Stranger Danger

94

Copyright © MonMoncheese
All Rights Reserved
94 Published 09.21.2025

•••

"Come on, a few kisses will not ruin our friendship" -Unknown

ROSE

11:54 a.m.

My leg bobs up and down as I peel my eyes away from the clock on the wall. To say I was anxious was an understatement.

Since the moment I woke up, I have stared at any clock in my sight. It was like I was in a trance, just waiting for the last click.

The one that would signal the end of today's school day.

Only a few hours remained of today and then I would bid farewell to this place. Never to see it again. Only the memories would follow, but everything else would stay behind.

Irene and I hadn't crossed paths today, which was for the best. And so far, only the teachers knew I was leaving, which I was thankful for. I didn't need anyone else finding out about my transfer.

Not that anyone would care, but I preferred to leave in silence. My existence in this place vanishing like I was never here.

My whole day had been spent paying attention to the lecture before me and writing notes. That was all I could do. There was no one I could say bye to. My presence in this school would not be missed.

My eyes betray me once more as they divert to the clock again.

11:59

One more minute.

Forcing my leg to stop jumping, I rub my eyes unsure of what else to do.

I felt so tired. After ending the call with James yesterday, I closed my eyes and fell asleep. I only woke up to the light shining on my face this morning. But despite falling asleep earlier than usual, I was so tired.

I felt like I had no energy.

And the days were getting harder. Getting out of a bed was a fight because I didn't have the strength anymore.

I was just...so tired.

The sound of class ending causes me to jump, and the commotion of students gathering their things brings me back to reality.

One less class to go.

Grabbing my notebook and pencil bag, I stand up from my chair and follow the group of students walking out, all dispersing into different directions once we're out the door.

Heading to my locker, I get lost in my thoughts.

My day wouldn't end after school, I still had one more thing to do. The outgoing with James and his friends had been on my mind the whole time, counting as the days went by.

A smile grazes my lips as the fluttering feeling shows in my chest. Something that seemed to happen whenever James was involved.

Never did I think any of this would happen.

James.

Leaving this place.

Hanging out with other people.

Everything felt surreal.

A hard force knocks me out of balance, causing me to let out a puff at the impact. Raising my head, I look up to see Scott holding my arm to steady me. His face flushed, hair disheveled and the gym bag hanging over his shoulder lets me know that he was training.