Under The Sun

Chapter 1

I kept my head down as a walked through the school gates, just as I did every other day. My headphones were blasting in my ears; meaning that if anyone spoke to me they wouldn't have much luck- which was the whole point.

I walked through the crowds with no problem, people seemed to move unconsciously to the side when I approached. In a small town it's hard to keep secrets, so even though no one knew mine, they did know that you didn't talk to Adalyn Becker if you wanted to stay on the social food chain. I was the leper of Kingstown school, for no other reason than because that was how it was. They knew me as the friendless girl who rarely spoke, and who had been caught talking to herself in empty hallways more than once.

It didn't bother me so much anymore. I, like every other teenager, hated school the required amount. Homework was a no-go, holidays were the Holy Grail and Mondays were Satan's day. But I had grown accustom to the sideways glances I got while walking to class, as well as the increasingly farfetched rumors that I overhead about me. It was just a part of the fun filled package that was being me.

Today was no different. I walked straight forwards, not looking anyone in the eye and ignoring the odd whisper and stares. I did notice that they were fewer of them today however, which could only mean that there was a piece of gossip more interesting spreading around. I didn't bother to take out my headphones to snoop though; half the time it wasn't true and the rest of the time it was twisted to make it seem ten times worse than it was. But while I tried to give people the benefit of the doubt, my peers soaked up the lies like a food source.

I pushed through the door and made my way to my locker. The hallways were quite busy because the warning bell was about to ring. I never made it in early; it only meant standing around and waiting for class- and the less time I spent in this building the better.

Turning the dial on my padlock, I felt something cold running up my spine.

I froze, trying to ignore the niggling voice in the back of my head; which told me to turn around. This was the last thing I needed today- or any other day for that matter. Mentally shaking of the feeling, I pulled my locker open and started riffling through my assortment of books. The cold was still turning my spine into an icicle, and I knew that if I looked around I would be too obvious.

But as I straightened with my books, I couldn't help a quick peek.

She was stood over the shoulder of a small ginger kid. Three large guys stood in front of him, blocking his way and laughing at something one of them had said. The kid looked nervous and I felt bad for him. Her gaze however, was venomous; looking at the three guys with nothing but hatred.

Of course, they paid her no mind, and didn't so much as glance in her direction.

One of them reached out and flicked the younger boy across the chin, a shit eating grin stretched broad across his face. The others laughed once more at the 'banter', while the girl looked ready to charge.

My pity for him started to grow as I saw noticeable tears start to fill his eyes, and I couldn't help it. After a slight hesitation- which was my sensible side coming into action- the idiot part of my brain made my decision, so I sighed and started towards them. I began to make out what they were saying as I got closer.

"So you're sure you've not seen her Kent?" one of the guys asked the ginger kid.

Kent looked at his feet, trying to hide his watery expression, and shook his head.

"Last I heard your sister was with Charlie. He said Chloe blew his mind, that she wasn't quite the Virgin Mary he expected," the guy said suggestively as they all laughed.

The girl's fists were now tight balls at her sides, her face red with anger and her disgust was evident.

"I-I don't know where she is," Kent stammered in response, clearly at a loss of what to say or do in this situation. "She's not been home since the weekend."