One in a Million

People

By sixth period I was drained. It had been particularly hot considering it was fall. I had no life in me whatsoever. My hands trembled when I held them out from the lack of nutrients, my lips and mouth were dry, and I was not only physically, but mentally and emotionally drained. Within the six hours, I jumped from one emotion to another I would think I was bipolar. I looked at the clock hanging above our heads. I followed the second hand around watching the minutes tick by. It laughed in face making it clear that I still had a long thirty minutes until school was over. Just watching it made it worse. I huffed in boredom and twiddled my thumbs. 

"Psst.Psst." I heard from behind me. I looked over and saw Estelle. She was one of the last people on Earth that I wanted to ever see again. I had to at least have her in one of the classes every year. I figured that it was the universe telling me that I had to be strong and not murder her for being the snobbiest and biggest b*tch in the school. That there were far worse things in life and she was doing me a favor for conditioning me for the outside world. At least that's what I figured.

"Hi um.." she started to say

"Adeline." I finished knowing that she was going to act as if she didn't know my name. Every year she made it her mission to make my life a living hell. It was only until last year when she got her minions to play along. She would write dirty comments on the bathroom stalls and on my locker. There was this one time when we were in changing for P.E. and she poured red dye on my gray shorts. I hadn't noticed it because I was running late and automatically dressed and ran out of the lockers. Everyone's eyes widen and some snickered. It was her who announced to the whole gym I leaked. Thinking about that day and so many others got my blood boiling. 

"Right. Well, hi Adeline," she said in a tone that would make anyone want to cut off her tongue.

"Hi um..." I said acting as if I didn't know her name as well. I figured over the summer I wouldn't be a "victim" to her barbarity and play her game as well. Only this time I would be the winner. I had enough of her, enough cruelty and neglect from my father to last me ten lives. 

"Estelle." she finished giving me a fake smile. 

"Hi, Estelle what can I do for you?" I said in an insincere tone shooting a fake smile back. 

"Well, I was just wondering if you happen to be dating the hottie over there," she said lower than a whisper.

"What?!" I said almost choking as I looked to who she was talking about."No. I just don't happen to be dating the "hottie" that goes by Aidan."Why is she thinking about going out with him? It's the first f*ucking day back to school. How idiotic can she be? I thought replying to her absurd question.

"Oh great! I just thought that maybe you were since I saw you at lunch and like almost every passing period together," she said. I could see why anyone would think that. It took me a moment to be crept out by what she said. Was she keeping tabs on me?...No, she's keeping tabs on Aidan. Uh! That weirdo!

"Is that all? Okay great." I ended the conversation before it escalated. I turned back around and just for a split second imagined what my life would be if I was his girlfriend. I felt my cheeks burning and brushed the thought away. I looked up at the clock, twenty-seven more minutes. I blinked and it suddenly felt as if my eyes had been glued shut. My head dropped on the table.

-

"Hey. Hey, Adeline, it's time to go." I heard a sweet voice whispering in my ear making me giggle. I opened my eyes to find Aiden in front of me. Close enough for a kiss.

"Aidan," I said breaking into a smile.

"There it is." He whispered and pulled my hair out of my face so he could kiss my cheek and gently nibble it.

"Hey!" I said and managed to face him eye to eye. I leaned in. My heart started to race.

"Adeline," he growled.

I backed up and asked, "What is it?"

"It's time to get up. You need to get up ADELINE! WAKE UP!!!" he yelled fiercely shaking me.

I didn't know what was going on, but I wanted it to stop.

"Father please!"I begged as the dark figure took the form of my father. He put his hands around my neck and squeezed.

"You little b*tch! You're here sleeping when I'm waiting for you to come home! It's time Adeline. It's time for you to go." he said sounding demonic.

I gasped for air but didn't breathe any.

"Please, Father I"-- I was interrupted by a loud ring.

I jumped from my seat and gasped for air. My hair was twisted around my neck. I looked around the room but no one noticed. I was saved by the bell. I shoved the slip of paper that Mr. Hitchens handed out inside my bag and rushed out of the classroom.

I was halfway down the stairs when I heard someone yelling my name. What now?! I thought as I turned around. I didn't see Aidan or Estelle so I assumed I was just being paranoid. I continued walking and heard my name again and this time I clearly distinguished who it was. It was a girl that I have never seen before. She was quite pretty. Had short hair that when up to her shoulders, light bangs that covered her forehead, eyes that curled up at the end, thin pink lips, dimples when she smiled and she did, and a thin body.

"Hey Adeline...right?" she said walking up to me.

"Yeah. Hi." I said a bit confused.

"Hi I'm Alaine," she said and reached in for a hug. "Nice to meet you," she said smiling.

"Nice to meet you too," I said and smiled back because I found something in her that I liked

"Sorry to stop you but I just wanted to make sure everything is okay. You know I saw you in class back there and I couldn't help, but want to make sure. Your conscience screams loud and clear." she babbled. 

"Oh yeah, everything is fine. Just a bad dream. Nothing really." I remarked recalling what she was talking about. "I don't mean to be rude, but I'm kind of in a rush right now. I have to get home." I apologized.

"Oh! Okay, I totally understand. Although, I should be the one apologizing. See you tomorrow!" she waved at me and walked away.

I was glad she didn't ask any questions. Once again I turned around thinking that I was going to be made to turn around again, but to my surprise, I was the one to call out.

"Alaine!" I shout out waiting for her to turn around. "Hey, thanks...thanks for asking!"

"No prob! Bye!"

"Bye!" I waved.

I walked all the way home happily. Alaine could be just the friend I need. She could be the one. I thought and went inside my house. I looked around and didn't see anyone. I took a deep breath and went into the kitchen to get some food. As I was in the middle of making my ham sandwich I heard someone sobbing. I couldn't think of anyone that it might have been. I followed the sound and traced it into a dark room. I slowly opened it and saw a man cradling himself.

"Dad?".....