Here I stand, alone.

Chapter Two

I am so late.

I can hear the echo of my footsteps as I hurry down the corridor towards English.  Thankfully as I sidle into the classroom I can clearly see that Mr Davis hasn’t appeared. And yet, somehow this is worse for me because the instant I step foot inside the class, every conversation just stops. I mean completely stops dead. Silence falls amongst the students. And even though my head is bowed I can feel their stares.

Silently I slip down one of the aisles, headphones back in, volume up. I step over a carefully placed bag and jump a foot that shoots out to trip me. It always the same routine with them and I could predict their every move by now.

To my complete and utter relief, there is a free double desk at the back of the class. No-one would want to sit next to me. No-one ever has sat next to me for years. Occasionally I get the odd person who takes pity on the “poor soul” who is left alone. They never last long. So without meeting anyone’s eye, I throw my bag onto the spare seat and sit down on the other. Just as I’m settling down, the door creaks open. I quickly whip my headphones out and stow them in my pocket. However I don’t look up. I don’t need to see the sympathy in Mr Davis’ eyes.

“Good morning class. I would like you to welcome our newest transfer from Connecticut, Jay Matthews.”

A transfer? Not that I actually cared. He would either fit into one of three categories at South Hills High. Popular, Geek or other. The Popular crowd were the pretty (or slutty in Elizabeth’s case) girls and the Jock boys. The Geeks, well that explains itself really. And other is pretty much everyone else. Not including me, I’m an outcast.

So, back on topic. Even though I’m not remotely interested, I can’t help but peer through my eyelashes. I catch a glimpse of messy dark brown hair and vivid blue eyes….What the hell? What the actual hell? Why is Jay-what’s-his-name staring at me? I lower my gaze once again, pretending to doodle on my pad. Do I know him? I frown at my paper, ignoring everything else around me as I scan my memory. I would remember those eyes right…

Vaguely, I hear Mr Davis say something to what’s-his-face. I’m not paying attention. But I know what he’s said when Katie, one of Elizabeth’s best friend (I say this loosely because it changes daily) pipes up.

“Come and sit with me Jay.” Her little coy voice is almost as bad as Elizabeth’s squeaky one. I can almost see the look on her orange face. It sets me on edge. I’m so caught up with her pathetic voice that I don’t hear the new guy’s response.

So it surprises me when the chair beside me is pulled out. I find my bag thrust into my lap as a faceless body throws itself down. My voice catches in my throat, as my eyes widen in shock.

“Mind if I sit here?” A voice like velvet, so close to my ear that I shudder slightly. I turn to look into those brilliantly blue eyes, I catch sight of chiselled cheekbones and full lips. His face is tanned and his t-shirt clings to his toned body. I’m captured. I can’t speak.

Until I realise that I must look like a total loser. Making a non-committal noise, I nod my head, tearing my eyes away from his. I. Am. Such. A. Loser. I can guarantee that he will NOT be sat next to me in the next English lesson. However it doesn’t stop him, pulling my pad from in front of me and peering at the name. I edge further away in my seat, pulling my hood cover my face.

It’s awkward throughout the lesson. Mr Davis however does not offer the chance for us to talk. For that, I am thankful. I’m not used to this. People just don’t interact with me, period. I’m a loner. I always have been and I always will be.

So when the bell goes, I practically launch myself out of my seat. Snatching up my bag, I can see Jay staring at me strangely as I shove my pad and book into my bag. And just as I’m about to leave, Katie sidles up with that coy look of hers.

“Hello Jay. I’m Katie,” She is practically sat on his lap already. “What’s your next lesson? Oh Biology! Me too. We should totally walk together. What are you staring at Freak?” Her voice snaps from coy to pissed off in seconds as she glares at me. I realise I’ve been staring. Hitching my bag on my shoulder, I turn and stride to the door.

“Elizabeth wait!”

I keep walking, pushing my headphones into my ears. I choose to ignore Jay calling after me.