Dead Man Walking

Paranoia

My eyes were on the old brick building, the rain giving the dusty red bricks a brown colour. The gray clouds giving it a threatening look. Like it was just sitting across the yard of dark green grass, looming on the horizon. Waiting for me.

 The heater was on, making the only sound in the car. The small blue numbers on the dash read that it was 6:37. And school usually started at seven. Most of last night and this morning, I was told that I shouldn't be going to school. I was still in mourning.

Not to mention that the funeral was next week. Dad had said that he would have it planned out and not to worry about it. He had said it was the least he could do for her, seeing what he had put her through. I had just stared at him when he said that before turning and heading into the bathroom. I told myself I wouldn't fight with him, but that still doesn't change the fact that I hate him.

"Are you sure you want to go today?" dad asked, glancing over at me, breaking the silence that hung over our heads since we left the apartment.

"Yes." I said with a nod, it was better then sitting in that apartment. It just seemed to make me feel more depressed. I felt my father's hand wrap around mine, giving it a supportive squeeze. I didn't squeeze back, but it was a nice feeling. Not that I would admit that to him. I didn't even want to admit it to myself. He let go of my hand after a few moments, I quickly grabbed my bag and opened the door. The sound of rain hitting against the pavement greeting me.

"What time do you get out?" Dad asked, I glanced back at him.

"3:20." I stated, getting out of the car I paused before going to close the door.

"I'll pick you up." Dad said, trying to give me a smile. I wondered if that would be embarrassing. I just shook it off. Whatever, it doesn't matter much to me anyways. I closed the car door, turning to head across the wet field. I could see a few kids heading into the school.

Once I got into the school, I was greeted with a blast of heat. I wiped my shoes on the carpet before heading down the hall. Everything seemed new, even if I had been going to the same school for three years now. The way the lights reflected off the polished floors, the shade of navy blue on the lockers, it all seemed foren to me. I wondered down towards where my locker was, the halls way to silent for my liking.

I stopped at one of the blue lockers, the paint on the door peeling away from where I had jammed it closed so many times before. It spun the combination and pulled the door open with a loud squeek. I looked in my locker, it was fairly clean, save for a few books and pictures of my friends. I pulled one down, looking at the photo of the petite girl that had her arm wrapped around my shoulders. i was slouched down, the both of us smiling brightly at the camera. Mom had took this picture one summer in our back yard...

I quickly hung the picture back up, pulling out my biology book before closing the locker again. I tucked the book under my arm and walked down the hall. I noticed a few of the other students walking in. Some of them seemed to recognise me, some looking on in pity, others just looked blank. I headed down the main hall, looking around as some more students passed me. I was suddenly blindsided, a body slamming into mine, knocking the wind out of me. I stumbled a few steps, barely catching my books before they fell out of my hands.

"Randa!" A high voiced cry came from the person hugging my torso. She pulled back, my eyes taking in her blonde hair, and light green eyes. She stood at about my shoulders in height, though she could still knock the wind out of me. She was the girl from the photo, her name is Cassandra.

"I heard what happened." she said, looking me up and down. Her eyes widened, "I didn't hurt you did I?" she asked, "I mean, I was just so worried that-"