Extraordinary- Chapter Five: Remembering Troubles

plummet: Alright, the very beginning of this chapter (like, the first paragraph or two) is from the original story. Everything else…Well, it's straight off the press…! Er, sorta. Oh, and if any of you have suggestions or ideas, please feel free to let me know! Really, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Disclaimer: Don't own anything but my OC, yada yada….Yeah, I think you get it.

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You know, you pray…

Somethin's gotta change

And mend this porcelain heart

Of mine…- Porcelain Heart: Barlow Girl

-

I swirled the food around on my tray absently, thinking about nothing in particular. The tray's contents were once edible (I'm sure), but I'd distorted them beyond all recognition in my undeniably pensive mood.

My stomach growled, telling me it wanted food, but I paid it no mind. I had suddenly and irrevocably lost my appetite.

I glanced up tentatively at the kids in the cafeteria. They were all chattering away without a care…There are times I wish I could do that. And there are also times when I truly believe I can. But, like all good things, those notions fade relatively fast.

Situations as common as these bring out the simpler qualities of my personality; inexplicable desires for quiet being one of them. This silence I draw around myself is a defense mechanism, I'll freely admit. But no one has to know that but me…Right?

I was sitting by myself at the most secluded table in the lunchroom. Layla had asked me before to sit with everyone, but I'd politely declined. Thank goodness she didn't question why. I don't think I could've denied her a second time. And anyway, they didn't need me raining on their parade. Depression is contagious, dontcha know?

Out of my peripheral vision, I saw a dark form sit down in front of me. I turned my head apathetically in their direction. Oh, it was Warren. If I had been any other person, I'd have reacted much differently. But as empty as I was, I hastily went back to destroying my food…If doing so were still possible.

I felt his eyes follow my destructive utensil around my tray until, slightly flustered, I was forced to look over at him once again. Most of his face was shadowed by his dark hair, but, from what I could see…He was as withdrawn as I was, if not more so. I smiled at him without any emotion. He didn't return the gesture, as I knew he wouldn't. Fake facial expressions were beyond him.

"Dwelling on past actions doesn't do anyone good, you know," He voiced quietly, breaking the silence.

My wavering gaze locked steadily with his, "I know."

'Sophie…' I mentally sighed.

If only he knew what dam he had just broken…

Hanging my head, I grimaced in the sheer contempt I felt for myself. As I wallowed in self pity, he said nothing. He just…sat there in some unexpected mutual understanding. I don't think the silence could've been any more welcomed by me.

What was I to do? I'd left the orphanage on such a sour note…Should I go back? No, the Sisters would never allow it. What if I had a note sent? They couldn't deny me that…Could they? I didn't know. I would hope not. It was the only way I could even remotely stay in touch with Sophie.

My heart clenched. I hope I didn't hurt her too badly. Not to say I was the only person in her life. I mean, of course she had some friends…But, I'd like to think she loved me, at least as a friend if not as a sister.

My eyes watered. It put so much strain on my already fragile control to stop the tears from falling. The pieces of my dream had shattered, it was as clear as day. The only thing left for me to do was to pick up the pieces and start fresh.

In order to ignore the suffocating pain in my chest, my thoughts automatically switched to the day's brighter moments.

After I'd left the infirmary, Layla and the others led me to the main office where I was promptly handed my schedule. For some reason though, Warren had decided to go off to class on his own. Go figure.

Anyway, first on my schedule was A.P. Biology. I was late because of my time in the nurse's room. Joy. Now I had my own special entrance. But surprisingly, even though I hadn't known anyone at all…It didn't bother me. Actually, the remainder of class wasn't half bad. Mr. Medulla may have been a little stuffy at first, but his dry humor made up for it.

Then, from there I made my way to Advanced World Studies. Oh, how I love history. I think the teacher's name was Ms. Peters or…something. Anyway, I have that class with Ethan and Zach. They're pretty cool…You know, once you get past their quirks.

I got hopelessly lost on the way to Trigonometry. Thank goodness I'd bumped into Will. Luckily, he was heading to the same class. The Trig. teacher Mr. Johnson was a little strict, but I guess a math teacher has to be with a class as uninterested and rowdy as that one. Yikes.

After period three, I had to switch from the main building containing the histories, maths and sciences to the English and Language building on the other side of the school. This was a project, let me tell you. Layla found me, though. Thank goodness. Really, if she hadn't, I'd have ended up in New York or something. Let's just say my directional skills amount to…well, they amount to practically nothing. Heh.

So, I ended up tagging along behind Layla and Magenta on the way to A.P. English, Room 215. Getting to English was a small victory, however, considering the room number contained my favorite number, fifteen. Why was it my favorite? …Long story short, I just think it's a cute number.

Yeah, anyhow, class was a blast with Maj and Layla. The seating order was on my side, big surprise there. Layla ended up in front of me with Maj to my left. The teacher, Mrs. Maxwell, was nice, which is just as well because I can't stand stereo-typically snotty English teachers.

Last class before lunch was…um…Oh, right! Mandarin Chinese 3. Now that's an awesome class. Languages are up there with History in my book. I guess it was one of my last kindnesses from the Sisters, putting me in an advanced language class. They knew that I'd been studying the Chinese language adamantly for a good two years. Eh, thoughts of home didn't upset me as much as I anticipated them to, anyhow.

Well, I have that class with Warren (who doesn't sit anywhere near me), thank you Mr. Wong and your seating chart. Not that I dislike Warren, which I don't. It's just…I really can't say. I don't think the feeling is mutual? Yeah, something along those lines…

A strong, chilly breeze blowing my hair into my face and mouth brought me back from my thoughts. I pushed the unruly tresses of hair behind my ears and inadvertently caught a glimpse of Warren.

'Huh? Why's he still here?' I thought stupidly.

And Warren decides to look up from his novel right about…Now. I smiled shyly at him and hastily picked up my tray.

I almost made it to the trash can in the corner, almost, but Warren decided to stop me with an unconcerned, "Where're you going?"

"Nowhere special," I replied smoothly. Yes, score one for Amelie!

I fought the sudden and idiotic urge to turn back around. Really, if he wanted me to stay, he'd say so. But, as I threw my tray out and walked outside onto the concourse…I wasn't so sure.

I was on my way to the chorus classroom when I bumped into him again, literally. Okay, it kind of went like this: My head was in the clouds (as usual), and I was paying little to no attention as to where my clumsy feet were treading. They just happened to lead me right smack into Warren Peace, the shock of it all causing me to drop my books onto the floor with a resounding thud. Saying I was embarrassed would be huge understatement.

I bent down to pick up my books, collecting them hurriedly and tucking them under my arm. What I didn't notice was that Warren had knelt down to help me and, when I went to stand back up, we bumped heads. I, the graceful person that I am, fell flat on my butt, books landing in my lap. Warren, I could see through the haze of pain, just stood up and offered me his free hand.

I took it gratefully with a whispered 'thanks' and stood, brushing off nonexistent dirt from my jeans. When I looked up, he was already walking away. Well, if he didn't feel the need to apologize, then I shouldn't either! I was about to be on my merry way to chorus when my conscience guilt-tripped me. Alright, I should apologize.

"Hey, Warren!" I shouted down the hall.

His usual saunter turned into more of a slow walk. Good, he'd heard me.

I shouted again, "Sorry!"

His nonchalant salute conveyed to me that he couldn't care less. Well, at least he didn't ignore me. Shrugging it off, I pivoted on my heel and began (again) to make my way to period six.

I entered the chorus classroom, and immediately I was put in better spirits. The room, with all its bright colors, instruments and music pieces, was, I decided, my utmost favorite. The seating arrangement resembled more of a stadium, three rows across and roughly twelve columns of seats up and down three wide steps. I took a seat in the front row near the grand piano. There were only a couple of other students spread out in seats here and there. Well what d'you know, I arrived early.

As the students began to filter in, I zoned out. The cheeriness of the room could no longer suppress my thoughts. And so I wondered fruitlessly about what Sophie was doing at that very moment…

It was really nice outside, but I couldn't go out and play 'cause Sister Joyce said that no one was allowed to 'cause it was s'pposed to rain, and we'd get all muddy. I pouted and ran up to my bed, and now I won't come out. I'm angry at Sister Joyce for not letting me go outside. I like the rain. It's pretty. Big Sissy Amelie likes the rain. I miss Sissy Ammie. Everyone says she left me, but I don't believe them. She would never leave me. She loves me, and I love her. We're family. She was gonna make me her real sister, she told me. 'Cause she loved me, she said.

The rain plinking on the windows is nice, but it reminds me of Big Sissy. Angela and Tommy are coming over here. I don't like them very much. They make fun of my hair and call me 'Speckles' 'cause I have lots of freckles on my face. It hurts my feelings. Amelie used to stick up for me, but now she's not here, and they're mean to me again.

I don't know why they make fun of me so bad. I like my red hair. Ammie said it makes me special 'cause not a lot of kids have red hair.

"Ow, Angela your car is on my toe!" I yelled.

She gave me a mean look, and my eyes watered. I scrubbed them hard. I didn't wanna cry in front of them. Tommy pushed me and called me 'Carrot Top', and I ran all the way downstairs and hid in the coat closet. Angela and Tommy don't know I hide in here sometimes to cry. I don't like crying in front of the other kids 'cause they make fun of me more.

I hugged my knees. I miss Ammie. I wish she was here to make things all better…

"Ms. Bowen? Is there a Ms. Bowen here?"

I returned to reality, promptly wiping my eyes with the back of my hand.

"Here!" I called, raising my free hand in the air.

The teacher, a kind-looking woman in her late forties, smiled politely at me and continued to take roll. No use thinking about Sophie now. I shook my head to clear it of enveloping thoughts. School is not the place for an emotional breakdown.

I took this time to search the room for a familiar face. None. Oh well. I guess I was just lucky with the other class periods. But then again, I always have more confidence when I'm singing around people I don't know, anyway. If they have no idea who you are, the more honest and open a person is about their constructive criticism. Well, that's how I've always viewed it. And at least everyone looked relatively friendly…Kind of.

"Hello class," the teacher said with a small wave of a bejeweled hand.

"Hello," the class echoed somewhat enthusiastically.

"Welcome new and old! I'm Mrs. Waters, and I'll be your chorus teacher for this school year."

So, her name was Mrs. Waters. How quaint. With her little introduction finished, she instructed one of the students near the music folders to pass them out, while she played a few scales on the piano for us. Once I'd received my folder with everyone else, we were told to open to find the song 'Only Hope'. The beginning chords were played, and I was immediately lost in the music.

As I strummed on one of the acoustic guitars in the music room, I found one of its strings to be out of tune and adjusted its according tuning peg. Not expecting me to even know how to hold a guitar (most likely), people were beginning to stare at me strangely. Honestly, I really didn't give a damn about them and what they thought of me.

I shrugged the guitar's strap over my shoulder and sat down on one of the far stools by the window, the least populated area of the room. Some people just don't know how to appreciate a good view of the rain.

Mr. Black told us all to get out our instruments while he went to the office…or something. Can't really say I was paying attention. Anyway, I already had a head start, having my guitar out already and all.

My fingers automatically began playing the scales, warming myself up a bit for whatever song I would play. Some time later, I was only half aware of the other students and their instruments, too immersed in my own thoughts and music to give them the time of day.

This is what I like: Being alone, alone with just the rain and the music…The best thing in the world for ya. It's one of the only things I can enjoy…Anymore, anyway.

A little upbeat ditty from my guitar, and I was reminded of the new girl, Amelie. I don't know why, but I've been seeing a lot of her today. Part of me is wondering whether or not it's really a coincidence. But, then again, she always looks so sincere. She's too open; she'd never be able to hide her intentions that well. Either that or she's a damn good actress, I'll give her that.

Ha, she looked ready to jump out of her skin when I ran into her in the hall before class. That was pretty funny. Call me heartless, but really, she was so flustered. Why waste all that energy on such a useless emotion? Being embarrassed doesn't change anything. Might as well just move on.

Although, she did have the guts to apologize, not like it mattered…A change in song and a new beat, and thoughts of the new girl faded out like the rain.

A special thanks to:

Kara Adar and my dear friend Amanda for reviewing! You guys are great. And please don't forget, if you have any suggestions or requests, I'm all ears! …Or…eyes. Heh.