Annalise

Chapter 21: Suicide

TRIGGER WARNING:
This chapter will contain talk about suicide.

"Building H212 is what it says on the paper," I concluded, holding it up for Hayley to see.

"Oh, sorry, I thought it said G212," she murmured, pulling on her long sleeves with her eyes averted to the floor.

"No worries," I lightly smiled, although she wasn't able to see it with her head bowed down.

We walked into the open classroom, viewing all the desks that were in pairs and rows down. A short, lean-built man was standing at the board, in front of the class. He had on a white collar shirt, a blue tie, and khaki pants.

"Hello, Mr. Luthra," I greeted, a grin on my face.

He looked up from the clipboard in his hands, "I didn't notice that people were coming in. You're a little early but that's good. Nice to meet you," he voiced in an ecstatic tone, sticking his hand out for me to shake.

I instantly heard an accent roll off his tongue, my best bet was Indian. I grasped his hand lightly, he had a firm handshake while I just had a soft one.

"Annalise Saint," I happily told him, meeting his charcoal eyes so I wouldn't seem awkward.

He was about forty years old, with slight wrinkles around his dark brown skin and a set of pearly white teeth with thick black hair.

"Who's your friend?" He asked in pure curiosity, checking me as present for attendance.

Hayley's sight lifted from the white tiles, meeting Mr. Luthra's eyes for a brief moment. "My name is Hayley Prescott," she said, her words almost inaudible.

Haha, she didn't deny me being her friend!

Probably because she doesn't want to talk any more than she has to, my dark self rolled its eyes.

He wedges his clipboard between his arm and the side of his body, holding it there as he stuck out his hand again.

"Nice to meet you, Hayley," he softly smiled, his voice knocking down on his thrilled mood.

She landed her brown eyes on his hand, then back to him, shaking her head in rejection. He lowered his arm sheepishly, quickly glancing at the clock in his room.

"Well, look at the time, class will start soon. You girls can take a seat," he said, extending his hand to the front desk.

"Okie dokie," I agreed, lessening the awkwardness that was freely exposed.

I ambled towards the two seats. Just as I was slipping into the grey chair, a voice reached my ears. "Can you sit with me in the back?"

I turned my head up to see Hayley, her hair was pulled out of her face with a sleek ponytail. She was still sporting baggy sweats, sneakers, and a black large sweater hovered over her small chest.

"Gladly," I marched with her down the row, sitting at the very last seat.

Distant chatter takes place with the teacher and incoming students. I turned my face to the side, staring up at Hayley, moments after directing a few warm smiles at some peers. The continuous tapping of nails against a solid desk gained my attention, and I was very observant of the anxious behavior. I lowered my sight onto the bitten, chipped nails of my newest friend.