Bane Academy: To Run From Fear

Chapter 1

Becca

  "Fine"
  "And what about your friends?"
  "Fine, I guess."
  "Your holidays were good? Nice catching up with your family?"
  "Yeah."
  "And how are you feeling about Liam?"
I shoot John a poisonous glare, as if saying too soon.
  "Right. How about Shae?"
I scoff. "How should I know?"
  "And school?"
  "What about it?"
  "I'm not sure if you're ready to go back yet," he says, watching me carefully. I sit up in my chair.
  "Why not? I'm perfectly fine!"
  "I know you think that, but-"
  "Look," I say, cutting him off. "I know that I bottle stuff up. I know that I shouldn't. But moving forward is the only way I know how to deal with it. I've had two weeks to get over it, now I just need to focus on something else. Like school."
John rolls his eyes dramatically, then pushes a hand through his light brown hair.
  "Alright then. I'll write to Dumbledore tonight and tell him I approve of your readjustment."
I give him a small smile.
  "Thanks."
  "But I still expect to see you in here twice a week, got that?"
  "Wouldn't miss it," I say sarcastically as I get up and head for the door.
  "Hey wait," I turn just in time to catch a paperback book, with 'Will Grayson' sprayed across the red cover. "I heard you finished the last one."
I smile warmly and thank him before leaving. I'd become quite fond of him, even though he's only my counsellor.
Closing the door behind me, I see that the 'John Green' tag is crooked. As I'm fixing it, I hear a voice from behind me that is way too recognisable for comfort.
   "Hey scholar," Dale calls, walking up to me in that way that says he thinks he's so cool.
He's really not.
  "Hey Dale." I say with pointed bluntness, before turning and walking away.
I'm not mean, this little game we play is never ending. Unfortunately.
  "Have a nice holiday?"
  "Don't follow me."
  "That was rude," Dale says, half laughing. His light brown hair is stagnant above his round features.
  "Right," I fake a smile. "Where are my manners? Leave me alone please."
At that moment, a teacher happens to walk past. Some virtual-reality instructor I think.
  "Of course I will help you with your science project!" Dale practically shouts at me. I flinch slightly, giving him the dirtiest of looks as the teacher, a slim lady with a long brunette pony tail and five inch heels, smiles happily and says, "Such a kind young man! You really are a model student Dale."
Dale beams. "I could only wish to be as kind as your praise miss."
She laughs daintily before continuing down the corridor.
I swear my eyes rolled so far back I could see the inside of my skull.
  "Suck up." I say as I clutch my book and leave as fast as I can.
  "Later scholar!" I hear Dale laughing as I turn a corner.