Alice and Persephone

Chapter 4

The day had finally arrived. One week had passed since enrolment, and it was time for me to go to sixth form. I'd had a fitful night, my sleep plagued with nightmares. I felt drained, but at least it meant I was wide awake when my morning alarm sounded.

I was the first to wake up; Dad was still sound asleep. After a stress-free morning ritual, I fixed myself a coffee and sat on the sofa, sipping the bitter brew while watching the local news. It was pretty boring, nothing seemed to be happening apart from a youth fundraiser at the church, and an ongoing investigation into a motorcycle crash. From what I could gather, it seemed like there was some debate about who caused it.

I sighed. Small towns were so boring. The only good thing was the surrounding countryside. Living in the city, I'd missed seeing greenery everywhere.

"Good morning, sweet pea." Dad mused sleepily, leaning against the doorframe. His salt-and-pepper hair was sticking out in every direction. "You're up early."

I nodded. "Couldn't sleep." I checked the time. I still had a little while, but I hated waiting around. "I'm gonna go now. I'll see you later, Dad."

He frowned as I darted past him towards the door. "Have a great first day at sixth form."

I slung my satchel over my shoulder. "Yeah, I'll try." I slipped out of the door and started on my way towards the school. Before I realised it, I'd arrived.

Teens streamed into the gates from every direction, chattering animatedly amongst themselves. I ducked my head and slipped anonymously through the crowd, before realising I didn't know where to go. My paperwork had said I'd be in class 6A. In hindsight, I should have asked where I was supposed to go back on enrolment day.

I sighed, realising I'd have to ask someone for directions. I noticed the chirpy receptionist from before. She smiled as I walked over.

"Good morning! How can I help?"

I tried to keep my eyes focused anywhere but on her.

"I'm not sure where I'm meant to go. My paperwork says I'm in class 6A?"

She beamed from behind the desk.

"What a coincidence! My niece is in that class!" She scribbled down some directions and sent me on my way. I trailed behind a group of chattering girls, eventually coming to the door marked 'Room F13'. I braced myself for a moment before pushing it open.

People milled about in the room, chatting amongst themselves. I tried to avoid making eye contact with anyone as I made my way to the most inconspicuous seat, on the back row, furthest from anyone else. My moment of quiet didn't last, however, as a familiar energetic face barrelled in, followed by his quiet companion. Liam's eyes immediately met mine.

"Sephy!" He shouted, and they both made a beeline for me. Liam took up residence on the desk beside mine, while Damian took the other seat at my desk, beside me.

"How have you been? Haven't heard from you since enrolment day." Liam said energetically, putting his feet up on the chair in front of him. The mousey-haired girl sat beside it flinched.

"I've been hanging out with a local band. They rehearse near my place."

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me," He paused, noticing someone walk through the door. His face changed to an expression that said, 'how convenient'. I followed his gaze and found myself looking at Alex and Adam, the drummer and guitarist from the band.