I've always been in the shadows. Hidden in plain sight. I've never been the light of the party, only ever invited to make up the numbers.
It's almost as though I was invisible, and that's how I liked it.
They didn't know my name. Or even care to remember my face.
My sister on the other hand has always been the center of attention.
Beautiful, smart, kind. Her name is Ashley Rodwick and everyone knows it.
We're total opposites but we adore each other.
Ashley has tried to pull me into her world. Into the spotlight and into her crowd. I never agreed. I'm Lola Rodwick. I'm invisible. I like my life the way it is. Every day is the same. Quiet, peaceful, non-dramatic.
That is until 'he' noticed me.
The guy that pulled me from the darkness and into the light.
The only person who truly saw me.
...
As I walked down the hall to my first last class of the day I easily weaved through the crowd going completely unnoticed by my peers.
My sister breifly glanced in my direction while chatting with her large group of friends but she quickly looked away before anyone noticed.
It's not as though she didn't want to see me. She just knows how I am. I like my peace and she knows she would just disrupt it if she took an interest in me. Anyone she looks at becomes the center of attention.
That's exactly what I want to avoid.
Its happened before and I don't want the past to repeat itself.
The last thing I want is for people to realize our relationship.
I give her a slight smile before walking away and entering the classroom.
...
Halfway through class the fire alarm suddenly goes off and my eyes widen as I take a breath and the scent of smoke enters my nose.
Fire.
Thinking it's nothing more than a drill, everyone else calmly falls into line with their things and walk out of the classroom in annoyance. Only the teacher and me seem to know the truth.
I can see it in his eyes. The fear, shock, confusion. He knows it's not a drill. I'm the only person who can smell the smoke from this far but it seems to be getting closer at an alarming rate.
I discreetly approach the teacher and grasp his arm, prompting him to look in my direction. I give him a reassuring look in an attempt to calm him down.
His breathing goes from chaotic to calm as he looks into my bright multi-colored eyes the left violet and the right grey.
"Get them out quickly but keep the truth to yourself. I'll be at the back. Everything is alright. The fire is on the other side of the building. No one will even realize what's happening until we get outside." I say giving him a firm pat on the back before walking towards the back of the line.
I make sure to keep a distance between me and the rest of the class as the teacher leads everyone outside. I glance back every few ass teps and as we approach the door I see a flicker of light from around the corner and my eyes widen in alarm.
Feeling panicked I look towards the front to see the teacher struggling to unlock the door.
The school recently had a problem with students leaving during the day so they put locks on every door that could only be opened with a special pass. The teacher repeatedly tries to use passcard but the door doesn't budge and he begins to visibly panic.
I look back to see the fire spread into this hallway and, gritting my teeth in frustration I flip my hoodie over my head and begin running towards the front of the line as the other students watch me with surprise and confusion.
When I reach the doors I shove the teacher to the side and with a strong kick the lock breaks and the door flies open.
I then grab the person nearest to me and shove them out the door.
At that moment a few students start to scream when they notice the approaching flames.
Everyone starts to run as the shove each other out the door and I know I'm not needed anymore so I step aside to make room for everyone else. Me and the teacher will be the last to leave.
"Thank you." He says greatfully but I can see him still shaking in fear as we watch the fire grow closer by the second.
"No problem. Just don't tell anyone it was me." I say letting the hood fall and revealing my long royal blue hair. I was just glad I wore a hoodie today.
"Alright." He says. I can tell he doesn't understand why I would want to hide it but he respects my wishes and he doesn't ask.
"Let's go." I say as the last person runs out the door. The teacher immediately dashes out and I slowly follow, feeling the heat of the fire behind me as I walk out.
When I reach the field, everyone is gathered together in groups as they watch the building burn. I can hear people talking about what will happen now that the building is burned down.
I can guess what will happen next. Theres another highschool only a few blocks away. They have a much larger building but not very many students. The principals are good friends and there are only 3 months left of the school year. I'm sure we'll end up using their school for the last few months.
It won't be a big problem for anyone as we've had dozens of events for both schools.
Not that I've ever been to one.
Ashley told me that she has a few friends there even.
She hasn't had a problem with them. In fact she likes being with them more than her group at this school.
I don't care where I go to school. As long as I graduate I could even do online. Not that Ashley would ever agree. Even if we don't talk during the day she feels better knowing I'm close to her.
Sure enough, once the firefighters have done their job the principal approaches the students with a megaphone.
"Students! As you can see the building has been burned down, luckily no one was harmed but the building is currently unusable. I have spoken to a friend of mine and starting next Monday, I want everyone to go to Silver Knight High. You're teachers will email you the new schedules in 2 days. Take these few days to recover before you have to get back to learning. Alright! I won't say any more. You're families are probably worried! Everyone should head home for the day." The principal announces.
I immediately turn to walk to the parking lot along with everyone else who drives to school.