Kelliw woke early the next morning. She hadn't slept well as she thought about not only how things had changed but how it would be the first time back in her old school.
As she stared at her reflection in the bathroom mirror, she sighed. "I need to make things right but how?" she thought. Kellie knew she couldn't change things back to how they used to be. The reality that had been created when she returned Lisa and Katie was too set. If she attempted to change things nack to how they used to be she would cause even more damage.
Telling the girls the wholee truth was also out of the question. Kellie's actions had made Lisa go from a 35 year old fitness model to a rebellious 16 year old girl. If Kellie told her this chances were she hate Kellie forever. Then their was Katie.
Kellie desperately wanted to reconnect with the girl. When she had made the wish ending their existence she had done it out of spite. As she had reflected on that moment over the years she realized what a horrible mistake it was. Now, in this new reality Katie was a stranger. Kellie couldn't even be sure if the two would be able to become romantically involved.
Sadly the girl trudged downstairs to see Merlin sitting at the kitchen table drinking his tea. "Isnt the first day of school supposed to be a joyous occasion," he asked. Kellie smirked as she grabbed some toast off the table. "I think its only the parents that think that," she said dryly. Merlin smiled mischievously as Kellie grabbed her backpack. "You shouldn't be so worried Kellie," he said warmly. "I know in my heart of hearts you'll do fine."
"What makes you so sure," she said glumly as she grabbed the keys to the car. "I know because you are one of the most resilent people I know," Merlin said warmly. "Besides do you think I would just make any old person my apprentice?"
Kellie smiled before hugging the old wizard tightly. "Thanks," she whispered. "Wish me luck, hopefully nothing goes too wrong."
The drive to school was uneventful at best amd gave Kellie ample time to think. For the first time in 10 years she was going to see her old friends again. She had already seen how much Katie, Lisa and Kumiko had changed and worrued about the others. Her only solace now was that she had a couple of things she didnt have before. A wealth of magical knowledge and a car.
Pulling into the school Kellie scanned the parking lot im a vaim effort to find her friends. After a few minutes she gave up, chances were they had taken the bus and were entering at the front of the school. Trudging through the back Kellie slowly made her way towards the principals office. As she did she gazed at the building, amazigly it seemed exactly the same as before. The banners in the gym were unchanged and even the cracks in the floor looked similar.
Entering the main hall Kellie now manuevered around students as they bustled through the hallway. Kellie tried to pay them no mind as they chatted happily about things that only high school students found entertaining. Despite the happy atmosphere she was in no mood to celebrate. Kellie needed to fix the mistakes she had made in order to make things right.
Entering the office Kellie could see thw secretary Mrs. Miller sitting at her desk. The elderly woman now looked up from a mass of paperwork to greet the girl. "Oh hello," she said cheerfully. "You must be the new student Kellie Pendragon."
Kellie smirked and sighed. "Damn it Merlin really?!? Pendragon?!?"
"Yes ma'am," she said. "I'm guessing my um grandfather called to let you know I was coming today."
"Yes he did," she said happliy. "We've already setup your class schedule based on your records."
Kellie nodded happily as she looked over her schedule. Merlin appeared to have set things up so that Kellie was in the same classes she was in previously. Appreciative of his effort Kellie thanked Mrs. Miller as she turned to leave.
"Wair Ms. Pendragon," she called. "There's just one more thing."
Curiously Kellie raised an eyebrow as she now looked at the elderly secretary. "Our school's policy dictates that new students are to be escortes on their first day. We want to make you feel welcome and feel that having another student show you around can be a great asset."
"Okay," Kellie said in confusion. "So whose showing me around?"
Mrs. Miller now began beckoning someone from another room to come and join her. As Kellie watched she saw a blond girl exit one of the offices.
"Kellie Pendragon this Katie O'Toole," she said. "She's one of our peer volunteers here at school. She'll be able to answer any questions you have and show you where to go."
Katie now waved as Kellie smiled warmly.