Toxin

CHAPTER 1 - Somethings never change

"The reproductive system. I'm sure all of you are aware of it..." started Professor Finnain. The class groaned, most of them covering their faces with their empty text books. "What a great way to start the year, Sir." I called out sarcastically to Prof Finnain. And as usual, he'd glare at me. "Continuing on, and ignoring Miss Aaly over there, the reproductive system consists of..." By then, I've stopped listening. In fact, I was having just a great dream until Effie, my noble best friend and desk partner nudged me. My poor ribs... "Why can't you just focus?" she hissed quietly from beside me. Effie is just that type of kid whose always into school work, but still doesn't classify as a nerd. She has a deep golden-like skin tone, and jet black hair that folds it's curls so perfectly. Which I definitely envy. Me on the other hand, I have porcelain-pale skin with dark auburn hair, that literally is just so straight, I hate it. Effie is also quite curvy, but she still classifies as thin. And then you have me, again, that is not only thin, but is also almost flat in my chest area. I swear, I'm now just describing the difference between the perfect girl, and the imperfect one. "Aaly!" I snapped back into reality, just realising that I've got everyone's attention. Prof Finnain was glaring at me again. Nothing too unusual. "You know what, I think you're rubbing off on poor Effie here. Effie, if you don't mind, could you swap seats with Atlas at the back, thank you." Effie smirked, rolling her eyes at me. Dang it, that's my free grades floating away behind me. I slumped down, my head resting in my palm as the new boy made his way down the rows, until he was beside me. "Right, now on with the lesson." huffed Prof Finnain. I fidgeted in my seat, shifting my head side to side as I stared on, blankly at the whiteboard. Beside me, he poked me. I shifted my head to face him, irritated. And what I didn't expect was that the new boy was an attractive guy that grinned back at me. I blinked, quickly turning away. Holy shi- "Aaly!" Great. "This is the second time in under- 3 minutes! Get your act together!" Prof Finnain snapped at me. I groaned.

"Question of today!" Prof Finnain exclaimed. He turned to face me. "Aaly, what is it that you find attractive about a guy, or girl of your preference?" I blinked. "Excuse me? Sir, this isn't even a topic of discussion-" I started, quickly getting interrupted. "That's not the answer I'm looking for, Aaly." Everyone chuckled quietly in their seats, their gazes directed towards my awkward self. Prof Finnain sighed. "Anyone who'd like to volunteer their answer, raise your hand." The whole room fell silent. Atlas from beside me raised his hand, a sly grin appearing on his face. I could already tell that he was up to no good. "Ah, yes! Atlas, your answer." Atlas lowered his hand, lifting his chin up as if he were trying to impress someone. "I find a girl that is awkward, vulnerable, quite slim and pretty, attractive, as well as her also being amusing to watch." That's it. I don't care if the guy sitting next to me is smoking hot and, well, smoking hot. I will kill him. As I look around the room, pretending to mind my own business, my eyes wander freely over my classmates, their eyes also catching mine. Atlas has absolutely screwed me over. "Oh I'm sorry, Mr.Newbie, but I don't care about you, or those sweet little lies you laid on me. Go find some other chick." The room echoed with silence. Though the sneer from his face didn't seem to disappear, or lower. I growled silently in frustration, my gaze shifting off of Atlas and towards the board. "Sir, let's just continue."

"That comeback was terrible, you know." Effie chuckled, a grin plastered on her face. "Does it seriously look like I care." I stopped, looking at Effie who still hadn't shed a look of regret. "You know, he's actually quite hot..." Started Effie, me butting in before she could continue. "Not a chance." I rolled my eyes, smirking. "And, on top of that, he's into you!" She winked, the disgusted frown on my face returning. "He's also not wrong, about well, you know. You being awkward, slim, I'm not sure about vulnerable, and he did mention pretty too-" I covered her busy mouth with my hand. "I'm not pretty at all, and you of all people should know it. Especially since you're my closest friend!" Effie rolled her eyes at me. "I swear, you're just so blind to see the uniqueness in your beauty." Effie continued on the path, heading to the outdoor canteen behind the school. I followed her quietly shortly after.