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Chapter 3

After a long night of tossing and turning I finally fell asleep. I knew what I had to do. Something isn't quite right with Claire but I can't pinpoint what. She's been on edge more often, picking up on tiny words i use That I never knew would matter that much.

Today is the first proper day at school and I want to look good. However the one problem with this is I don't have the ability to make myself look good. If I could i would go in trackies.

Deciding to go with a casual look I throw on a tee shirt and skinny jeans paired with my black converse. A few swipes of mascara later and I am finally ready to leave.

I look at myself in the mirror and shudder, if I actually made half an effort today what do I usually look like.

I am not excited for school, in the least. But best friend duties prevail and I  have to see what's up with Claire. She's been a walking zombie lately and is a polar opposite to her usual bubbly self.

I'm worried about her, I know that she can take a lot, she is the strongest person I know but everyone has a breaking point ask I'm shit scared that she has been pushed over the edge.

Everyone has a different level f pain tolerance, mines average but Claire has taken so much shit throughout her life. Her parents constant arguing, her hopeless attempts at trying to pull her family back together, everyone taking more strength than the last.

And I'm worried because I've never seen her snap, and everyone has different ways of snapping and I just hope I'm prepared for whatever Claire's might be.

Running out the door because I am late, I wave a quick hello to Clare as we both jump in the car and speed off through the small streets of our tiny town.

The car ride is silent, I try to make conversation talking about light subjects but Claire waves them off with a single grunt.

***

"The area of this circle is 5xr metres squared, does everybody understand how to do this?"

I wave that question off with a nod just as the rest of the class does.

Maths is definitely not my strength and it's honestly embarrassing.

"Anna are you good with this?" The teacher ask giving me a look.

Immediately I realise the heat has traveled up to my cheeks. I sit in my seat vigorously nodding my head. Oh God do teachers actually realise what they say and do?

Harry is sitting a few seats down and as I take a quick look at him I notice that he is already looking. I tear my gaze away worried that I've already done the damage.

The sound of the bell ringing is music to my ears. Scooping up my books and rushing out the door straight to my locker. I can't wait to get to the studio and dance away my worries, actually not feel stressed with the immense amount of homework I have piled on my desk.

I take a step back to gather my thoughts and work out what homework I have to do tonight when I hear a yelp.

"Ouch shit that was my foot." A strained voice from behind me says.

"So sorry I really didn't..." immediately thinking the worst. What if I get punched for this? This school is known for being very rough. What if it's one of Lotties minions I will surely be in trouble for this one. I'm scared to look and a million worries rip through my mind.

Taking my time I slowly shuffle around on my heels scared of who I will see behind me and what they will do to me.

I stand in shock as I take in who is standing in front of me. My eyes become a little bit wider and I breathe just a little bit faster.