The Silver Lining

Chapter - 2 *Edited*

The halls were crowded with people, and the chaos was so perfect, like a movie. There was the couple that was always making out on the left side of the hall, and about ten feet farther down, the cliquey girls. There were the aerospace tech kids who never did anything but make paper airplanes and the fashion kids that wheeled mannequins and clothing racks down the halls. And then, there was me, who doesn't fit in any of those groups.

As I passed the lobby, I had to glance down to make sure I was still there; that I hadn't turned invisible.

Nope - still there.

I shook my head to clear away those negative thoughts. It was a good thing that the kids didn't want to talk to me. I didn't want to be remembered.

Attention had only brought me trouble in the past, so I did my best to dissolve into my surroundings, which were as bad as the students here.

The school hallway must have been designed by a manic depressive, either that or someone obsessed by grey. The teachers had done their bit, hanging posters in primary colours, yet the overall impression was of drabness.

I quickly reached towards my locker and opened it to place my heavy school bag inside. Then, I looked around, noticing everyone engrossed in a conversation with their friends.

As if they are actually friends, I mentally scoffed.

I shook my head and pulled out my math book. Suddenly, I felt someone's presence and my head snapped in their direction. I noticed a petite girl with brown hair standing behind me.

I lifted my eyebrow at her, and she gave me a nervous smile.

"Um, hello."

I glanced around but there was nothing unusual.

"I need notes of chemistry. Can you please give them to me?" she asked when I remained silent.

Really? Was she asking for my chemistry notebook? The subject I don't have this year, great!

I rolled my eyes and replied, "Do that prank with someone else. Leave."

Her jaw dropped. "How did you... I mean..."

I let out a frustrated sigh. "Just go."

"No," She quickly said in a strong voice and I furrowed my eyebrows.

"Look, this wasn't my idea." She let out breath and added, "It's my first day, and they kind of forced me to do this. I'm sorry for that. But you're so good. I mean you really caught me."

"They?" I asked, ignoring the other part.

Now, who the hell was 'they'? And what the f*** did they want from me?

"Um." She scratched the back of her head, probably regretting having such a big mouth. "I don't know their names. It's just, I was going towards my class, and they stopped me in the hallway. They were a group of three boys and two girls, looking badass. You know..." She blabbered and I rubbed my forehead in irritation.

I stopped her and said, "Just get to the point."

She blinked. "Yeah, so they asked me to talk to you and ask for any notebook. They said something about you being a freak, mute and crazy... But you're not mute..." Her eyes widened, realising her blabbering. "Shit, I'm sorry." She shook her head and mumbled, "I'm so stupid."

I just stared at her open-mouthed. My brain formulated no thoughts other than to register that I was shocked.

Mute?

I closed my mouth, then looked at her toes before glancing back up to catch her eye. "I think I'll go now," was all I could say.

"Listen..." She tried to say but I was already out of the room.

***

Now red, tear-rimmed eyes stared back at me, with watery streaks falling down my freckled face. I smoothed my now chaotic hair and wiped the tears from my cheeks, which were now blotchy and mottled. My whole face was now washed with a dull red, including the very end of my nose.

Get a grip on yourself!

This was the first time someone called me a freak instead of sexy, hot or beautiful. It was unexpected and I didn't handle the situation very well.

And mute?

Just because I don't like to talk to anyone, it doesn't mean I'm mute!

I had been in the bathroom for the past ten minutes, trying to control my emotions.

This was what I wanted, right? I didn't want anyone to talk to me so this was going according to my plan.

Then why the hell was it hurting like a bitch?

'Because now the tables have turned. You're not the one who is in control,' my inner voice taunted me.

I splashed my face with hot water and wiped it with the small towel in my pocket.

I was about to put on my glasses when I heard footsteps. I turned towards the door and noticed a tall blonde girl entering the bathroom. She was wearing a denim jacket with black tights. She narrowed her eyes at me and I quickly looked away, fixing my glasses on my face.

Then, I grabbed my cap and was about to wear it when I heard her laugh. I turned to face her and narrowed my eyes.

"You look great, so why make yourself a cartoon by wearing that old-fashioned cap?" She leaned towards the sink, crossing her arms.

"Because I don't want to get sick," I shrugged without sparing her another glance and pulled on the cap.

"Ah, please. It's just starting to get cold," She straightened up and looked around. "Anyways, why were you crying?"

"Excuse me?" I snapped, getting irritated by her. I was looking like a mess, and it wasn't hard to guess the reason behind it however it wasn't her business.

Now, if you think about it, this was something unusual. Since I joined this school, I never talked to anyone. Nothing more than a greeting to a fellow classmates. Eventually they stopped trying when they realized my antisocial behavior. But today two girls approached me and even talked to me.

Yeah, their reasons were different or maybe the same?

"Woah, I was just trying to help you." She held her hand in mock surrender.

"I didn't ask for your help," I hissed.

Calm down.

"I know, but you need it."

I took a deep breath and said, "Look, I'm already having a bad day, so please stop whatever games you guys are playing."

"Hey, I'm genuinely trying to help you. Trust me, I don't even know what you're talking about." She took a step towards me. "Tell me, what's wrong?" She offered me a small smile.

I stared at her and saw the honesty in her eyes. I knew she was telling the truth, but still, I couldn't trust her.

I quickly shook my head and walked outside.

This is the effect of your reckless decisions. You can't even trust anyone without having doubts.

I always considered myself a person who could judge anyone by their expressions, but I was so wrong.

The person to whom I trusted most was the one who broke everything.

*****

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