'Ok, so for your homework, I want you to write a page on your favourite hobby, and please make it interesting. Remember this is creative writing.' Mr. Lester, finished the lesson and turned to wipe the board clean. Everyone started putting their pencil cases away, and placing their books into backpacks. The bell went, signalling next lesson, and everyone got up. I stayed where I was, staring out of the window. There was currently two birds fighting over some bread. I heard someone clear their throat, I jumped and looked up. A rush of embarrassment ran over me.
'Something more interesting outside Mr. Howell?' Mr. Lester was standing over my desk, with his arms crossed. He had really nice arms, you know, for a guy.
'Uh, no sir.' I quickly put my things into my bag, and stood up.
'Did you know, you're the only new student here that is your age?'
'No, I didn't.' I looked at the door, willing for him to stop talking so I could leave.
'Well you are, and I was just wondering if you've made any friends yet?' This caught my attention and I looked up at him.
'No, actually, I haven't. But it's only my first day, so I have my fingers crossed.' He laughed, obviously catching onto the sarcasm in my voice.
'Well, just try to talk to someone. You can go now.' He turned, walked to his desk and sat down. I grabbed my bad, swung it over my shoulder and walked to the door. I looked back before leaving, and saw him sorting through some papers on his desk. I stepped outside the classroom and looked up and down the corridor. It was empty. I had maths next? No, it was History. Shit, I can't remember. I could feel the panic rising in my chest. Just breathe. In, and out. It's fine.
I stood there for a few seconds before deciding that it was definitely History. I turned left and ran down the corridor. I couldn't be late. I ran around the corner and straight into someone, knocking us both to the ground.
'Jesus, slow down would you?' I looked at the stranger and he was glaring at me.
'Sorry, I just didn't want to be late.' I said, nervously. He laughed viciously at me.
'Do I look like I give a shit?' He got to his feet and continued walking in the direction he was going.
Great Dan, I think you just made an enemy. Fantastic first day, and it isn't even 10:00am yet.
. . . . . . . . . .
The rest of the day ran the same as the morning. Being late for lessons, getting into trouble, embarrassing myself. The only lesson that wasn't a total waste of time, was science. Usually I hate science, but it was different here. I tried to sit away from people, but the tables were all connected, so that was impossible. After the teacher, Mrs. Price, introduced herself, she put everyone into pairs. This made me nervous, as in my old school, I would always end up with someone I hated. So, it was no surprise that my heart was racing as she read out the names.
'Dan' She looked towards me, and nodded. 'You'll be paired with, Pj.' I looked around kind of confused, as I knew no-one here. But she pointed towards a boy the other side of the room. I instantly felt annoyed as I noticed the curly hair and green eyes. He was sitting next to my other room mate, and they both seemed as annoyed as I was. I got my stuff and walked to the empty chair next to them. I sat down and looked at them. They were both staring at me. Again.
'Do you have a problem with me or something?' I said, feeling angry.
'What? No of course not.' Pj seemed genuinely confused.
'Well, you both seem to always ignore me and you never speak to me.' For some reason, this made them both laugh. 'See what I mean. What did I do?'
'You didn't do anything.' The brown eyed boy said. 'We didn't speak to you, because we just wanted to see what you were like before trying to befriend you.' He was smiling at me now.
'Didn't you think speaking to me might have been a good way, to see what I was like?'
'Yeah, sorry about that. We've both been coming here for three years, and the only room mates we've had, have been each other.' They smiled to one another again, and I felt my heart melt a little. Why was that so cute? I shook my head. Don't think like that Dan, remember what they said.
Pj stuck his hand out, and I took it. 'The name's Pj. Nice to meet you. This is Chris!' He said pointing to the other boy. I shook his hand and smiled at them both.
'I'm Dan. Nice to meet you too.' Chris nodded at me, and then turned back to his partner.
Well, now that it turns out my room mates weren't complete jerks, this place might not be so bad.
. . . . . . . . . .
That night in the dorm, the three of us spent all evening talking. It was nice, I found out all about their favourite music and what they liked to do in their spare time. Turns out Pj is an artist, and Chris just likes making people laugh. It was then that I realised I didn't have any talents. I couldn't do anything.
When we got onto the topic of family, I told them I was tired and needed to sleep. They seemed to catch on that something wasn't right, but made no comment on it. I felt grateful for that. I used the bathroom, and got into my pyjama bottoms and shirt. I remembered to close the curtains this time, and I heard Pj shout a thank you, from his bed. I fell asleep that night, smiling.
'Hey, where are you going?'
'Don't walk away.'
'Where's your mum. Huh?'
'What's that? Are you psycho too?'
They were getting closer. I was trapped in the corner. No escape.
'NO!' I sat bolt upright in my bed, and could feel the sweat dripping down my forehead.
'Are you ok man?' I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I screamed. The light was turned on and Pj and Chris were standing over me, looking terrified.
I looked around, taking in my surroundings. I was fine. It was just a dream.
'I don't think he can hear us. I'm going to go get a teacher.' I reached out and grabbed Chris' arm.
'No, don't. I'm fine. Just a bad dream.' I could hear the desperation in my voice, and they looked at each other, uncertainly.
'Ok, but don't be scared to wake us if you need to.'
'Thanks.' I lay back down, and rolled over. Closing my eyes as tight as possible. I heard the footsteps across the room, and then beds creaking as they lay on them. You have to control this Dan. They'll think you're insane otherwise. Just keep it together. I opened my eyes, and lay silent for what felt like hours, before finally falling to sleep.