A New Beginning
AN: So I know a lot of you have been waiting for the next chapter of A Little Late which is right here!
Lorraine's POV
For once, I arrived at university on time. I guess I was curious to find out just how long my new partner would last before everything went sideways. In other words, how long he would last when his inevitable jibes and bullying got too much for me to handle...again.
The problem was, he didn't seem to be exhibiting any of the signs bullies show. He kept his head down and got on with his work, occasionally glancing at the board before scribbling down his answers to the questions at lightning speed.
Neither of us spoke, I don't talk to people unless absolutely necessary (it used to do my numerous foster parents' heads in) and Nick was concentrating on his work. Just then, I dropped my pen on the floor. I sighed and bent down to pick it up. However I wasn't the only one who had done so; Nick had also dived beneath the table. I didn't know what for until he resurfaced, holding my pen and passing me it.
"Here you go." He says smiling
Completely nonplussed, I take the pen back, trying my hardest not to snatch it, "T-Thank you?" I reply. I am really confused; why is he being so nice to me? It's creeping me out. He should be making my life a misery.
Flashback (still Lorraine's POV)
We were in an practise exam today. A Maths one; that's the only subject I struggle with. My current partner was Mikey West and up until now, he didn't seem too bad. One thing I've taught myself that nothing is ever what it seems, and boy, was I right.
Just then, I dropped my pen on the floor. I would've picked it up myself but bending over at this current point in time would not have been a wise decision, so I turned to Mikey.
"Can you pick up my pen, please? I dropped it and I can't bend to pick it up." I ask.
He turns and glares at me, "Pick it up yourself, freak!," before shoving me off my chair onto the floor. Amidst everyone's laughter, I start to feel light-headed as the years-old cut on my abdomen opens up again. A crimson puddle forms around me as people start to scream and Mikey vomits at the sight of me, lying semi-conscious in a pool of scarlet. I barely registered Mr Casten rushing over to check my pulse before frantically dialling on his phone. I woke up three weeks later in hospital, incredibly sore and even less trusting of people than I had been before.
End of Flashback
I guess I shouldn't be so quick to judge people but everyone I've encountered, male and female, has turned out to be a complete jerk. That doesn't mean it has to always be that way, though. That incident had occurred almost a year ago, though.
I turn and see that Nick is struggling with one of the questions. His face is funny to watch but I figure I should just put him out of his misery.
"The answer is 27.6 to 1 decimal place." I say, pointing at the question. Maybe I'm better at Maths than I thought.
"R-Really? How'd you work it out?" He stammers nervously, with good reason, I must admit, as I clearly remember our first meeting and, apparently, so does he.
As I explain how I solved the problem, he smiles gratefully at me and in a complete 180, I smile back. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Mr Casten nearly fall out of his chair in shock. I can't blame him, though, because I don't remember the last time I smiled. Heck, I don't remember ever smiling at all in my nineteen years so far.
I suppose I've already had my story but it was so tragic someone decided to give me a second chance. I doubt I deserve it but perhaps this is the new beginning to my story. A reason for my hope to be rekindled.
AN: I hope you enjoy this chapter. Please review what you think :-)