By the book....

THE START

I glared at my reflection in the mirror with a blank expression on my face. Was that a pimple on my nose? It was barely two years since I had gotten rid of my full face of pimples and yet pimple had come to pay me a visit once more.

I sighed rubbing the bump seriously contemplating over how to get rid of it. Before I could further survey my face for any other flaws my alarm rang.

 It was already 6.45am and that meant another five minutes before I had to go downstairs. "Lex down in five. Your sandwich is by the counter ,take a slice of pie too and leave some for your brother."

"I'll be down in a sec Lory." That was my stepmom Lory and she was talking about leaving a pie for my stepbrother Kyle. Without sparing another moment I grabbed my bag from my bedside table and rushed downstairs. Kyle was already stationed by the dining table , as I approached him he barely looked up his gaze still glued to his phone screen. 

"You could have gotten the pie yourself you know. Those feet and hands are meant for use Kyle, for the record."

As I turned to take my sandwich I could hear him scoff then he laughed maniacally in response. "I have a servant to do it for me so why bother anyway." For a split minute I wanted to slap that smirk off his face but didn't dare against my better judgement. I just munched on my sandwich planning my next speech for the charity event I had been working on for months. I pretty much had it all figured out unlike a certain someone who resembled the definition of laziness itself . I thought to myself as a chuckle escaped my mouth. 

Kyle scrutinized his attention on me with a questioning look," Paranoid much? Not everyone gets what goes on in your head Alex." And with that he went back to scrolling through his phone.

I wanted to seem unfazed by his words but they stung." You sure have a lot to say for a bum like you with no direction in life whatsoever."

"At least I know how to live an actual life."

Rummaging through my thoughts I was thinking of a comeback but sadly it was short lived as Lory walked in. I just walked straight to the car and got in the backseat. Kyle followed shortly after. He made sure to stick his tongue out at me before going to sit in the front. He was clearly trying to annoy me but I had better things to do. "The presentation was great Lex I loved the layout quite professional and straightforward."

Lory looked at me through the rear mirror. "I made sure to meticulously organize it ,glad you like it Lory."

At that Kyle sighed and put on his earphones. I swear sometimes he could just be such a pain without even trying. Kyle as always ,the stubborn effortless one. I even casually wondered if he really was Lory's biological son. Lory just shrugged it off tuning the radio to play a song. As soon as it turned on "La Villa Strangiato," Rush (1978) was playing . Surely I would know a classic instrumental when I heard one. Lory and I both hummed along as Kyle kept giving us deadly stares but we couldn't care less.

Walking down the corridor of the school premises I smiled knowing I wouldn't have to deal with Kyle for a while at school since he was in grade twelve and I was in grade ten. I sat down just before the siren blared signifying the beginning of our classes. As always Mrs Tamry gave her short remark speech about motivation and success. By then half of the class was practically drowsing in and out of sleep. Kelly my bestfriend who was also apparently my desk mate giggled at the sight of others distraught looks. Lets just say she has a knack for all things hilarious.

"Every time she gets to the part 'you hold the pen to your fate and it all starts now' it always seems as if everyone frowns more." I just smiled looking around to see what she was talking about.

"Leinah is practically snoring at this point." I found myself struggling to stay firm and not burst of laughter. Just then an unfamiliar boy walked in. I stared at him from head to toe just out of curiosity but Kelly practically nudged me whispering in my ear. I gasped out loud as Mrs Tamry turned to look and me and so did the stranger.

"Care to share your opinion Miss Ellard?" "No Mrs Tamry." She cleared her throat and continued as she turned to him. 

"Class meet Tyler Hersting." The boy faced the class and he waved in silence. Suddenly I got a hunch that I had heard that name but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. At the pit of my stomach a storm was brewing I was sure I knew this name.

I glued my eyes to the boy until he looked straight at me. By impulse I just looked away.

For some reason why did I feel uneasy and my heart was beating at a faster pace with each breath.