Blood Loss Meter

Chapter One: Roomies

___________________CHAPTER ONE: Roomies___________________

"Oh my god, Stace, look!" The familiar shrill sound of a voice irritated me almost instantly. I wrinkled my nose grumpily and wore my hood on. Jesus, it's like seven in the morning, keep your voice down.

It was a tuesday, the second day of my senior year. The school's hallways were still stacked up with students. Mostly girls hugging each other. Wait, let me rephrase, mostly tan girls hugging each other. Others were rushing to their lockers, putting their junk in it. Dudes were fist bumping each other, some were mocking a wrestling match, some were kissing-- oh... looking away now.

I suddenly felt someone push my arm playfully, a gesture I knew only person would do. "Already turning into Scrooge, I see?"

It was Isaac, my brethren. Well, not really but it sure seems like it. We've been best buddies ever since we were conceived in our mothers' womb. Well, again, not really but you get the picture.

"The girls are screaming again." I complained and mentally blamed him for it. See, Isaac was one of those guys who girls considered as 'king', whatever that meant. He always had a group of hormone-driven women following him wherever he went. Since I'm his bro, I'm forced to deal with it and heaven knows how I'm putting up with that.

"Come on, you make it sound like its a bad thing." He sent a wink towards a skinny girl who immediately blushed and looked away. His ego is way too inflated. I sighed and stuffed my hands in my pockets-- a habit I knew I should stop doing.

"You know, some of them are yours." Isaac threw an arm around my shoulder. I tried shaking it off but he wouldn't budge.

"What do you mean?" I raised an eyebrow, questioning his statement.

"Some of these girls are crushing over you. But mostly me. But at least some are yours. You know with your lazy blue eyes and hunched posture. And oh! How could I forget your messy black hair? What a dream boat!" He batted his eyes while clutching his chest with both hands.

I punched his arm, but chuckled along with him. 

"Oh yeah, Corde!" Isaac suddenly snapped into attention.

"Yeah?"

"Has your roommate arrived yet?" 

"No, not yet. Later, I think." Now that he mentioned it, I started feeling a bit nervous about my new roommate all over again. I'm still wondering if there's a way to back out of this. I really prefer being alone but my land lady insisted that we be together in one room. I was really intent on refusing but the moment she mentioned that the rent is going to be lower because we get to split it, suddenly, I forgot my priorities and agreed to the deal. Idiot.

What if he was a serial killer? A gangster? A person who listens to really loud music and I won't be able to get some sleep because of it?

I'd go with the murderer than with the last one.

"Well, let me meet him when he does. Maybe he's a cool dude and we could hang out and be like the three muskeeteers or shit." 

"You still haven't given up on that?"

"It's a cool name and you know it." Isaac pointed his index finger at me while looking menancingly like an old gump.

"No it isn't." I muttered back and I'm quite sure he didn't catch it since he was scrolling through his phone.

"Oh dude, there's a newbie." He said. "Wanna see her slash him?"

"Nah, I'm gonna pass. See you later." I clapped on his shoulder before turning around the corner. I didn't check if he had run to the main entrance because that would require too much neck muscle effort. I walked at a slow pace and surprisingly, made it it to the classroom just before the bell rang. I smirked inwardly at my perfect timing. 

I scanned the room to look for a seat. Unfortunately, Adam Winston was already on my favorite seat in any classroom-- second row from the front, first seat from the left. Yeah, fuck you too, Adam Winston. Even though you had absolutely no idea that was my seat.

I exhaled through my mouth and settled for a seat at the back. I squinted my eyes to see the writings on the board but guess what? I couldn't see a damn thing. Stupid low definition corneas. 

I knew I should get my glasses from my backpack but I would have to bend over and reach down and it would take too much effort and energy...

Blind man it is!

"Good morning." A deep voice caused the students to straighten up which was odd because usually, the presence of an authority doesn't really affect our behavior. I looked up and saw a middle aged man placing encyclopedia-thick books at his desk. There were traces of gray hair on his side burns and wrinkles could be seen on his face from this distance and vision. He wore a brown suit, typical teacher outfit. 

"Mornin'." Everyone mumbled lazily, some were whispering something into their seatmate's ear.

"Before we start, I would like to make a brief introductory about this class. I am Mr. Garrison and I would prefer if you call me that. I've been teaching literature for five years now and--"

Mr. Garrison stopped in mid-sentence because something else all got our attention. A redhead girl was standing by the doorway, gasping for air. Her hair was in a ponytail which had come loose making her look like the head of a broomstick.

"May I help you?" Mr. Garrison asked the girl, tilting his head slightly.

The redhead searched the room, as if looking for something. When she locked her eyes at me, it widened and gleamed of recognition. What was that all about?

"Yes, yes you may." She spoke and tried to fixed her hair but failed miserably. "I'm looking for the English class under Mr. Garrison?" The girl looked down on a piece of paper, acting as if she wasn't sure of her own question.

"Yes, you've got the right room. Are you perhaps the transfer student?" He beckoned her to enter the room which she did confidently.

"Uh.. yes. It's me-- the transfer student." She smiled a bit too fake but enough to fool everyone else. Again, there was the buzzing sound of gossip going around the room.

"Would you care to introduce yourself then?"

"Of course." Once again, she locked her eyes on me as if branding me as a target. "I'm Riley Quinston, transferee from Donnovan High. Pleased to make your accquaintance."

Pleased to make your accquaintance? What era did this girl come from? However, there is something familiar about her name although I'm not entirely sure what.

Riley Quinston, where have I heard that name?

"Alright then, take a seat Ms. Quinston and we shall begin our lesson for today." Mr. Garrison clapped his hands to insinuate her to move quickly.

Riley took a seat on the third row, farthest to the right. A ghost of a smile was on her face as if she'd accomplished something tremendous. Instantly, my brain had given me the information I needed a minute ago.

Riley Quinston was the name of my new roommate.

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A/N: Hey! So what do you guys think? Is it okay? Do you want me to continue? Yes? No? Leave a comment below or vote if you liked it.

P.S. Okay right now, I am in need of a cover. Yes I know I make covers but my photoshop is acting up and I can't make my own cover... so yeah to all amazing cover makers out there, I'm looking at you. I made the current cover through picmonkey and yes I know, it's horrible. See ya.

~ Pepper