Disorientation

Chapter Five

As I walked into school the next day, I was not looking forward to it at all. I walked through the gates and headed to the playground where everyone stood. Once again I was early, and there was an even bigger group of students this time. I spotted Ravyn and Armani with the group and gulped before walking towards them. Everyone turned and suddenly all eyes were on me. 

"Erica!" they all chimed in unison. I gave a nervous smile as I stood next to Ravyn. 

"What's going on?" I asked her.

She shrugged. "Nothing, everyone's just chatting shit."

"Allow yourself Ravyn," one white boy said in return.

"Shut up Liam you filthy prick. Who was talking to you?" she spat with a scowl. I was already used to Ravyn’s foul mouth by now, and smiled at their little banter. I then felt a pair of eyes on me and noticed Grey Eyes was stood next to this Liam boy, watching me intently like the last time. I quickly averted my gaze and felt my heart thud. I wasn’t sure why he always glared at me the way he did, but it was really intimidating; I could never keep eye-contact with him. Just then a dark-skinned boy approached and placed an arm around my shoulder.

"So you’re finally back yeah? You was gone for time, everyone missed you man." I smiled politely.

"Really?"

"Yeah course. There was a tribute assembly for you when the accident happened." My eyes widened at hearing that. I never knew my incident was so acknowledged. I couldn’t help but feel a little appreciated.

"Why you saying tribute like she died or somethin’?" one other black asked. The boy laughed and turned back to me.

"How you feeling though?" he questioned.

I noticed everyone was watching me and suddenly felt small under their gazes. "Fine," I muttered with my eyes on the pavement. 

He cooed and hugged me. "You’re cute y’kna."

I smiled and Grey Eyes kissed his teeth. Everyone turned to look at him.

"Don't be like that Brandon; you missed Erica aswell init?"

He simply glared at me before walking off. I frowned at the reaction and felt embarrassed. It was he obvious that he hated me but I had no clue why. Armani noticed my expression and rubbed my shoulder.

"It’s alright. Forget about him." I nodded and decided to head to registration. Armani and I were in the same form; we departed from Ravyn and entered the class. I received multiple stares and felt incredibly self-conscious but too scared to tell them to leave me alone. I sat in my allocated seat next to a short Hispanic boy. He was slouched in his chair and focused on his phone, but smiled when he saw me. I was taken aback when he hugged me.

"Welcome back," he said. I waited for him to release me and smiled weakly.

"Thanks."

"Juan! Put your phone away before I take it," the teacher threatened. He rolled his eyes and stuffed it in his pocket. So that was his name huh? 

He suddenly turned to me again with a wide grin. "You alright though? I missed you."

"Missed you too," I lied. Seriously, I don't know him. It was going to be hard to keep up the illusion that I was fine, but no-one can know about my condition.

He analysed me silently for a moment. "You seem different. You sure you’re alright yeah?"

I nodded. "I’m fine."

He nodded and sighed. "Not gonna lie, when I saw you in that hospital bed I thought you wouldn’t make it."

I blinked in awe. "You came to see me?"