Afraid (Harry Styles)

Chapter 4

The next morning my alarm starts obnoxiously beeping at 5:30 am. I have to leave the house at 7:45 since it takes about 10 minutes to get to school and I want to be a early for my first day. Thankfully, Chris is letting me drive to school myself today. It gives me some time to gather my thoughts.

After pressing the snooze button a couple times, I finally bring myself to the bathroom. I grab my Pantene shampoo and add extra conditioner to make my locks shiny and clean. After washing my hair, I decide to shave my legs. It's pretty warm outside so I won't be wearing my skinny jeans. Now that I've gone shopping, I have more clothing options to choose from. I can either wear my shorts, capris or...a dress. I remember Briella telling me to wear something nice. I want to make a good first impression this year so maybe I should wear a dress. After debating on which dress to wear, I go with my yellow floral printed dress. It's been a while since I've worn a dress, but I like it. It makes me feel confident and more feminine.

I decide to add a dab of concealer to hide my blotches and I even add some mascara and blush. When I look in the mirror, I see a different girl. I'm still me, but a more attractive and confident version of myself. I add just a bit more lotion on my hands and then spray some honeysuckle body mist and i'm good to go. Before I walk downstairs, I slip on my black toms.They look good with almost any outfit.

When I walk into the big kitchen, Amy and Chris's face are plastered in shock. They were expecting to see me in dirty jeans and a loose shirt. Even I would expect myself to wear that. I don't know what caused my sudden change in mood.

" Wow look at you Bella!" Chris says proudly " Anyone your trying to impress on your first day?"

"No, I just thought I should try something different for once.." I say uncomfortably

" Well you look amazing Bells, " Amy says while handing me a bowl of cereal, frosted flakes, my favorite.

I take slow bites of my cereal, savoring the flavor. I put a couple dollars in my wallet last night so I could grab some lunch off campus today. It would give me some time alone and I could look around the place. After a couple more spoonfuls, I head out the door, almost forgeting the keys to Chris's car.

"Drive safely and have fun today! And call us if you get lost.." Amy says worriedly, " We both have work today until eight so I'll leave you some money for takeout. If you want to go out and explore the place than don't hesitate."

"Kay thanks mum. I'll see you guys later then", I say while walking out the door.

I use Chris's keys to open the door to his shiny silver ferrari. To say my foster parents are rich is an understatement. Chris works at a hospital so he's usually not home until late hours. Amy is the manager of Ink Co so she has a lot of work too, but they get paid very well. The house we're living in now is huge, almost like a mansion. There's an indoor pool and a very big basement, but I couldn't care less. I much rather live in a small cottage.

When I finally reach the school, I'm internally panicking. I search the large parking lot and the main entrance of the school for Briella. I can't find her anywhere in the large crowd of students.

Building up as much courage as I can, I walk out of my car, my bag slung across one arm. I walk through the crowds of students, making my way to the entrance. I can tell people are staring at me, probably because they cant recognize me. Some of the guys, most likely the jocks of the school, whistle to me as I walk past them. A few girls in short skirts and heels glare at me as I walk past them. I realize a few minutes later that they were jealous. I laugh at the thought. I doubt anyone would ever envy or be jealous of me. I'm just a pathetic, broken girl.

" Hey! Wait up!" I hear someone call from behind me. When I turn around, I see Briella rushing up to me in her black jeans and leather jacket. She has the edgy and tough look that stops people from messing with her.