Black | lrh

Chapter 1

The loud erratic buzzing brings me to consciousness as I stir in the warmth of my bed. Without opening my eyes I reach for my phone to switch off the irritating alarm, sounding from my bedside table. Grabbing the phone I open my eyes slightly to disable the alarm, to catch a glimpse of the time. It's 8:35am and school starts at 8:45am.

Shit.

I abruptly leave the confides of my warm safe haven and trip on the blankets tangled by my feet. Gravity pulls me hard to the ground and I make contact with a loud thud, forcing the wind out of me. With no time to acknowledge the pain resonating from my body I get up from my cold wooden floorboards and race out of my room to the bathroom. Slamming the bathroom door shut, I strip my clothing off me as quickly as I can and get in the shower; the start to my morning ritual. After washing the morning off of me, I wrap the towel around me and race back into my bedroom.

Slamming the door once again I struggle into my new school uniform. Thankfully this school has a uniform because I would've been spending unnecessary time searching for an appropriate outfit for my first day. I am just too self conscious about myself and I know how much first impressions make on people. Imagine rocking up to a wedding in clubbing clothing; see what I mean? That isn't exactly a good example but you get what I mean.

Rushing back to the bathroom I start brushing my teeth, probably scrubbing all the enamel off my teeth from the vigorous force of my brushes. Rinsing my mouth of the disgusting taste of toothpaste, I grab my makeup bag to quickly apply some natural makeup. I hate having to be so dependent on makeup, but once again I am just too self conscious about myself. I hastily apply a small amount of foundation, winged eyeliner and mascara. Luckily my hair is tame naturally easy going so I don't have to spend time grooming it.

I race out the door back to my bedroom, grab my prepacked backpack and phone, rush down the stairs and out the front door. I make sure the front door is locked before I start running towards school. Eventually I fumble my phone out of my pocket while running and check the time.

8:48am. Shit.

Forcing my phone back into my pocket, I begin to increase my pace. What luck I have arriving at school on my first day late. How embarrassing. How will I ever make friends this way? No one will want to hang out with me. Better yet, no one will want to even talk to me. Maybe they won't acknowledge my existence.

The school gates soon become visible so I slow my running down into a brisk walk. The big green open gates seem welcoming with tall trees whispering in the wind beside them. Beyond the gates awaits a long stretch of grey pavement before coming to an end at the main two storey building. It looks tall and daunting; bright red bricks and a rising tower directly in the middle of the building with an ancient looking clock. The appearance of the clock reminds me of the Big Ben in London, especially with the bold roman numerals.

A cool breeze feels welcoming on my clammy shirt, cooling my hot sweaty skin. My heart race begins to calm down from its erratic pulses. Now at the front of the school gates, I take in one huge deep breath and step forward. Holding my head up high yet feeling uneasy inside, I make my way to the office, directly in front of the school gates. I feel my heart rate increase again as the sliding doors open up before me. The anxiousness is killing me when I stop at the fancy administration desk.

A tidy grey haired lady sits behind a computer screen, her squinting eyes focussed on the screen as she types away, ignoring my existence. The frown on her concentrating face vanishes the instant she notices me standing of the desk. Her face lights up as she smiles, wrinkles by her eyes becoming imminent.

"Sorry love," she blurted out, obviously flustered from her accidental rudeness, "I didn't notice you there." Her soft voice sounds so gentle, helping me get a grip on my nerves.