Breaking Silence

Chapter 3

We come to a stop in the bus lane and I slowly get off the bus walking at the pace of a snail. Other people are shoving their way around me rushing to get inside but I'm left walking alone down an empty hall. I stop at my locker and dump my things inside of the small space, I grab what I need and close the locker. Just as I walk away it pops open and everything falls out. "Screw it." i mutter and continue to walk into my classroom. I hate my life, this life is miserable. As I walk into class I take a seat in the back and everyone stares at me, probably whispering to each other about my bruises and marks... The clock ticked all through class and I never said a word. The bell rang and everyone rushed out the door, I try to fit in with the crowd and slip out un-noticed but of course I stand out like a sore thumb with all these jocks, cheerleaders, sluts and talented ones, that by comparison I'm a homeless girl who snuck into school for shelter. "Stephens." I should have kept walking, I should have pretended I never heard him. I turned my head and Mr.Cotterin was waving his hand motioning me to 'come here' I hesitate for a moment then do as he says. I tried to put my arms behind my back and pull my sleeves down so he didn't see my marks. I remembered I had one big one on my forehead so I brushed my loose strands of hair down over it. "Is something going on?" he questioned. I shook my head still managing not to speak. "Are you sure?" I nodded. "What's with the bruises?" he asked. Great, now comes the explaining, more like the excuses. "I um," I hesitate once more. "I tripped and um, fell downstairs." Really? I couldn't think of anything better than that? I was such a lame excuse maker. He raised an eyebrow and said "Well if there's anything you need to talk about, come to me." I wouldn't I would not say a word.