The sunlight was a rude awakening, making me groan as I squinted at the time—half past one in the afternoon. I’d fallen asleep while reading, a casualty of the sleepless night before.
Sitting up on the bench, I watched a bird building its nest in the tree above me. The tree’s shadow covered me, but the sunlight still managed to filter through the leaves and land on my face.
I marked my place in the book with a leaf, closed it, and tucked it into my bag. Time to head to my next class.
Walking through the school, I felt the weight of students’ stares and heard their whispers. My mid-semester transfer to this school had made me a curiosity, a new puzzle for them to solve.
I kept to myself, brushing a hand through my hair and finding a twig tangled in it. It must have fallen from the tree while I was sleeping. I tossed it aside and continued down the busy corridor to my locker. I had chemistry next, so I needed my notebook, textbook, and lab coat, all of which I’d stashed in my locker on my first day.
I checked the time—five minutes until one forty-five—and hurried to my locker.
As I was gathering my things, a hand slammed next to me. I turned to see the same guy from yesterday, smirking down at me.
“What’s up, newbie?” he asked, his height making me feel small. His friends, including a blonde girl and three other guys, stood behind him.
“Nothing much, redhead.” I smirked back, watching his fade.
“Look!” he started, but I cut him off by slamming my locker shut and walking away. “Later! I have classes…”
I thought they’d get the hint, but the blonde girl stepped in front of me, blocking my path with a too-bright smile.
I tilted my head, curious about her intentions. She was dressed in a unique urban style, with braided blonde hair, heavy eyeliner, ripped jeans, a white shirt, and a jean jacket.
“Now, now! I have heard a lot about you already,” she said, glancing over my head at the redhead.
“Really? Great!” I tried to sidestep her, but she blocked me again. My patience was wearing thin.
“Step aside…,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm.
She raised her eyebrows and gave me a mocking smile. “Or?” She mimicked my voice and snatched my chemistry book from my hand.
“Hey!” I was beyond irritated.
She held the book above her head, out of my reach. “Oh my god!” I rubbed my forehead in frustration. “Are you guys trying to bully me?” They all laughed, and I rolled my eyes.
“Hey!” Her smile was gone, replaced by a scowl. “Do you think you’re smart?” She shoved my shoulder.
“Don’t do that!” I warned her, looking at her hand on my shoulder.
“Or?” she mocked.
That was the last straw. I grabbed her hand and squeezed, making her wince. A satisfied smirk spread across my face.
She tried to pull her hand away, but I held on. “Let go!” She tried to push me away with her other hand, but when that didn’t work, she pinched me. I felt the pain, but I didn’t let go.
“Hey! What do you think you’re doing? Let go!” The redhead stepped forward, trying to free the blonde’s hand.
“Let me tell you the second thing”—I squeezed her wrist harder, making her cry out—“that I do not like. People blocking my way and annoying me when I’m in a hurry.
“So? Should I break your hand for wasting my time and blocking my way several times?” I asked sweetly. The redhead finally managed to pull my hand away from the blonde’s wrist.
She winced and looked at her bruised wrist, marked with my handprint.
“And you, redhead,” I turned to him, who was checking on the blonde. “It seems you cause a lot of trouble to the people around you. But let me tell you something. You don’t wanna get into trouble with me.”
“Get out of my way,” I pushed past the redhead and sprinted down the hallway to my class.
