Hey Everyone. So I fixed and basically completely changed the story and have better ideas. Sorry it took so long but I needed an entire summer to write and almost a year to come back to the story. I finally have a real storyline somewhat based on the entire series but in real life. This is mostly a BBRAE fanfic but will definitely have other relationships. The point of view also may change depending on where it is needed but will mostly be from Rachel/Raven point of view. Once again sorry it took so long but the chapter is pretty long and sets up most of the introductory. So without further ado please enjoy!
Chapter 1
Rachel
"Rachel." I hear a familiar soft whisper and begin disputing whether or not it's real or in an altered imitation.
"Wake up Rachel." I hear again and wake with start, sitting up and hitting my head on the ceiling of our light grey Camry. I rub as my eyes adjust to my mother's gentle voice from the back seat of our car. It rests in the driveway of a white two-story house with black roofing and silver accents.
I straighten myself and attempt to flatten my jet black hair which is an unkempt mess on my head. I brush over where my cranium made contact with the car and feel a faint ache.
I attentively open my door, always wary of hitting something and I hop out of the car, snatching my phone and book from the automobile's seat and close the door with the back of my foot. The afternoon provides a soft breeze that caresses my face and relieves my back of my tangled hair, waking me up. I scan the surroundings and my eyes fall upon a set of green eyes. A blonde boy with a warm but almost mischievous smile stares over at me from across the street on the porch of what's presumably his house, his hand hardly turning the key in the door, his golden hair swaying in the wind. I feel a disquieting tension rise and I decide to look away. I glance back a few seconds after just to catch a glimpse of a muscular dark-skinned boy urging him to unlock the door faster. He eventually opens it up and ushers the other boy in. The boy turns back and stares at me again but this time I don't break away, this time I gaze and indulge into his reassuring eyes, this time the dark skinned boy forces him in, closes the door and he's gone.
I sigh and walk to the back of the car and jerk my indigo duffle bag and suitcase out of the trunk while attempting to keep the other suitcases from toppling out. Thankfully, I get both out without too much of an inconvenience and heave my duffle bag onto my shoulder, pull the handle out of my suitcase and walk up to my new home. I go up to the open door and see my mother directing the workers where to position furniture. I navigate myself down the empty hallway and up a wooden staircase with the sound of my suitcase hitting each step on the way up. I find myself in a smaller hallway with four doors. We already planned out every room before we moved in so I go to the third one and open it, A few pieces of furniture are bundled together in the center of the sapphire room with the sun brightly peeking through the window behind the jumble of furniture sending vibrant rays that reflect and illuminate the bare room. I put my bags down and prepare myself to relocate my furniture to new locations. I start by moving the frame of my bed in the left corner with my closet that lines up in the wall lengthwise on the right of it and the window on the left. My dresser I push in the closet and my desk and chair go in between the bathroom and hallway door. I unload my clothes into my closet and dresser, then place assorted items throughout my room.
I drag my mattress onto my bed with immense difficulty and pull sheets as well as a navy comforter over it. Once I finish, I throw myself on to it making no effort to get up from the plushy exterior though it's clear I'll eventually have to. Instead, I hear a knock on the door and my mother gracefully comes in with a tiny parcel in her hands and sits on my bedside disregarding the effort I put into my room. She must have something important on her mind. She gently smiles.
"Rachel, as you know tomorrow is your first day of school and it is the start of a new life, moving to a new school and neighborhood for you,"She pauses but then continues to her point." thus meaning things may become more difficult and you may have to make certain challenging decisions, but I want you to know that no matter what happens, good or bad, I'll be with you."She delicately hands the tiny box to me. I try to take it from her with the same poise but it's nearly impossible to match the sophisticated elegance that she processes. I open the package gingerly to reveal a necklace with a thick black string and a quarter sized, golden, circular charm hanging from it with two different symbols indented into the sides. As I examine the sides my mother begins to speak.
"It's a family heirloom that's been passed through my side of the family..." I see the first side which shows the moon and a few stars scattered throughout. "...I thought I'd pass it down to you eventually..."And on the other side, a raven with its wings outstretched. "...the symbols represent different qualities and-"I cut her off with a sudden, loving embrace.
"Thanks, mom. It was a great idea and I really appreciate it."I say to her as we pull away.
She puts my hair behind my ear and rests her hand on my cheek."I love you, Rachel"
"I love you too, mom" She takes her hand away, kisses me on the forehead and gets up. She starts walking toward the door and puts her hand on the other side of the doorknob.
"Goodnight." She says softly and closes the door behind her.
I twist the necklace through my hands, stroking my fingers along the surface, accepting all of the textures and imperfections. It's evident that it's been worn often from the tarnish that resides there. I examine it further and notice two knots on it that make adjustable. I push one of the knots and it widens the diameter of the necklace. I pull it over my head and around my neck while walking over to the mirror. I pull the knot the other way to tighten it and use the mirror adjust the charm so it's in the middle. I feel an inexplicable comfort knowing my ancestors have worn this. I can sense strength in wearing it that derives from them.
I look at my reflection and see how fatigued and weary I look. I have dark rings under my eyes, I look paler than usual and my languid posture. It's an obvious sign from my body informing me that a good night's sleep is requiring and I have no contradicting thoughts about neglecting it, knowing that tomorrow is going to be one of the most important days of the year. It's crucial I make a good impression by getting a good night's sleep so I brush my teeth, put on my pajamas and brush my hair so it isn't too ragged in the morning to untangle and I slip into my pre-made bed encased by plushness making it easier to slowly drift away from reality's grasp...
"RING!" Irritably roars my alarm I bury my face under my pillow, but eventually I glance over at its face which reads 6:33 though I'm still too exhausted to cease the relentless ringing. After a few minutes, the noise eventually gets to me and I'm forced to shut it off. The clock falls to the floor forcing me to get out of the bed to stop the vexatious disturbance from my peaceful sleeping. Now I must come back from my mind and into the reality known as the first day of school. My head falls back onto my pillow. I sit there for a minute, submerged in my thoughts but finally return, noticing I need to make an outfit for the day.
I check through my closet scouring for apparel apposite for warmer weather. I find a navy shirt and blue denim medium length shorts, then change into them. I walk into my bathroom to comb my hair and brush my teeth. I feel different and grateful to have my own bathroom which I never had. I enjoy the privacy and comfort of having a whole other room in my procession. I am about to leave when my eyes catch a glimpse of something. I survey the room until my eyes stare back at another set of dark bluish gray eyes. My reflection. I'm puzzled that I wasn't looking in the mirror the entire time but I must have been too caught up in my own thoughts to notice. I see flyaways on top of my head so I turn on the sink to wet my hand and flatten it with my centered part, then turn off the sink. I intently gaze into my face appreciating my emphasized features; my pale complexion, big eyes, and my slightly rosy cheeks. I look over at the alarm clock from the bathroom in my bedroom to check the time. It's 7:02. I've lavishly been wasting time all morning being narcissistic and indolent and I still need to do more things to prepare and get on the bus which will leave in fifteen minutes.
I rush out of the bathroom, put on a pair of low top black converse and grab my phone, backpack and book, leaving my room and closing the door behind me as I go. I walk down the stairs with the tantalizing aroma of breakfast. I go into the living room and kitchen surprised by its transformation. My mom is in the kitchen making tea, coffee, and toast. I prop my backpack on the couch, rummaging through it carefully making sure I have everything I require as place my book in it.
"Morning" I mutter sounding more discourteous than I was surmising. My mother looks over with a serene smile and gets back to whatever she was doing. I walk over to the counter where she places a cup of steaming herbal tea for me. I hold it with both hands, heating them and lift it to my mouth. It fills my body a comforting warmth that relieves my body from the stress of the day. I set the cup back onto the counter and walk back to the couch to check my phone for the time. 7:14 it reads. I have to go. I feel the tea's consoling effects wearing off replacing it with dread and worry.
"I—I have to go now" I comment, attempting to seem nonchalant. My mother nods and I pull my bag over my shoulder and onto my back. She walks toward me with a couple of pieces of buttered toast wrapped in a paper towel and delicately offers them to me. I take them from her carefully. I turn and start toward the door.
"Have a nice day Rachel," she says so calmly yet it startles me. I grasp the other side of the door handle.
"You too," I reply and close the door. I start down the sidewalk and slip my phone into my back pocket. I'm anxious about socializing with others which is imminent, especially starting small talk.
As I approach the bus stop I notice I'm early but it is too late to head back so I start pulling off pieces of toast and popping it in my mouth. It warms my mouth in contrast to the cool morning breeze. After a minute a tall girl with long red hair and big green eyes, wearing a lilac blouse and plaid purple skirt with white keds nears the stop her long flaming hair flowing behind her as she walks. She stares directly at me and her mouth starts moving but I'm too dazed to notice or hear what she's saying. I finally feel a light tap on my shoulder and finally snap out of my trance.
"I believe you are supposed to say the hello back, correct?" She asks innocently, her eyes wide without a hint of annoyance in her tone. She has some kind of European accent and I notice how outdated her clothes are. She must be new. I feel the knot in my chest loosen fathoming the idea that other students will be new besides me.
"Yeah, I'm sorry I just, zoned out..." You can do this I think to myself. "I'm Rachel."
"My name is Kori Anders. I am a foreign exchange student!" She says enthusiastically. "This is the destination where the bus will stop. Correct?"
"Yeah," I say as I break off a piece of toast.
"Oh thank you, Rachel! I'm truly grateful! At my home we don't have the bus stop" she replies. Her eyes fall upon my toast. "What is the food of which you are consuming?"
"Uh, toast."I hesitate. "Would you like-" she snatches the bread from my hand and eats it without hesitation.
"Mmmm. The toast is the most delicious. Thank you the again Rachel!"She says appreciatively. Her face suddenly sparks with wonder and hope. "Does this mean we are, the friends?"
"Sure-"
"Glorious! My first day and I have already made the first friend." She cheers as she squeezes me into a suffocating hug.
The bus finally arrives and Kori releases me as I gasp for air. We get on and Kori sits next to me and relentlessly talks about her old country and her family and how she is so excited to be in America the majority of the ride. I am silent most of the bus ride, my thoughts clogged with negativity and disappointment of expectations for the stressful day. After about fifteen minutes of picking people up, the bus abruptly stops, the doors swing open, and my troublesome thoughts cease with only one that paralyzes all of the rest of my mind.
Our freshmen year has just begun.
Instantly after I get off the bus Kori grasps my hand and sprints to the entrance as I lag behind her, crashing into people accidentally as we go. She hauls me through two sets of double doors which hit me both times while they are closing after she charges through them. She suddenly stops and I almost fall into her but stop myself once we're inside. She examines the hall, her eyes twinkling with elation. I decide to get used to my new environment so I mimic her and start surveying the entrance room. It's a large room with light blue walls and numerous glass windows that give you a clear view of everything outside. I see the second floor with thick metal railing lined against it overlooking the lobby. There are three main corridor entrances leading from this room and I'm assuming there are smaller ones branching off from them.
It's much bigger here than I expected.
The student body is scattered through the main entrance room and everyone is chatting, meeting up with one of his or her's friends, checking out their phones or heading to class none of them showing any sign of worry.
"Isn't the school just wonderful?" Kori exclaims with delight, loud enough for everyone to stare at us. She doesn't seem to notice or care but I do and try to move away but everyone goes back to what they were doing.
"Kori, we should probably go find our lockers," I say trying to ease the tensions in my head.
"Brilliant idea! I shall check." She replies louder than I could've hoped.
We both go through our bags to find the slip of paper that indicates our locker number, combination, and serial number.
"I've got 5015. You?" I ask as we start making our way down the middle hall.
"Number 2317." She replies."What is the first subject for you?"
"English with ."
"Oh," her smile fades. "I have Dr. Light for the subject of the sciences. Do we have any of the other education subjects together?"She asks hopefully.
We take out our schedules and compare them.
"We have the subject of biology together." She says.
"And lunch,"I comment briefly.
"Oh, wonderful friend Rachel! I shall see you in the fourth period!"She cries out with exultation and turns to go to her locker with a smile that goes to her eyes and making her face glow with glee. She turns back once, waves and skips to her next destination, hopefully going the right way.
And now I'm alone.
I didn't realize how safe her presence made me feel until now but I can't just awkwardly stand in the middle of the hallway so I start down the corridor checking the numbers on other lockers as I go.
As I walk I pass by unfamiliar, blank faces that mean nothing to me and probably never will.
4957, 4959, 4961.
I'm going the right way I think to distract myself from looking at meaningless people. I look down at my converse keeping a steady, proportional beat counting the seconds in between.
1, 2. 3. 1, 2, 3.
One foot in front of the other.
I move my gaze up realizing I need to look at where I'm going instead of what's getting me there. Then I have a thought. Walking is like life. Each step is a new day and the seconds in between are the day. They can be longer or shorter depending on where you are going which is the future, or what you are running from which is the past. Each step or day can be the same or different. Falling or tripping are hindrances or hardships you must endure to get to where you are going or your goal. You can't prevent them and don't know when they are coming but you have to get up and just keep walking on.
I check the locker numbers again.
5003, 5005, 5007.
I glance up ahead to see if I can pinpoint where it is.
5011, 5013, 5015.
A surge of relief washes over me that I found my locker. I put my bag down next to it and check the time. 7:54. Class start in six minutes. I have to move.
I put in the combination numerous times but it refuses to open. I'm about to give up and go to class but a girl with pink hair and brown eyes from a couple lockers away comes over wearing a black and purple ruffled off the shoulder shirt, a dark denim skirt, black high tops with lace leggings and a black choker.
"Having trouble? Here let me try."She says and I move out of the way simultaneously. "Hey, I can't do it without the combination," she says annoyed.
"Sorry." I hesitate and then hand her the paper. She puts in the combination, hits it with her fist and it flies open.
"Thanks," I say and she walks back to her locker as put a few books in it.
"Are you new here?" She asks closing her locker.
"Yeah," I respond as I close mine.
"Good luck." She snorts sarcastically. "Who do you have first?"
" ."
"Same. So you must be smart if you're in an AP class?"She inquires.
I shrug because I don't want to be arrogant but frankly I am a good student especially since my family and I value it so much. Intelligence is one of my greatest attributes and I enjoy obtaining new knowledge.
"You must be smart too,"I say.
"Yeah, I guess. Anyway, my name's Jen but everyone calls me Jinx."She says."Don't ask it's personal." she warns before I can ask.
"I'm Rachel."
"Huh," she smirks.
"What?"
"Nothing. C'mon let's go. I've heard Mr. Mod doesn't do late for class." She says and pulls my arm heading toward English.
We make it to class before the bell and Jinx sits near me. A boy with black spiky hair and black shades that conceal his eyes sits in the desk next to me with a solemn expression on the part of his face that is discernible. I don't like staring at people too long so I turn my gaze to the trinkets on 's desk, all of them with Union Jacks or anything pertaining to British culture on them. The bell rings and he takes our class's attendance. He starts calling out names I don't recognize.
"Richarr'd Grayson." He calls out. Mod looks up and the boy next to me lifts his hand."Your 'posed to say 'ere."
"Here,"Richard says in an annoyed tone.
"Eh, isn't 'er a rule against wher'n sunglas'es in class?"
Richard lets out a sigh of frustration and reluctantly takes off his glasses, revealing a pair of dark blue eyes. turns back to his sheet and calls a few more names.
" 'air is-"He starts.
Just then the blonde boy I saw yesterday walks into the classroom.
" ." Mr. Mod says rolling his eyes. "So."He pauses. "you're g'nna be the late one in my class this year, eh?"
"Dude it's the first day of school, you can't expect everyone to be on time."
"Just sit'own" Mr. Mod says losing his patience.
He sits at the other desk next to me and Mr. Mod finishes attendance.
He looks over at me and winks. I roll my eyes and face the front knowing he's one of those obnoxious boys who think they're funny when they're just, plain stupid.
Well this class will be enlightening I think to myself sarcastically and I start copying the notes on the board.
After fourth period
"Hello, Rachel." Kori smiles as we walk out of fourth period.
"Hey," I reply Her smile widens and she looks like she's going to explode with joy.
"Guess what?" She pauses."I believe you are supposed to say what back."
"What?" I mutter.
"I have already made another of the friends!" She exclaims clapping and jumping up and down.
"Oh, yay," I say sarcastically which she doesn't seem to notice and takes it seriously.
"I am delighted to hear you feel the same friend Rachel!" She says joyfully and Richard from English walks up to Kori. "This is my new friend!" He's wearing his glasses again.
"Hi. You're in my English class right?" He inquires. I nod. He's not exactly whom I anticipated on being Kori's new friend but she's apparently attracted to people with pensive personalities.
"This is friend Richa-"
"Hey! It's my dude Dick!" Shouts the blonde boy from my class with the dark-skinned boy behind him who I also saw yesterday. A smile plastered on both their faces while Richard's face is red with embarrassment as he slouches down further.
"Oh hello, other friends!" Kori exclaims with joy in her eyes as the two boys near us three. The dark-skinned boy slaps Richard on the back with such force that it causes him to shudder and clench his teeth.
"Friend Rachel, these are my other new friends" Kori explains, "Victor," She says toward the dark-skinned boy and he smiles. "And Garfield" She finishes, indicating to the blonde boy. Garfield makes a weird clicking noise, winks, and points. Kori giggles. "Pleasure," I say rolling my eyes and he smiles back.
"Friends, this is Rachel."She says. They all smile at me and I force a smile back.
"Friends, is it the ok if Rachel were to join us for the period of food consumption? "Kori asks all of them. They look at each other, shrug and nod.
"Glorious! I will be in the presence of all of my friends during the sixth period!" She exclaims with triumph.
Well, I have somewhere to sit now.
I notice the students walking all around us to their next classes and remember I have to get to one myself and can't be having conversations with people I just met in the hallway.
"I have to go to my next class so I'll see you all later…" I say trying not to drive too much attention to myself but they all stare.
"Where to?" Garfield asks. Wouldn't he like to know?
"French," I answer quickly about to turn to leave.
"Aw sweet! Me too! C'mon Rach" He says and runs to class with me the wrong way and I stop but he continues.
"Other way genius," I remark annoyed. He turns toward me and his face goes red.
"Right. I totally knew that." He says with his finger pointed up. He runs the other way with me. I hear their laughter drifting away as Garfield and I walk to our next class.
At French
Garfield and I make it to class on time. Our teacher Monsieur Le Blanc sits at his in the corner with a scowl on his face, scrutinizing every student who walks in. The room is the size of most of the other classrooms but massive French flag hangs in the back of the room, the sun reflecting it's vibrant and bold colors. I sit down at a desk and Garfield sits in the one next to me.
"I can't believe we made it before the bell." He says cheerily.
"Yeah, what is this the first class you've actually made it to on time today, right?" I say.
"Yeah. How'd you-Hey!" He realizes "I'll have you know I'm in all advanced classes and have a 100 average in all of them!" He finishes in a satisfied manner.
"I'll have you know that if you haven't noticed we're in the same classes and that we haven't had any assignments yet to be graded on," I reply dryly to his foolish comments.
He opens his mouth to speak but quickly realizes he doesn't have anything to say back. "How'd you even get into AP classes anyway?" I sneer but the bell saves him from making yet another vacuous remark.
The bell rings and Monsieur Le Blanc gets up from his seat, walks across the classroom with his hands behind his back, closes the door and stands up in front of the class.
"Bonjour class." He starts in a thick French accent. "I am your new French profezzor, Monsieur Le Blanc. I 'ave been instructed to teach zee more advonced aspects of zee French longuage." It's difficult to understand but I can make out what he's saying. I look over at Garfield who looks puzzled. His "100" average in this class certainly will not last as long as he could have hoped if he can't even hear his assignments, let alone getting the answers right.
For most of the period, Monsieur Le Blanc informs the class on the topics we will be covering this year such as writing essays and having conversations on specific topics. The bell finally rings, dismissing us from fifth period and entitling us to go to lunch. Garfield and I leave the classroom before starting a conversation which unsurprisingly he starts.
"Hey Rae, can you understand that dude?" He asks
"You couldn't?" I smirk, raising my brow.
"Uh, no of course I did!" He retaliates and makes the wise decision of remaining silent the entire way to the cafeteria, knowing whatever statement he makes, I'll dismiss with snark.
At Lunch
The doors are already open to the cafeteria so Garfield and I walk in with other students amassed around us. I scan the lunchroom and espy Kori waving us over to a table in the far right corner. Garfield is already ahead of me before I start to make my way to the table, probably desperate to talk to someone with a similar IQ. I pass by numerous tables and hear a few words from one of their conversations then move onto the next before arriving at ours. I sit next to Kori, on the end. All of them start conversation but I obtain my plastic bag with my lunch inside my backpack and settle it on the table, pulling out the components from inside trying to disregard them all.
"So you don't really like talking either?" Inquires Richard who startles me. I didn't notice he was across from me. I shrug and take a bite of the maroon apple positioned in my right hand.
"So Rachel, how was the first day of the school for you presently?" Kori questions.
"Fine" I mutter and take another bite. I glance over and see Victor eyeing my poppy seed bagel.
"Uh, are you gonna eat that?" He finally asks. I shake my head and slide it over to him across the table. "Booyah!" He hollers. "Guess who just got free lunch?" He teases Garfield. "Try to keep up." He finishes smirking.
"But friend Rachel what will you have?" Kori queries.
"I really don't-"
"Here you can have my waffles," Victor interjects. "Since ya know." He says holding up the bagel.
"Oh um." I stutter but he passes a bag with two waffles inside.
"What's up Rae?" Garfield requests.
"Well, I've never really had one before,"I reply, my face red with embarrassment. They all stare at me blankly. I hate being unconversant to things, it doesn't feel right.
"Dude, are you serious?" Garfield quizzes. I nod. He and Victor exchange looks and smile.
"Please friends, what is the waffle?" Kori asks perplexed.
"Aw man, so you guys are saying that neither of you has ever experienced the fluffiness-"
"Or crunchiness," Garfield adds.
"Yeah right or crunchiness. Of a waffle!?" He exclaims. Kori and I swap glances, turn back to them and shake our heads. "And I thought Garfield not knowing how to use a keyboard was bad" He adds and Garfield scowls. "Hehe, did I say that out loud...anyway you have gotta try em'!" He insists and pushes the bag in the middle of us. I stare down at the bag, then at Victor who is smiling ear to ear and finally to Kori who wears the same nonplussed expression as myself.
"Oh, thank you, friend Victor." Kori smiles, unzips the bag and pulls out one of the crisp, honeycombed batter cakes. The scent of freshly baked pastries wafts through the air. Kori lifts it to her mouth and bites into the waffle's crunchy exterior.
"Mmmmmm" She peeps with delights finishing her first bite. "The waffle is most delicious! I have now tried two of the wonderful delicacies today!"
All of them are thinking the same thing so I answer their question. "Toast" I comment. Their questioning looks were now replaced with satisfaction.
"Rae's turn!" Garfield remarks. I shrug and take the other waffle in my hands. I can feel a feeble warmth from the inside that inattentively pulls my hands closer to my mouth like a magnet. I want it and without thinking I crunch into the crispened surface. They all start talking but I close my eyes and indulge into the sensational flavor and eventually the soft fluffy interior of the treat. I open my eyes and see the four of them staring vigilantly at me, searching for any sign of appraisal. I nod.
"Ha, I win!" Vic cheers smugly at Garfield. "That's 10 bucks ya owe me!" Garfield scowls at him.
"Dude I was just kidding!"He retaliates. I roll my eyes as they start bickering.
"So Rachel, you enjoying the appealing flavor of the waffle as well?" Kori asks. I nod without hesitation.
"You gotta try my tofu waffle-"
"No one wants your fake waffles!"
"Dude! They aren't fake" Garfield and Victor start arguing again.
"Do they always do this?"I ask Richard in my monotone.
"Yeah, pretty much."He answers not looking up from his phone.
"Richard, what is the thing you are doing?" Kori asks leaning over the table towards him.
"Uh..nothing." He replies nervously and quickly slips his phone into his bag.
"Right," I mumble, helping myself to another bite of the delicious goody. I pull my book out of my bag and search for where I left off since I'd rather not talk.
"Friend Rachel, you didn't inform me you enjoy the hobby of reading," Kori observes.
"Uh yeah," I note as find my page, now ready to begin reading even over all the noise from Garfield and Victor's quarreling, though I'm a bit annoyed by it.
"What book?" Richard asks. I'm beginning to lose my patience but I need to stay calm. I lift up my book so he can read the cover.
"Hunger Games, nice." He mentions. I've already read the series and it's an easy read now but I appreciate the plot and the characters.
"Please, what is the Hunger Games book about?" Kori questions innocently. I'm getting frustrated now.
"Uh, Kori, why don't you ask Rachel some other time." Richard intervenes. I'm thankful he did that, I have a terrible temper that I can't always control and I really didn't want to let it out, especially on Kori since she seems sensitive. I get back to my page finally and begin reading. I need to focus on the book and not lose my-
"DUDES! I just found this new Laser tag place-"
"Will you please shut up! I'm trying to read and I can't do it with you idiots distracting me every second!" I yell at him harshly and uncontrollably. They all gape and look at me all of their expressions blank. The entire cafeteria is silent. I can feel everyone staring at me. I close my book and quickly pack up everything. I can't think straight so I just throw my book in my without putting in the specific spot. Thankfully the bell saves me from everyone's chagrining glares except my four only friends who I presumably just lost. I run out of the room before anyone else, not bothering to look back, leaving the waffle behind and replaced with hot water running down my cheeks.
At Art
I go to the bathroom after lunch to revitalize my cleanliness and make it to art surprisingly early. I'm praying that none of them are in this class knowing it will end in more guilt and regret. I can't take out my book knowing it will cause the same distress, so I decide to sit and with my head in my hands instead, wishing I could restart the day. The bell rings after a few minutes and I look up at the teacher. She's slim and tall with short black hair and dark lips with a red dress and tall high heeled black boots
"Vi am Madame Rouge. Vou are vy eighth period art vlass vi assume?" She says in a heavy Russian accent while inspecting the classroom. Her disposition makes her seem intimidating."Vee vill vee learning…" She starts but my brain starts to fill with apprehensive thoughts when I scan the room and see not one but two of them here. Victor and Garfield sit in the corner of the room passing notes back and forth and laughing quietly. I turn my head and unsuccessfully attempt to listen to Rouge.
"Vec scuse me, vhat vare vu two doing?" She asks the two boys fiercely, catching both of their attention instantaneously and I thoughtlessly look over. They not only see Madame Rouge but they catch a glance of me too before looking back at her.
"Vat's vhat vi thought." She remarks smugly and continues with her lecture.
We actually get to work on something this period instead of the teacher talking about the class and curriculum for the year. The only downside is I'm a horrific artist and can't ever seem to impress anyone even if I think I did well, but we only got a worksheet on value which isn't too challenging. I wanted to work alone for the period instead of with a partner, afraid my anger might get the best of me again. The bell finally rings and we are dismissed from an almost unreservedly silent period of filling in boxes with different shades of grey graphite.
I clean up and leave the classroom with haste to put as much distance between me and Victor and Garfield. They do the same because they exit the room right after me. I try to neglect their presence and just try to get to my next period but I can sense them close to me. I turn my head and my gaze falls upon his green eyes again. I walk faster but so does he.
"Rae, I um," He stutters and looks over at Victor who gives him a reassuring look and then back to me as we walk. I turn away. "I didn't mean to cause your temper tantrum-"
"NO!" I scream. The entire hallway freezes, including Garfield and Victor. The unsettling silence accompanied by the astounded stares but I just keep walking, unable to process what just happened.
After 9th Period
For the last two periods of day was more lectures and speeches of introduction, I remained silent and unnoticed. Even if any of the four of them were in any of my last classes I wasn't paying attention or they didn't want to see me after my two anger meltdowns and honestly, I can understand why. I'm just grateful the school is over for now and I try not to think about Monday. I reach the outside of the school and try to find my bus. I stare up at the cloudy upper atmosphere, waiting to release a downfall of water. I walk faster but I've already gone around the entire bus circle and haven't been able to find it. Just then the loudspeaker's high pitched screeches ring through the air and a fuzzy, unclear transmission comes through.
"Students...inconvenience...bus 34...broke...that is all." Principal Wilson's voice rang and was followed by screeches eventually ending the announcement that informed me my bus wasn't coming. My mom said she'd be out running errands all day so I have to walk home, in the imminent rainstorm. I put in my address to my GPS, my stomach filling up with dread as I suddenly regret not bringing my sweatshirt to school.
I run to the gates that lead out of the school property and the rain starts to fall softly, for now. It has a refreshing effect as it rolls down my cheeks and then to the wet pavement. I appreciated the little fall of rain but now, I can see the rain becoming denser. I walk faster but I'm trying to be careful and not slip. The buses start leaving the school and half of them pass by. Now the storm is at its peak, thrashing bucketfuls of water onto the already soaked grounds. My hair is already completely saturated and converse squeezing out water with every step but I'm not going to run. I just keep walking. I imagine being on the bus, the rain sliding down the windows, writing on the mist from the inside but instead I'm out here, completely immersed the rain and it's the least I deserve after the way I treated them.
All the buses pass and I look up and close my eyes, giving into the rain, allowing me to relax for the first time today. I concentrate on the relentless impact of the rain onto the concrete, letting the fall cover me like a blanket but it stops. It all just stops and I hear a new sound. Rather than concrete, the rain hits a material, releasing deep vibrations. I open my eyes and gasp, looking around, but there he is. Garfield stands holding an umbrella, shielding us both from the rainfall. We just stand there listening to the rain hit onto the umbrella. We say nothing, which is all I could've asked for from him.
I don't understand why but in that moment something feels right and for the first time today I feel something I haven't experienced in while, true happiness, But I don't need to smile or show signs of gratitude or joy towards him. He already knows.
"I thought...I thought you didn't like me?" I question softly looking into his eyes as he does the same.
"I thought you didn't like me either." He replies in the same tone. He looks down. "Look, Rae, Rachel I'm sorry if I was kinda a jerk. Can we just, please start over?" He looks back at me. I know the answer, I've hoped to all day but never thought the opportunity would arrive though. It takes longer than I conjectured to reply.
"Yes," I nod. "I'd like that, a lot." He smiles and so do I as we begin to walk together through the endless rain.
We make it to our street, the downpour now a light drizzle but both of us still drenched to the bone. He escorts me up to my house the umbrella still loitering over us even though we're under my portico.
"So, you didn't seem like a big fan of laser tag when I asked you before but would you maybe reconsider?" He asks nervously. "It'll be the five of us, please?" His question surprises me. Garfield being here, not hating me after what I did was enough to understand but now that the rest of them feel the same way, I feel all the weight coming off my shoulders.
"So they don't hate me either then?"
"Nope." He responds reassuringly.
I consider this for a second and I nod. "Ok...I'll go." His face brightens up. I'm not one to go to events like this but after his act of kindness he performed for me and since they don't think negatively of me I think I'll try it.
"Sweet! It's tomorrow at this place I'll send you-wait I need your number!" He realizes dropping his umbrella. "Here" He gives me his phone and I slip mine out of my back pocket and give him mine as I type in my information. A wet, cold numbness tickles my fingers while I use his phone from the rain, but his consoling company outweighs the feeling. We swap back and he smiles once he reads my contact name.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Rae!" He teases, accumulates his umbrella and walks off my house's property.
"Gar!" I yell. "Thanks."
"That's what friends are for!" He shouts back, smiles and turns back around on his way.
Before I can open the door I get a text from my most recent contact.
Gar. I like it I smile down at my luminescent screen and I turn to survey the area to locate Garfield but he's gone like the rain.
The hot water trickling down my body contrasts from the dense, constant downpour of rain. I didn't realize how cold it was until now with the steaming shower's drizzle piercing my skin or how this downfall can only be stopped by me and not a green-eyed boy with an umbrella. My brain still confounded as I reminisce through the previous vents. My thoughts recollect one instance. That's what friends are for. Friend. He called me his friend after everything I did as if he completely forgot that I did anything cruel at all. I've never really had a genuine friend before and I'm ashamed to admit it. I guess I'm unknowledgeable in the field of friendship but maybe I can learn from the four of them.
Leaving the steaming cubicle to colder air always hits me hard but I can barely feel it from the controversial feelings about tomorrow's plans with my friends. I can thoroughly fathom the idea of apologizing but when I think of actually pursuing my intentions, forces anxiety floods my confidence, leaving me perturbed and apprehensive. I get changed after ruminating over the thought for too long and comb out my hair. I grab my book from my bag, as guilty as I feel, sit on my bed and begin reading since I don't have any assignments for the weekend. Katniss's situation somewhat reminds me of my own, how we are both trepidatious about forthcoming events, except my position is minuscule next to her life-threatening death arena problems.
After a few hours of reading I stop just as the games are about start. Though, I know what will occur I still feel eagerness coursing through my body, begging to continue but my vision begins to blur and it's late. I shut off my lamp and get under my covers, my brain racing with thoughts of the brave archeress, lazer tag and the relaxing sounds of the rain falling onto the concrete as I stare deeply into his green eyes moving closer and closer. I jolt awake, sitting up with my head in my hands, gasping, unsure if I should be jubilant or appalled of the sight my mind conjured. It doesn't matter as soon as my eyelids begin to cover my eyes slowly, letting my conscious rest and my imagination take control again just like the rain.
So that was the first chapter. Please tell me what you thought. I may not update for a while and I'll try to keep writing more Thanks for reading! Stay Schwifty.
-glazicky15ww