Burning Out

Chapter 2

"I'm busy saving everybody else when I can't even save myself."
Song: Never Be Alone by Shawn Mendes

~~~

            I pushed my way through the large masses of crowd called high school. With time and experience I have mastered the art of navigating my way through the hallways. I reached first period 5 minutes before the bell, so I took out my book. After a few minutes, I felt a pair of eyes scorching holes into the back of my head. I whipped my head around to come in eye contact with a boy. Not any boy. I had never seen him around before. He had the most brilliant blue eyes I have ever seen. And unlike most, the eyes blended in with his pale white face. He looked away as if he were ashamed to be caught staring. I smirked to myself, sure that he will be getting lots of attention from girls.

          The bell rang, pulling me out of my thoughts. The teacher walked in a couple of minutes late. Our school wasn't the best and the teachers always came late too class. "So... there is a new student in class. So stand up and introduce yourself Mr.Evans," the teacher told without even bothering to look at the new student. "Hello. My name is Hunter Evans. My transferred here from London. Nice to meet you all," words rolled of his tongue so smoothly. His British accent almost had all the girls swooning. I could basically see the hearts in their eyes.

The teacher wasn't even bothered by him. "Okay. So you can get Hope to help you if you're lost or something. You should be okay other than that," the teacher told Hunter. I bit my lower lip. Of course it had to be me. I was always assigned to the new students. Most of them were nice till they discovered that I was the anti-social weirdo. A person who would tarnish their reputation and social status if befriended. What was the use of your social status if you didn't know that your 'best friend' would watch your back and stand up for up at all times.

I turned around to face Hunter. "Okay so if you have any questions you can just ask me. Even if you don't understand what's happening or what we're learning you can just ask me. I'll be happy to help," I gave him a small friendly smile. "Thank you," he said after clearing his throat. I only then realized that his voice was really deep. I asked my thoughts to shut up and turned back around. The teacher assigned us some work and was on her phone. I took my phone out and plugged my earphones in and played my favorite Pandora station.

The assignment was easy but Hunter tapped my shoulder a few times and asked some questions. I easily responded. He didn't seem too lost though. I could feel other girls glaring at me. I rolled my eyes to myself. He'll never talk to me ever again once he finds out who I am. There was no reason to glare at me.

I had dull brown hair and brown eyes. My skin was really pale unlike other girls who had perfect tan skin. I was 5'5". It was an average height but there were many other girls who were taller with long legs. I wore a shirt with leggings at all times. I never applied too much make-up. I just used eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick. In all, I was average. Never caught any attention from anyone. I was the quiet girl in class. Most people didn't even know I existed.

I was never sad that I didn't catch any attention. I liked the way I was. I didn't want to be flawless. I wanted to have flaws. I wanted someone to love me with my flaws. I loved the way I was. I was happy that I didn't catch any attention. I could slip through anywhere without being noticed. I didn't get into any drama. I liked the way I was, with many flaws.

Soon 1st period was over and soon periods 2, 3, 4 and 5 were also over. Hunter wasn't in any of these classes. I didn't feel happy nor sad that he wasn't in those classes. Soon lunch came and I was starving. I always packed my lunch because I never wanted to wait to buy food. Today I had packed some quesadillas. I wasn't the best cook but I could whip something edible. I sat under a shady tree and began eating. Most people never knew this tree even existed. It was at a more secluded part of the school where most people never came. I had found it when I was wandering around after school because I had missed the bus and was waiting for the late bus. I was happy that people didn't know about this tree. It was my area of peace and I had it all to myself.

          Least to say, I was startled when I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned around to see no one other that Hunter. "Hey. Can I sit with you?" Hunter asked. "Y-yeah I guess," I stuttered. He gave me a confused smile and sat down. Unable to contain my curiosity, I asked," How did you find this place out? Most people don't even know this exists?" "Well, I really didn't know where the cafeteria was so when I was stumbling around, I came across this and saw a beautiful girl sitting there," he replied in his British accent with a small smile. It took me quite a while to realize that this so called 'beautiful girl' was me. I started blushing like crazy and I was quite sure that I represented a tomato.

          I wouldn't call what he said flirting. It was more like friendly talk and it made me blush like crazy. A shy smile played on my lips. "So, why would you want to sit with me anyways? I am anti-social weirdo freak. Nobody even knows that I exist. You would fit in with the popular kids just right. In fact, I'm pretty sure they'd be happy to have you," I asked. "Nah... those guys look like jerks, a girl in each arm. And most girls look like they want to devour me. I'd rather sit with you under a peaceful shady tree. Plus I don't know why you call yourself weird... you seem pretty nice," he replied without missing a beat.

        I pretty sure I looked like the ripest tomato right now. I've never gotten so many compliments at a time in my entire lifetime. "Thanks," I replied, my voice barely a whisper. He laughed heartily at my embarrassment. We talked a little about Hunter and myself. He seemed nice enough. Not like most of the jerks in this school. 

I learnt a lot of things about Hunter. Like how they had to wear uniform to school in London. How he hates video games except Grand Theft Automobile. How he hates tuna. How his favorite color is chocolate brown. "Like your eyes," he said. How he loves books and movies. It was finally nice to have a friend after so many years.

We compared schedules and I found out that we had 1st and 6th period together. We headed to 6th period together and time flew by. Soon, school was over and I saw him at the exit. "Bye tomato," he smirked. "Tomato?" I asked, confused. "Yeah, you blush like a tomato," he explained. I stuck my tongue out at him and bid him farewell.

I smiled all the way back home at the thought of a new friend. It had been a long time since someone had talked to me so genuinely without pointing out my flaws. I was elated to say the least. But soon, my smile dropped as I neared home. There was a sleek black Audi standing at my driveway. I gulped to moisten my dry throat. My parents were home, and I wasn't so happy about it.