A Story of Love and Scars

Chapter 1- Meds

The bell rang for second period. Her stomach lurched as she realized it was time to navigate the crowded hallways of the school. She waited to be the last to leave class, as she always did, to avoid any unwanted conversations. She dreaded the thought of running into most  kids at this school. She had been to many schools, all the same. High school is high school and she was just trying to get through it. She liked her inner circle small and despised the idea of small talk. Or even worse, someone asking her about herself. Someone trying to get to know her was almost as terrifying as having to carry on a purposeless conversation. As she got up to leave class, she slipped her hood back over her head, put on her headphones, and tuned out the madness.

The hallways were always so damned loud. She put her hands in the pockets of her oversized hoodie to appear as small as possible. She dodged papers thrown across the hall as another student bumped into her after shoving a classmate. She kept walking, ignoring the disturbances. She reached Jackie’s classroom and took off her headphones. She always stopped to see Jackie even though it usually made her late. Jackie was messing around with some guy, taking his stuff. Flirting as usual. It came easily to her. She was so outgoing and sweet. She looked up, “Hey girl! I want to introduce you to my friend.”

This was exactly the kind of situation she was trying to avoid. As if the look on her face was not enough warning to stay away. Certain people, such as Jackie, seemed to completely miss the energy she was trying to exude. This hard outer shell was a protection from the bull shit of others. It seems like everyone around her can’t wait to socialize and find their niche. They are so excited to fit into a space within the high school charade. Maybe they could be a jock, so athletic and valuable. A part of a team, representing the school and showing off their prowess and the skilled use of their bodies. They could be a cheerleader or a prep. The sexiest ladies of the school. Blessed with money, looks, and hormones. Devoting their energy and adoration to the jocks. The relationship between the jocks and the cheerleaders is almost destined to play out in some sort of drama-romance. There was no time for relationships outside of this entanglement. For them, everyone else paled in comparison. Yuck, no thanks.

Then there were the art kids. Always painting, drawing, creating and yet also very friendly. Similar to the music kids. There were the stoners-never far from a joint, the gangs, the emos, the goths, the marine and police academy kids who always took themselves way too seriously. And, of course, the in-between kids who didn’t really fit anywhere. When you are a new kid, that is where you manage to hide. That is where she hid. Until someone like Jackie came along and scooped her up. While she hated general interactions and attachments, it did feel nice to not be alone.

“uhh no thanks.”

“Come on, stop being shy!” Jackie said.

“I gotta get to class anyway. See ya, Jackie.”

She never looked up to see where he went, the flirtatious boy. Every high school boy is the same, looking for some easy ass. She decided it was best to pretend as if they did not exist. Before she could turn to leave, she felt someone tugging on her backpack. Anger filled her up quickly as she snapped her head to inspect her belongings. Her washed-out red and black hair spun along with her. “Don’t touch my shit.” She said without looking up. She immediately inspected her backpack to make sure everything was still there. Especially her medication.

"My bad, my bad.” He replied.

His voice was so deep and rich. Like a long drink of warm coffee. It struck her like she’d never felt before. It left her questioning who was behind that voice. She was urged to look at him from the curiosity crawling inside of her. Her eyes widened as she readied herself to look at him. “You shouldn’t do that.” She said, looking up to meet up to meet his gaze.