Glass Hearts

VIII

Christine

School was another bleak day like always. I slaved through the classes, barely making it out alive. My thoughts were full of my heart and Roy. I nearly blushed a few times. I concealed it, for as long as I could.

At lunch, I sat next to Matty this time, who sat alongside Roy. I kept my head down, my cheeks threatening to turn red. Matty simply whispered to Roy that he needs to meet with her after school. I didn't know where, but Matty would drag me along anyway.

I just kept quiet, avoiding all social interaction. I swore I heard my name called several times. I blocked out everything, noise, smell, sight. I just trapped myself in my thoughts, which wasn't a safe place. Some if my thoughts... Forced me to grow a smile, and a slight blush to tickle my cheeks. I shoved my face in my hands, praying for the twenty minute lunch break to be over already. Apparently, I blocked out everything so well that I never heard the bell abrubtly scream.

"Christine?" A familiar voice asked.

"Hm...?" I said dreamily, I was still stuck in my daze.

"The bell rung."

"Oh." I snapped back to reality.

"Oh." Roy mocked me, he had a sly smile.

I took a deep breath, stood up, and completely sprinted to class. Pushing my feet to take me as fast as I could go, only tripping right at my classroom door, the bell ringing my defeat. The teacher forced me to visit the nurse because everyone and their mother could hear me hit the hard floor. I sulked away, being defeated once more. The nurses are scary.

Rumors say they killed a child once because he wouldn't stop complaining about being in pain.

I shuddered at the thought as I walked the lonely halls. No one was in sight, except... Joseph. I froze in place, his eyes passing through me. His expression showed he had no interest, yet he still walked up to me. I looked away, just hoping he'd pass on by. He did, in fact. Just bump into my shoulder harshly, sending me back a little.

I was surprised, but didn't want to look a gifted horse in the mouth. I continued on my death defying adventure to the nurse's office. They grunted and gave me terrifying glares, as they patched me up. All they did was put on an antibacterial cream and wrapped my knees. They did sting, but I never really noticed. I rushed back to class, worried about what I might possibly be missing, but was careful of my footing.

I quietly entered my class, and kept my head down. Who knows what gossip or insults someone might have started? Nothing stays safe in school. Everything spreads and damages like a wildfire.

***

Once school was over, Matty waited impatiently at my locker. She was tapping her foot a mile a minute while I dragged out my books to study over the weekend. I purposely took my time, my stomach twisting inside out, anxious about her plans. She saw through my rouse and grew sick of it. She interlocked her arm with mine and dragged me to wherever our destination was. She would ignore my whines, and protests, her head strong attitude never letting herself back down.

I was truly scared of what was going to happen. I kept up my complaining, hoping it would have Matty crack. At least I learned something new today, that Matty is one tough cookie. We finally made it, to a large weeping willow tree quite a ways away from school. Roy was already there, leaning against the tree, scrolling through his phone. Matty cleared her throat to gain Roy's attention. He shoved his phone into his faded jean's pocket.

"Hey." He said, his eyes not connecting with Matty's. He seemed to have his attention on me.

"Well hello there," Matty released me, and I quickly hid behind her.