New year, new life, and new school.
I've read a lot of books in my life so far, many that begin with the main character changing schools, or moving to new places for a so called 'new beginning'. After much thought, I finally discussed this matter with the only family I have left and the only human I love; Haifa.
She's my older sister, and my support system. I don't know what I'd be doing if she weren't here, by my side. Since the day of the accident, I've shut out the world completely, and might I say, I've been at a lot of peace. I used to wonder if I'd ever be able to breathe again, if this emptiness in my chest could ever be replaced with contentment. If I'd ever be able to love someone.
So, here I am, in the parking lot of my new High School that looks something from a high class movie, red bricks that hold posters of the game which is to take place. . . a month from now? Strangers in different outfits, moods, appearances are standing here and there, lost in their own lives. I just hope I don't attract any unnecessary attention in these denim jeans and a loose, long, full sleeves cotton shirt. . . because from what this environment looks, looking 'rich' should be the student's first priority. Good thing I don'r care about how I look.
But these nerves. UGH. I can't seem to untie the various knots formed in my stomach. My little pep talk from earlier this morning seems useless.
Calm down, Abeera, nobody's going to murder you here. Calm down. Calm down. Calm-
The knock on my window startles me. I turn my face and find a guy gesturing me to roll the window down. The frown on his face makes me frown in return.
"Yes?" I ask dryly.
"You can't park your car here, girl," the stranger boy says, his expression hard. Umm.. okay. What the heck? Now, I take orders from a nobody like him?
"Excuse me?" I don't hide the irritation from my face. I can park wherever I want to. And besides nobody's name is carved here.
He looks right and then left, and runs his hands through his black mess of hair. "Listen, Nafayh parks his car here. Every damn day and he would get pissed if I didn't make you move yours away." He impatiently drums those fingers on my door, and if I weren't mad, I might have a felt a tiny bit of pity for him, whoever put him in this 'car check place'.
"Who's Nafayh?" I question, my tone hard. I am so not moving my car. It's final. And I'm stubborn.
He blows out a huge breath. If he weren't constantly rocking back and forth on his heels, and scanning the lot after every second in search of something, I might have considered the smile he passes genuine. "He's the richest kid here. He owns an Aston Martin which costs more than-" I cut him off.
"Oh, give me a break! You're annoying me," I bellow and climb out of car. I slam the door shut and face him. "I don't give a crap," I bark at him, turn on my heels and walk towards my school.
I roll my eyes when I hear him shout at my back 'You are so going to regret this!' I don't care about whoever this spoiled Nafayh is, or if he shows off his super duper richness by owning an Aston Martin. He clearly has no manners, I mean, who appoints some scared student to guard a parking spot? Clearly a lunatic.
All the braveness I felt while standing up to that poor boy fades into thin air as I make my way through the many students around me. I can feel their curious gazes on me, but I refuse to let them make me feel uncomfortable. If I am to survive on my own, I need to fight this social anxiety and stand my ground.
I can hear their whispers, but I shut it out.
When I reach the office to collect my timetable, the relief is welcoming.
"Goodbye," I wave at Mrs. Stella and shut the door of her office. "Okay.. so......... GREAT! my day is going to start with Bio," I mutter to myself, and angrily make my way towards the classroom.
As soon as I enter the class, all the curious eyes fall on me, and I'm a second away from running back to my car and driving home. God, calm your nerves, Eera! The teacher has already started the class and he hasn't even noticed me, so I clear my throat and force the words out. "May I come in, sir?" My knees almost buckle when all the whispering dies, and the chalk working against the black board halts.
His head snaps in my way and he stops writing whatever he was on the board.
"Are you the new student?"
I nod.
"Considering that it's your first day here, you may sit down, but make sure you're on time in future. I'm Mr. Grayson, your bio teacher."
I nod. Again! Say something you prick!
I scan the room as I resume walking, and find a seat free to a... boy.
Wow, a shocker there.
Something about his icy blue stare, and messy dark brown hair doesn't seem alright. He's looking at me with his intent blue gaze, like, he loathes me standing here? Or maybe he doesn't want me to sit next to him?
Like I really want to sit with you, I almost yell.
As I make my way there, I take my opportunity to study him. He has a perfect jaw, chiselled cheekbones, dark brown hair , and owns the thickest pair of eyelashes. He's wearing a black fitted t-shirt and black jeans, that I think costed him a fortune. But his expression is weird. He's scowling at me.. but why?
I quietly sit down and drop my bag on the floor. I'm aware of him, along with a few girls glaring holes into me, but I keep my gaze forward.
"You're going to pay for parking your car in my spot," the boy says and it's then I realise...
He's Nafayh!
