Stronger than Before

Chapter 1

The persistent clanging of the school bell. A herd of a thousand noisy teenagers, thundering through the hallways as a few courageous teachers make an attempt at creating organisation, but to no avail.
"Here we go again," I think to myself as, sighing heavily, I wade my way through the continuous stream of excitable students.
Another year begins at St. Mary's.

"OK class, for tonight I just want you to read over the first chapter of To Kill a Mockingbird again." Mrs Barclay's shrill voice pierces across the classroom. "And for heaven's sakes will you all actually buy the book for next class?"
Then turning to me, her voice softens, "Thank you Clara for being the only one to be prepared."
I nod my acknowledgements in her direction, as I scramble to gather my things, desperately trying to ignore the sniggering coming from the back of the class.

I feel my cheeks flush as I hurry out of the room. It was stupid, I know it was. I didn't really think everything was going to have changed over the summer, did I?

Outside the classroom, Ruby appears by my side, sympathy etched across her face as she snakes a firm, comforting arm across my shoulders.
"Don't mind them, Clara! They just have nothing better to do than give people a hard time," she comforts, throwing a scowl in the direction of the guilty party of girls as they follow a little behind us down the hall.
I smile gratefully at my best friend, knowing that she's just trying to cheer me up.
"Anyway," she continues, "why waste your time on them when you could be focusing on cute boys instead!"
I shake my head at her as she flashes a bright smile at a small group of boys from our year, huddled in the corner. She laughs gleefully when one returns a wink in her direction.
"Not me, Ruby," I say, fumbling for my key as we reach our lockers. "I'm just gonna keep my head down and try to blend in like I have been for the last four years. It's easier that way. Besides, I will have way to much work I'll need to be focusing on."
I grab the books that I need and close the locker once again.
"Whatever!" Ruby sighs dramatically. "But don't think I'm gonna let 5th year get in the way of my social life." She winks cheekily at me.
I laugh at this, earning myself a jab in the ribs, courtesy of Ruby's razor sharp elbow, only causing my laughter to escalate. Ruby always knows how to take my mind off things.

As the bell's sharp tone cuts through the air once again, I turn in the direction of my history class. "I have to go Ru, I'll talk to yo-" Bang!
My sentence is cut off abruptly as I back into a tall, broad form, causing my books to fly out of my arms, fluttering softly through the air and landing in a scattered mess on the floor.
I spin around and open my mouth to apologise but no words escape me.

My breath catches as I take in the sight of the boy standing before me. Tall and handsome, he runs a bronzed hand through his sandy blonde hair, a lopsided grin forming on his face. His weathered, tanned skin accentuates a set of the most sparkling, azure blue eyes I have ever seen.
He bends down swiftly and, scooping up the remainder of my notes, rises handing them back to me.
"Dan!" He grins, offering me his hand to shake. "I'm new here, just starting 5th year."
Taking his hand in mine, feeling the smooth, coolness of his palm against my own, I manage a quick girlish smile.
"I...Uh... Nice to meet you!" I stutter. "Clara. My name is Clara. I'm in your year. Welcome to St. Mary's!"
"Thanks, the day just got a little bit better," he winks, flashing a cocky smile as I feel my cheeks bloom a hot pink.
"You and me both," I murmur as we head our separate directions down the hall. "You and me both."