19

I look at the schedule and see that I have a few minutes until the bell rings. I watch the arms of the clock move and when the bell rings, I'm the first to get up. I take my schedule and map and push the chair in. Yes, I still have good manners. I push the door open and slam it shut behind me. I don't need Kian. I don't need Ryan. I don't need Cara. Heck, I don't need anyone. I am going to make it through my first day alone if I have to.

I don't bother looking up as I make my way to my first class: Math. I have bumped a few people and some cursed at me, but I kept walking. I am now standing outside a brown door. I open it fully and step in. The teacher greets me with a smile and I nod at her before sitting down at the back of the class. Learners start to enter hurriedly. I just want to write the test and get moving.

I'm pulled out of my thoughts by a girl's gum popping as she stands in front of me. I look up and stare at her. That foundation so does not fit her next and chest at all. And what's with the yellow dye in brown hair? Maybe blond would have been better. That's plain yellow. Is that those 90's crop tops she's wearing? Word!

"You're in my desk," she says as though I'm some 5 year old.

"Where's your name on it?" I retort.

"Just get up, would you?" she makes something with her lips and sucks her cheeks in, making her look like a fish.

"Move along," I wave her off with my hand. She looks at me as if I'm crazy and I chuckle to myself. "I'm not standing up anytime soon." She stands in front of me for a solid 20 seconds before walking away, her chunky boots making a noise against the floor.

The classroom falls quiet and the teacher starts handing out test papers. This is so not how I imagined today would be. Who will I sit with at lunch? This is the time when I miss my former school the most. I never had to worry about who I'm going to sit with during brunch.

Everyone loved me so I could just join any table and they'd gladly accept me. Perhaps sitting in the bathrooms won't be so bad. But then, who will I go home with? Kian is out of my options. That bastard. Ignoring me just because he's around his friends.

"You may begin," the teacher says and I turn my paper around. I am so focused on my calculations, drawings, plotting and measurements. It's moments like this that I live for. I love the adrenaline I get when I take a test I practised damn hard for. There's no better feeling when you know your work thoroughly.

I finish in 35 minutes and get up to hand my paper in. A few learners snap their heads at me and I stick my tongue out at them. I sit back down at my desk and read the directions to my next class. Luckily, it's on this floor as well. The bell rings after ten more minutes and some learners groan as they hand their papers in and walk out.

"Kira," a hand rests on my forearm and I turn to look at who it is. "What's up with you?" Laura's voice sounds concerned.

"What do you mean?" I ask her as I remove her hold on me.

"You practically stormed out of home room and in there," she points to the math class, "you were so zoned out." I sigh and rub my temples.

"Listen, Laura, you don't have to pretend, alright? I know you type of people like to be with people from your circle. I get it." Her gaze drops and she shakes her head.

"I actually thought we were getting along, but I guess that's not the case. Whatever it is that's gotten into you, you better-," she bites her tongue and inhales deeply. I drop my arms by my side and look away.

"I advise you not to generalize or stereotype everyone you come across. This school is filled with people who have reputations that are false. Get to know people first," she says sternly before walking away. I walk to my next class and enter the ICT class. The bell rings as soon as I take a seat in the front. Quite lucky.

I have been here for 15 minutes and I'm trying to focus on the lesson but I just can't. I ask for the bathroom pass and go out of the class. I stand by the wall outside class and look for the bathrooms on my map. It's on the second floor.

I skip down the stairs and jog to the bathrooms. Brunch is in 75 minutes so I'll just stay in here until it's over. I open the last stall, lock myself in and sit on the closed toilet seat. This bathrooms are a little smaller than my old school's, but just as comfortable. I put my feet up on the dustbin and take my phone out from my bag.

After 30 minutes, the bell rings and it's not long before I hear girls coming in. They are laughing and talking. Basically making a noise for me, but that can't get to me now. I'm so focused on getting a new high score on Sudoku.

"Did you see the way he looked at me?" a girl asks cheerfully.

"He just asked for a pen," the second one answers, clearly unimpressed.

"That's an excuse to talk to me," the first voice replies.

"He really didn't have a pen," the second one says slowly but loudly and I chuckle lightly.

"That's your side of the story," the first voice huffs before clicking her heels on the floor. I assume they are leaving.

"Kian does not like you," the second voice speaks. Talking about Kian, huh?

"Hush, don't say stuff like that." There's a pause. "He does. I know he does." I hear the door close and I have to admit I'm intrigued. How can they be so naïve? Then again, chase your dreams, why not?

Kian's POV

"Kian, I beg you, if you love me, you'll not speak to Kira any longer," Cara puts her palms together as she begs me. Ryan is standing next to me with his hands in his pockets and Miguel is sitting on the desk next to the wall looking bored as hell.

"But Cara, c'mon, give us a reason why not," Ryan insists. I look at him from the corner of my eye. I wouldn't be surprised if he's planning on getting Kira in his bed by this weekend.

"It's just," she inhales sharply and puts her hand on her chest and closes her eyes. We're standing at the back of home room and the teacher will walk in soon. "Promise me you'll cut all interactions with her," she looks at Ryan and me dismissively. I wonder why Miguel is not asked to do so. I look at Ryan and he looks at the ceiling as he puffs his cheeks, clearly frustrated.

"Do it for me," Cara looks at me helplessly and I agree reluctantly. I have no problem keeping my distance but if Ryan won't play fair, then neither will I. Ryan gives me a scornful look before turning to his stepsister.

"You better have a good reason Cara," he gives her a castigating look before taking his seat.

I sit next to Miguel and Cara sits on my right side. I don't give much attention to the class, and by the looks of it, neither do Ryan and Miguel. Ryan was looking out the window at the clouds and I have to admit that's more enticing than this class.

Cara puts her arm on my shoulder but I don't mind because I'm used to her doing so. I'm pulled out of my thoughts by the sound of a chair screeching against the floor. I look ahead and see Kira storming out of class making sure to shut the door behind her. What did I miss? I look at Ryan and Miguel for answers and they shrug.

"What'd we miss?" Miguel asks Cara as we get up.

"Nothing much, just a little girl drama," Cara says. I raise my eyebrow at her and she sighs. "It's probably the first day stress getting to her."

"I'll go see what's wrong." I push my chair in and begin to walk out when Cara pulls my bag. Did I tell you how much that irritates me? I turn to face her and she gives me a small smile.

"Why not let me do it?" she says. "After all, she also has Math right now."

"But I want to talk-"

"Get to class," she says as she leads us out. "I'll talk to her," she turns and goes her way.

In the Maths class, I try as best I can to focus on the test, but Kira kept on coming across my mind. Damn her and her invasiveness. I feel like I'm wasting time on this test. The bell rings and I put my pen down. I left out one question unanswered. It's a two-mark question anyway; I can lose those marks.

I walk out and scan the area for Kira, but she's no-where in sight. Come brunch, I'm siting at the table with Ryan, Miguel and Laura. I'm facing the door waiting for her to walk in, but only Cara shows up. I look at her expectantly.

"I couldn't find her," Cara says calmly as she sits down with the rest of us. She's lying, I know she is. She always avoids eye contact when she's lying to me. I have to get to Kira before Ryan does. I take my phone out and decide to call her.

I enter her name but no search results how. I scroll up and down my contacts, but her name doesn't appear as well. Damn it! I didn't get her number. Ryan has her number but I will not ask it from him. I can't appear to be so desperate. Even though I am.