Life is Only Beginning

Chapter 1: Follows like a Curse

Chapter 1: Follows Like a Curse

My encounter with Zack was a big mistake in my book.

After running into him that day, he refuses to leave me alone. As he already sits next to me in class, he finds an excuse to talk to me.

Afterwards, he follows me to all my classes. Well, he has five of them with me already, but following me to my sixth class is too much!

The bell after my third class rang, and everyone scurried off to the noisy cafeteria.

I took my time, since I only have one friend to look forward to.

Her name is Sarah. We were friends as children, when I was sociable, and even after my parents' death.

The other kids backed away as if I was a circus freak.

She, however, stayed with me. And she will never understand how much I appreciate her.

I stood up from my desk and walked at a snail's pace to the cafeteria.

Pushing open the doors, the aroma of grease and chocolate filled my nostrils.

Today they were serving pizza with chocolate cake as dessert. I grabbed one of the styrofoam trays and made my way down the line, grabbing a coke, a slice of pizza, and a small piece of cake.

The cashier looked at me with a smile as I handed her the money. "Thank you," she mumbled quietly.

Maybe she's shy too?

After stepping away from the line, I scanned the cafeteria for Sarah.

When I spotted her, she was with her big group of friends.

Some were popular, and the others were normal. I sighed under my breath.

I don't want to disturb her, especially when she has such a good status.

Scurrying out of the cafeteria, I made my way outside, and ate at the park which was just beside our college.

Children laughed and looked at their parents a lot.

"Mommy!" I heard a little boy scream. He searched frantically for her. When he noticed she wasn't there, he started crying with snot filling his nose.

I sat my lunch down and walked towards him. "Do you want me to help you find her?" I asked, extending my hand out towards him.

He nodded hesitantly and then grabbed my hand. We searched the park grounds everywhere. We looked around the equipment, only to find other children playing.

Then I got an idea. "Hey, did your mommy go to the bathroom?" He pondered for a second, then looked at me with hopeful eyes. He nodded and grabbed my hand as we searched for her.

I looked at him as I asked with a smile,"What's your name? My name is Danielle."

He smiled and held up four fingers. "My name's Brandon! I'm four!"

I laughed whole-heartedly and picked him up as I placed him on my hip. "Let's go find your mommy, Brandon," I said with renewed confidence in finding her.

As we walked into the women's restroom, four out of six stalls were occupied.

I thought for a moment and then spoke up. "Excuse me, is Brandon's mother in here?"

A toilet flushed and a woman walked out. She appeared to be at least thirty-six, with medium length brown hair and hazel eyes.

"Uh, yes. I'm his mother," she replied