A/N: This site didn't used to allow chapters (yeah, I'm an old timer), and this story was posted in one big chunk when I was still used to the old format (right after chaptering started). So now I'm FINALLY getting around to a little maintenance and chaptering this story. No new material--just fixing it up.


Chapter 1

This place was completely new to me. I really hate new places. And of all the unfamiliar places I could be, this was the worst.

School.

Let me back up. My name is Eliza. That's all you need to know for now. Telling you more at this point would just confuse you.

Anyway, my dad and I had just moved to a new town, and I was starting my first day at my new school. The problem was, I couldn't find my first period class. That's when I realized how much I hate new places.

"Excuse me," I started several times. "Could you tell me-" It was no use. No one had time to stop and help the poor new girl.

I was about ready to give up and go back to the office to ask directions when I saw him.

The hall had nearly cleared by now and he was standing by his locker alone, his head lowered. He was strikingly handsome, but that's not what caught my attention. It was that he looked so sad.

"Excuse me," I said gently, deciding to try one more time. "I don't want to bother you, but I'm new here and a bit lost." I grinned sheepishly.

I don't think he quite heard me at first, but he turned toward me, and after a moment he smiled a soft smile.

"Where are you trying to get to?" he asked kindly.

I looked down at the paper in my hand to make sure I had it right before answering.

"Ms. Abernathy's room. Chemistry."

"Ah," he said, trying to perk up. "One of the hardest areas to find and they give it to you first thing." He chuckled. "I can show you. It's on the way to my class, Biology."

We walked silently down the hallway for a few seconds before I turned to him and held out my hand.

"I'm sorry," I said. "I'm Eliza. I just moved here."

"Jake." He shook my hand. "Welcome to our wonderful estrablishment," he added, making a dramatic gesture to the grubby halls.

I giggled. "Well, hopefully the rest of the day will go more smoothly than this morning."

"That bad huh?"

I gave him a look that said "if you only knew" and then decided to elaborate.

"My dad's car got a flat on the way here, they lost my transcript from my old school, misplaced my schedule and then I couldn't find my first class," I said, all in one breath. "Until now, at least."

"Well," he said with a half-smile. "I'm glad I could make your life a little more bearable."

I looked at him then, trying to read behind the mask of his face.

"Are you OK?" I asked impulsively. Almost immediately I felt rude and wished I had kept my mouth shut.

He seemed surprised at my words but only asked, "what do you mean?"

I felt really bad. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to pry." I paused. "It's just that you looked upset when I walked up."

We walked silently again and I didn't press him for any information. I could tell by the stench that we were nearing the science labs. Then suddenly, Jake stopped.

"A friend," he said with a mournful sigh. "My cousin, actually. She died last week."

I was shocked by the words. Had I known it was something so heartbreaking, I wouldn't have dared let anything slip out of my mouth.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"

He cut me short. 'It's OK," he said, trying to smile but failing miserably. "It's good to be able to say it out loud to someone that I know isn't going to be upset by it."

"How did she die?" I proceeded carefully.

He cringed at the thought of it, but recovered himself swiftly.

"No one knows," he said carefully. "It was extremely sudden. One minute she was bright and lively-" He started to choke up and paused a moment to regain his composure. "And then she was just dead."

"How awful," I said sincerely. "I'm sorry I brought it up."

"It's OK," he said again, absentmindedly brushing away the one tear that had formed at the corner of his eye. "Here's your class." He motioned to the door on our right. "Better late than never."

I hadn't even realized we had started walking again. My mind had been whirling with questions about this girl that I knew I couldn't ask. My curiosity would remain just that.

"Thank you," I said. "Chemistry awaits." I grimaced noticeably, trying to lighten the mood.

Jake must have noticed because he replied, "Ms. Abernathy's not so bad, or so I've heard."

"Good. Well, maybe I'll see you around." I gave him a little wave goodbye and stepped into a room full of faces. New faces.

I could barely hear Jake's reply.

"Maybe."