Pontiki Aror, 17, D5 female

I glance absentmindedly up at the ceiling tiles. Some of them are stained from water damage. I like to pretend they're clouds since I most often prefer the cozy familiarity of the classroom over being outdoors. Here, I thrive, even if most people who occupy the classrooms with me annoy the heck out of me.

I value intelligence, and while I know I'm not the smartest among many smart children in Five, I could definitely be up there. You can't get anywhere socializing uselessly all day, no matter how much people try to engage with me. Shooting them a deadly stare usually scares them away. I've even been labeled as "mean" by some children because of it but it's not like I care much. They don't know how much school means to me, it's my ticket to a sweet lab job rather than being confined to the factories like my parents.

My teacher, Mrs. Stanhope hasn't called on me much today. I'm usually one of the only people who are able to answer her questions without a problem, so I guess she feels like the others need a chance to learn as well. Too bad they aren't already good at chemistry.

I can feel my eyelids getting heavier. That's weird- I could have sworn I went to bed early last night. The last thing I want to do is fall asleep in class because only the slackers do that. I desperately try to keep my eyes open but before I know it my head is drooping down, just inches from my desk. I hope I don't slam into it and end up with a forehead bruise.

…

It must already be after lunch because everyone's gathered in the courtyard for leisure time. I usually don't partake, preferring to stay in the study hall where no one will bother me, but somehow I'm outside. When did I get here?

At least it's a pleasant day. Some days can get so sweltering hot that the indoors is the only place we can hide from the threat of heatstroke, thanks to our massive air conditioners. But a cool breeze whips through my hair, black as a raven's wing, and I almost find myself enjoying it.

Even though we go to school during the day, the sky is dark. I don't think a solar eclipse is going on. Surely I would have known that.

Brushing it off, I make my way over to a water fountain, already feeling thirsty. A crowd of people around it notice me and scatter away. One of them, a girl I think I share an algebra class with, smiles at me. Oh, wait, it's Rula. Just great. My rival seems to always find me somehow, even outside the classroom.

"Here, you can have a drink first!" she chirps. I roll my eyes and walk past her like she's air. People can seriously annoy me sometimes. I get up from the fountain and wipe my mouth, but I look up to see Rula with a saddened expression.

"That was mean," she says in a low voice. "You didn't even say thank you."

"Why should I? It's not like I told you to move for me. I don't need to say anything." As I try to walk away from the group, another girl grabs my arm.

"There's being anti-social, and there's being just mean!" she hisses at me. I struggle free of her grip and stick my tongue out at the children, jogging to a part of the courtyard where there are few people.

I don't remember the school courtyard ever looking like this. It's got way more flowers and animals running around than I remember. In fact, I don't think any of these things were ever here. At least the flowers smell good.

I trot over to a bush of fancy-looking lilies, my eyes set on a pale purple one. I start to pluck it off its stem when it suddenly curls up and dies, its petals falling to the ground like tears. I grimace at the sight but then feel pangs of anger in my stomach.

"Well, fine! You weren't even pretty anyway. It's not like I really wanted you."

Irritated, I slap the bush, and more flowers decay and slide off the stems. I turn from it and notice a pack of white rabbits curled up in a shaded corner, surrounded by flora.

I've read that rabbits are affectionate, and if you're able to tame one they can be good pets. I'm not sure my parents would think of it but maybe if my brothers and sisters like the bunny, I'll be saved from the humiliation of bringing home a pet I can't keep. Farla will be able to convince them as well with her vast knowledge of animals. Farla might be my only sister but I actually respect her to the point where I truly enjoy her company.

I lean down to try and scoop up the largest bunny, and it screeches like it's just been touched by acid. I try another bunny and it does the same.

"What the hell?" I ask as the rabbits begin to make desperate, scared noises. I'm not that scary. These animals, like everyone else, are just being overdramatic just because I'm not the friendliest person.

All six rabbits hop away frantically, still whimpering as they run from me. Now I'm really starting to get peeved. A blaring bell sounds throughout the courtyard, and I feel a hand on my shoulder.

…

"Miss Aror, wake up, class is over."

I recognize Mrs. Stanhope's soft voice as my eyes are flooded with light. Groaning, I look upward to see her sadly smiling face.

"Didn't get your eight hours last night?" she asks in a sympathetic voice. Great, now she probably thinks I'm an insomniac or something.

"I guess not," I mumble. Most of the students from the last period have filed out of the classroom. Good thing this is fourth period, and lunch is next, rather than another class coming in to notice me in this state. No doubt they'd either laugh at me or ask me if I'm okay. Both equally annoying.

Throughout the rest of the day, I was forced to hear Rula's endless drabble, as she shares all my later periods with me. If Rula and I both got one hundred percent on a test, only she would be praised for it. Most people prefer her to me because she's sociable, chatty, kind, blah blah blah. My only question is, why does she waste her time trying to please others? It's not like she gains anything from it. I certainly don't gain anything from associating myself with her, either. I just have to work to be better than her, because her sweetness makes me want to vomit sometimes.

The final bells ring, signifying the end of the day. Despite literature not being one of my strongest subjects I did better on the test than Rula. I tried not to let anyone see my joy when the teacher congratulated me, a rare occurrence.

As I make my way to the front door, I spot Rula at her locker, located just outside the classroom.

"See you tomorrow, Pontiki!" Rula says cheerfully.

A silent, cold glance is all I return to her.

I hope you like Pontiki! She is honestly a total mood. Next chapter will be another interlude. I was originally going to post it before Pontiki's chapter but I just happened to finish this one first.

Also, KitKathy520, since you have been such an awesome reviewer so far, please DM me for a prize. Thank you so much!

Thank you for reading and be sure to review!

-Aemma