The air smelled different. No sirens. No whispers. Just the hum of New York streets and the promise of a new beginning. "From now on," her father said quietly as they stepped out of the airport, "you're Natalie Brooks. And I'm Brooks Carter." He said it like a vow. Their old names—Lee Hana and Lee mee ho—were buried the moment they boarded the plane. Natalie repeated the name under her breath. Natalie Brooks. It didn't feel like hers yet, but maybe it would one day.
They found a small apartment on the city's edge—bare walls, thin curtains, and a window view of passing trains. Brooks found work at a repair shop, keeping his head low. Natalie started school a week later, trying hard not to sound too foreign or look too lost. But no matter how far she ran, the past had a way of following. She could still see the news flashes in her mind—the dead boy, the trial, her father's face on the screen.
Natalie's first morning in her new school felt like stepping into another world. The hallways buzzed with laughter and the clatter of lockers. She gripped her backpack straps tightly, whispering her new name under her breath. "Hi, I'm Natalie Brooks." It sounded strange in her mouth, like she was borrowing someone else's life.
"Hey, new girl! You're in my class, right?" a cheerful voice called. Natalie turned to see a short girl with curly blonde hair and a huge grin. "I'm Betty." Before she could reply, another girl appeared beside Betty—was a tall, quiet, brown-skined girl looking so pretty and neatly dressed.
"Hii!! I'm Mimi. She smiled widely.
Natalie was kind of surprise she never thought such a big school with rich kids could have such a beautiful two sweet souls . Wow,nice to meet you two .I'm Natalie she said politely.
"Wow nice name !.they both chorused .
Thank you ! Natalie replied.
"Let's take you to your new class
I'm glad you're same class with us
Three beauties !! Betty said .
And they laughed.
Betty and Mimi took Natalie to the class room and everyone was staring and whispering in some kind of annoying tones why some faked a smile.