𝐌𝐫. 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐳 | ✎

Chapter 1

  𝐎 𝐍 𝐄

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𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐀

"Aurelia your black ass better be up when I get in that room." The sound of my mother's voice interrupts my sleep as she stomps down the hall.

First day of Senior year at the Woodland Hill's University. The day begins as usual: I wake up, do my business, put on cute clothes, leave for class, return home, sleep, REPEAT.

The same may apply to me, not to my fellow students. Since I do not have a social life, my day doesn't hold anything exciting for me apart from going to class or staying late at the local Hill's Library.

The fact that I'm not like other kids is considered a great thing by my mom, and I thought the same until it started to negatively impact me.

As time went on, I began to crave friendships. Even if it meant pursuing it with a person whose values and interests differed from my own, I just wanted a friend to talk to everyday.

I understood why I felt that way after my Psychology professor told me it was a sign of deep loneliness. And when she did, that hit me hard. Like damn, I'm really that lonely?

I mean, who am I fooling? I don't have Instagram nor twitter. Not having those would already count you as a loser with no explanation in today's world. "How can you not have Instagram?" They say, but since when did it become a mandatory requirement for friendships to be set off IG?

I make my way into the bathroom, I had to throw on a jumper since it's freezing for no apparent reason — especially in the mornings.

Putting toothpaste on my bristle, I dampen it and proceed to brush my teeth. When I look in the mirror, I am able to take in my appearance. One side of my 4C hair is flat, while the other is poofy. I guess that's what I get for not wearing my satin bonnet to bed.

I was extremely tired yesterday after what happened at the library. Blake, the popular Football jock and his group of dumbass friends kept pestering me. "Loser!" One shouts, "You're so lame." Another one inquires, "Get a life! It's depressing seeing you walk down campus halls all alone. Maybe it's that uglyass sweater you're wearing, no wonder you have no friends." Blake snickered and they all began to laugh.

That sweater belonged to my father. It was the last gift he gave to me before he passed away. The moment he said those words fell from his mouth, it felt as if a knife had pierced through my heart.

My mom bursts into my room once again, "Aurelia, my love. Please hurry. You know how my boss is when I get late."

I nod picking up my pace. I'm not even going to try with my outfit today. A hoodie and grey sweatpants is comfortable enough. Plus, there's nobody to impress.

I apply mascara and dab on gold highlight to the tip and bridge of my nose as well as the inner corner of my eyes. I line my lips and apply a bunch of lipgloss.

I know, lipgloss has a certain chock-hold on me you don't have to mention it.

Now for my hair. I gather my essentials and lay them on my vanity. I decide on doing a low bun with a swoop and three gold clips to keep the swoop together. I use Edge Booster since it's the only thing that will get my hair to lay down. I do my edges and I spray on Got2b to ensure that my hair won't be flying everywhere throughout the day.

I pick up my bookbag heading for the kitchen. I stuff in random snacks and fill up my water bottle.

"You did your hair today? It looks lovely." My mom says behind me. "Thank you." I return with a smile. I normally just slap my hair into a highbun with no gel or edges. I'm trying to change that because I know presentation matters.

I want to be different Senior year. It's the last year of University anyways so why not? Maybe I should go to some parties? Nah, that doesn't sound like me. The movies? Eh, I can just watch them at home. Ouu the library?

That's more I like it.

I meet my mom in the car and she hastily drives to my bus stop. "Don't forget your book." She hands me my novel that I forgot in the house. "Oh, I forgot about this." I take it flipping through the pages to see if my bookmark is still in place. "Go on, there's the bus. You don't want to be late now." My mom kisses my cheek. "Okay, bye! Love you." I cheer stepping out of the car.

I take a deep breathe walking towards the bus. I'm the last one to get in because I gave everybody a way through.

I decide to stand today so I grab onto the safety things on the local buses ceiling. I hear Riley laughing with her group of friends. "Look who finally decided to do her ghetto ass hair." She says. "I know right. She looked like a homeless person last year."

I forgot she takes public transport to campus with me.

I try to focus on anybody but them but nooo, of course Riley needed to get under my skin even more. "That's why she has no friends. I mean, look at her, can you blame anybody?"

I look out the window as they go on gossiping about me. I make the mistake of gazing at her when I open up my novel my mom handed to me. "She looked at me, did you see? Her eyes don't deserve to look at me."

Her ego is literally on the roof.

The bus comes to a stop and I don't waste time getting off. After using public transport, I walk to campus with Riley trailing behind me and I must say, It's not a good feeling.

She beat me up for no apparent reason Freshman year. In spite of my mother's complaint, the University did nothing. Mainly because her dad was the highest donor to the campus, they did not listen to a Black girl merely standing up for herself.

I get closer to campus and see Blake's all too familiar BMW Convertible swerving down the road past us. His car slowly comes to a stop. Please do not talk to me, I am not mentally ready for his cruel words.

I held my breathe in as I trailed past him, "Wassup, Riley?" He acknowledges the girl behind me, "Hey, Blake." Her voice turns soft and I instantly cringe at her sudden change of attitude.

Nevertheless, I keep walking. The car accelerates past me and I see Riley now in his car giggling.

I pull up to my block making my way inside. Students murmered as I walk past them but I only keep my attention on one thing, getting to class early.

I sigh entering the lecture not caring to see who is the new substitute for today. We had a lot of substitutes last year so it still might be the same. I sit down all the way at the back pulling out my books.

The substitute makes himself known and that's when I see him.

FIRST CHAPTERRRR, HOW WE FEELIN????