way to school. We’ll get breakfast while we’re out.

Have a good day, Jade. Knock em’ dead!

I got in my car, my gorgeous new Porsche with its dark silver coloring. My dad just bought it for me over the summer. Hailey warned me other students may be jealous, but it’s not like I had gotten the most expensive car. I mean, my dad owned a Ferrari, a Rolls-Royce, and after my mom left, he got the Lamborghini. He got that one in the divorce because his name was on the title, not hers. She still got to keep her Mercedes-Benz, though. Plus, my car was used: it had 800 miles on it already. So it’s not like I got it brand new like my dad. He insisted on getting me a used car, because everyone’s first car is used.

My mom had left about a year and a half ago. I still missed her every day, but I also felt abandoned. She never really said why she left, other than she just wasn’t happy anymore. My dad was still taking it pretty hard, throwing himself into his work. She wanted to go stay with some family in Florida, and last I heard she was dating some surfing instructor who was half her age.

All she left me was a pearl necklace that I kept in my jewelry drawer in the very back. I vowed I’d only wear it on special occasions. And even though the first day of school was pretty special, I didn’t think it really counted as the right time. I figured I’d just know when the time was right.

I drove over to Grace’s house, which was only a few streets down from mine. I had loved growing up in walking distance to her. There was a reason she was my best friend, and being that close was part of it.

As I pulled into her driveway, I saw her picking up her books, which had been scattered all over the ground. I got out to help her.

Do I even have to ask?

Anna and her posse already left. They wanted to give me ‘a first day to remember.’ I could hear the panic in her voice.

Your step-sister is something else. I rolled my eyes as I picked up her remaining books. Someday she’ll get what’s coming to her.

Grace bit her lip, trying to hold back tears. I hated her step-sister almost as much as she did. I just felt bad that Grace had to live with her. Grace and I had been friends since the second grade, and she had always been such a happy and hopeful girl. But she started to get really insecure around eleven, when she had to get glasses and people began making fun of her. At least she had me there to make sure they’d back off. Then, a month before Grace’s thirteenth birthday, her dad decided to propose to his girlfriend, Alice, which seemed alright at first. But once they were married, she and her daughter, Anna, began acting differently. Especially after Grace’s dad had to start traveling for work. Every time I was over at her house, I witnessed for myself some of what she had to go through. Anna constantly humiliated and tortured her.

Aside from being rude and letting Anna get away with it, I never thought Anna’s mom was the real villain. That was, until I stopped seeing Grace for a few days and they wouldn’t let me see her. When she was finally allowed to leave the house, I talked her into a sleepover and I saw she had a black eye and her cheek had a mark on it. I kept pressing for answers and when I told her I wouldn’t accept falling down the stairs as an answer, she admitted to me her step mother hit her. I was filled with rage and I demanded for her to call her dad and report it to the police. She was so terrified; she didn’t want to tell anyone. She kept saying how she didn’t mean it. She just had too much to drink. It won’t happen again. Grace was such a sweet girl. She’d make excuses for anyone. But I wasn’t going to let her off the hook. I wasn’t as forgiving.

I wanted to go to my dad and get the police involved, but it was also a first time offense and I respected Grace’s decision to keep it quiet. So I called up her step mother and threatened her. I told her if she ever hurt Grace again, I’d go straight to the police and have my dad sue her. She tried to play dumb at first but I made it very clear I knew what she did and I wasn’t having it. After that, Grace didn’t have any more black eyes. I was banned from her house, but I figured picking her up in the driveway didn’t count.

Hey. I smiled at her. Don’t let her get to you. It’s a new school year. Let’s go make the best of it.

I was thankful Alice stopped the physical abuse. I just wish I could stop Anna. Although Grace never talked about it, I had my worries that her step mom found other ways to torment her. Unfortunately, I had no proof.

I want a vanilla latte. Grace smiled as we pulled into the drive-thru of our favorite coffee shop.

And to eat? Muffin?

She just gave me that duh kind of look, and then returned to applying her makeup with her hand mirror.

Two hazelnut muffins it is, I replied. I loved having a best friend for so many years. We could practically read each other’s minds. She was basically my sister.

As we waited for our order, Grace got a text. Before I could ask who it was, she answered, as if reading my thoughts.

It’s Maddie.

What’s up? I turned to pay and grab our order.

She’s waiting for Tyler to pick her up. She also sent me a picture of one of the puppies from the shelter. It’s so cute!

I glanced over to see an adorable beagle puppy. So cute! That was a great idea for her to work at the shelter. I wouldn’t be able to do it. I mean, I love animals but I couldn’t clean up after them. And does she need a ride? How late is he? I thought to myself.

Tyler was the lowest of the low. I loathed him with a passion. He literally was a terrible boyfriend to Maddie. Mentally abusive and neglectful. I had heard—and witnessed—countless stories about him. He was too self absorbed and only cared about his guy friends and video games. I swore he only dated Maddie for her looks and popularity. He never listened to her, probably doesn’t really know anything about her (again, I knew some stories), and was very good at playing the victim. Not to mention, he hated me and the other girls. I still couldn’t understand why the others didn’t share my hatred for him. I mean, after two weeks of dating, he forgot to pick her up for a date, he forgot her birthday, and he got jealous when she started volunteering at the animal shelter last summer. He got even more upset when she decided to actually work there this year. He really needed to grow up.

I’ll ask her, Grace quickly replied.

We pulled over to a parking spot and sipped our lattes as we waited. As I went for a bite of my muffin, Grace got a response back.

She said he just pulled up.

Better late than never I guess, I replied, starting my car. She needs to leave him. And I know she’s the only one of us with a boyfriend and she thinks I’m jealous when I say that, but I’m not. She just deserves better than Tyler Cooper.

Grace nodded but didn’t say anything. I knew she agreed with me but she hated talking bad about people, even if they deserved it. I don’t think she’s ever spoken a negative word about anyone in her entire life!

After a moment, Grace replied with, I know you’re not jealous. You could have any guy in school. Last year you had, what, five guys asking you out?

I laughed. It was only four. The fifth guy was some random dude over Facebook, so I don’t count him. Besides, I know the guys we go to school with and I’m not impressed. I’m waiting for that someone special. I know it sounds silly, but I want butterflies and all of that. I don’t want to date just because everyone expects me to.

Grace sighed. I understand. I would just like someone to notice me for once. I’m not as pretty as you or Maddie.

I glared at her as we stopped at a red light. Don’t start with that. You’re freaking gorgeous, girl. And trust me, you don’t want just anyone to notice you. That’s where Maddie messed up. She agreed to date the first guy who asked her out. And he’s a piece of—

I was so upset I didn’t realize the light had turned green and I was cut off by the car behind me honking at me to move.

He’s not that bad, she tried to think of something good he’d done since they began dating, or since he was born for that matter.

I waited a whole two and a half minutes before she offered, He bought her flowers for Valentine’s Day?

Yeah, cheap flowers and he bought a McChicken for a vegetarian and then left her to go play a new video game with his buddies. Yeah, great boyfriend.

I think Maddie said she had to study that day and that’s why he left.

I scoffed, Yeah, if ‘study’ means bawl her eyes out because she knew she messed up with dating him. She just doesn’t have the guts to dump his butt since he’s her first serious relationship.

We had one more light to get through before we reached the school. And as the light changed to green, some idiot driver cut me off. I honked and yelled at him to learn how to drive! Ironic coming from a highschooler, I know.

Much to my surprise, he pulled into our school as well. Who is this guy?

We parked a few spaces away from him and we waited for him to get out. I turned my car off and was about to go yell his head off when Grace stopped me.

A tall guy got out of the bright green Audi. His shirt showing his tattoos off before he covered them with his leather jacket.

That’s Alex Danson, Grace whispered. He’s a senior this year. Please don’t provoke him. We got here safe, didn’t we?

It had been a while, but I remembered the stories we heard last year about Alex. He had quite the reputation. Allegedly, he even made a teacher quit. There were rumors he sold drugs on the side, and he practically lived in detention.

Jade, please, Grace begged. I could hear the fear in her voice.

Fine, let’s just go. I got out.

I continued to glare at him as we walked away. He actually lit a cigarette as we walked by. Seriously? In the school parking lot? What was wrong with this guy?

On the way to the door we heard someone calling us. We both turned to see Hailey waving at us excitedly. Girls, over here! She looked the same as always in her baggy black band tee that really complimented her bright red hair. She was definitely the tomboy of our group. The girliest she’d get was her shoe collection that mostly consisted of combat boots and Crocs. Man, I hated Crocs. I didn’t get the hype, personally.

Grace ran over to hug her and I followed close behind. Hailey! Grace cheered as she embraced her.

How are you? How was the summer job? Hailey asked, and then nodded hello to me.

Grace smiled cheek to cheek. I loved it! I’m saving up for an apartment for when I turn eighteen.

That’ll be awesome, Hailey replied. Maybe we could be roommates one day. I didn’t say anything, but if Grace was going to be roommates with anyone, it was going to be me.

Where’s Maddie? The bell is going to ring in like five minutes. I crossed my arms. She better not have lied to us about not needing a ride.

I thought Tyler was picking her up? Hailey opened her phone. She texted me earlier and sent me a picture of this adorable puppy she worked with at the shelter.

Wait, what? Did Maddie text everyone but me? Was she mad at me or something?

That lying little— I was cut off—this time—by the warning bell.

Chapter Two:

(Maddie)

Where was he? I hated lying to my friends, but I didn’t want Jade to unload her hate on me again. Every time we had seen each other over the summer, that’s all she had done. She kept pushing me to break up with Tyler. She never even gave him a chance. He’s a great guy once you get to know him. I mean he’s not perfect, but who is?

We loved each other, and that’s all that mattered.

I was starting to get worried, though. I called him three times and left four texts. After my last text, he finally replied.

Sry, overslept. On my way.

I sat in the grass because standing for so long was starting to hurt my legs. I opened my phone back up and scrolled through my photo album. I loved working at the shelter and I was thinking about switching my schedule to only work on weekends. I originally signed up as a volunteer, because community service looks good on college applications. It wasn’t long until I just fell in love with it. It was the best summer of my life! It broke my heart that there were so many abandoned animals, especially older dogs who were difficult to get adopted out. I also hated that there was a pitbull who was rescued from a fighting pit. I hated fighting pits! It was the most heartless thing I had ever heard of. The shelter wanted to put him down, but I fought for him. They agreed to see if we could rehabilitate him. It took a couple of days, but I began to earn his trust. They were upset at first that I snuck in to give him treats and toys, but when he began trusting me over some of the senior staff, they actually gave me the job of working with him. Obviously, I had to sign a waiver first and my dad had to give the okay, but he knew how much it meant to me. I was so ecstatic when he was finally placed up for adoption.

I looked up as I heard a honk. Finally! I stood up, brushing the grass off my dress.

Come on, Mads! We don’t have all day!

I grabbed my bag and ran over to the passenger seat. Hey, I was getting worried.

Just overslept. I stayed up til two playing my new PS4 game. He reached over to kiss me and then began to pull out of the parking spot.

I’m so worried. We’re so late and it’s our first day!

Exactly. No one cares if you’re late on the first day. They let you get away with practically anything.

But I was hoping to get perfect attendance this year, I sighed.

Well, that’s like a New Year’s Resolution. You’d get perfect attendance for the first week or two but then it’s tardies and absences galore.

I’ve almost always had perfect attendance. It was true, I had only ever missed two days of school in my life. Once was due to a doctor’s appointment we couldn’t schedule after school, and the other was when I had Chicken Pox. Luckily, I had gotten that on a Friday, so I had all weekend to recover.

No one’s perfect, babe. Tyler shrugged and smiled. He had a scar right above his upper lip that showed whenever he smiled. It was one of the few little imperfections of his that I admired dearly. Of course, he hated it, so I wasn’t allowed to mention it. He looked flawless outside of the scar, almost like a teen model. With his curly chestnut colored hair and his muscles, I was surprised he wasn’t a model, to be honest. I was still surprised he wanted to date me when he could have any girl in the school. I mean, just walking through the hallways, I noticed a few girls swooning over him.

I know, but I want to go to Sarah Lawrence, I reminded him.

Who? He made that face he always made when he didn’t understand what I was saying. Which was more often than I would have preferred.

It’s a college in New York. I looked out my window, enjoying the scenery that passed by. I told you about it before, I muttered under my breath.

Okay, one, why would you want to go to a college in New York? That’s like half way across the country. And second, aren’t you a little young to be already deciding on where you want to go?

Oh, Tyler. He definitely wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. We lived in Ohio, so New York was not as far away as he thought it was. Of course, I kind of enjoyed being the smart one in the relationship. Not that he was dumb or anything, I just felt like I’d get annoyed if I was dating someone even more intelligent than I was. Though there were times, I admit, I longed for more of an enlightening conversation.

I ignored the mockery in his voice. I’m a junior, I’m not that young. Lots of people are already deciding where they want to go. I can’t believe you haven’t yet.

He rolled his eyes as we pulled up close to the school. Only one more light. No, because I know I’m going to get a football scholarship next year and whoever offers it is where I’m going. I thought you’d go where I go?

I can’t just wait around. I can’t not have it planned out. If I don’t know what my future is, I won’t get any sleep at night.

I thought I was your future, babe? he said, pulling into the school’s parking lot.

I want you to be, I replied. I didn’t want to talk about this right now. He knew I loved him. Shouldn’t that be enough?

Well, how can I be your future if you’re in New freaking York? His tone sounded frustrated.

We would still see each other on breaks, and in the meantime we have Skype, I suggested.

Skype? Freaking Skype? Mads, are you serious? He was angry, which wasn’t surprising. It didn’t take much to upset him.

I know it’s not ideal, but if we really commit it’ll work.

Whatevs! He got out of his truck and pulled out his phone.

After I got out, he locked the truck and left, leaving me alone in the parking lot. I stood there for a moment, just replaying the scene in my mind. I tried to calm myself down and slowly make my way to the building. Before I made it up the steps, I heard someone choking. I followed the sound to the side of the building.

Are you okay? I asked as I turned the corner.

There knelt in front of me, a boy who was coughing so hard his eyes had turned red. I began to panic but I pulled out my water bottle and knelt down beside him.

 Take this, water will help. I instinctively began patting his back. If the water didn’t work, I was CPR certified, though the thought of pressing my mouth to anyone except Tyler’s was awkward.

After a moment, he seemed to be feeling better. Thank goodness! I really didn’t want to have to call 911. Are you okay? I asked again.

He coughed again and took another drink of water. Thanks to you, cutie. He winked at me and I felt really awkward all of a sudden.

Well, you’re welcome. I’m glad you’re feeling better. What happened?  

Um, I choked on some chips, he replied, not taking his gaze or smile off of me. His eyes were a beautiful shade of sacramento green.

I helped him to his feet and returned the smile. Well, maybe slow down next time. I couldn’t help but to laugh a little.

Yeah, I’ll do that.

We stood there for a moment, just smiling at each other. I’m Maddie, I finally said, offering my hand to him.

Nice to meet you, Maddie. I’m—

What’s going on here?

We turned to see one of the teachers glaring at us with her hands on her hips. Mrs. Johnson, one of the science teachers. She was pretty scary, with her big frame and all. You’d think she’d be the gym teacher, rather than teaching Chemistry.

Detention after school!

But it’s the first day, Mrs. Johnson. We’re really sorry we’re late. Please let us off with a warning? I actually had my hands in a begging, praying hold.

She stared back at me. Late? You think I’m giving you detention because you’re late?

I was confused. Well, yes? We didn’t do anything wrong. My ride was late picking me up and when I got here I found this boy choking so I helped him. We shouldn’t be punished for that.

Was I really talking back to a teacher? What was wrong with me?

Mrs. Johnson brushed past me and took the boy’s bag out of his hands. I’m sure I know exactly why he was choking! Smoking on school property, Mr. Danson?

No, ma’am, he answered.

Then why does your bag smell like it? You’re coming with me to the principal’s office.

But, Mrs. Johnson— I tried to defend him, but she cut me off.

Don’t even start with me, Miss Peters! I’m very disappointed in you! You were a star pupil last year and now you’re smoking blunts with this riff raff?

What are you talking about? I just blinked, dumb-founded.

The weed is mine, Mrs. Johnson. She has nothing to do with it. She didn’t even know I had it, the boy answered, looking back at me.

Weed???

Well, that’s for me, the principal and her father to decide. She then looked back at me with those emotionless gray eyes. To class, Miss Peters, now!

Yes, Mrs. Johnson, I replied and took one final glance at the boy I had helped. He didn’t seem worried at all. He seemed… Confident? Wish I could feel that way.

I headed to class, after pulling out my class schedule to find my way. I heard Mrs. Johnson continue to yell at the boy as they headed towards the principal’s office. I finally made it to my first period, History. I felt all the eyes on me as I walked in and took a seat. I was sure I was bright red with embarrassment. I had never been this late. Ever.

I opened my book and began filling out the papers Mr. Con handed me. I tried to focus but my mind kept jumping back to earlier. Who was that guy and why did he lie to me? Chips? I can’t believe I was so gullible. I thought I saved his life, but he was just coughing from smoking weed! At school! And now I have detention to look forward to. I had never been in detention. I felt so ashamed. This day was not a very good first day back for me.

I had the worst luck.

I felt so embarrassed for the first two periods. Finally, I went to my Creative Writing class. Thank goodness for electives. Our first assignment was to write a paper about something important to us. I wanted to write about Tyler and me, but after what happened that morning, I couldn’t be motivated to write anything. Then I decided to write my paper on volunteering. It was my newfound passion, and I planned on continuing to volunteer for many years to come. Maybe even the rest of my life.

I loved helping people and the community. And I also felt really good when I saw my hard work paid off. Like that pitbull I helped save. He was still up for adoption when I left and my boss told me she’d keep me posted and let me know once he got adopted. I hadn’t heard back yet and I was getting anxious about it, but he was such a sweet dog, I knew he’d find the perfect home.

Ring!

Today was going by pretty fast. I’m sure some of it had to do with me being so late, but also just first days usually seem to speed past quickly. I had one more class before lunch, and since I didn’t see my friends earlier, I was hoping we’d have the same lunch. I stopped in the restroom before class, to reapply my makeup and sanitize my hands. I questioned how I looked in my outfit, since I decided at the last minute not to wear my nicer dress like I usually did on the first day of school, and then I headed to choir. I had thought about taking a band class instead of choir, since I’m not overly skilled at singing, but with my advanced class load, I felt it would be too difficult. Plus, then I wouldn’t get to see Hailey as much.

I was so excited to see Hailey when I got to class. She really should have been in a more advanced grouping, but she chose to take the lesser class to spend time with me. All of my classes up to this point I didn’t have any friends in, and it was pretty boring. We sat next to each other and waited for the bell.

We were worried about you. Especially Jade, she whispered to me as everyone took their seats.

Yeah, I’m sure she was. How mad is she? I rolled my eyes.

On a scale of 1 to 10… 15?

I sighed and sat my bag down next to me. I’ll deal with her later. I’m sorry I worried you guys, but I’m fine.

How late were you?

I had gone through all of last period without thinking about it. I’d rather not say.

Okay, she answered. She knew how much my attendance meant to me. So do you want to come over after school? We could eat some ice cream and watch that new rom-com that just came out. I bought it yesterday; it just hit the shelves.

Um, maybe tomorrow? I have something after school today I have to take care of.

Okay, or you could spend the night? You could come over after you finish up whatever you need to get done.

I would, but would your parents be okay with you having a sleepover on a school night?

Well, normally, no. But since it’s you, I’m sure they’ll be fine with it. She laughed.

It was true my dad didn’t care if I had a sleepover because he knew how focused I was on my