Chapter 2: chapter 2: Acquaintances
Stepping into my first class of the day, a history lesson, I was startled to discover Alex occupying the seat beside mine. Awkwardness seemed to hang in the air. Alex had never been my usual seatmate, even though the person who typically sat there rarely exchanged words with me. In a sea of faces, Julia was the only one who brought warmth to my days.
Whenever he attempted to engage in conversation, I found myself rendered mute and shy. It felt like I was daydreaming; in my mind, I had responses to everything he said. Currently, he was inquiring if I was the same girl he had bumped into earlier, and in a soft murmur, I managed a little yes. He proceeded to express his apologies for the earlier incident, and I nodded in acknowledgment, eager to halt the conversation, especially since it seemed to be drawing a bit of a crowd.
History class passed, but my focus was elusive. Counting down to the end of the class felt like an eternity, as discomfort settled in. The bell's chime signaled my swift exit from the last class of the day. I hurriedly made my way to collect my little brother, Ryan, and simultaneously searched for Julia, my usual companion for the walk home.
Our journey back was unusually quiet. Lost in my thoughts, I was grateful that Ryan, still a young child, didn't pick up on the worry etched on my face. After preparing dinner and assisting him with homework, I tucked him into bed, reassuring him that our parents would return soon.
It had been two years since our parents' accident, and in that time, I had assumed the dual roles of both a mother and father to Ryan. At just five years old, explaining the situation to him proved challenging. Despite my attempts, he struggled to grasp the reality. It wasn't his fault; he was just a child.
Living in a close-knit town spared us from the prospect of foster care. The community, having loved my parents, rallied around us. Gratitude flooded my heart at the thought of not having to uproot Ryan into unfamiliar surroundings. He barely spoke to anyone beyond pleasantries, and the idea of separation would have shattered both our hearts. A silver lining emerged in the form of our town's sheriff, our neighbor, who took it upon herself to ensure our well-being. In her kindness, we found solace amid the challenging journey of life without our parents.
Engrossed in an assignment due next week, I found myself sacrificing timely sleep in pursuit of the usual A-grade excellence. Nights blurred into early mornings as I immersed myself in the task at hand.
I lost track of how I drifted off, only to awaken later with the pressing need for a bathroom break. As I stumbled to my bed, I realized it wasn't the first time I had succumbed to slumber at my study table, anticipating the familiar onset of body pains.
Awakening to the second alarm, I dove into my morning routine of preparing breakfast for Ryan and ensuring he was ready for school. The events of the previous day slipped from my thoughts as I focused on the tasks at hand. However, a glance in the mirror exposed the toll of poor eating habits, a realization I couldn't dismiss as I noticed how lean I had become.
In the hustle of the morning, I hastily opted for a tank top masquerading as a shirt and paired it with ripped jeans. A quick pull of my favorite hat completed my look. With Ryan dropped off at his school nearby, I embarked on my journey to my own, usually accompanied by the rhythm of music. Yet, today, I had forgotten my earphones, adding a layer of frustration to my day.
Just as the annoyance set in, a car pulled up, and to my surprise, it was Alex. He greeted me with a compliment, labeling me beautiful. Blushing, I tried to conceal it by pulling my hair down. Despite my initial refusal, he insisted on giving me a ride, turning the journey into a prolonged interaction filled with his lingering glances that heightened my sense of discomfort.
Upon reaching the school, intense stares followed us. Victoria, the perennial antagonist, approached us with a pretense of leaning on Alex, who visibly displayed discomfort. In an unexpected turn of events, she hurled the word "slut" at me. Stunned into silence, I stood frozen. While accustomed to Victoria's bullying, being labeled in such a way in front of the entire school struck a new, painful chord. Before I could react, Alex firmly held my arms and assured, "See you later, beautiful."
I proceeded through the remainder of my day at school as though nothing had transpired earlier. Later on, I rendezvoused with Julia, delving into a thorough discussion about the tumultuous events that unfolded earlier. It was undeniably a day fraught with challenges, and I found myself eagerly anticipating the moment when I could retrieve Ryan from school and retreat to the sanctuary that is our home. The yearning for the warmth and security that our abode provides became increasingly palpable as the day unfolded, offering a soothing balm for the roughness I had encountered in the outside world.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone