Seems Like Yesterday... (Keaton Stromberg) Book 2

Chapter Two- Fresh Start

Skyler's POV-

My hands are shaking, heads spinning, clammy palms, fast breathing. I cant go to school. Not alone. Its not possible... My bag is packed and on my back, skate board clasped in my hands. I'm just staring at the red oak door that separates me from the outside world. How can i do this without Keaton... Without him here, i dont know what i will do... How will i cope?

My phone buzzed in my pocket, snapping me out of my brief daze. Setting my board down on the floor, i pull out my phone. It wasn't from Keaton, or Drew, or Wesley... My heart sunk a little. In fact the message was from Mr Watson. Quickly i close it, not wanting to look at it.

Come on Skyler you can do this... Even the voice inside my head didn't sound convinced. Grasping the cold brass door knob, i take a deep breath in. Come on... Twisting the handle, i hear the click of the lock. Its not hard Skyler... You've been outside before... Its true i have been outside since, but only with other people, never on my own. After another deep breath in, slowly i creak open the door. Cold air rushes in the house past me. It was supposed to get warmer towards midday, i hope.

In a swift movement i step out in to the porch slamming the door behind me. I've done it. I'm outside... School is only five minutes away. You can do this. Prove to everyone you can!... Dammit, i forgot my board. If i go back inside now, i will never leave. Slowly i shuffle down the drive and on to the sidewalk. Shrugging my coat on, i hug myself, keeping my head down low.

Tears started to fall from my eyes as people began to bump past me, rushing to work. My hands began to shake even more. I could feel my heart pounding against my rib cage. Nope. No. I cant do this. I cant. Sitting on a bench just outside my house, i bring my knees to my chest. What do i do?...

Mr Watson. He can help right?... Fumbling for my phone, i bring up his number on the screen. He gave me his number for this purpose, the school approved of it so its ok. Pressing call, i wait only two beeps before he picks up.

"Skyler hello!" Mr Watson's voice cheery as ever. All i could do was cry and form no words. "Oh Skyler... Where are you? I'll take you in if you like?" ~"Ye-yes please..." My voice is quiet, tears still falling from my eyes. "I'm on the bench outside my house..." Mr Watson knew where i live as he had given me home tutoring in his spare time. I'm so grateful for him. I would be so behind without his help.

"I'll be there in five, Skyler." A long beep signalled the end of the call. Burying my face in my knees, i try and think of all the good times Keaton and I shared, just to try and lift my spirits... Instead it makes me cry harder and harder.

It felt like ages that i sit on the bench crying and going un-noticed. Out of no where, warm hands touch my back. Looking up, i find Mr Watson. He smiles a little at me before offering me a hand. I take it, feeling suddenly reassured.

Maybe i can do this?...

*

The halls were crowded as usual. Everyone was engrossed in their own conversations... That was until i walked in through the extremely loud double doors. All eyes turn to me slowly, nearly all synchronized. It was unnerving. Mr Watson took my elbow seeing my state get worse again, and led me through the crowd to a clearing. Again my heart was racing and i was shaking slightly. I hated being the center of attention.

"Skyler, you can do this. But if you ever need me, you know where to find me." Mr Watson encouragingly muses, looking at me straight in the eyes. Slowly i nod, looking around me. Everyone was still staring but trying to make it as discrete as possible.

A tall boy walked up to Mr Watson, looking very confused. He had straight black hair and a beanie, wonderful green eyes and a fashion sense i liked. For a few seconds i look at him, inspecting him.

"Sir, I'm not sure where i have to go. It's my first day and I'm pretty much lost." A small smile crept on to my lips, maybe he didn't know about all my stupid past? From the way he looked, i think we have a few things in common.

"You must be Jake Kemp right?" The guy gave a small nod. Jake Kemp. I am just standing there listening in. Mr Watson didn't tell me to go, so might as well stick around? "Skyler here could show you around?" Mr Watson looks at me and smiles. For a few seconds i am shocked, but then nod. Might as well make a new start with someone.

"I'd be happy to Sir." Jake's eyes lit up, looking slightly relieved. Mr Watson saluted us both before striding off to his classroom. Giving Jake a brief smile, i ask. "Where to first?" Jake fumbled for his timetable that was in his jeans pocket.

"I... I er..." His flustered state amuses me slightly. Taking the paper gently out his hands, i look what lessons he has. All if them are the same as mine. And he is in all my classes. Lucky us then?

"Math is first. You are in all my lessons." Jake's smile seems to widen and so does mine. Those green eyes are almost magical. "We haven't been properly introduced, the name is Skyler. And you will hear alot of gossip about me so please just ignore it?" Sticking my hand out, i bite my lip. His hand shake was firm but comforting.

"Jake, and i shall never listen to gossip and rumours." Maybe i can have a clean slate with this guy? Here is to fresh starts.

~Another new chapter! Woop! I know its sorta boring and drags on but i felt we needed it before a Keaton POV chapter. And the paragraphs are really small because i have written this on my phone and they turn out big, so bear with me on paragraph size haha...

I shall update whenever i can. And the feedback from the first chapter was lively. Thank you all for voting and please keep on doing so :) Natty Out~