Lead Me Out of the Dark

Trails of Blood

The next morning, Deck was gone when I woke up. I went through my morning routine mechanically, my mind drifting towards Deck. I wondered if I’d hurt his feelings badly enough for him to consider me something less than a friend. When Linda gave my pill, I jotted it down, taking my book and hiding it underneath my mattress.

School scared the life out of me. For one thing, I had to face Mr. Varner today. That was going to be a whole new kind of Hell. Second, I could run into Deck at any time, and I really didn’t want to face him, especially if he hadn’t bought the lie that I’d told him last night. Third, I had to see Sophie, the girl who was pining to be my friend. Fourth, I had seventh period lunch, which I shared with Jack, the jock who wouldn’t stop asking me out. And to top off all of that good stuff, I had an essay due that I never even began.

First and second period went by smoothly. I managed to talk to my Global Studies teacher about giving me an extension on the essay. He was mostly surprised that I had talked more than the occasional squeak in passing, and he seemed impressed that I’d spoken up for myself. Considering the fact that I was “Taking initiative” by talking to him and I was usually a pretty good student, he gave me some extra time to finish it.

                Third and fourth period went by fine. In fifth period, I had to suffer through a lecture by Mr. Varner. He said that this was my warning and if I ever left his class again, he’d call me into the principal’s office. He sent me multiple glares during the lesson and managed to call on me almost every five minutes. It was absolute torture. I even considered transferring out of his class, which was something I’d never done before. The man was pure evil.

                Sixth period was Movie Production, and I had a great time. The teacher, Mrs. Gartsu, was very lenient and gave us a lot of space to make movies. Our topic this week was silent movies, and I had a great idea for mine. I spent the whole period happily mapping out the shots I would use and who I’d use in them. Luckily the kids in that class were mostly artsy, brooding teenagers, so they let me sit alone and work.

                Seventh period was another story. I wished I could just skip lunch overall, but I needed to get my lunch from the cafeteria, and I was starving. Once I got my lunch, I was forced with the daunting task of choosing a table. In the end, I decided the cafeteria was too much anxiety in one room, so I made my way towards the door with every intention of sitting in the hallway.

                “Skye!” Jack called, waving me over to his table. He sat with a bunch of other fellow jocks and some cheerleaders. Hell no, I snapped mentally. I walked quickly away, pretending I hadn’t heard him. I was only fifteen steps from freedom. Ten steps. Eight steps.

                “Skye, there you are!” Sophie squeaked. I winced and walked faster. Please don’t come talk to me, I need to get out of here, I chimed to myself. Unfortunately, someone tapped on my shoulder. I turned ruefully, saying every swearword I knew under my breath.

                “Skye, don’t tell me you were going to go sit by yourself,” Jack said. He gave me what he probably hoped was his lady killer smile, and I couldn’t help but wince instantly. This guy was killing me. I’m not going to lie, Jack was a cute guy. He just didn’t appeal to me in that way. I don’t know how many times I’d have to say no to him before he moved on to another girl.

                “Actually, I have to go work on a project for my Movie Production class. My teacher is making me stay for lunch so I can finish before it’s due,” I lied easily. Jack gave me a puppy dog pout that didn’t make me feel the least bit remorseful. Jack threw his arm around my shoulders.