looking for attention (clifford)

chapter two

- michael -

The bell rang for first period - chemistry. My favourite subject... Not.

We'd spent weeks learning about protons and neutrons and other weird things. Seriously, why the fuck would I care about how atoms form bonds and whatever else?

I gathered up my text books and slammed my locker shut; rolling my eyes in the process. I really need to stop doing that, it's a bad habit. I just can't seem to make myself care. It's not like I'm gonna be a scientist when I'm older, so what's the point?

I strolled along the corridor, shuffling past the younger years while they hurriedly rushed off to lessons. Ugh, kids are so annoying. They're so chirpy and eager. It's unnatural.

The second bell rang signalling that lessons had already started. Shit, now I'm definitely gonna be late. Not that I'm too fussed, I'd just rather not get another detention. Mum will go mad.

"Mr. Clifford, would you like to explain to the class why you're late?" My chemistry teacher, Mr. Fray, pounced on me as soon as I entered the classroom.

"People got in my way." I shrugged.

"That's no excuse, Michael."

"Really? Maybe you should get off your arse and take a look outside - the kids are going wild out there." I spat, earning a few chuckles from my peers.

I smirked, feeling proud that I had made the class laugh.

"That's it! You'll be attending after-school detention for the next two weeks, perhaps that will teach you to mind your language." He issued me a slip for bad behaviour.

I scoffed, shoving past him and plonking down on my usual seat next to my best friend, Calum.

"Dude, what was that?" He whispered.

Cal and I had met during primary school. We were neighbours for years but never really spoke to each other, until one day his parents' car broke down so Mum offered him a ride to school. On the way there, All Time Low's new song came on the radio and we both started singing along - that was where our friendship began, I guess. We've been inseparable ever since that day, especially since we found that we actually have quite a few things in common - the three main ones being pizza, football and, obviously, music.

"He pisses me off." I replied evenly, scribbling the date and lesson title into my book.

"Everyone pisses you off." He chuckled quietly.

This was true. Well, everyone except Calum.

"Whatever." I muttered.

The rest of the lesson went by painfully slowly. Mr. Fray picked on me for almost all the questions - and Calum got in trouble because he tried to whisper the answers to me. I felt pretty bad about that. I know I suck at school but I don't want to drag my best mate down with me. Despite him being my friend, Calum actually cares a hell of a lot about his education. Way more than I do, anyway.

The deafening ring of the school bell signalled the end of class. I cheered silently whilst packing away my things and slung my worn-out rucksack over my shoulder. Finally, I'd get half an hour all to myself. Plus, I'd get to see her.

We walked out into the blazing hot sunshine; sitting down in our usual spot on the sports field.

"The blonde streaks are so awesome, though." Calum almost squealed.

We were currently having an in-depth discussion on Jack Barakat's new hair.

"I'm not saying they aren't! I just prefer Alex." I shrugged.

Alex Gaskarth is my absolute hero. If someone asked me who my celebrity crush was; I'd say him. He is the king of pop-punk.

"Yeah, Alex is pretty rad, too." He nodded, taking a swig from his water bottle.

It wasn't long before all the other students were joining us on the field. Well, they weren't exactly joining us. To be honest, an awful lot of them were keeping their distance. I sighed, nobody wants to sit with the outcasts. Calum and I exchanged knowing glances while the 'populars' whispered and giggled obnoxiously. Jerks.

I reached inside my rucksack and pulled out a notepad and pen. I would never call myself a songwriter, but sometimes lyrics just come to you when you least expect them and you have to write them down straight away. I do, anyway, because I'm sure to forget in the next three minutes. I opened up a clean page and started to write

- Break time. Sports field -

Why does the sun still shine

Thoughts clouding up my empty mind

Caring is a waste of time

Since no one sees my dented pride, oh

Please someone answer me

Just give me what I need

I re-read the words over and over, feeling an unsatisfied expression settle on my face. Those lyrics sounded way better in my head. Fuck this, I'm such a failure.

I tore out the page, scrunched it up in a ball, and tossed it over my head.

"Litter bug." A soft voice spoke behind me, followed by a quiet giggle.

I turned around sharply, ready to respond with a sarcastic comment, until my brain processed who the voice belonged to.

"Oh, hi Hailey."