Witness
Chapter One
I had plans. I had well thought-out plans for my life. I was going to finish high school, go to a respectable University, get into one of the top medical schools, and become the next great physician. I was going to help people that were hurting. That's what I have always wanted to do...fix people. I'm a fixer...
That is why I am now sitting on my best friend's couch, staring at the shiny silver badge in front of my face. My eyes repeatedly scan the letters across the top, spelling out the words: United States Marshall.
Another shiver coursed through my body. The comforting arm of my best friend draped across my shoulders. Her gentle squeeze demonstrated her support of my decision to trust them both. I had kept this all to myself for so long, it has started to eat me on the inside. The hair around my ear softly rustled as she whispered.
"It's okay, Bella, you can talk to us. We just want to help."
Long sturdy legs bent in half as my best friend's husband slowly sat down in the chair across from me. I could hear him take a deep breath as he prepared himself to speak to me. My eyes glanced up towards his face expectantly. He smiled gently and his eyes softened. A feeling of peace fell upon me like a soft baby blanket. I closed my eyes needing to pause long enough to enjoy the tranquil feeling as it spread through me.
"I think I need to hear your story, Bella."
That was all it took. One small request, and the safe tranquility surrounding me vanished. Suddenly, I was transported back in time, forced to re-live those crucial moments that have determined my path for the past seven years.
The first memory, of course, was the first day I saw him. I can't say met him, for that didn't happen until a week later. However, it doesn't really matter. The second I saw him, my world shifted.
I had transferred mid-year to live with my Dad and give my mom space and time with her new husband. It was my first day. I was a mid-year transfer senior. They tried their best to match my previous courses, but they were lacking in the Advanced Placement sciences. I was placed in the highest level Biology class they offered. When I entered, the first thing I noticed was all of the lab tables were occupied. All of the students were paired up except for one. He wasn't paying attention to any of the peers around him. He had earbuds in and a dark hood shading a majority of his face. The teacher looked at me apologetically, while mumbling something about that being the only empty spot. I moved towards the table. That is when he noticed me. His glaring stare made it very clear that I was unwelcome. I spent the majority of the class period using my hair as a curtain to hide behind. Even before the bell rang to signal the end of class, he was gathering his stuff and out of his chair. As I left the room and walked through the hallway to my next class, some of the other class members expressed their sympathy. One of the girls, Jessica, walked with me. We had the next class together. On the way there, she filled me in.
"He moved here with his parents two years ago. He has always kept to himself. It is like he is mad at the whole world. He refuses to speak to anyone, even when teachers call on him. He always has those stupid earbuds in and that dark hoodie on. Some of us think he could actually look decent if he would change his fashion choice and actually smile once in awhile. Whatever...just don't waste your time trying to get his attention. He is apparently too good for anyone else, or is too mad to be bothered."
Her words were meant as a warning. She didn't know why, of course, but her intuition told her he was trouble. Maybe I should have listened...