DEATH JUNCTION

2

I stopped at the SS3 block, my chest tight with exertion. I hunched over. The white bungalow that had the school's emblem emblazoned onto it, hid the sun's rays from sight and allowed me some temporary relief. Though I was only bothered with the fact that I was late. And I would have to walk into the class, when everyone else was already there and be the centre of attention. The thought alone sent my heart in a frenzy.

Don't overthink it.

With a trembling breath, I walked in before weaving through a large locker room, clothed in white lights that glared from their crevices above which reflected upon identical matching green school lockers, the floor covered with polka dot tiles.

Soon after walking through numerous identical hallways, I finally stopped at the door of my new classroom, 'SS3 C' stared back at me. My pulsed quickened as I could hear faint murmurs coming from the class accompanied with their shuffles.

My fingers began to tremble, wanting nothing more than to satisfy the familiar crave that settled down on my neck. Feeling the heat of the CCTV's gaze, I stomped on the urge, not willing to be caught again.

What if I look weird?

To that effect, I pulled down my green skirt, the fitted skirt sliding down easily and latching onto my curveless body. An arrow of self hate thrust through my heart. A name from a memory sprang up to being in my mind once again.

"And the flattest and ugliest girl in our class goes to two pimples, our one and only Zara! And don't worry you bagged the prize of the most dull looking and boring too! Congratulations, you little maggot!"

The saliva in my throat thickened as the distant flash of cameras flitted behind my eyes from a memory. I managed a small breath, pulling myself out of the memory of our award's day. With another quickening of my breath, I opened the door.

In that moment as soon as I had come from behind the door, all eyes were plastered on me. My throat constricted and I froze. Under the account of about 30 eyes, I felt my knees turn to jelly. My chest pounded as sweat soaked the white shirt underneath my blazer.

Was my skirt too tight?

Did I clean my shoes well?

Were the scratches on my neck showing?

Could they notice I was shaking?

It felt as though it had been an eternity even though I was sure it hadn't lasted more than 30 seconds. As soon as they looked away, I finally released a breath and allowed my tensed shoulders some slack. I sped down the platform, using the opportunity to dash through the tables and chairs while keeping my eyes strapped to the floor with my hands fingering my green blazer. I reached the very back of the room and plopped down on the seat.

Although I never really wanted their attention, I still felt a little piece of my self love thaw to dust.

Am I not beautiful enough?

I already knew the answer yet the question continued to pop into my mind, making hold onto a fool's hope .

Don't do this. The world doesn't revolve around you.

"You okay?" A voice asked. I looked up to see a fair girl right across me whom had a concerned expression etched on her face. My gaze was drawn though to her mesmerizing light brown eyes. I wasn't sure I had seen her before, judging from that I concluded she must have been from a different class in our last session. I nodded despite the tightness that held my throat, jealousy meandering its way to sight.

How shallow can you be.

I noticed the disturbed expressions on and the quiet conversations that everyone had. Curiosity piqued within me, rearing its head as I acknowledged the unseen tension that moved about the room. Mustering the courage, I asked the girl,