"Everyone, settle down, we have a new student today. Her name is Brooklyn. Please be on your best behavior and be nice to her. You may get a copy of the Crucible at the front of the room and sit wherever you like," the English teacher, Mr. Brown told the class in his monotone voice.
Everyone took a moment to stare at me, mumbled some hellos, then went back to their conversations. I took a seat in the far back right corner by the window, because no one seemed to be siting there. I had a feeling the day was just going to drag on so I didn't even bother to pay attention. I just stared out of the window, wishing I could just run through the trees, which is what I should be doing. I shouldn't be enlisted in school, but the pack leader Kai suggested everyone should fit in as much as possible. So here I am, learning shit I won't ever need to know.
"Hey there."
What? I turn my head and see a boy looking at me. "Hey," I reply.
"How are you liking this school so far?" he asks.
"It's ok I guess."
"Yeah, It's kind of a drag."
I look to the front of the room and begin to pay attention to whatever Mr. Brown is rambling about. At least he's teaching the class about the Salem Witch Trials. Good thing I know this stuff.
"So tell me about yourself."
Oh my God, does this kid ever stop talking? I hate to sound so rude, but come on. I can't afford to get close to people. I come with complications. Talk to someone once, and they want to be friends. Then, God forbid, they want more. Kai has warned us all countless times not to blow our secret. So how do I tell this guy to leave me alone without being rude?
"Sorry, what's your name?" I ask. Oh, great.
"Ayden. Now, tell me about yourself."
Now I need to come up with a lie fast. Think, think!
"Well, what do you want to know?"
Suddenly, a loud noise is going off. Oh, thank you lord, I'm saved by the bell.
I get my things together and get out of my desk, but as I'm walking away-
"Hey, don't think I'm letting you off the hook that easily! Let me see your schedule."
I pull it out of my binder and hand it over.
"Interesting, your next period is next to mine, and we have lunch together both days, along with the last two classes together tomorrow."
Oh, yay.
"Come along, you can talk along the way."
By the time I make it to my math class, I've told him where I moved from, that I'm the youngest in my family, and that I love cross country because I'm a fast runner. When he asked if he could come see me run one of these days I hesitated before saying sure.
"I'll see you after class Brooke, later!" and with that he walks into his class.
As I sit in my new desk, and after going through another round of introductions, I can't stop thinking about that kid. But not because I like him, though I must say he looks pretty hot, with his brown hair and skater boy cut. What I'm really thinking about is avoiding him. He seems like a nice, innocent enough guy, but that's exactly it. I can't afford to get close to him, or anyone. Because if I do, sooner rather than later, they will come to figure me out. And when that happens, they will either run and tell their friends, or (and I doubt this) stick around and get pulled into a lot of trouble. I think I'm doing this Ayden a service when I say he needs to stay away. Now if I could only act on it.
