“Sincerely Claire”: Part One of First Chapter

My sequel to “Just Claire” is now out on its editorial rounds.

Both editors have edited the first chapter. Now I may share it on social media. This gives readers an idea of the story. Also, it’s a way to give possible reader/reviewers an idea if they want to take on this task of giving the book a review. These reviews will be for the book’s inside pages of the Front Matter. As you may guess, these reviews will be what the reader sees first to get an idea of whether or not they want to purchase the book.

I will gift a paperback copy of “Sincerely Claire” to anyone who reads and reviews.

Having said this, I’m including the first half of chapter one. If you are unable to read and review after reading the first chapter, no worries!

I hope you enjoy part one of two parts for the first chapter.

Sincerely Claire

1

“We don’t want to get a tardy slip on our first day.” Claire opened the locker door and placed her sack lunch inside. Her friend, Lizbeth, at a locker two over from Claire’s, chatted about her summer. With a sudden force, Claire’s locker door banged against Claire’s head.

Claire stumbled. She caught herself before she hit the ground.

The hall spun.

“Oops.” A hazy form appeared around Claire’s half-closed door. “Well, if it isn’t the grade flunker.”

What? That voice.

Head smarting, Claire blinked as her eyes adjusted. Oh. No. She let out a breath she’d been holding. Please, not her.

Claire’s shoulders went rigid. Shock and denial coursed through her like a winding stream. Her mouth dropped open. Could she do this again? Claire had hoped that leaving Gallagher Springs, California, behind had meant leaving the girl with the mean, hateful voice behind as well.

Claire touched her head and winced. “Shouldn’t you be home in Boston? Didn’t your dad finish his job when mine did?”

“Well, ClaireLee, what kind of greeting is that?”

Lizbeth leaned near Claire’s ear while steadying her on her feet. “That had to have hurt.” She whispered, “How does she know you?”

Claire bowed her head near Lizbeth’s ear. “It’s a long story, but I can tell you she’s a bully.”

Lizbeth gasped, “Surely not, Claire.”

The mean girl’s toe nudged Claire’s shoe. “I sure didn’t intend to hit your head. I sort of stumbled against your locker door.” She smirked, right when Lizbeth turned her head away.

She’s still a bully and a sneak, Claire whispered under her breath.

A blonde, curly-mopped girl appeared beside the Toe Nudger. “Hi, ClaireLee. Fancy meeting you here.”

Double oh, no.

The bell rang.

The few kids standing nearby left, including the two girls who called her ClaireLee.

Lizbeth’s soft voice came with her extended elbow. “Come on, Claire. You can tell me how these girls know you during our lunch hour.”

As they walked into the room, the two friends found desks where they could sit together.

The teacher clapped her hands. “Okay, class, let’s go around and introduce ourselves.” “I’m your homeroom teacher, Mrs. Byers. Do not call me by my first name, even though many of you know me. I’m not June to you. Never. I’m Mrs. Byers, to show respect.” She pointed her chin toward her black low-heeled shoes. She glanced around the room with a frown. “Even when we meet out of this school environment, you are to call me Mrs. Byers. Is that understood?”

A chorus of voices said, “Yes, Mrs. Byers.”

As Claire lowered her now aching forehead into her cupped hands, a loud snicker came from behind. She could guess who that was: Bully Kaye Tyner.

Dear Lord, have mercy. And Kaye wasn’t alone either. She came with her friend, Wendy Lavender.

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Mrs. Byers requested that each student take a turn to introduce themselves. “I see at least two new faces to our community.” Mrs. Byers pointed to Wendy. “Stand for us and tell your name and a bit about yourself.”

Wendy stood with the grace of a queen. She wrinkled her nose and sniffed. “My name is Wendy Lavender. My father is one of the bosses for the current tunnel being built near the Oregon state line.” She touched the collar of her blue, velvet dress. “I’m from the city of Boston.” She looked down her nose at a few of the students. “In case you aren’t aware, Boston is an important cultural and historical city in Massachusetts.” She waved out a hand, wagging her fingers. Wendy sat back down in her seat.

It seemed to Claire that Mrs. Byers smiled her approval. Claire had to keep from rolling her eyes. Good grief. If Mrs. Byers only knew Wendy, she’d turn several shades of purple.

The teacher pointed to Kaye. “You are next.”

She rose from her seat. “I’m Kaye Tyner.” She put out a palm toward Wendy. “Wendy is my best friend. I also live in Boston. She and I grew up together, and our dads are the bosses for the tunnel crew.” She pursed her lips. “If you’ve studied history, you’ll understand what a privilege it is to live and be in the best private school in the most outstanding city in the United States.” Kaye rotated her head ever so slight and sat down. She popped back up. “And I just want to say I can’t wait to meet everyone personally.”

Mrs. Byers’ smile grew.

Now Claire did do an eye roll. If Mrs. Byers knew about Kaye, she’d probably faint. Brother. This school was not ready for these two.

After everyone stood and introduced themselves, Mrs. Byers asked Kaye to pass out papers for the homeroom rules.

Kaye hurried to the teacher’s desk and reached for the stack of pages. She went to each desk and handed the students their papers. At a desk near Claire, Kaye said, “Nice dress, Holly.” She continued around the room. Once again, she spoke and this time behind Claire, “Hi Lizbeth. I really like your hair ribbon.” It got quiet for a second. Claire turned in her seat. Kaye was whispering near Lizbeth’s ear. They both chuckled.

Claire was steaming with anger. She would have a hard time explaining to Lizbeth what a bully Kaye was if Kaye acted all nice.

Before Kaye handed Claire her papers, she bent close and whispered, “I’m going to steal Lizbeth from you, ClaireLee.” Her smile did not reach her eyes.

Claire gritted her teeth so hard they crunched. She grabbed the papers from Kaye’s hand and made her face a mask of indifference.

Would this be a repeat of school last year in Gallagher Springs?

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