Turned Cold

•Chapter 1•

Bella and I strutted through the halls, her backpack with one strap hung over a shoulder, her head held high, her long legs striding across the waxed floors without so much as a glance to anyone else. While her aura was confident, and careless, mine contrasted.

My head hung low, my vision towards the polished tiles, posture slightly slumped, both straps of my backpack over my sagged shoulders, while I forcefully clutched onto them. The small but agile steps I took to escape the barely noticeable glances thrown my way.

Sometimes, I question myself on how we're even friends.

It's not that I lack of self-esteem, I just dislike being the source of attention. Keeping it on the down low, as they say. At times, I would notice a few others looking my way, and immediately feel uncomfortable with their gaze. I would reassure myself that they were looking past me.

Bella and I took the seat farthest from the front, to avoid the piercing eyes of Miss Geyer as she called attendance. I always dreaded my name being called, since people would question it every year.

"Layla Dangers," her monotonous voice called. I replied with a mumbled "here," and sunk down in my seat, shielding myself from their eyes. Some of the new students twisted their heads to stare at the girl with the ironic name, but of course they wouldn't know it was ironic since they were new. I gazed down at my lap, fiddling with my fingers while I waited until everyone was called.

"I really like your last name." Bella's chuckle distracted me from my thoughts. Bella's name is also slightly ironic. Her name is pretty feminine, and dare I say it; soft. Her personality said otherwise, of course.

"I don't. It doesn't even suit me," I told her. She looked at me with remembrance clear on her face. The look of realization coming in.

"It did one time," She mused quietly, but I had heard it loud and clear.

"Would you just forget about that! It-" She placed her hand on my shoulder, sending me an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, I forgot," She whispered. I kept quiet throughout the whole class, listening to the teacher go on about her expectations of our behaviors.

°°°

My eyes scanned my new locker, glad it wasn't soiled. I told Bella that I wanted to eat lunch alone for today. I planned on walking to the park around the corner, and remaining there until lunch is almost over, and run back.

I walked through the deserted sidewalk, passing by some dead end alleys. I gripped my peanut butter and jelly sandwich in one hand, and an apple in the other.

Once I got to the park, I cowered behind some trees, and saw the 'popular' group hanging out by the benches. They chatted and laughed without a care. My eyes then landed on Cole seated in the midst of people, his girlfriend on one side and his best friend, Chase in the other.

I pressed my mouth in a thin line as I scanned him. I know it's wrong to like someone who's in a relationship, but I can't help who I like. No matter how hard I try. It's near impossible. I could only hope to like a guy one day; someone I actually have a chance with.

I slid my back against the tree trunk, hoping ants would scram and not crawl down my shirt. The sounds of their joy still rang through my ears, but I ignored it and bit into my sandwich.

My other hand rested on the soft grass, having a desirable urge to rip it from the ground. I let my eyes scan the streets, seeing the occassional teenagers who either went out for lunch but coming back to school, or ditched.

I closed my eyes for a few moments, content with the peacefulness surrounding me. It was everything I could have asked for; peace. I focused on the wind blowing my face, and breathed deeply. Once I was done with my sandwich, I bit into my apple, some of its juices sliding down my chin and dropping onto my lap.