Just Yesterday

Normal

I was late to first period class. I had forgotten the combination to my locker, and the crowd of people who came to see if it were really me didn't help either. I walked to the general office, who then sent me to guidance. I got there and was greeted by the principal, Mr. Daughety.

" Hi, Audrianne."

I hated when people pronounced full first name. I much rather be called just "Audri."

" We are glad to have you back in school. We understand that you've been away for sometime so you'll need some time to adjust. I've been informed that you need your locker combinations."

The others around him begin to casually laugh, while I nod my head in agreement.

" The reason we are here is so that you can know that we are here

to make you feel comfortable. Anything you need help with, call one of us."

Now the others are nodding their heads in agreement with Mr. Daughety.

"Any questions or concerns?"

"My locker combination?"

I get out of the meeting in time to get to my third period class. The halls were empty, it was strange hearing my feet tap along the ceramic floor. I tried to look down as I walked toward my class. All the classroom doors were shut, every lift of my head caught the glance of one or two people.

I saw the numbers 116 on the door. I could hear my English teacher's voice from the hall. This meant that I would be interrupting his lesson, forcing eyes on me.

I pushed myself into the room. I heard the creaks and squeaks of desks and chairs as students adjusted themselves.

" Why I was wondering where you were. You know where your seat is, feel free to jojn us."

This caught me by surprise. My seat was empty. I thought that the time away from school would've guaranteed a new student in my place. But here I was. Second row, third seat. It also surprised me that Mr. John's presence was the same. Every body else seemed uneasy around me. Trying to be happy around me. Everybody acted as if they had to be cautious around me.

But not Mr.John. He didn't seem sympathetic toward me at all. As if he truly could not care less about my current situation. At the moment I couldn't decide if I were more offended or relieved.

I sat down, trying to avoid the awkward glances of those around me. Those whom I did share glances with flashed a some-what smile before looking away. These faces weren't even familiar. Neither were the names that went along with them.

It was impossible to say that sitting here once again felt weird, being that I felt nothing but nausea these days. I turned my head toward the window, trying to concentrate on the smell of the newly fallen rain. My eyes felt heavy. Sleep taking me in, comforting my thoughts. Then astonishment slapped me awake.

I looked over to the fourth row. It confused me. I counted six bodies, knowing that there should have been only five. I counted again. Yup, six people. The fifth seat should've been empty. It was where my brother sat. I couldn't see her face behind the thick brown curls. Who thought themselves bold enough to replace him?

Everything was still. Not even the deep echoes of Mr.John's voice could be heard over the rapid pulses in my head. Even as she turned her face toward me, everything was slow. Finally she was in full view. Natalie. She didn't bother to look away. In her face I recognized something. Hurt.

So there we sat giving each other no words, allowing the darkness of our eyes to speak for themselves. Did she really think that this were okay? That she could fill his void? I snatched away my stare. The itch of tears flowing down my cheeks arrived. I felt on edge in my seat. This time really wondering why I jumped so quickly to the thought of returning to school. Realizing that nothing really changed, when everything should have. Realizing that today was a normal day, it all hit me.

Now my tears itch their way onto my desk.