I Will Always Protect You | Teacher Wanda

Chapter 1 - Sketch of Your Hand

Nora POV

For the last 30 minutes, I have been sitting on my bed in my bath towel, just staring at the wall. I was disassociating to avoid the fact that today was my first day of seventh grade. I've given up hope of having a good school year each time I start a new one. Everyone's the same; trying to be someone they're not because that's what society expects.

I'm unapologetically myself and ironically that's why I have zero friends. I don't mind though. Being alone and in silence can be comforting since I get overstimulated easily. When I need an escape from that, I draw, read, or watch my favorite tv shows. Living in Salem has its perks too. I'm obsessed with witchcraft and all things energy related or mystical. I collect crystals and rocks. I like how there's a crystal for every element and emotion.

My mom doesn't let me decorate my room because she says it's a waste of money and time. She doesn't know or care to know about my interests or hobbies because I reject what she wants me to do in my life. I can't do anything to fight back or defend myself. She is my mother after all, she has complete control over me. I tried to get into ballet and dance but I just didn't take to it. Ever since then, I've been a constant disappointment.

Mom controls my diet, my exercise, my studying, and pretty much everything about my life. It gets debilitating sometimes. I try to persevere through it. I couldn't survive on my own. I need her. The least I can do is obey and not question her. It's not worth it, I've been hurt before.

I take a deep breath and figure out what I'm going to wear. I don't have a lot of options so it doesn't take too long. I decide on my favorite blue crewneck sweater, black jeans and my cream colored vans. I put my hair up in a clip because I'm too lazy to ever do anything with it. Another thing mom hates.

I make sure my bruise on the back of my neck is covered by my crewneck. Courtesy of mom last night. I don't even remember what I did to make her snap. All I remember is being shoved down to the floor with her hand on the back of my neck and top of my spine. I haven't uttered a word since.

"Hey mom, I'm leaving for school now." I say to her while she's reading the newspaper.

"Make sure you work the hardest in your P.E class. You're starting to look a little pudgy." She says ever-so-kindly.

I internally roll my eyes, "Will do."

Of course she's not ever going to drive me to school when I can burn the extra calories. Luckily the school isn't too far. It's about a mile and a half. I pop in my earbuds and listen to my Taylor Swift playlist. God, how I love that woman.

Once I reach the front of the school, I take a deep breath, grounding myself. I already notice tons of kids throwing shit at each other, shouting, running around. Great. School hasn't even started and I'm already overwhelmed. My mom would never opt for homeschooling or therapy. Too much money and time investment in me.

Some annoying boy bumps into my shoulder hard making my bag fall. He laughs and runs off to his friends. Ironic how I love crystals and I have the worst luck in the world.

I kneel down to pick up my things as I see another hand come into my vision. She has lots of rings and black nail polish just like me. We even have one of the same rings.

"I see you have excellent taste in jewelry." I hear the woman chuckle.

"Uhh, yeah you too." I huff.

"I'm sorry he bumped into you. Are you okay?" She asks me.

I hate that I'm easily intimidated by people. I haven't even made eye contact. Eye contact is so vulnerable for no reason, I swear.

I slowly look up to see beautiful, concerned green eyes. She has her auburn hair curled in a half up half down style. She's wearing a black cardigan with a black shirt underneath. Her red corduroy pants complimenting her eyes and hair pulling the whole outfit together.