The World As We Know It

Chapter One

I knew I would miss the bus. Somehow, even before I caught a glimpse of the white bus adorned with the school's logo, I had the sinking feeling that I wouldn't make it. In fact, despite the ungodly heat and general pain, I jogged up the hill trying to make sure I didn't miss it. Every step on the sun-bleached asphalt sent stabs of pain from my ankles to my knees, but I was determined to not be late. However, while I was taking a moment to rest, the shuttle sped past me. I watched in horror, realizing that I was most definitely going to be late to class. With a groan, I marched across the parking lot and plopped down in front of the blue and white sign signifying the bus stop. I would be late to class, but it was better than not showing up at all.

As the minutes ticked by, I distracted myself by watching the groundskeeper plant flowers around the flagpole. I never cared for roses, but I found the dark blue color intriguing. Almost black, the roses overshadowed the other flowers, drawing the eye like a moth to flame. How strange. I never knew how beautiful darkness could be...

A sharp pain in my knee caused me to yelp, snapping me from my trance. The culprit paused, looking over his shoulder with distaste. I recognized him as one of my classmate in Algebra, and I couldn't help but glare menacingly. This was the guy who commented on how lazy I was when he learned I was exempt from all Wellness classes. While I didn't expect him to understand what Fibromyalgia was, I did expect him to mind his own damn business, and I made it perfectly clear that I thought so.

"You can't even be bothered to stand. What makes you think anyone will hire someone as lazy as you?"

I scoffed. Did he think this was high school?

Sneering, he knelt, his face inches away from my face,

"You realize how worthless you are, don't you? I could do anything I wanted, and no one would care." He gestured in a circle. "Nobody would blink an eye, even in broad daylight."

Fists clenched, I forced myself to stand. He wasn't wrong if I was going to honest. His family founded the college I went to and, as that family's heir, could get away with almost anything. In fact, there were rumors that he had sexually assaulted a girl in the Fieldhouse locker room and nobody did anything. The girl ended up transferring, and he continued to prowl the campus like nothing had happened.

"Fuck off, Blake."

He chuckled.

"You know, I do like a girl with spunk. It's more fun"

I didn't like the glint in his eyes when he reached towards me, and I took a step back, hitting the warm metal of the sign. With a snicker, he grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him. I tried to resist, but his grip was like steel and I struggled helplessly as he kissed me. Biting him had no affect other than a stifled laugh, and I felt tears welling in my eyes. I was going to end up like that nameless girl. Desperate, I pleaded for a savior. To my surprise, my prayers were answered.

A voice called Blake's name, calm but threatening. Blake paused, releasing me long enough to find the source only to be confronted by a tall man in a black suit. Unnaturally pale, the man scowled down at the dark-haired boy before speaking in a dark, melodic voice.

"She isn't yours."

Blake huffed, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Why does it matter? Nobody cares about her. She's just some stupid, lazy brat."

I was too stunned to give an angry retort. This man had the most unnatural eyes I had ever seen. Crimson in color, they were the inhuman eyes of a predator. It reminded me of an animal contemplating whether to hunt a rabbit after eating a large meal. The thought of being someone's prey terrified me, and I remained frozen to the spot as they talked.