teach me to be bad, m. clifford

#1: new kid on the block

Picture: Florence

Being the new kid at school sucked, but being the new kid at school in a small town was just shit. Furthermore, I was transferring into my senior year. Friendships had already been shaped, boundaries were already laid out and enemies were formed.

The air conditioner was making a rattling noise that was reflecting the state of my nerves. I had been sitting in this uncomfortable plastic chair since the first period bell rang. There were a few other students around but I figured I was probably the only new one.

"Florence?" The office lady called my name out with a hint of prejudice. I swallowed loudly and stood up. Her eyes assessed me but I ignored the look as I walked over to the counter.

"It's a bit odd that you're transferring schools in your Senior Year." She said, the skepticism thick in her voice as if she didn't know why I was here. I rolled my shoulders back and just stared at her with a dull expression.

"Is there a law against it or something?" I asked in a bored manner.

"No, I just–" her cheeks were pink as I snatched the folder from the counter top.

"Thank you for your assistance." I said robotically before turning around and walked out. Once I was in the hallway I emptied the contains of the file. It was pretty mundane stuff; a student I.D, a copy of my schedule, a cafeteria menu for today, and a student conduct book.

I stood in the empty hallway and took a moment to collect myself. I shouldn't have snapped at the office lady. I'm sure she had heard the rumours. That wasn't her fault. It was someone else's entirely.

I inhaled slowly and exhaled, reminding myself that this was going to be hard either way. I should try make the best of the situation. I tightened my pony tail, brushed the strands of brown hair out of my face, and readjusted my back pack. I would get through the school year one way or another.

"Are you lost?" A voice broke me out of my silent pep-talk. I turned around slowly and realised this hallway wasn't as abandoned as I thought.

"No." I paused. "Yes. Kind of."

"You're not very decisive." The boys lip twitched in amusement. He was attractive if you were into the nice eyes and soft hair.

"It is a fatal flaw." I agreed half-heartedly. I wasn't very good with people. I didn't know if I should ask him where the Chem labs were or if he would offer to help.

"Well, good luck mapping out the school." He arched his eyebrow, waited a minute, then turned on his heels and began to walk in the opposite direction.

I gnawed on my lower lip. I was already late. I stepped towards the boy and before swallowing my pride.

"Wait," I didn't say it loudly but the hallway echoed. He stopped but he didn't turn. I could see his shoulders shaking with the silent laughter. "I just, could you – can you show me where the Chem Labs are? Please."