Buttercup [H.S]

Chapter Three

September 6th, 2011.
(Reminder that this chapter is set in the past)

"Riley Smith, nice to see you're starting the year off as you mean to go on!" Mrs Nichols, my art teacher, chimes as I saunter into the large classroom, 5 minutes late.

It's the first day of the new term; summer fading out at Autumn draws in, bringing with it a chill in the air, crisp leaves just beginning to brown on the trees, all the signs of a new school year.

It's my last year of Highgate Hill Sedondary School and College before University. My last year of A-Levels before the "real world" was waiting for me. And I couldn't wait for it to be over already, I was aching to leave this hell hole behind and everyone in it.

I roll my eyes at Mrs Nichols, whilst she simply shakes her head at me in annoyance and impatience.

"Yeah, sorry Miss" I grumble, popping my gum as I stand in the doorway. Everyone has turned to watch me and I give them all a glare, folding my arms.

"Just sit down so we can get started, please," she snaps back, gesturing to the last empty seat at the back of the room.

Good, at least she won't be hounding me at the front. I make my way over the vacant chair and flop myself down with a huff, slinging my handbag up to the desk.

I flipped off the girl who had fully span in her chair to get a good look and I knew she was staring at the obnoxious purple hickey on my neck.

"Take a picture or piss off" I spit and she quickly swivels back to face the front.

I hear a snort from next to me and I turn ready to give whoever it is another mouthful.

"And what's so funny?"

The boy next to me is hunched over a sketch book with one white earphone blaring music and hanging out of his ear, the other dangling around his neck.

He brushes his long, curly brown hair out of his way and smiles at me. Like actually smiles.

Not a snicker, or a taunt, or grimace or look of pure fear. But a smile that's - dare I say - friendly. He even has a dimple that pops in the side of his cheek.

"Sorry, just thought it was funny the way you burned Claire like that" he says. "She's a proper gossip."

He holds his large hand out to me and I look down between that and his bright green eyes, suspicious of what on earth he's doing.

"I'm Harry" he smiles, and I slowly lift my palm and place it in his as he gives it an awkward little shake.

"Riley" I say as I unashamedly scan over his appearance.

He's wearing a faded grey T-shirt with the logo of a band I'd never hear of,tight black skinny jeans that were torn at the knees and a pair of old white converse trainers.

I notice a large black leather guitar case propped up against the table next to him, the whole thing adorned with stickers of various bands and brands that again, meant nothing to me.

"Are you new? I don't think I've seen you around before..." I ask, squinting at him and cocking my head to the side as I try to recall if we'd ever crossed paths in the hallway before or shared any classes together last year. Surely I'd have noticed him.