Unrequited

Chapter One: The New Kid

I stared at myself in the mirror and wished I could change my appearance. My long, black hair hung straight, mid-way down my back, lifeless and lacking volume. My ivory complexion greatly contrasted to the colour of my hair, and I hated it. 

I wanted to be tanned, just like most of the girls at my school. I didn't have freckles, so I couldn't even pass off the "adorable" look, which was another reason I was dissatisfied with my appearance. It was just that no matter how much time I spent in the sun, I was still extremely pale. 

My blood red lips stood out against the white, and so did my large, almond-shaped, piercing-blue eyes. I was tall, even for a seventeen year old girl. Heck, I was taller than half the boys at my school, standing at six feet. 

I didn't have an overly feminine build, as I found that no matter how little exercise I did, I was well-toned, having a mesomorphic body, and though I didn't like to admit it, I was extremely strong and fast for someone who did as little exercise as I.

I pulled on my royal blue and white checked school dress and my royal blue blazer, and left my bedroom, walking through the house quietly. 

My brother Joshua was still asleep, and I had no desire to wake him, as he generally was not a morning person. Josh was not my blood relative, but almost three years ago he had adopted me into his care, and as he was only two and a half years older than me, we found it easier to tell everyone we were brother and sister, mainly to avoid the questions, but also because he and I had a sibling-like relationship. Being totally honest, if I could create a perfect brother, it would be Josh. He was such a gentle and caring guy, and I loved him with all my heart. I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world.

After I had slipped on my black leather school shoes, I crept out the front door, making sure to shut it quietly behind me, and then walked down the driveway. The cobblestone path was clean as usual, and the garden was thriving, flowers of every colour and species dotting the green grass. Josh had a real love of the garden, and each weekend he and I usually spent a few hours in the garden, making sure it stayed free of weeds and keeping the flower bushes trimmed down.

Leaving behind our house, I crossed the road, already finding myself outside the gates of my high school. The school was literally just across the road from where I lived, which is why Josh chose it. He had an obsession with keeping me safe, and I knew it was no coincidence that I attended a school so close to home. 

Students were already milling around the school yard, and many stopped to greet me or waved from a distance. Being popular wasn't like in the stereotypical high school dramas. Everyone knew me and most people liked me, but I wasn't a celebrity to them.

I walked through an alley between two buildings, taking a shortcut to my locker rather than walking all the way around the school yard. I was halfway through when I saw him. He stood at the other end of the narrow alley, grinning at me. He was shorter than me, though still fairly tall, around 5'11". His short, dark brown hair was wet from the shower, and his uniform was flawless, tailored to his exact form and height. He was arrogant and cocky, the captain of the football team, the richest boy in school, and I absolutely loathed him.

Oh! And, he was my boyfriend.

"Kill me," I muttered under my breath, pasting a fake smile on my face and waving at him.

The only reason we dated was because everyone told us we were perfect together, and it kind of made sense. Besides, I didn't like anyone else, and there was no reason why I shouldn't date him.

"Meridian!" he called out to me. I scowled, but kept walking forwards to join him. I stood before him, and he smiled at me again. "Hey, baby," he whispered, making me roll my eyes. I couldn't believe he thought I actually liked him.