Scars

1

It's a routine she goes through often. Making an appearance, faking a smile, even forcing out a laugh.

Life was easier as a kid, being sheltered and not having any issues. But she grew up and saw how cruel people could be.

Brooke herself was often ridiculed for the silliest things. But every little insult drove her further and further away from her bridge of sanity. She found herself drowning in sorrow and hate. She kept it all in until one day she couldn't.

But this new school. This is her chance to start over not have any worries. She can finally be normal. No more Jillian. No more Cierra. No more issues.

"Brooke. Wake up. It's time to leave". Brooke opens her eyes and looks at her brother's sad brown eyes. He hasn't been the same since the incident. No one has really. Everyone's eyes have been dull, lifeless even. Seeing someone in such a state would change anyone's life.

"Do I have to go today"? Alex gives her a sympathetic look. He'd keep her with him if he could, but this is for the better. She can't stay at home all her life.

"Yes, you have to go. This is a new start. You never know who you'll meet. Everything will be fine. Tell you what. I'll pick you up and you can come with me to work and and play with Rosco. Yeah"?

Brooke cracks a fake smile for the sake of it. After all, it's her fault Alex is like this. He wasn't supposed to find her. She had it all planned out. If he hadn't come home early, she'd be away from this hell.

"Yeah. Okay. You're right. Fresh start". As Alex walks out, she tries to convince herself not to worry. "I'll be fine. I'll just stay quiet and ignore everyone. I'll be invisible again".

She gets out of her bed and walks over to her closet, finding her black skinny jeans and a white tank top. She gets dressed and pulls on her favorite black vans. To cover herself more, she shrugs on an oversized black hoodie. All black, the way she likes it.

She pulls her hair into a sloppy bun and puts on her glasses. Her huge black framed glasses. Ignoring her reflection, she goes downstairs, grabbing her black backpack.

"Breakfast is on the counter". "Not hungry. Let's go". Of course she isn't hungry. She never really is. "Are you sure"? "Positive. Let's go". With a sigh, Alex walks his sister to the truck, unsure if he should let her go without eating.

Oh Alex. He's tried to communicate, make her smile. It never works. There's too much damage. For a twenty two year old, he's pretty good at his job. His sister is his main priority. She's to fragile and he never wants to see her upset. One may say he's over protective, and maybe he is. But that's his job.

As the school comes into view, Brooke's nerves start acting up. "I can do this", she thinks. "It's a new start". When Alex pulls to a stop, Brooke is out before he can even say bye.

As she walks to the front door all eyes are on her. Of course they are. "So much for being invisible", she thinks. She keeps walking though, easily getting lost in the sea of students.

"You look a little lost", a deep voice sounds. Brooke turns to the voice, her green eyes widening. He has milky skin, midnight hair, and stormy gray eyes. He's a foot taller than her and he has this amazing build. Her eyes wonder to his choice of clothing. All black, like hers. Black suits him. It makes him look absolutely se-.

Ignoring her pervy thoughts, she clears her throat and gives a small shrug. "Where are you headed"? "Front office". "Oh, so you're new then"? "Yeah". "Not much of a talker I see. I'm Marcus". "Brooke". "Brooke? Hm. Cute name".

Brooke's cheeks heat up involuntarily. No. This isn't happening. She does not think he's cute. Nope not one bit. He's cocky and...and. "Here's the front office". Snapping out of her thoughts, Brooke gives a nod and walks in, Marcus trailing behind her.

"Hello", a woman with too much blue eye shadow states. Brooke just gives an uninterested look, her mind elsewhere. "This is Brooke. Our new student", Marcus states.  "Last name"? Both look to Brooke expectantly. "James", she whispers. Giving a shrug, the lady digs through a file to find her paper.

Marcus looks at Brooke with a small smirk, figuring she's just shy. "How cute", he thinks. He finds this girl interesting. She isn't out going and loud like everyone else. She's quiet, almost like she has a secret. Whatever it is, it's luring him in. "Found it", the woman screams, dragging both teens out of their thoughts.

Marcus takes the schedule before Brooke gets a chance to see it. "We have all the same classes. Lucky you, huh"? "Great", she thinks. "Classes with this gorgeous boy. Wonder what else is in store". She rolls her eyes and shoves her hands deeper into the pockets of her hoodie.

"Welp, I guess I'll show you to class. Come on Cutie, it's English. Ready"? "I guess". Giving Brooke a smile, he shows her to their class. "She's really nice. I think you'll like her".

And this is how the day goes. Marcus showing Brooke around and Brooke saying little to nothing. First day and she already has a bunch of homework. At least she made a new friend. Kinda.

Once she's back in the comfort of her room, she falls asleep, with a dream of the bad boy.

Marcus, however, can't seem to get the green eyed girl out of his mind. How could he? There's just something about her. Something, very intriguing. She barely said a word the whole day. She didn't eat and just avoided everyone at all costs. At least he got her number.

It's been a while since he's had a crush. But this girl is just stunning. He didn't think he'd actually enjoy this year. In fact, he knew he'd hate it. But low and behold, this shy girl shows up and all negative thoughts are forgotten.

Marcus stares at his phone, debating on talking to her. He doesn't want to sound to creepy. So he goes with a simple yet effective, "hey". "Smooth Marcus. Very smooth".