Surviving

Chapter Three

Its late and I'm too tired to edit, sorry if there's a typo or two.
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Peridot
I keep seeing that girl with the blue hair around school. I'm surprised I missed before, she's always picking fights with Jasper yet then their holding hands three minutes later. I can't quite figure out their relationship, they both just seemed bored but at the same time they were inseparable. It's interesting to observe, and it gives me something to do in this brick building of people I hate.

This class, was almost the most interesting time to observe. Fifth period, Geometry 2. It's the advanced math class for juniors, which I was. Jasper was not in this class. Not surprising really, she didn't seem like the over achiever type. The really weird thing was Lapis was in this class. Without Jasper around she was a lot less talkative, but she still stood out. Even when she was just taking notes like everyone else she just seemed like she should be the center of attention.

I guess that tends to happen when you have blue hair. I mean I'm sure the point is to seem unique. It was quite effective too. Maybe I could do a study on people with colored hair sometime.

It may be kinda creepy to study people's actions but you have to understand a bit about me first. In order to avoid uncomfortable situations I spend my time trying to figure out how people work. I look for reoccurring traits in the people who I hate the most so my brain can tell me "Hey they seem like a bitch. Let's avoid them." I've trained myself to be observant because I can't afford to make mistakes.

Also it's amusing.

For instance, the girl in red at the front of the room: She's obviously anxious, with her constant fiddling with her pencil. Her clothing shows me that although she's sporty she isn't quite a jock. She made me think of a short angry muffin.

There was a sudden ringing sound I know well as the bell for passing period. I should have gathered my things and went to science. Instead of doing that I decided it would be a good time to fall out my chair in response to the sudden noise.

Good job Peridot.

I'll spare the boring details of my science class. The basic summary is the same as every other class: I'm a genius and the peasants worship me. Ok not really but I am a genius. Either way I have nothing to say since the girl is in another class.

So on to the last class. My worst nightmare, the thing I dreaded from the depth of my soul and had caused me much loss of blood. The class I had the worst grade in and had gotten many detentions in. The class that caused me to cry myself to sleep in the dark of night. It has scared me for life. Physical education. You may think I'm over reacting but I don't move from my spot at my desk unless I absolutely have to. Most people say "Oh I'm so out of shape." They have never met me. I'll probably die before I'm twenty because I'm such a lazy ass.

I swear things just have this way of coming flying at my face.

To my dismay, were playing football. What was even worse bwas that I was teamed up with Jasper. The girl with blue hair was on the other team but I was unable to collect much data. I was a little busy trying to dodge flying projectiles. Whenever the ball came towards me I'd go into a standing fetal position. Needless to say I wasn't very helpful. I believe Jasper used the words "Move your ass you piece of shit."

If I wasn't so much of a coward I would have told her just how little I care, but I suppose it's for the best. After all, a snarky response is about the only thing I have to back me up.

The only thing I noticed about Lapis is that she didn't seem to give a shit. She just stood there not doing anything. No one said anything about it either except for the coach, but even she eventually gave up. I'm having trouble figuring her out, but I'm ready for a bit of challenge.

Two near death experiences and one awkward locker room scene later later I was free of this place. Normally I would ride the bus home but honestly I wasn't ready to deal with it today. Believe it or not I don't enjoy being surrounded by fuckboys and sluts on a moving vehicle, especially after spending the day trying to avoid them.

Instead I'm going to walk home (as much as I hate actually moving) and stop by the local coffee shop. It was about half way in between my house and the school and I actually go there to work on homework quite a bit, especially since my relationship with my parents has gotten worse... Anyway it may not be as popular as Starbucks but the food is good and honestly I don't mind that there aren't as many people there. I'd never been one to socialize anyway.

I entered the building and was instantly hit with the smell of baked goods and coffee grinds. As usual the owner was running around making sure everything was going smoothly. I'm a bit of a regular, although I wasn't here much over the summer, so she waved to me. I tried my best to remember my manners and waved back before putting my backpack in a chair to save a seat and going to put in my order.

I choked out my usual, which may or may not be hot chocolate and went to sit down. I continued writing an essay for English that I was working on in class today. Apparently I didn't hear my order being called though because someone came over and set my drink on the table, making me jump. I looked up and saw a girl.

With blue hair.

Nervousness settled in my stomach. I don't talk to people from school. Not in school and certainly not out of school. I tried not to make eye contact and looked down at my essay. "Sorry.." I muttered.

"Yea. Try to pay attention next time, I have better things to do." She said, rolling her eyes.

This time I did look up, because I'm a total idiot. "Hey! I said I was..." I faltered, "I said I was sorry.."

I felt like I was in one of my video games when I see "sudden death" on my screen as I waited for her reply. Thankfully I was saved by the owner, Maddie, who choose that exact time to come talk to me.

I swear that women can sense tension.

"Hey Peridot! Long time no see!" She said. The girl watched her boss talk with a bit of confusion.

"Hehe yea..." I replied.

"Oh! Have you met Lapis she's my.." she paused and looked at the girl, Lapis, as if waiting for her approval and got a nod of the head in reply, "She's my daughter. Lapis, this is peridot."

Lapis seemed to be catching on to the situation, however I was confused. I never knew Maddie had a daughter. "Like the rock?" Lapis asked.

"Um I guess. Isn't Lapis Lazuli a gemstone too?" I said.

"That's me."

Maddie must have noticed I was getting uncomfortable because she decided to cut off the conversation there. "Well it's nice to see you again, but you look busy, and I've got to make more croissants. Maybe we can talk some more some time?"

I nodded and she winked at me and walked away, Lapis followed close behind.

It wasn't long after I started to feel buzzing in my back pocket.

Mom:
Where are you?

Mom:
Peridot did you miss the bus?

Mom:
Answer me.

I gathered my things to leave. Maddie was no where to be seen so I had to leave without saying goodbye. I opened the door to leave and heard someone call "Have a nice day, come again."

I turned around to see who it was but Lapis was already taking someone else's order.

I'm not quite sure why but I couldn't help but be a little happy when I left. Not that I didn't usually enjoy my time at the coffee shop, it was just the thought in my mind that was odd.

'Her name is Lapis.'