Don't Hesitate

Chapter VIII

I put up a picture of what I think looks like, except with a more honey-brownish hair color and vibrant hazel eyes. ^_^ (It's the beautiful Taylor Marie Hill) 

Eight

"I don't know the answer to that," I say irritably as I talk to my cousin Jesse on the phone, who decided it was a good idea to actually do his spring break homework on the first day back. "Why didn't you ask me to help you with your homework when I was there?"

"I don't know, I was really excited you were here that I forgot!" He whines. I sigh. I get out of my car and make my way to the school entrance. Although I tell him I don't know the answer to these questions, he bombards me with more chemistry questions.

"I don't know," I say, for the tenth time, trying not to laugh. I should be more annoyed than I actually am but the panic in Jesse's voice is worth it.

"You're the smart one here! Help me!"

I notice that no one is giving me the usual greetings of waves and 'Hi's" as I walk down the halls. Rather, people are staring at me-- sympathetically. "Jesse, you're on your own. I have to go now!" I remind him once more before I end the call, grateful that was over. I put my head down and rapidly make my way down the hall, just wanting to get to homeroom to escape the shameful stares.

Looking up while taking the last turn has got to be the biggest mistake I have ever made in my whole life.

I saw Alex. And I saw Jamie.

And they were holding hands. Alex leaning against a locker, swinging their arms playfully, smiling and talking to each other.

Then I hear laughter behind me. Everybody in the hallway turns to the voice, everything silent. Alessandra stands before me, a mischievous, smug look on her face.

"You really thought you were friends with us?" She sneers, crossing her arms against her chest. I notice Lily standing right behind her, shaking her head, obviously trying not to laugh. "Stupid," she whispers. A few people giggle.

"Honestly, Lauren, you think you just show up here with a new car and a face full of make up and be like the rest of us?"

I couldn't believe it. She was the one who asked me to join them. Why is she turning  against  me now?

"It's Laura..." I falter.

Alessandra looks at me like I was the dumbest thing she ever laid her eyes on. "My name is Laura," I repeat, firmer this time.

She laughs bitterly. "Who the hell cares? You think you can hang out with us and suddenly replace Jamie? With your awful singing and with you taking her ex-boyfriend?"

As if I wasn't in shock enough, that excuse was just shameful. I look around to see if anybody agreed with me but to my surprise, everyone still looked at me with pity. Ironic, because they were just laughing at me awhile ago. Looking around my eyes land to Alex and Jamie again.

Their once content selves were now trying to hide behind the other people. They were stiff, and their faces gave away guilt. Although I could still see them holding hands.

The two people in front of me who I actually loved. Both stabbing me in the back. Surprisingly, this is when the tears fell.

They were both shocked to see silent tears streaming down my face. Alex pushed Jamie aside so she can hide behind his back. For a second, I thought he was going to come over to comfort me, but Jamie grabbed a hold of his hand and pulled him back to her.