Gone Too Long

Chapter One

Cora's POV

Alone. Forgotten. Invisible.

As a slowly inch my way through the school halls making way way to the last class of the day, I imagine what it would be like too not feel so alone all the time. Not be forgotten in a crowd of people or forgotten by your own 'friends'. To not feel invisible.

Of course I havent always felt like this. I used to be excited to go home and be greeted by hugs and kisses from loving parents. Go to school eager for lunch time where I could meet up with my friends and laugh about .... anything. Wheres as going to school now is like a nightmare as each passing person makes my heart speed up till it all becomes too much and I have to quickly make my way to the bathroom to hide and try to calm myself down. I tell my self that I can be brave. I am brave enough to go back out into the crowed halls - nothing will happen. Though thats usually when my brain starts playing out different scenarios that usually end with me having a panic attack or badly hurt.

Once I have made my way into class and hurried to my seat, I slouch down in my chair and play my sleeves of my over sized jumper. Chocolate would be nice right now... mmm creamy sweet. I wonder if maybe I would sneak some tonight out of the cabinet. I would be quite risky though if I got caught I cant-

"Cora!" I look up and see my teach towering over my desk look very irritated.

My pulse quickens, "ye-yes sir?" I can feel my face start to pale as i suddenly become the centre of attention.

"Have you even heard a single thing I have said all lesson." He booms at me. "Never mind that, can you remember a single thing I have taught you this year." Laughter and whispers full the room.

I jump up out of my seat and escape from the room. Calm down Cora! I tell my self as I collapse against some lockers. But I cant. The whispers of the students that filled the class room now are playing themselves on repeat in my head.

I think I can hear someone trying to talk to me but their voice is blocked by my own heavy breathing. Tears continue to race down my cheeks and I fee someones thumb wiping them away. Then this stranger pulls my shaking body into their arms.

Suddenly I become alert of what is happening. A stranger is holding me. I look up and see that is stranger is male, he looks about my age. But thats beside the point. This male is too close to me. Far to close. My breathing which had just stared to calm down picks up again and I try to scramble away from the boy.

After I manage to get out of his hold I bolt down the deserted halls and outside to where I start to run home.

I stop.

Wait, I cant go home. He'll be there. I cant go back there. Not right now at least. So instead I go to my safe place. Where hopefully no one will find me for a while.