Not Quite Sure Yet

Chapter 3

Dear Joey,

The alarm woke me at seven. I dressed all in black, I put in all my piercings, and made sure all my tattoos were on show. If that won't scare them off, I don't know what will. I ruffled my dark hair, making it messier than usual. I put on my oldest pair of worn black boots. My leather jacket was so loved it was fading in colour. I did everything I could to discourage any type of human interaction all day. I didn't want them to speak to me, I wanted them to be scared. Not because I like being scary, or get a thrill from the fear. No, because I need to protect them. From me, from the poison that I leak into everyone I know. If you think about it, I'm just being considerate.

Mom raised her eyebrows at my appearance, but simply placed a bowl of cereal in front of me. I shook my head and grabbed an apple, the idea of putting the milky slop into my mouth nearly causing me to gag. Moms eyes rolled. "Really, Cole? Your going to fight about breakfast?"

I snorted. Of course not.

"No mom, I'm not going to fight about breakfast. Because I am having an apple. Unless you want me to vomit that sludge straight back again all over your new work tops?" She grinned and patted my shoulder.

"See, that's the Cole I love. Always winning the fucking arguments." Snorting, I threw the apple core in the bin, and stood up. I bent down to press a kiss to her cheek, grinning when she beamed. That's the thing, Joey. She just loves any show of affection. Such a bloody girl.

I grabbed my keys on the way out of the door, slamming it behind me. I threw a leg over the bike and started it running robotically, already dreading the feeling of routine I had felt. God. Routine, what a fucking drag.  I sped through the street of perfect houses and perfect families, receiving many disgusted looks as I went, that I responded to with a smirk. I hoped that they took in the view, it's probably the first semi fun thing to happen here for centuries. When I pulled into the parking lot, I took the space nearest the school, well aware that it had probably already been claimed by some jock. Doesn't bother me, jerk can park somewhere else for a day.

The receptionist looked scared when she asked for my name, Joey. That made me sad, that by coming to school on a motorbike and inking my body I had already scared someone into stuttering her words. But then again, that was the plan right? Scare them into not caring. Sure it's bitter, wrong and ridiculous, but it's the plan. So it shall go on.

I had homeroom first. Apparently it was in room 45, which was run by Miss Benton. The class was small, reflecting the size of the school. I ignored the stares and threw myself into a seat at the back, in the corner. They carried on staring, of course. I tell you Joey, they need a bloody life. I wedged my earphones in and drowned them out, glad I had a few more minutes before the teacher was due to arrive. I saw a girl sat in the opposing corner looking me. I mean, everyone was looking at me, but she didn't look curious or awed like the rest, she just looked bored. As I was. It was odd, Joe. Like she was reflecting my expression in those dark eyes. I tore my face away when a flurry of movement caught my eye, and a young woman entered hurriedly. I took my earphones out and gave her my full attention as she started her laptop up for attendance. Miss Benton was smiley, chatting to students happily as she organized herself. In other words, she made me want to vomit.

A few names down, she reached me, searching the room for a kid she hadn't seen before. I raised my arm, with a bored expression on my face.

"Ah, the new student." Girls giggled and stared, and guys snickered and joked. "I hope you settle in well here." I nodded curtly, which prompted another round of giggles. Jesus, why do girls giggle so much, Joey? It's just not funny. God. Miss looked annoyed at my lack of answers.

"Would you like to introduce yourself?" She prompted, keeping that smile plastered on her face.

I cleared my throat. "I have a feeling I don't have a choice in that, Ma'am." I smirked at the flush that rose to her cheeks when I stared her directly in the eye. Stupid hormonal woman.