As I walk through the halls I can feel everyone's stare on my back. I can hear their whispers and smell their pity. Maybe a few weeks ago I would have been embarrassed or given a reassuring smile saying; "I'm fine, thank you," but not now.
The bell rang obnoxiously loud and everyone sprang to life, headed towards their classes.
"Welcome grade 10's!" Our history teacher Mr. Saltzman greeted us as we took our seats. As I walked past him to get to my spot at the back of the classroom, I felt him give my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "This year will be better Elena." He promised with a sincere smile.
Instead of responding, I shrugged off his hand. The last thing I wanted was more pity.
Mr. Saltzman was nearing the end of the attendance when someone entered the room. I heard a few gasps from a few girls next to me and rolled my eyes. Drama queens.
"Sorry I'm late, I had...family issues." The newcomer explained before taking the only available desk beside me.
"No worries , but next time please be here on time." Our teacher announced then, continued with the attendance.
I turned around to see what the commotion was about and sucked in a breath.
He had short brown hair, styled in an upward fashion and leaf green eyes. He looked like a Greek god.
The mystery guy turned his face to catch me staring. I blushed and quickly turned away, as he gave me an amused smile. "My name's Stefan." He introduced. "Elena I returned curtly, ignoring his start of a conversation.
If there was one thing Elena Gilbert couldn't handle, it was boys.
After what what seemed like hours, the bell finally rang and I flew out the door.
Just when I thought I had escaped, a voice called my name.
"Elena!"
Shit.
I groaned and continued walking. Unfortunately, Caroline couldn't take a hint and strut over to me.
"What was that?" She demanded, hands on hips.
"What was what?" I grumbled. She was wasting my time in solitude.
Caroline stared at me incredulously. "You know what! That hot new guy was practically drooling all over you and you completely blew him off!" She exclaimed.
I sighed and put my books in my locker, then turned to look at my former best friend. "Whatever, I'm not looking for a relationship." I replied in a deadpan manner and slammed my locker shut. I began to walk away and noticed that Caroline was following me.
"Stop!" I snapped at her.
Caroline visibly flinched, then her face hardened.
"You know what? I'm done walking around eggshells around you Elena! Believe me, I get that last year was crippling but you're letting your life go right in front of you!" My blonde colleague paused to take a breath before casting me one final glare. "You better start feeling something before you lose everything." She hissed and spun on her heel towards the cafeteria.
I narrowed my eyes at her words and ran a hand through my chestnut hued hair.
I had spent the past nine months in self loathing and pity, all while appearing to be emotionless. Throughout the process I had lost nearly everything I had. My family, my friends, my boyfriend, my grades and even my sanity. My aunt Jenna had suggested I go to a therapist but like everything else, I shrugged it off.
I blinked realizing my feet had lead me into the woods behind the school.
Suddenly feeling exhausted, I collapsed.
It was the first day of grade ten and already I felt drained. I sighed wondering at what point my life had gotten like this. Somehow I couldn't remember.
"Snap."
I sat bolt upright.
"Who's there?" I barked, my nerves getting the best of me.
"Snap, crackle."
This time it sounded right next to me.
Every horrible situation played out in my head. In every single one it ended with me getting hurt or killed.
"What are you doing out here?" A silky voice questioned.
Unable to stop myself, I screamed. "No get away from me!" I whipped around to see a familiar face.
The dark hair and icy eyes, complete with a leather jacket. It was none other then Damon Salvatore.
