The Second Light

Chapter 1

"I love you, Em. I really do." He says, a waver in his voice.

"N-No you don't! You never have!" I shout while choking on my own tears.

"I've always loved you. Always. I always will." He answers, somehow staying calm.

"Then maybe it's just me who doesn't love you!" I scream and push him away.

He looks down, seeming hurt. "Maybe."

.......

As I walk down the stairs and to my car, I think about that day. He left the next. I really did love him. I also knew he didn't love me back. It's been about a year since he left without a word. Nobody knows where he went or where he's going. Not even his parents or friends. He never replied to any of the calls or texts I had left him. He left me hurting. I just wish I could see his face again. Have him hold me tight and say how much he loves me. But he probably knows I'm hurting. And that's why he hasn't come back.

But it's probably for the best, right? He was only trying to fix me like I was his old truck that always broke down. The worst part is that he helped. I no longer see my sister wherever I go. I have good grades now and actually care about school and my future. But he broke me even further. Right when I was starting to get better, he left and didn't even say goodbye. I miss Jordan so much. I just hope he isn't hurting as bad as I am.

I close my car door and grab my bag out of the back seat. I walk into the school and hesitate for a bit. It seems like the last time I stepped foot in this school I had Jordan right next to me and we were ready to conquer the world. I continue to head straight for my locker. When I get there I'm greeted by my best friend Liz. She pulls me into a big bear hug and smiles.

"What's got you in such a good mood today?" I ask her with a smile. It probably has to do with that guy she's been crushing on, Jax.

"Jax ran into me in the hall and you won't believe what he said!" How did I know? "He said," She lowers her voice in order to impersonate him, "'My bad. Surprised a pretty girl like you didn't catch my eye before I plowed over you.' And then he winked at me and walked off. My heart can't handle this Emily! It just can't!" She starts to scream so I hush her but smile. I'm happy for her, honestly. She deserves a man that makes her feel like she's the world and I'm pretty sure Jax would do just that.

"Do you think he'll ask you out?" I ask her, softening my voice.

"I hope!" She squeals. I laugh right as the warning bell rings signaling that there are five minutes until first period.

I wave goodbye to Liz and make my way to Literature.

The first day of the school year is always fun and exciting. You get to see people you haven't seen in two months and you realize how much people can change. The popular people always seem to stay the same, though. It's a shame I think. The fact that they have to live up to a certain standard or else they won't be the star of the school anymore. The girls have to stay skinny and do cheer or dance while the boys have to stay buff and play football. It's a letdown.

When I walk into the classroom numbered 203 I put my schedule away and sit in the second to last row. I set my backpack on the ground and dig through it until I find what I'm looking for. My book. Now I know it sounds nerdy but I like to read. A lot. I've read almost every book in our school library and even though that's an exaggeration, I'm planning on completing the task.

I put my long, blonde hair up before I open my book so that it's out of my face. After doing so I open to the page I have marked. I begin reading and eventually get lost in the fictional world I wish were real.

The bell eventually rings and the teacher walks in. I don't bother putting down my book until I feel a hand messing with my hair tie. I begin to turn around before the hair tie is gently pulled from my hair, leaving it to lie on my shoulders and float over my back. I turn around and see the one, the only, captain of the football team. What? I don't know his name! Not my fault I don't follow up on, well...whatever it would be called...stalking? Yeah. That's the word.