The Loved and Lost

Chapter 1 - Back in School

“Oh, it feels so good to be back!” I exclaimed as I pushed through the doors into Riveredge High School, moving my long dark-brown hair behind my shoulders. I couldn’t believe I actually passed Ms. Apprat’s classes, even though it was home school, and that I was away from home. But I had her come to Drake's house for a while, until I got my grades up and passed the year, and I moved on to the tenth grade, and was now a sophomore. Today was September twenty-second, and it was the first day of school since summer vacation, and students were standing around lockers, in the middle of the hall, and in some classrooms. Most were talking, but some were comparing schedules. For me, I hadn’t been there in six months, due to my over-protective adopted mother, Mrs. Maroja, and switching back and forth between Tanyela and Earth. Mrs. Maroja didn’t know I was staying over at Drake’s. For all she knew, I was still missing.

“You missed this place that much? Jeez, you’re in for a surprise.” Drake laughed as he walked right next to me. He intertwined his fingers into mine and we walked to my locker. Our locker was the same all throughout our high school life. I remembered the number, even though I hadn’t been to school since late March. I couldn’t forget it. The number was the same as my address back in Tanyela; number three fifty-eight.

“I wonder if anyone will remember me.” I pondered out loud as I stared right into his hazel eyes and turned the lock to match the combination. It unlocked and I pulled the latch to find the locker just how I left it; papers in miscellaneous spots, random phone numbers here and there, textbooks I should’ve turned in last year. Disastrous mess, but I could deal.

“I’m pretty sure some people remember you. You were the talk when you disappeared the first, then second, then third time. Any other times I missed?” Drake was now up against the locker next to mine.

“It was five, not three.” I smiled, correcting him. We walked to our homeroom together, ignoring the many stares from other students. They didn’t know I was back. They didn’t know what happened to me. Nothing did, but not from the lie I’ve told to my friends and family. All I knew was that I hoped to get through the school year without any wars and disappearing. I told my Dad I would stay here until I got a good education. Human education, even if I was a faerie. Dad didn’t understand, but more complicated reasons would have to be mentioned.

We arrived at our homeroom, which belonged to a science teacher named Mr. Dynex. He appeared to be on the short side, with crazy brown hair and insane blue eyes. He looked like he used to be a test dummy for other scientists who tested experiments on him. However, I got along with crazy teachers. I’d get along just fine.

“Please, take a seat anywhere!” His voice sounded throughout the room. He even had the scientist accent. Great. Well, at least it wouldn’t be boring.

“Come on.” Drake dragged me to a couple desks in the back, Drake taking the one in the corner, and we sat down. I was rummaging through my backpack when I felt someone tapping me on the shoulder. I looked up, and rolled my eyes stupidly. The figure had very long, curly red hair and dark brown eyes, with black mascara and blood red lips. Her height was pretty average, but very curvy hips. The expression on her face was unimpressed.

“You’re in my seat.” She said with a sass kind of tone. I knew I recognized her correctly after the voice. Vicky Zimmeron. We’ve been enemies since first grade, when I borrowed a crayon without asking. That rivalry should’ve ended, but apparently she was the type to hold grudges.

“Oh, hi Vicky.” I greeted, my tone unimpressed. “There’s no seating arrangement. You can sit wherever.”

“But I want to sit there.” Vicky snapped, and pointed to where I was sitting.

“Why?” I asked, and pointed all around the room, mostly to the back of the room. I thought she wanted the back. Vicky bent down to her eye-level.