Second chances

Chapter 1

       ▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪HEADS UP: - MEANS DIALOG, ITALIC MEANS THOUGHT▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪

-Everyone, let's take a minute to introduce ourselves to all the new students. No giggles, I know most of you have been in the same class since kindergarten, but let's give a chance to the new seniors to get to know us.
Few students were to talk before her. Some dude named Roger, a pretty girl named Natasha, Robert, Mia....
-Hello, my name is Natalie, At least so I've been told, I'm 17 and I'm into physics, languages and theatre. At least that's what those people said earlier. I'd be more than thrilled to show you around the school, despite the fact these halls remind me of nothing.
She smiled slightly before retaking her seat. She could feel the eyes on her, burning the back of her skull and the surface of her skin. They knew. They all knew. But what did they know? Definitely more than I do.
    It's unbelievable how much can change in a single summer. Less than in a summer actually. In a matter of weeks. Days. Seconds. It had all been a blur. The car saw the motorcycle too late. Maybe the driver was drunk. These were simply unimportant, minor details.
-Natalie, do you have a minute?
-Sure, miss,-she smiled.
-Just wanted you to know you have my full support throughout this situation. The head teacher told me about your,-she interupted the teacher.
-I appreciate your kindness miss, but it won't be necessary. I'm perfectly fine. I do not mean to be rude but I have to hurry to the next class. Smile, wave and leave. At least I still remember how that is done. People kept smiling and waving at her down the halls, and she'd smile back due to manners. I wonder how many of them know. I wonder how many of them I know. I wonder how many of them know me.
-Hey, there's my favourite genius!-a beautiful girl approached her. She hugged her tightly, while it took her a moment to respond.
-Hi....Rebecca, right?
-Yup,-she smiled, breaking the hug,-your best friend. Right. One of the numerous things about my past I can't remember. Natalie smiled back politely.
-So, urm....where are you heading to?
-We have maths together this period. C'mon,you don't wanna be late!-Rebecca pulled her by the sleeve of the shirt and dragged her through the halls all the way to the classroom. Is she always that vivid? Has she always been like this? How good do I know her? She's always looking at me with those glassy blue eyes....like she is going through a memory on her head. A memory of us? Or is she waiting for a memory from me? Is it the second guess, it makes it the both of us, miss Rebecca.
The day was finally over as she waited outside for her ride. In a matter of minutes, a car stopped in front of her feet. This is the man who claimed to be my dad. A child would never forget his parents, would he? Apparently, yes....
-Hey pumpkin, how was your day?
Oh no. Not that sad little smile again.
-It was great, dad, fake a smile, pretend you know him. Pretend to remember. She hugged him all of a sudden, an artificially natural hug. If you can't remember it, fake it.
-Get in the car sweetie, let's go home.
She nodded.
-Yeah....home....as if that word would make any difference.