It was as early as 7:30 am when I was in class. Classes usually began at at 9am but I managed to come early. When I woke up today I didn't find my mother and I figured she took a night shift as well. The emptiness inside me was a mix of anxiousness and fear.
My heart thumped harder thinking of when students will fill the class. The thermodynamics book couldn't manage to distract me from my thoughts as it did yesterday night. I flipped the pages back and forth but it wasn't enough to distract me.
"Tired of this school, Anna"
I recognized that voice. My face shot right up and I saw Jaya's weary face. She looked like she didn't sleep and her eyes could show she was crying. Reason for her face? Her coward best friend.
I instinctively hugged her almost feeling sad. My nose stung a bit like I was about to cry but my eyes didn't. My mind refused to. I exhaled heavily.
She hugged me back and cried on my chest, quietly. After a few moments of silence, she pulled herself up, wiped her tears and gave me a weak smile. We realized that the class was about to begin and she went to her place to sit.
After the classes was filled, I managed to hold myself from running, pretty well compared to yesterday. My eyes never moved out of my book even if mostly I didn't read it, my mind kept thinking about Jaya and mom.
Maybe if I wasn't alive, Jaya would have had a better life than this and maybe my mother wouldn't be overworking…
Just then the class was silent. The teacher must have entered but then I heard another new kind of footstep followed with hers.
"Good morning girls and boys! " I recognized the voice, it was Madam Lucy, the school principal.
"I would like to introduce a new student in Blue Hale high" she continued. The class was still though I couldn't be sure because my eyes were stuck at my books while my hands held the desk firmly.
"Can you kindly introduce yourself young man."
Silence.
After a few minutes, I heard the principal leave. The principal probably gave up waiting for the new student to speak. He didn't want to.
"Don't worry Mr Alan seems to be having a bit of problems adjusting… anyway make him feel welcomed."
The students said yes in unison (except me)
"You can go and sit over there near that small girl" The teacher interrupted.
"Her name is Anna" Jaya spoke up. Sometimes I liked Jaya's confidence and how she was able to mask her anxiety issues but not today. And I am definitely not small(okay maybe short but not enough to be called small)
I was able to hear him walk swiftly across the entire classroom just to sit here. I silently moved my desk away from the one near which he was supposed to sit at, and made sure mine was stuck at the corner .
He sat.
Somebody freaking sat near me.
As expected I did not die since my personal boundaries was invaded but I had trouble concentrating. Worst of all, I didn't even see the guy's face. I flipped the pages and reread everything in my exercise book just to distract my self.
"Young lady" the teacher shouted.
Who now got into trouble wasting time for us?
"Her name is Anna, miss" Jaya reminded her again.
"Oh yes! Anna stop flipping the pages, it's distracting the entire class"
Why don't you shift this new kid away from me!
"Okay" I whispered.
The class continued seconds later and after half an hour the class ended. After physics class, there was a chemistry class in the school lab. I waited for everyone to leave the class and did the same.
I was fast enough to grab my books and settle in before the bell rang. And the scary rollercoaster ride began as students began to fill.
I concentrated on my exercise book and even made spelling corrections on my notes. I was about to doodle the mermaid spider when the chemistry teacher spoke up, catching my attention.
"As you well know, today we will be starting the topic chemical properties of elements. And we will learn it PRACTICALLY." The teacher started.
"Since it might be a dangerous task and will require a lot of work, you will pair up"
Suddenly students started talking in low happy tones.
"Before you all giddy up, you should know that I will be selecting the pairs and I will make sure not to pair friends together. Now the class is dismissed today early for you to prepare for the classes ahead. Stay curious. See you when you see me."
With those few words he left and everyone started scrambling out of the lab as fast as they could, careful enough not to break any apparatus. I left the lab and headed to the library to pick out the necessary chemistry books.
On my way I bumped with somebody and he ended up falling on top of me. The fall was awkward as everyone around us started wooing. Then I saw his face. He didn't have a familiar face but his black brown eyes was captivating enough to calm me; for a moment it felt good and I felt free. Then every bizarre feeling slammed in as people started surrounding us and the boys whistling.
"Get off me! "
I tried pushing but he was heavy.
"Sorry, please be patient. I am trying"
As soon as he got off of me I ran, fast so as to avoid everyone's gazes. The old Anna was back again…