Chapter 1
I walked through the doors of the library. A place I’ve become familiar with. It was quiet, as it always was. Not many people came to the library, unless it was for work. I came because it was some sort of a haven for me. Feeling safe and comfortable was something I needed. Ever since he happened those feelings became something that I longed for. I made my way to the back section, it was stranded with no one in sight. Just the way I liked it. No one ever touched the English Literature, but it was my favorite. In a way I liked that no one did. It was as if I had it to myself, that was rare.
I skimmed through the back tapping the bindings with my finger. I needed something new to read, something different. I looked up at the top of the shelf and saw a name that caught my eye. “The Way of the Flesh” I’ve heard about it. A story of a man revolting society for his freedom. My kind of story. I reached up for the book, but I was a bit too short to get it. I stood on my tippy toes and stretched my arm out as far as I could, feeling my feet dig into my converse. I was getting desperate. I held onto one of the shelves to get on the tip of my sneakers. I could feel the binding and as I circulated my hand around it, I felt a sudden jolt in my fingers. I felt another hand touch mine, a larger hand. I saw the hand, easily grab the book and place it in front of me. I turned my head to see who it was but they already walked away. He had passed one of the bookshelves. It was a tall boy but I saw nothing but the top of his jet black hair. It was ruggedly cut and edgy. In an instant he was gone.
I placed my focus back onto the book in front of me. I opened the front cover and traced the letters of the title. A new book always felt like a new beginning. A new world I would fall into, even if it was just for a while. I liked getting lost in the literature. It was a nice escape from reality, my reality.
I sat on the floor and crossed my legs to start reading. I had twenty minutes before first period and I wanted to read as much as I could before I started this horrid day. A day that would drag on forever and just get worse as it went on. School would never be the same for me.. ever.
I heard the loud bell, signifying that it was time to get to class. I groaned as I stood up and grabbed all of my things. I made my way to the front desk to check out my book, so I could proceed to first period. I took the book and placed it neatly in the side of my bag. I readjusted it on my shoulder and hurried to 1st so I wouldn’t be late. I walked into class and quickly sat down without causing attention to myself. I held my head low as I played with my fingers. Everyone else was sitting on their desks in mid conversation. “Alright.. sit down” Mrs. Greene said in a stern voice. Mrs. Greene was always put together. Her hair was in a tight ponytail, not a strand out of place. She wore a gray pencil skirt and a crisp, white button down. Mrs. Greene was very beautiful, but I’ve noticed she’s not married because she never has a ring on. A little odd since she’s in her late thirties. Maybe marriage wasn’t for everyone, maybe she hasn’t found anyone. I crinkled my nose and looked back down at my desk. They all took their seats and she continued with her announcements. I always payed attention to what she said. She usually had things to say about the lesson we would be learning. English was my favorite subject, although she wasn’t the best teacher. She still always had my full focus. She scanned around the room taking attendance. She picked up a paper and looked around as if she was trying to find someone. “It seems that we have a new kid”, she said in a audible voice still searching throughout the room. I slightly picked up my head and looked around. I didn’t see anyone new, just the same regular faces. “Zayn Malik?”, she asked. No one said anything. We all looked around confused, trying to find whoever this Zayn kid could be. “I guess he’s not here” she said as she marked down on her paper.
Why would you miss your first day of school? I know this is not the greatest place, but still. I shrugged off my thoughts and watched Mrs. Greene as she went on with the rest of class.
