Second Chance

~ Chapter One: I Did Not Just Say That (Flynn) ~

I try to shield myself from the torrential downpour of rain as I make my way over to the bus stop, relieved there is shelter at my designated location. In no way, shape or form do I intend to be soaked on my first day in my new school.

I rush underneath the glass cover, grateful for the protection from the relentless storm. A sigh escapes me as I glance up, taking in the sound of the rain pelting against the roof. My mood doesn't differ from the dreary weather in the slightest bit. I don't think I'll ever be able to experience the emotion of happiness again.

I fight back tears as sudden memories flood my mind, reminding me of the terrible event I've been trying to put behind me. I shake my head, trying to escape it. I've got to be strong, there's nothing I can do now to fix anything anyway. I ignore it, much like I ignore the few stares that land on me because I've subconsciously exhaled a long, drawn-out, sorrowful sigh again.

I shove my hands into the pockets of my leather hooded jacket, something I do mostly as a nervous reaction, trying to keep my shit together. Why does life have to be so unfair?

I jump as a loud bark suddenly startles me. A women and her dog quickly enter the little shelter.

"I was out walking my dog when I unexpectedly got caught in the storm!" She exclaims to another lady who is seated on one of the benches.

"Yeah, it's quite the weather out there! I can't blame you for wanting to wait out the storm in here." The other women replies. I overhear their conversation, but my main focus isn't on them. Rather, it's on the dog.

He's now straining on his leash, bluffing out a plethora of barks specifically directed at me. His owner now notices too, and is distracted from her conversation. She looks up at me and fidgets around nervously.

"I'm sorry, he's not usually like this." She apologizes rapidly while trying to control her furry friend. "Calm down, Brutus." She commands.

I unintentionally ignore her and just look away from the scene. I know exactly why her dog is behaving in such a manner...

After a few minutes of unceasing barking, the transit bus pulls up. It's about time too. I don't know how much longer I can bare listening to "Brutus" having a personal vendetta against me. I know I smell like a wolf, dude. Just beat it already.

I wait as the lady who was seated rises and runs to the bus, soon followed by an old man who walks as quickly as his ancient feeble body will let him.

The dog owner remains where she is, and I head out next as it's only been the few of us, which can be blamed on the fact that it's quite early in the morning. Or perhaps public transit isn't a popular thing in this part of town. Like I'd know.

Naturally, the transit bus is crowded quite a bit more than the bus stop was. The old man rightfully claims the last seat, and I'm left standing. Not that I mind. I'd rather stand anyway. Besides, if life should make anyone suffer, it might as well choose me since I'm already so miserable.

Despite my senses having dulled since I first fell into this depression, I can still pick up a relatively uneasy aura from the people around me. Mothers hug their children close, and old folks keep a suspicious eye on me. I'm kinda used to it now, though. I seem to make many people intimidated, especially over these past few months.

I rake one of my hands through my hair; another nervous reaction. The last thing I need right now is people staring at me.

I resist the urge to heave a load off my chest through another one of my forlorn sighs. If only I had some way to pick up all the fragments of my broken heart and piece it back together again.