That One Girl #Wattys2017

Chapter 10: Lost in Downtown

You know how people say, "You'll be ok." Or "I'll obviously get an A+ on this test." Then, the exact opposite happens? That was how my day went. I started the day saying it'll be a good day, and now I'm sitting in the living room with my parents exchanging looks and shooting me worried glances.

"Alyssa..honey, you know you can tell us anything right?" My mom reminded me, urging me to tell them what they so obviously wanted to hear.

My problems; why I was back to being locked in my room and not socializing.

"Anything..I know there are things you'd rather not tell your parents but, sometimes you have to." My dad supported my mother, sitting forward apprehensively. I quietly nodded and avoided looking into their concerned faces. I knew what they were doing but I didn't want them to worry even more, I was already adding enough stress to their busy lives.

My mom gently took my hand and smiled at me softly, making me want to jump into her arms, and cry like how I used to do. I repressed the urge and returned her smile with a fake one of my own. I had gotten over the incident, but I always needed time alone after.

"The dance wasn't very fun so I just wanted to spend time alone." I finally looked up at them and answered their unasked question, smiling at them reassuringly. My parents nodded but I could see that they didn't believe me. They probably thought if I did then I would break down crying. I was always thought of as weak in my family. I got up, dragging my feet against the beige carpet and up the stairs.
***
I woke up to the soft drumming of fingers and little kicks to my door. I closed my eyes, and sighed in sadness. Today was Monday and I couldn't afford to skip school. People would think I was weak and feed on it, probably starting rumors while they were at it.

I kicked off my soft blanket, and slapped my hand on my wooden nightstand, signaling my mom that I was awake. I probably forgot to set my alarm yesterday. I had stayed up till 1 am finishing my homework then deciding I couldn't sleep, plugged in my earphones and watched YouTube till 3 am.

I regret that decision now.

I blindly entered my bathroom, almost robotically brushing my teeth and climbing into the shower. After catching some sleep in the shower I walked out and tugged on some black leggings and pulled on my white Harry Potter shirt, hanging my red jacket on my arm. I skipped the steps and caught a glimpse of my parents arguing about who could drive the car.

I shook my head, unconsciously smiling and stepped into my ankle-high black boots. I opened the door, shutting it quietly behind me. The ground, the cars, and the trees were all covered in snow. Honks disturbed the serenity, and the rumble of the cars and bikes didn't help. I looked across the street to see a couple, they were both in their doorway looking out as if they were deaf to the rest of the world.

I looked down and watched as my boots crunched on the snow and marked it with my footprints. Finally I reached the bus stop and immediately plugged in my earphones, pretending that I was listening to music. Shawn was sitting on the bench that was lightly dusted with snow. He stared at his feet, his right leg moving up and down speedily.

Fortunately, the bus arrived and we climbed on, keeping our distance as he sat in the back and I took the empty seat in front. I rubbed my cold hands together and looked out as we drove past cars and people. My mind went to Candice who had demanded me to meet her in front, making sure that I knew how serious she was.

I stepped off the bus and walked to the open doors with my head down. I could feel the eyes that were laughing at me, the fingers that pointed at me. I moved my feet faster, people making way and watching as I disappeared through the doors of the school.

"Hey, Lys the Loser's here." A voice yelled, making sure I heard it. I don't want to be here.

I raised my head when I bumped into someone. I muttered a quick sorry and rushed to the closest bathroom, ignoring the male voice calling me a bitch.