His Shadow

Chapter One: New

"Here's your locker combination. It's going to be on the second story in J hall.", I took the post it note from her hand as I flashed a small smile, "Thank you Ms. Pool. I'm sure I'll find it just fine." She was a tall woman, 6'1-6'2 maybe, her hair short and brittle as were her nails. She was a tired woman, you could read it on her face. Tired of students, tired of work, tired of home, just tired. Being a principle would be difficult. "I'll see you at lunch time. We can discuss the second half of your day. Good luck." I walked out as she finished her sentence, and headed up the stairs. Lucky for me, my first class was on the top floor as well. That makes it easier on your first day. I passed unfamiliar faces as I walked down to J hall. Smiling faces, strange faces, rude faces. I didn't mind it though. I couldn't wait to make new friends and talk to these new strangers. I'd always been such a social girl, such a friendly, happy person. I liked everyone whether they liked me or not, I didn't care. These people wouldn't know that though. Being the new girl in school, they all assumed I was a nervous wreck, but I wasn't. They wouldn't realize the careless soul I had within me until they spoke to me. Many things didn't get to me, I didn't really have nerves to get on, or fear of irrational things. My thoughts and feelings usually stay relaxed, calm. It made it effortless to get along with others.
"7, 13, 22", I whispered to myself as I watched my fingers turn the dial on my locker. Anatomy was first period. I love Anatomy. Reaching into my back pack, I grabbed my science book and put my bag in my locker. I didn't need it right now anyways. I headed back down the hall towards H hall where I would be attending Mr. Comstock's class. As I walk in and scan the room, I notice everyone got alittle quieter, like a superior had walked into the classroom. I flashed a smile, still scanning the room for Mr. Comstock. I catch his eye as he walks up to the front of the room to greet me. "You must be Kassie, it's a pleasure to have you in my first period. Have a seat anywhere, everyone is present, you're welcome to claim a spot." His smile was yellow, but very welcoming. "Thank you." I replied as I walked to an empty desk in the middle of the room, still smiling as I passed the other students.
   Anatomy flew by quickly. An hour and fifteen felt like a couple of minutes. The bell rang and I stood up with everyone else and we all crowded into the hall. Some wanting to meet their buddies for small chit chat, others wanting to get to their lockers before the next bell. I took off down the hall, heading to my next class. Language Arts. I didn't mind Language Arts, it was always easy for me. I walked at a steady pace, not in any rush. I came up to the door and read the name sign on the door. "Mrs. Maples" I mumbled quietly as I grabbed the knob and stepped in. Only a couple of students were seated, since there were a couple more minutes before the bell. The others would rush in at the last second. I walked over to Mrs. Maples desk and greeted her as she shuffled some papers around. "Mrs. Maples, I'm Kassie, the new girl?", I had the tone of a question in my voice, making sure she knew I was supposed to be there. "Ah, yes, Kassie Watson. How are you?" She looked up from her stack of papers with a grin on her face. Her young features were striking and her smile was not yellow like Mr. Comstock's. She was pleasant to look at. "I'm alright. You?", "I'm forgetful, that's how I am." She giggles alittle as she sets the stack down on her desk, "Find you a seat, anywhere is fine." I turn, and choose a desk as I flop down in the seat. Students were rolling in by now, sitting down and making conversations. I watched as they walked in, one at a time, two or three at a time, they were coming in quickly so I knew the bell was about to go off. I waited patiently for it, and when it buzzed, I looked to Mrs. Maples to hear what would be said. She began her morning talk, assigning the assignment, reading from her pamphlet she eventually found. I listened and worked at the same time, looking down at my paper, glancing up when I needed to. Then the door creaked open, softly but loudly. The class turned to it, awaiting the intruder. "Sorry Mrs. Maples, I couldn't find my spiral." I looked up mid way through his excuse, to see who the culprit was. I immediately was breathless. My chest cramped, as my hands began to clam up. My eyes wouldn't look away, my heart beat seemed to come up my throat.
   He was beautiful. The most striking human being I had ever seen. The blonde hair, the blue eyes, the sharp jaw, the freckles. He was magnificent. Like nothing I had ever laid my eyes on before.
Mrs. Maples gestured him to his desk, then I realized I hadn't taken a breath yet. I quickly looked away and quietly took a breath as he stepped toward his seat. I glanced up again, and watched him as he sat in the seat to the left of mine. I slowly turned my head back down to my paper, and began working again. He wouldn't notice me anyways. I carried on a few more moments, Mrs. Maples allowing us to pair up, until I felt a pat on my arm, "Excuse me..", I looked over at him with a soft smile, "Hm?"
"What's your name?"
"Kassie. Yours?"
His name rolled off of his tongue like butter and hit me like a cannon ball. "I'm Elijah.", he smirked, alittle, pink forming on his cheeks. His name fit him so perfectly. So beautiful, so unique, so soft.
"That's a lovely name. Elijah.", I reply quietly, glancing down at my paper.
"You're lovely.", I look up at him quickly, alittle shocked, noticing the serious look on his face.
"Th...thank you.", I say, blushing.
"You're very welcome Kassie.", he looks at me and begins another sentence, "You don't know me, and I don't know you, but do you wanna go out tonight? Maybe get dinner?" He stares at me, waiting for a reply.
"Absolutely.", I say with a grin, "I'd love to."
"Badass." He laughs softly, grabbing the pencil from my hand, leaning over, and writes on my paper, "Call me later, okay?"
Nods softly, "Alright, I will."
I jump alittle as the bell rings and watches everyone gather at the door, waiting their turns to walk out. I turned back, to find him already gone. I stand and grab my things, and step out into the hall.
   Third period...Algebra.