Free The Misadventures of Daria Pigwidgeon by Amy Lunderman Page A

opening it, I notice a piece of paper than must have fallen from a breeze due to my opening the outer garage door. Or whatever, but it still wasn’t in full view. Picking it up, I scan it with fast eyes. Then choke out a laugh. My nerves calm instantly.
    It’s from Ashley.
    So is the duffle.
    Apparently, this is a little congratulations gift. She says in the note that she has had some old clothes lying around and thought I could use them. Or in her words ‘no one should go to their first day of school without a new wardrobe’. Sure enough, when I pull the zipper all the way, the bag is full of brightly colored decent clothes.
    I can’t help smiling as I carry the bag inside and place it on my dresser. Gazing up at my reflection, I spy the girl everyone else see’s. Her features are a stretched a little too tightly, and her flesh a little too pale. Her hair hangs lose from a messy knot, and seems almost black beside her skin. There must be something nice about her, if people I just me can do things for me, but I don’t see it. I guess there is a plus side to having someone remember you though.
    It’s a good feeling that I didn’t memory block anyone today. I just hope it’ll be just as nice tomorrow. But I don’t want to jinx it.
    Oh crap, I’m sure I just did.
    The following morning, I make darn sure I’m up well before anyone thinks to come knocking. That way I can avoid another scuffle with my bed sheet that is more evil than me. Plus, there is no way I’m going to be caught looking like a hobo when or if Chance comes over. Sure, I highly doubt he’s going to come by again anytime. But still, a girl has to take precautions.
    With nothing to do but wait for my next big move, I decided that it’s probably in my best interest to stock up my shelves with food and such. One cannot live on discounted subs every night, or for their breakfast. No matter how yummy they might still look in the morning. So that is what I did. I hoofed it to a little food mart that is just shy of the high school, and made it home all before the sun came up. Not bad for a newly independent demon huh? Yeah, I’m impressed too.
    What’s more impressive? Is that after I scarf down the best tasting cheese Danish ever, I even had time to wash up and look presentable. Of course, the presentable part is more due to the fact that I have decent looking clothes to wear. So as I sit on the horribly flat sofa and gaze at an old looking tv with the power off, I can’t help gazing at myself with a soft wonder.
    I swear I’m not conceded, but I have to admit that I look good. An actual pair of jeans that fit, does wonders for my thin frame, so much so I feel a little self-conscious. Not much mind you, but enough that I almost considered giving the clothes back to Ashley. Thankfully the feeling faded, and after slipping on a t-shirt that is sans holes, I know for sure I’m not giving anything back. Did I mention the pink hoody that was in the duffel? No? Well, let me tell you, it’s the closest thing I’ve ever had that resembled a jacket.
    I feel so spoiled.
    That’s what I’m doing when a knock finally comes through my door, admiring the warm pink hoody on my lap. I rush to the door, and do a quick check to make sure my hair is firmly knotted on top of my head. Not a single hair out of place, I yank open the door with a bright smile. Then it dims a bit. Chance isn’t at my door. His mother is. With coffee. My smile brightens again.
    “Morning, Daria.” Mellissa says as she passes me one of the two travel mugs she holds. “You ready for a fun filled day of testing?”
    Taking the coffee from her, I cock my head to the side like a confused puppy dog. Testing? Do students really have to take tests on their first day? I must look really confused, because she smiles at me sympathetically.
    “You mentioned the other night that you don’t have transcripts right?”
    I nod.
    “That means we’ll have to subject you to tests to see what grade