Autumn Showers

2- The one with the first lunch

I huff as I stare at my reflection, today was Monday, my first day back at hell. The day I've been dreading since I took my absence. I knew that eyes would be on me, questioning me. I was still torn between wanting to make an effort and not giving a shit. I settled with something in the middle.

I let out a shaky breath before I grab my backpack. I knew it was time to leave but I couldn't, my feet were glued firmly in place.

A knock on my bedroom door makes me flinch, the thoughts I were trapped in suddenly fled. The door swings open to reveal my mother frowning at me deeply.

'Autumn, come on. You're going to be late, which means that I'm going to be late.'

I roll my eyes, 'Remind me why I can't drive myself.'

'Well, for starters your car is still in the garage and I don't trust that you'll actually end up going.'

I bite my cheek in an attempt to refrain from snapping at her, instead I settle for a glare before I follow her downstairs.

'Did the school email your schedule?'

'The answer is still the same as when you last asked me, yes.'

'I know, you are nervous but I don't appreciate the attitude.'

I scoff as we leave our house, I shiver slightly as the cool air blows over me. I instantly regret not bringing a coat, but I know if I try and get one now, my mom will throw a hissyfit.

'It's unlocked.'

I nod as I climb inside, I clench my fists as the nerves in my stomach grow from small butterflies to large birds. Part of me felt physically sick.

'You look pale.' My mother states as she gets into the driver's seat.

'I'm always pale.' I murmur as I lean my head against the glass of the window.

She begins driving wordlessly, part of me was thankful for the silence but the other half of me wanted a conversation, anything to distract me from the thoughts that were racing around my head.

'Are the girls meeting you at the entrance?'

I narrow my eyes, 'I told you, we aren't friends anymore.'

'I know but after everything that has happened, don't you think it would be good for you to try and make amends.'

'I'd rather drop dead.'

'Autumn Olivia Martin, don't say things like that!'

I shrug, 'I thought you wanted me to be more open about my feelings.'

Her green eyes roll at my sarcastic tone, my heart stops when a familiar building comes into focus. My stomach drops so deep, it feels like it's been anchored down. My knee bounces up and down as she pulls into a space.

'Here we are.'

I nod stiffly, 'I'm not blind.'

She sighs, 'Please just try, if you won't try for yourself then try for me.'

'Fine.'

I wrinkle my nose as I feel her press a kiss against my cheek, I wipe it off before wordlessly climbing out of the car, I briefly wave before walking towards the front door. The second I'm inches away my entire body is frozen.

It was more the unknown than anything, I didn't know how people were going to react around me, will they be scared? Will they be nice? Will they even acknowledge me?

A hand taps on my shoulder, I flinch at the contact stepping as far away from it as possible. I whip my head around to see the person who has invaded my personal bubble.