Blair O'Connor was the life of every party-popular, fearless, and always the center of attention. But behind the perfect image was an abusive boyfriend who slowly stripped away the girl she used to be.
After finally breaking free, Blair transfers...
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August 30th 2000
My first day of 1st year, and I was absolutely bricking it.
I was terrified. I hated school with a passion. The mere thought of walking through those school gates, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and a world of uncertainty, made my stomach churn. I tried to steady my breath, but it was no use. My heart was racing like mad.
"You'll be alright, I promise, Blue, you'll be grand," Aofie said, sitting behind me, gently running her fingers through my hair as she straightened it. Her tone was light, but I could hear the soft reassurance in her voice. She always called me Blue—it was her nickname for me, and every time she used it, it gave me a tiny bit of comfort. But today? Even that wasn't helping much.
"Ye think so?" I asked, biting down on my lip, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my skirt. I was trying so hard to keep it together, but I could feel the nerves creeping up again. I just couldn't shake the thought that something was going to go horribly wrong.
"Of course," she said, pausing to adjust the bow she was fastening in my hair. "You've got this, Blair. Honestly. Everyone's nervous their first day, but it's never as bad as ye think."
I looked down at my uniform: a black skirt, white polo shirt, and a jumper with the BCS logo stitched across the front. It all felt foreign to me. I tugged at the jumper, trying to get used to the newness of it. Aofie was right though—everyone probably felt this way, but that didn't stop my stomach from doing flips.
"I dunno," I muttered, "It just feels... scary. What if nobody talks to me? What if I get lost? What if—"
"Stop with the 'what ifs'," Aofie interrupted, lightly tapping my shoulder as she spun me around to face her. "Blair, listen. If there's any trouble, if anyone even looks at ye funny, you come find me or Casey, alright? We'll be there. But, I promise, you'll do amazing. Everyone loves you. You've got nothing to worry about."
I looked at her, trying to force a smile, but it didn't quite reach my eyes. "You really think?"
"Oh, I know so. You're Blair,Blue. You can handle anything."
She stepped back to admire her handiwork, grinning. "Your hair's done, by the way." She pointed to the mirror, and I turned to look.
My hair was pulled up into a neat half-up, half-down style, and in the back, sitting perfectly, was a white bow. I couldn't help but smile a little when I saw it. I loved bows—always had. I wasn't sure why, but something about them always made me feel put together, like they were a finishing touch that made everything right.
"Ye love it, don't ye?" Aofie teased, nudging me playfully.
"Yeah," I said, finally allowing myself to relax, even if just a little. "It's perfect."
"Just like you'll be today," she added with a wink.
I took a deep breath, glancing out the window towards the school that awaited me. Aofie squeezed my hand, her expression softening. "And remember," she said quietly, "you're not alone, okay? You've got me, Eloise,Casey, and everyone back home cheering you on. You're going to be just fine, Blue."
