Once I made it into the hallway, the voices faded just a little. But they were still there; persistent whispers begging for attention. I leaped into a sprint, running quicker than I even thought was possible (for me, at least.) I didn't pay attention to where I was going, I just needed to get away. The farther from the cafeteria I got, the more the voices faded...by the time I made it to the grassy area beside the Math and Science building, everything was mercifully quiet. I guess this is where I will spend lunch now.
I sank to the ground, and pulled my knees into my chest, cradling my head in my hands. Why me? Why doesn't this happen to other people, like Kelly, or Beth, or anybody else? And why on this day of all days- why my birthday?
Maybe they're connected, somehow. Maybe this new "gift" (burden) came because it's my birthday. Or maybe I'm just a freak of nature and I should be hanged. Yeah, that's a possibility. Hey, everybody! Get your torches and your pitchforks, and meet me at Lucy Evers house! Yeah, I heard she can read minds and trip over flat surfaces! Monsters like her deserve death!
I laughed at the mental image of all the people in our town gathering together around my house, like a scene from Frankenstein. As if. The people of this town can't even go to a football team without getting into an argument, much less plan a get-together to kill a mind-reading nerd. So I guess I'm safe.
The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. I jumped to my feet due to instinct, and then paused before re-entering the building. I contemplated my new problem- if I went inside I would have to see people. I mentally shuddered at the thought of all of those voices in my head. But if I stay out here I'll get in trouble for skipping, and I do not want that blot on my clean record.
So, bracing myself, I turned the handle, and walked through the double doors, and stepped into the crowded hallway, and...and..
And nothing. No voices, no headaches. How anticlimatical. I sighed in relief, and allowed my self to relax...
I shrieked, and had to put my hand on the wall to keep myself from falling to my knees in pain. The voices were back. This doesn't make any sense...why did they wait until-
Ewe, how did this get in my locker?- Ugh, my mom is calling me. -OMG! A MAGAZINE!- I have football pract-
I allowed my self to relax? Wait! That's probably why-
after school today.- I need a new phone! -What a loser! -I feel kind of bad for-
I can't think. What was I thinking about? Oh yeah...I struggled against the tide of voices to keep my focus. I was thinking about why the voices are just now coming. It's because I let my guard down! That's it! I just need to keep my "wall" up, and the voices will stay out!
It was a lot of strain to keep the wall up, but atleast I didn't have to deal with all of those voices.
Sixth period is by far my favorite class; Art. I've always loved sketching and painting, and our totally eccentric teacher makes things even better. Picture a stereotypical 70's hippy, and boom, you got a spot on mental image of Mrs. Story. On Fridays, she let's us have a free day to sketch, paint, or sculpt "whatever our hearts tell us to," while she plays 60's-70's music and tells us about her life.
I walked over to the table I had to myself, since there was an odd number of people, and everyone else had partnered up before I could even find someone friendly to sit with. That was fine with me, because I actually prefer working alone. I began unpacking my supplies, but looked up when I heard a familiar voice. My breath caught in my throat.
There he was. Kalani. Talking to Mrs. Story. Ohmygod! He has this class, too! Should I talk to him? Well, duh. I'm not a chicken! Well, actually, I am a chicken, but...
