It was lunchtime at New Paltz high school and you would usually find the students eating in the cafeteria, except Samantha.

Samantha ate her lunch anywhere that was empty, and void of people. She was a daydreamer, and liked to view the world from different angels, but no matter what way she looked at people, she just didn't like them. She thought that most people mainly those she had to go to school with were just a waste of space. This morning when Samantha woke up she had a distinct feeling that something was off, maybe not -off- but something was different.

Today was going to be a special day, she could tell.

"Samantha Night report to the guidance office immediately that is all..." said the annoying nasally voice of Mrs. Corneal, the office lady that never brushed her wild red hair and yellow teeth. Samantha didn't like Mrs. Corneal not because for her appearance, even though that's part of the reason. She was very unattractive. She didn't like her because she was always making smart ass comments about Samantha. Samantha thought this was because knew that Samantha was destinate for great places whist her daughter Victoria (Samantha's old friend) was destined to be a barmaid. And even thought this might so conceited, Samantha also thought it was because she was prettier that Victoria. Vicky looked liker her mother, but Samantha had a chocolaty completion with relatively clear skin and long black hair with natural brown highlights. Her figure was almost perfect she had curves in all the right places and bright hazel eyes.

As she made her way to the Guidance office, she couldn't help but notice the looks she was getting. She had moved to New Paltz, New York one year prior and ever since then she was always being stared at. She really couldn't describe what the looks were but they were unsettling. She really didn't understand why, she wasn't attractive and she never felt pretty.

Samantha absentmindedly walked into the Guidance counselor's office, and sat in her usual blueish purple chair.

"Samantha my dear, how nice too see you again" said Ms. Avalon with a warm smile.

"Nice to see you too" said Samantha calmly fiddling with her hands. Mrs. Avalon had this affect on her, she made her feel warm and excepted. Ms. Avalon had an air of mystery flowing around her, she was beyond beautiful. She had long blond hair that almost looked silver, plus ice blue eyes with a hint of gray, and with a figure and grace that would put any model to utter shame.

"OK, enough with the pleasantries. I asked you hear to day because, I need a favor." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Samantha, my parents died…" Samantha looked in to her eyes they were red, an swelling but no tears came out, then she looked down at the floor not sure how to reacted to what was just said to her. So she just said

"I'm so sorry… if there's anything. I mean anything just ask and I'll do it."

"well you can help. Since my parents have passed, I thought it would only be right for my brothers and sisters to come live with me."

"I don't understand. What do you want me to do?" she asked lightly.

"I want you to help my siblings adjust to the school."

"What?" Samantha asked a little confused.

"I want you" she said pointing at Samantha, "too help my brothers and sister adjust to there new surrounding and … help them deal with their loss. And keep the other students from flocking" she said the last part with a wink.

"So you want me to be their friend?"

"Yes! Exactly, do you think you can do that for me"

"Yes" she's do anything to please Ms. Avalon

Ms. Avalon was like big sister to Samantha so it was just right that Samantha do something for her. When no one else talked to her cause they thought she was strange, Ms. Avalon would always greet her with a smile and a big hug every morning. She was more than a big sister she was almost like a mother.

"OK, my sweet" said Ms. Avalon as she cupped Samantha cheeks in her soft, but yet oddly cold hands. "You are such a good girl, what would I do without you."

"I don't know, have less stress." Ms. Avalon laughed.

"Yes maybe. But then I'd still have Julian and the twins, and let me tell you if you think you cause me trouble their way worse."

Ms. Avalon looked in to Samantha eyes, but in that way that she wasn't really looking at Samantha but past her, then said "I love them" then she paused and said "just like I love you."

It was odd for Samantha to hear someone say that they loved her. No one at home ever said that to her.

"Ms. Avalon I need to go."

"Your right Samantha, the bell should be ringing soon, where is my mind today. And Samantha dear I've asked you call me Ani from now on. I mean you really are like family, right?" It was odd, she really cared and it scared Samantha.

"Yeah right, like family. But I can't call you Ani, its strange, can we compromise. How about Ms. Ani?"

"Sure if you like, I only want to make things more comfortable for you." At that moment the bell rang. "Oh dear, I should write you a pass, you know what. I'll just take you there, what do you have next?"

"Cultural anthropology"

"Wow."

"I know, and after that I have AP Euro."

"You work your self to hard" Ani said in a motherly way.

"No I don't, I have lots of free time, so doing all that work is what keeps me preoccupied. You know you get pretty bored when you have no friends."

"Well hopefully we can change that".