Faerie Wings

Chapter 1

My eyes fluttered open taking in the dark room, my nose filled with the slightly musty scent of the basement. My lungs filled with the cool damp air and I could feel the lumpy mattress underneath me. The old bed creaked as I shifted, curling into the fetal position. Every one of my senses reassured me that I was in fact in my room, yet I felt foreign, like an intruder.

The small alarm blared, proudly announcing that it was now 4 am. Time to get to work. I quickly dressed in worn skinny jeans and a flannel shirt. I quietly loaded the washer and made my way upstairs to the dining room to start.

Every day was the same, wake up, clean, go to school, come home, clean, then go to sleep. All the while wishing for a way out. But that wouldn't happen, this is not some fairy tale. Sighing I finished my chores and grabbed my backpack out of the front closet. It was half a mile from here to my school so I really needed to hurry.

Upon arriving, I was greeted with a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. I kid you not, Dennis Wilks just walks up with violets and truffles. Keep in mind Dennis is the future valedictorian and super cute.

"Hey, Dennis?" I said in a questioning tone.

"Oh, hi. Uhm Hallie right?"

"No, Juniper, actually." I said blushing. What?!? He's cute. Anyway, he grinned down at me and awkwardly shoved the chocolates and flowers in my direction.

"Could you give these to your step sister Bree for me?" I felt me smile drop ever so slightly, yet I held it firmly in place. Its not his fault I have a huge crush on him, or that he would choose Bree over me. Who in their mind wouldn't? Have you ever seen Bree Johnston? No? Well lets just say she would make the most stunning models weep.

I gritted my teeth and swallowed my pride. "Yeah, absolutely. No problem at all."

"Thanks, your a great friend, Hallie." He said before walking into the building. Ever wanted to stab someone repeatedly with a rusty fork? Yeah, just wondering. Anyway, after waiting a couple minutes I made my way into the school and found my stepsister. As usual she was surrounded by her cronies, picking on some poor defenseless 8th grader. Oh, Bree, why? Just why?

"Bree," I shouted over their laughter as the little girl ran down the hall, sobbing. She turned to me and got this look in her eye. It was the look that made you want to shrivel up and die, one that sent grown men crying for their mommies. It was the look that let you know Bree was about to completely and utterly humiliate you. And, it was one I know all to well. Before she could say a word I held up the violets and said, "These are from Dennis," and shoved the chocolates in her outstretched hands. She squealed and began OMGing with her cronies. I took the chance to escape and hurried to my homeroom.

As usual, I was the second one in class, the first being the teacher. Mr Sullivan was roughly 23, fresh out of college. You'd have to be blind not to see that he was a hunk. I mean seriously, Mr Sullivan looked like he belonged in a boyband. Yeah, that adorable. "Hey, Junie B. whats up?" He implored while simultaneously teasing me with my ridiculous nickname. I stuck out my toungue at him and plopped down in me seat.

"Oh you know, the usual. Planning world domination while dealing with the drama that comes with being in high school." I answer casually, propping my feet up on the desk across the isle. He walked around his desk and sat down on my desktop. "Mr Sullivan?"

"Yes?" He drawled.

"You forgot to shave this morning." I answered smiling up at him. Immediately, his hand rubbed his jaw, almost self consously.

"I was going for the scruffy look," he pouted. I laughed and shook my head. After a couple of seconds he was about to say something, but was cut off by the warning bell. Teenagers began pouring in and Mr Sullivan went back to his desk. First hour bell rung and I plopped my head onto my desk.

^^^^^.^^^^

After four grueling hours lunch had finally arrived. Finally I could get away from people. I swear, this is one of the best periods I had. Currently, I was in one of my favourite places, under the maple tree that grew behind the school. I was laying by the base of the tree looking at the branches when someone poked me in the ribs. Unvoluntarily, I let lose a small squeal and shot up, glaring at the tall dark headed boy looming over me. "Whadda ya want, Ash?"

"To talk to ya, obviously." He said with a duh tone and plopping down next to me. I rolled my eyes and laid down again, only to have him grab my sides.

"You wouldn't dare," I said darkly. He grinned down at me with an evil glint in his eye.

"Oh but June, I most definately would." He muttered, just as darkly. I rolled my eyes and harrumphed, still refusing to look directly at him. He smiled at me evilly and moved his fingers slightly. I giggled once before glaring at him.

"Stop," I warned, but that only encouraged him. As he wiggled his fingers I squealed and thrashed around, even managing to kick him in his family jewels. He groaned and rolled off me, landing to my side and clutching his genitalia.

"Fuck, June. What was that for?!?" He gasped.

Laughing, I answered. "I warned you." He swore a little more before sitting up and looking back towards the school.

"Taylor and them are coming outside, you want me to leave?" He asked, suddenly growing serious.

"Nah, I think I can handle them. Do you want to leave?" I answered after chewing my lip for a while.

"To late, they're coming over here," he answered almost sadly.