Imaginary Pip

2

Michael was definitely an outcast. I could see it in his face on the bus, and it became even more obvious when we walked into school together. People barely seemed to notice our existence, and always brushed past us without a second glance. I didn't mind though. I definitely preferred fading into the  background rather than being in the centre of attention.

When we got to class, there were two girls standing at the front. They would be almost identical if it weren't for their hair colour; one was a silky black colour and the other was a shade of blonde so bright I thought she had spilt a carton of bleach on her head. Personally, I didn't care much for them, but Michael seemed mesmerised by them.

"Hello? Earth to Michael?" I said, snapping my fingers in front of his face.

"What? Oh, yeah... hi." His voice faltered into a whisper.

"Oh c'mon. You're not intimidated by them, are you?" I said, teasing.

"Of couse not!" He responded. I could easily see through that. However, I thought it would be best to just let it go.

I had no idea where we would be sitting, so I just sat at an empty desk in the middle row. Michael took the seat next to me.

"Do you want some gum?" He asked.

"Isn't that against the rules?" I questioned.

"It is, but they'll never know." He winked at me after saying that.

I rolled my eyes at him. "Michael, it's literally the first day of school. Give it a rest."

"What's wrong? Scared?" He said teasingly.

I sighed and took one of the pieces of gum. "Mmmmmmm, strawberry." I mumbled.

Michael smiled. "So, I'm assuming you like that flavor the most?"

"Yeah."

"Noted."

"Are you researching me?!?"

"No!"

I was about to respond but then the teacher came in. She had short mousey hair and brown eyes. She also wore a pair of thick glasses and looked very nice. This was reassuring. Please please please let her be our home room teacher I thought to myself.

"Hello, my name is Miss Katie. I'm your new home room teacher."

We all smiled and said: "Good morning Miss Katie."

She smiled even more widely. "Now, I am sure you are all feeling a bit out of place since you are not in your old schools anymore but don't worry. I will do everything in my power to make sure that everyone feels safe and welcomed in this classroom. Any questions?"

Michael put his hand up. "Miss, what lessons do we have today?" He asked.

Miss Katie smacked herself. "How could I have forgotten? Casey can you please hand out the timetables to the students?"

The blond haired girl from earlier came up to the desk and  collected the timetables. She called out everyone's name and we put our hands up so that she knew who we were. Soon, there was only one timetable left, for a student who was absent. I looked at mine quickly and realised I had Science and Maths today. I groaned. Those were my least favourite subjects.

Miss Katie talked to us about school rules and how the teachers would always be there to support us. Me and Michael were jotting down some names and room numbers; we wanted to be prepared. Just as she was about to dismiss us, a girl ran in. "Sorry I'm late!" She panted.

She looked just like Pip.