DANGEROUS

Surprise

Ugh, high school. What a drag. 

It was a Monday, which meant the day would be excruciatingly long. At least I had enough energy to wake up early and look nice. 

I hopped out of my old little beetle, flinging my small leather backpack over a shoulder and shutting the door with force. The white car was ancient and there were several things wrong with it. For example: the driver’s side door. It had to be slammed shut for it to be closed all the way. Sometimes, it wouldn't even start. Today was a lucky day because it did. Well, at least I had my own car. It was better than riding the cheese wagon.

I headed into the school through the front doors walking past several cliques. I didn't really have one or many friends for that matter. My hair was tied back in a French braid that ran down my back and I was wearing my favorite pair of shoes; oxfords. 

Finding my locker, I opened it, causing several text books to fall out. Okay, so I was unorganized. So what? Nobody even bothered to help me pick them up. Not even the kid at his locker next to me. He always ignored my presence, we've been locker neighbors for three years and a word has never been said between us.

I picked up the books and put them into their appropriate places, then checked my watch. It was a little early, fifteen minutes before class. That reminded me that I needed to get a couple pictures of the murals in the art hall for journalism. Oh yeah, I was also into photography so I helped with our schools newspaper by taking pictures and I also wrote the anonymous column. It was the only fun passion I had for being in school. I grabbed the case that held the Nikon camera, one of the nicest things that I could call mine. I saved up my paycheck forever to get the beauty.

I took a short look at my reflection in the small mirror on the door before walking off. My makeup looked good, I didn’t wear too much. I always tried going for the natural look. The shirt I was wearing was a teal floral blouse with a vintage denim vest around my shoulders. I had a knack for fashion.

Putting the strap around my neck, I shut my locker door and let the device hang down. I sighed, wishing that I had something better to do like talk to people or friends rather than take pictures. But no, I was such a wallflower, who stayed quiet in class and took everything too seriously. I don't know what is wrong with me.

 “Amelia Clarke, come to the front office. Amelia Clarke.” 

What? 

I spun around to see people in the hall staring. Why was the front office calling me? I had no idea; I was just praying that I wasn't in trouble for something. I hadn't done anything bad. So there was nothing to worry about. Right?

I walked into the front office, looking at the secretary with worrisome eyes.

"Yes?" I squeaked with my hand around the camera. 

She smiled and gestured to who stood beside me. I looked over at the figure; I was so oblivious not knowing anyone was next to me. It- it was him! Niall.

“Heya, Amelia Clarke.” 

The way he said my name made my heart leap. I ignored the feeling.

 I blinked, surprised to even see him here. I stared him down without smiling, looking at his appearance. He dressed casual and cute with a plain white shirt, black jeans, and a pair of vans. I knew immediately that he would be seized by the popular crowd.

 That smile, ugh, that smile. I turned away from him abruptly and back to the secretary. I realized that he lied to me on the train. He told me he didn’t live here. I didn’t understand what was going on.

“He says he knows you. Would you please show him where his classes are and where his locker is?” she asked.

"Sure." I said.