Not Good Enough For Truth in Cliche
Character Introductions
Eli:
High school is so trivial. They claim these will be the best four years of your life but so far it's one big flop. I've been to two schools so far and now I'm set to go to this Community School called Degrassi. I've heard about it, some kids got shot there years ago. One died, the other stuck in a chair for who knows how long. Seems morbid... seems hopeful, at least to a pessimist like me.
I'm what most would call a "loner". I prefer it that way. People always let you done which is why I refuse to get attached. Relationships of any kind are pointless. It doesn't make any sense to me to put so much weight on another person. If you ask me, it seems like the fast track to disappointment. I've had to learn that the hard way. But that's in the past, I'm working on leaving things there. But things have a way of creeping up on you.
Whatever, it's my first day at a new school and I can pretty much gurantee it's going to suck.
Clare:
Do you ever feel like you're waiting on something monumental to happen? Like at any second your whole world will just be turned upside down? If so, you're lucky. I would give anything to know what that's like. Things for me are always the same. I fall into the same patterns everyday. In school, I'm practically a goodie-two-shoes. That's the cliche I fit. That's high school for you right? Nevertheless, I can't change who I am. I like order, I like knowing what to expect...but every once in a while, I wish things would change.
My family is extremely religious. We've never eaten a meal without praying first, everything to my parents gets turned into a life lesson based on the Word. But lately, things have been off between them. My sister is off in Africa now doing charity work so it's just been me in the house with them. I can notice changes but anytime I bring them up, my parents way it off like it's nothing. I want to believe them so much. I pray for them more than anything in this world. I can't have them falling apart.
This morning, it sounded like they were arguing. I walked heavily down the stairs on purpose. They grew quiet as I walked through the living room. They smiled and wished me a good day. Something was wrong, a storm was coming I could feel it.
Eli:
I parked my hearse in an available parking spot. The school looked too cheery, I actually saw cheerleaders with panthers across their chests. This was not at all what I had in mind. I walked inside and found the office.
"Hi, I'm Eli...this is my first day here," I said to the woman behind the front desk.
She gave me the once over. I could tell from her face that I was not exactly cream of the crop. I had on my usual garb: band tee, Tripp pants, black shoes and nail polish. My near shoulder length hair was swooped to one side in the front.
She pursed her lips. Real subtle. "Right, we've been expecting you." She turned in her swivel chair which amazingly supported her heavy build. "These are for you. You'll find your locker number and combination in there as well as your class schedule." She looked back down at her computer. "Oh, and welcome to Degrassi".
"Uh, right, thanks," I mumbled leaving the office. I didn't expect a welcoming committee but jeez, they practically just threw me under a bus.
I looked down at my schedule. According to it, I had English. I glanced up at the clock, I was already five minutes late. The little map was my only friend at this point and I clung to it for dear life as I navigated my way through the building. I found the room, I was ten minutes late but whatever, it was my first day. I opened the door. Immeditately about 20 pairs of eyes flashed to me.
"Sorry I'm late, I had some trouble finding the class," I said as I walked towards the front of the room.
"Understandable, I'm Ms. Dawes. Please introduce yourself to the class."
I always hated this part. I rolled my eyes quickly and sighed. "Hi, I'm Eli."
"Eli! It's great to have you! Please grab a seat and we'll catch you up to speed."
I followed her instructions and walked over to the first empty seat I could find. It felt like all eyes were on me, but one set. I took a seat next to this girl. Out of everyone, she was the only one looking away. She seemed to have so much on her mind. She had incredible, piercing blue eyes and the palest skin I'd ever seen. The combination was stunning. This girl intrigued me, not something many people can do, especially right off the bat. She fiddled with a silver ring on her fourth finger, left hand. I was completely absorbed by her.
"Clare, is everything alright?" Ms. Dawes asked.
Just then the girl that stole all my attention snap out of her deep thought. Clare. Such a simple yet beautiful name, I thought. Clare quickly tucked her brown curls behind her ear and nodded quickly.
"I'm fine Ms. Dawes, sorry," she said timidly in the softest voice I had heard. I smiled at the sound. She turned and looked at me. My heart sank to the pit of my stomach. She had such a curious look in her eyes. I held the gaze, the corner of her mouth went up so slightly, most people wouldn't have even noticed. But I did. She gave a small nod and turned her attention back to the front of the class.
I had no idea what the lesson was on, neither did I care. The only think I studied was Clare, the way she would pull her sleeves down past her hands, the way she would twirl her pen in between taking notes. All of it was a matter of importance to know.
Clare:
The sound of Ms. Dawes calling my name pulled me back to reality. I was so lost in my head space I didn't realize how far gone I was.
"Is everything alright? she asked. It felt like such a loaded question. I gave the typical response expected in a case like this. It was enough to pacify her.
I turned to my left. At first I thought I was going crazy. Could I really have dreamed up the most perfect guy? He had dark hair, a moody, tortured look. He would easily fall into the emo category. His appearance was a far stretch from my simple flowy tops and blue jeans. He was the complete opposite of anything I would ever want and yet, the moment our eyes met, he was all I could ever need.
He looked back at me, completely bold and unafraid. It was like we were having our own secret conversation, much too exclusive for words to be needed. I notice you, I see you, and hopefully soon I will get to know you.
The period finally ended. Ms. Dawes reminded us that are haiku assignments were due the next day. I hadn't really put much thought into mine, but it would be simple enough.
I gathered my things, taking my bag off the floor and stuffing my notebook inside. I noticed my shoelace was untied. I sat in my seat and tied up the lace. When I sat upright, I knocked my bag over.
"Great," I said aloud but to myself.
I started picking everything up when an extra pair of hands joined the clean up effort. The new boy silently helped, stacking my books onto one another.
"Thanks," I managed to mumble.
"You're welcome." His voice was low and concentrated. Those two words sent goosebumps up my arm as he looked me directly in the eye. He made me feel nervous.
We both stood up and I put my bag back on. I gave him an awkward half smile and headed out the door. Once outside the room, I realized I didn't even know his name. I had to have been zoned out when he first came in. I turned back and popped my head in the door way. He was a few feet away, his heavy combat boots made muted sounds as he walked closer.
"I'm Clare by the way, welcome to Degrassi."
He gave the world's most adorable half smile. "I'm Eli. I think I just might like it here."
