In a World Without Aeir

Chapter 2

Awhile later, I swept up my books and scurried out of the math classroom. I

wouldn't stand being around our arrogant professor, Mr. Smith, any longer.

As I shuffled to my history class during hour 5, I kept my eyes down, glaring

at the cement flooring as I heard my name called behind me. "Skyler!" I

heard her say repetitively. "Skyler," Rose complained. "Answer me!"

After another thirty seconds of this shouting I turned, annoyed, and

muttered. "Hey, Rose."

Rose has been my "friend" every since we were kids. See, when I define

her as a "friend" I should probably clarify my feelings towards Rose. My

definition of Rose is basically,

mean­girl­who's­tried­to­ruin­my­life­ever­since­she­met­me sort of "friend".

Public humiliation, embarrassment, even bothering my friends was enough

for her. It's just sick and annoying. She literally craves my discomfort. I

mean, it's bad enough that she has some of the same classes as me but to have to live with Rose is completely unbearable. But, sisters do that, right?

They bug you and annoy you till your composed mask falls and you lose it.

But, I suppose, I'm used to that now. When Dad married Caroline, Rose

became my sister and frankly, I hated it. I hated all the changes in my

perfectly normal, quiet, isolated life. I had to throw all of that away for the

blonde, upper­class diva. I had seen her at school and waved occasionally

in middle school before we were what Caroline calls "family" and she never

waved or talked back which is funny and, well, sort of ironic because, that's

what I do to her now. I don't want any part in that sort of thing. They're

always up to something stupid. "Skyler," She cheered as she finally caught

up to me (my efforts to lose her in the crowds of people were ineffective). "

We should walk to history together!" She smiled.

"I­I..." I paused, thinking of an excuse. "No thanks, I need to concentrate."

"Concentrate on what?"

"The finals. They're tough, you know. You should study some." I suggested

as she stared at me, upset.

"I hate tests! Besides, you aren't even studying!"

I blushed and stammered under my breath as she made this accusation.

"S­S...so?" I managed to say, my words uneven.

"You're ignoring me." She glared at me, enraged, with blue eyes cold as

ice. We stood, staring, until after an infinite time span, she spoke again.

"Is that a yes or a no?" Again, I didn't reply. She already knew the answer.

"Whatever...!" Rose barked as she turned and marched down the halls in

her pink stilettos. I heard someone come from behind me and laugh under