Ok, I just finished a story, and I'm going to jump right back into it! I'm having one of those I-cannot-stop-writing weeks. So here we go. Thanks to ZombiepiEs for the idea! Remember, if you like the story, review and let me know so I know whether to continue writing! Happy reading! –sototallyrandom

Aria's POV

I had just gotten back from Iceland, where my parents sent me to a blind school to learn how to read and write braille, and to do normal everyday things, like walking places on my own and doing simple everyday tasks that used to require sight, like making a bed or walking up stairs.

At first I had been angry. So, so angry. I was so angry at Allison for doing this to me. I remember how she made us do it to Jenna. I didn't want to, but she made me anyway. When Allison threw the firework into her garage, I remember hearing her scream when she figured out what it was.

"I thought you said she wasn't in there!" I had shouted.
"I didn't know." Allison said. The other three bolted, but I ran into the garage to try and get her out. I ran over to her and I ended up standing in front of her when the firework went off. The last thing I saw was the panicked look on Jenna's face and the bright light of the firework.

I had slowly learned that it was not Allison's fault that she was just trying to pull a prank. I was going to make up with her that night in Spencer's barn, but she disappeared. And now she's dead. I never got to make up with her.

I moved my foldable cane back and forth in front of me to insure that I wouldn't step on or trip over anything. I left my Seeing Eye dog, Shadow, home for the day. I liked to just let him hang out and be a dog as much as I could.

I walked into the Hollis bar I knew was around the corner and moved to where I knew the counter was. That's where I am now.

I order a Coke, the only soda I like to drink.

"That's $2.50." The man at the counter says. I reach into my pocket and find my one dollar bills, folded long ways, and the quarters, the bigger, thinner coin with smaller ridges on the outside. All tricks I learned at the blind school. Fold each bill in a different way and know the shape of each coin. I hand him exact change and wait until I hear the dull thump of the plastic cup on the counter. I reach for where I just heard the noise and pick up the cup without a problem. I can feel the man's eyes on me, but I don't mind. He's curious and he thinks I can't tell when he's looking at me.

Most blind people prefer to wear sunglasses, but not me. When I wear them I feel like I'm hiding behind them, hiding in a dark place where no one can find me.

I find a stool with my hands and sit down on it, folding my cane and putting it in my purse. I relax and take slow sips of my soda, listening to the TVs on the other side of the bar obviously playing sports.

"You ok down there?" A voice asks from my right. I know the voice is talking to me when there is no other response.

"I've had a long day." I sigh, remembering trying to unpack all my things earlier today. It's silent for a moment, and I know this person is trying to communicate with me, so I start some small talk.

"So, do you go to Hollis?" I ask him, turning in my stool to face him. Usually people who can see prefer to be looked at when they talk.

"Just graduated." He tells me with a huge amount of pride in his voice. "I'm going to start my first teaching job." He says. This guy is definitely older than me, why is he even talking to me? I still somehow find myself engaged in the conversation. His feet make a shuffling noise, signaling that he's moving to sit in the stool next to me.

"I think I'd like to teach." I say. "Well, blind kids, of course." I add. "There's no way I would be able to teach kids who can see. I wouldn't be able to grade papers."

"You're blind? You don't look the part." He says.

"I know, usually most people expect the sunglasses, and the dog, or the cane." I laugh.

"You seem so independent." He observes. I find myself blushing for no apparent reason. When I notice the familiar notes in the background, I find myself relaxing even further.

"God, I love this song." I comment.

"B-26" He says.

"What?" I question.

"The song number." He clarifies.

"Oh, you know it?" I ask joyfully.

"I love this song." He says. There is a quick moment of silence while one of us thinks of something to keep the conversation going. I don't want it to end.

"What's your major?" He asks. I almost laugh. So THIS is why he's talking to me, he thinks I'm in college! If I don't have him to talk to, I know I'll be lonely until I return home, and I don't really feel like being alone on the day of Allison's disappearance.

"I'm leaning towards English." I say with a smile. It's not completely a lie, I do want to major in English after high school.

"That's what I'm teaching." I can almost hear the grin I'm imagining on his face.

"I do some writing, too." I say. "But it's mostly just personal."

"I'm impressed. When you're writing for yourself, it's pure passion. Maybe you'd let me read some of yours?" He says. I practically choke on my soda before putting it back on the counter, letting out a laugh.

"What's so funny?" He asks.

"You can read my writing if you can read braille." I tell him.

"Oh. Right." He chuckles. His laugh makes me giddy inside, and I'd do anything to hear it again.

"But really, I'd like to know more about you. You're smart, funny, great taste in music…" He says.

"Yeah, I'd like to more about you too." I tell him.

I sit down at a desk beside Emily, who I started talking to again today when she approached me in front of the school. As it turns out, none of the girls are very close anymore. Emily has apologized about fifty times for what has happened to me, even though every time I tell her it's not her fault. As soon as the classroom quiets down, I know the teacher has walked in. I asked my parents if I could attend a normal school, because I want to stay in Rosewood with them instead of leave to another blind school. I can do fine, I listen to what the teachers say, and there are braille signs everywhere by bathrooms and things. I know my way around the school anyway.

I really want to focus this year and get good grades, but we're less than a minute into the school day and I'm already distracted by memories of Ezra, the man I met at the bar yesterday. I remember his soft lips against mine, his hands on my waist, pulling me closer. I've kissed my share of guys, but this was like nothing I have ever felt before.

"Holy Crap." A familiar voice states from the front of the room. The voice is so oddly familiar, but I just can't place it. Maybe a friend of my dad's?

There is a long moment of silence before he speaks again.

"Well, I'm your new English teacher, Mr. Fitz." He says. Oh, shit! I recognize the voice and my body goes rigid. I've kissed my teacher!

Review and let me know if you want me to continue! Thanks again ZombiepiEs for the idea!