Axel

9

I S A B E L L A

I trudged through the crowded school halls, pushing my way to my locker. Exam season is just around the corner, and i had yet to apply to a single college. The long hours at the cafe only added to the stress.

Lucy slams herself against the locker, a wide grin painting her face. "Hiya!"

"Hey, what's got you so happy?" I ask, shutting the locker and adjusting the heavy bag on my shoulder.

"Oh nothing.." She trails off " Just that Bruce asked me on a date!" Her squeal echoes through the halls, earning us a few scowls.

I link my arm with hers, and pull us further down the hall. "That's great!"

Her eyes sparkle as she nods. "But what am i supposed to wear?" Suddenly, she's melting into my side, a long groan displaying her sudden mood change.

"I can help." I offer, nudging her shoulder with mine.

"That would be great, because i'm stressing out." I can just barely make-out what she's saying because she's rambling so fast.

Ever since me and Lucy have became close, we have spent most of our time together. Suddenly it made school bearable, gave me something to look forward too. Abby hadn't crossed my mind in weeks.

I haven't checked a single notification from her, haven't been worried to cross paths with her and there was this sudden realisation, that i think i'll finally be okay without her.

I smile to myself at the thought of life getting better.

Lucy leads me to my class, sending me an encouraging smile as she turns the corner.

Abby sits with a group of people, her eye follow me across the room until i'm sitting down and falling back into my chair. She loudly pops her gum in the process.

There's always a certain feeling of dread when you know Abby has it out for you, it's a constant sharp nagging at the back of your head.

"Watch out girls, she might steal your man next." Abby spat, and i feel the entire class swing their faces to my direction. A few laughs erupt, if only they knew that the man in question wasn't ever even close to being hers, maybe then the laughs would be directed at her.

"Homewrecker at its finest." A girl from the table spoke up.

Eventually, it seemed as though they had forgotten me. And i was relieved to notice they had their full attention on the lesson infront of us.

The teacher spoke about possible colleges, before going over on how to prepare a proper CV. Mrs Donald moved around the class, handing out leaflets of possible colleges we could apply for. My fingers brushed over the neat font that spelt 'PRINCETON' on shiny paper. It was a dream, but without a scholarship or money i knew there was only a slim chance of getting accepted.

"So what college will you be going to Isabella? You know, considering you're broke and have no parents." Abby commented, her gaze focused entirely on me again.

That one hurt.

My parents were the ones that pushed me to go to college, and ever since they passed away the idea of leaving without them being here to guide me was off putting.

I just felt so alone.

I shove the pile of leaflets in my bag, and count the seconds to the bell. Focusing on happier things, like Lucy.