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Chapter Nine - Avery

Ok, how about now

Mondays. I really do hate Mondays. I usually stay up late on the weekends, watching crime shows and eating junk. Monday is a shock to the system, even after 15 years of this. That's what I contemplate as I get ready for school grudgingly, pulling out books and clothes. I seriously shouldn't stay up until 12'o'clock, but it's my thing. Other kids to out on dates, to the mall, the movies, theme parks, the beach. I stay in all night, being a loner. At least I have Serial Crime, gummy bears and my imagination to comfort me. Darn it, where's my brush?

"Caster! Have you seen my brush?" I yell down the stairs, stepping out of the bathroom. "Yes miss, I believe it's on your reading chair. May I remind you that you have 20 minutes to get to school?" Darn, he better be kidding. I find my brush, drag through my knots, throw on a red sweater, some rings, some bracelets, a watch, grab my bag and race out of my room, slamming the door.

Of course, the stairs just refuse to let me get off the 2nd floor alive. I trip over nothing, and tumble down the stairs, my books spilling out of my bag and my hair going frizzy. I end up lying on my stomach on the bottom step, my legs askew. That was elegant. I right myself and re pack my bag. There's a bunch of notes and a bagel on the bench. I stuff the money in my wallet, grab the bagel and throw a good bye over my shoulder to Caster. Monday's off to a great start (note sarcasm).

I've always ridden my bike to school. I love the feeling of the wind rushing past you, and the fact that I'm making my own way to school. I cruise into the school, and lock up my bike. Here we go, back to school.

I really do hate Mondays.

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As I settle into Form, Mr Baxley announces there is a new student in our class, and stresses that he is not new, just changed classes. I sit up: I never pass up an opportunity to make new friends, seeing as I have none. Mr Baxley opens the door and ushers in a black-haired boy with blue eyes. "Uh hm, everyone, this is Colin." Mr Baxley interrupts my thoughts. I examine Colin. He is wearing a short sleeved t shirt and jeans with Converse. He screams rich kid, only very subtly though. He seems confident but easily scared, an introverted extrovert. It sounds weird, but it takes one to know one. There's also something not quite right with him. WHAT IS HES A SERIAL KILLER?! Avery, seriously girl, you watch too much Serial Crime. You and your imagination, honestly, it's weird.

He's talking to Mr Baxley, and nods. He then walks toward the desks, comes toward me. I look straight ahead at the board, and sense him sitting down next to me. "Hi," he says, turning to me as Mr Baxley rambles on about some random assembly. "I'm Colin, what's your name?"

"Um, I'm Avery. Nice to meet you"

"Nice to meet you too." Cue awkward silence. "Umm, what classes do you have?"

"I've got Art, French, HPE and GT" I said, checking my schedule. Colin checks his and says "Me too, with the Art anyways. Listen, you seem nice, so do you want to be friends?"

I'm shocked. No one has EVER wanted me as a friend before, and when I say never, I mean it. I'm a rich loner who literally consumes books. No joke. I gape at him. "Er, what are you looking at?" Colin turns around and looks at the wall behind him. "Nothing! Nothing, just nothing... Um, sure. We can be friends." I try to smile, but I think I look mental. "Great," the bell rings, "see you later!" He stands and walks away. I just sit there like an idiot.

I finally have a friend.

I look at my timetable. Argh, I have HPE next. Kill me now, please. Just kill me now.