Imperium

Chapter 1

I look at the clock.

I watch as every second passes in what seems faster than the last. 

Every minute that passes shorter than the one before it. I look away from the clock, returning my gaze back to the ground.

Students all around me, with smiles across their faces as they watch the clock's hand move. Students asleep and some on the brink of sleep, they watch as the teacher's mouth moves, their eyes continually looking at the clock.

A thwack sound cuts through the air like a knife. My head shoots up to look at my teacher, her piercing eyes on me, her gaze doesn't waver as her jaw tightens. Her hand still holding the duster she had jammed on the board.

"Why don't you answer that one for us, Shaun," Miss Bellum hisses.

I run my hand through my hair and purse my lip whilst looking around the class. All eyes are now on me. I look back at my teacher before pinching the bridge of my nose. My palms sweat, my knees knock against each other. My gaze continually wonders to my classmates before returning to my teacher.

"May you please repeat the ques-"

The bell rings

I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. My heart-rate drops as I pack my books. A few students already running down the school halls and most students are on their way to the classroom door.

"Shaun, please stay behind. We have to talk," Miss Bellum states, looking at me with piercing eyes.

I drag my feet as I slowly move forward to the teacher's table. If I were to race with a snail at this speed, it would win.

I look back at the classroom where only a few students are still on their way out. I slow down my pace as they exit the class and I walk normally. I reach the teacher's table and stand there expecting what might be a lecture.

"Shaun," Miss Bellum pulls back her chair before sitting, "Tell me your score on the last test you wrote?"

I purse my lip.

"72%, Ma'am," I say this with my gaze fixated on my feet.

She takes off her square glasses and wipes her eyes with the back of her hand. 

"The reason I asked you to stay behind was because of this. In case you haven't noticed, your grades are gradually decreasing."

I still have my eyes on the floor as I fiddle around with my thumbs. The sweating on my palms doesn't stop as I feel her eyes on me.

"You're still bothered by what happened to your father, aren't you?" Miss Bellum asks softly.

I remained silent.

"If you ever need anyone to talk to, know that I am here for you." She assures with worry written on her face.

"Yes, Ma'am."

"That's all you can go. If you ever need anyone to talk, remember, I'm here for you."

I nod and leave the classroom. My head is down as I walk through the corridors of my school. Several students walk in their groups, laughing and talking.

Two fists impact on my chest, I stumble a few steps back before dropping my books and following them down. My back strikes the floor as I close my eyes to fight back the pain.

"How's it going McGee," the voice chuckles, I can tell it is Chase. I open my eyes to see him as he strolls away.

I pick myself up; I try rubbing the throbbing area on my back whilst straightening it, putting in a great effort not to wince as I do this. I drop back down to collect my books, a hand helps me, I don't look up and see who it is.