I couldn’t help but feel uneasy as I lay in bed, listening to the steady rain pounding on the roof. Normally it had a somewhat calming effect on me, as I always did love the rain; how it could always wash away any emotion you were feeling and make everything seem better. But not tonight; it just wasn’t calming at all. I put it down to everything that was on my mind, which is why I am awake in the first place.
All I could think about was those big warm chocolate brown eyes. You could lose yourself in them if you weren’t careful. And now they were keeping me awake. I hadn’t seen those eyes in almost 5 years, not since I was 13. And I hadn’t thought about them or the person that owned them since. But for some unknown God damnation reason that was all I had been thinking about for the past week, those damn eyes and him.
He was my best friend. I met him at one of the family business functions when I was 8. We had grown close just as our families had. Many people thought we were related. He was like my brother in a way. We went right through primary together and we were meant to finish high school together too, until that day. When I was 13 and my mother found out my father was cheating on her. So we moved. Me and mum, away from dad and away from my best friend… Scott. We had been living in this small country town for the past 5 years. Mum wasn’t the same after the move. It was either work or whatever boyfriend she was with at the time. There’s been so many I’ve lost count. I don’t even know where she found them all;this place wasn't that big.
I never kept in contact, although that was mostly due to mum severing all ties with the past. I don’t even know why I’m thinking about him. It’s not like I’m going to see him again anytime soon; he could be anywhere. Besides even if I did, I doubt we would become friends again, as I’m not the same as I was when I was 13. I have anger issues, an extreme fierceness apparently. My mother knows that I’m not the daughter she always wanted, but what does she expect when she is hardly ever home? The only thing I do for her is attend school. It means she won’t send me away. I mean that could be a blessing in a way but I don't want to leave. I've started to build something here even if it isn't much.
Not that it would matter; I only have two friends here, although that’s all I need. Everyone else is scared of me. And with reason, they know not to mess with me. No one here knows my story, no one knows why I’m so angry and I like it that way. I have one rule which everyone follows. Don’t touch me.
I tried to clear my head as I rolled over and concentrated only on the rain, which allowed me to fall somewhat to sleep, restless but sleep nonetheless.
I woke up to my mother banging on the door yelling at me to get up. I rolled over and looked at the clock 7:30; guess I was walking this morning.
“I’m awake.” I yelled out to her.
“About time, you have to walk this morning.” She replied.
“Yeah, yeah whatever.” Was all I said.
Yawning I climbed out of bed and grabbed the clothes I had set out last night, and no it wasn’t uniform but I didn’t care. It’s not like it was anything revealing, just jeans and a t-shirt. No one would say anything, they never did. I opened my door and headed for the bathroom. Turning the shower on, I stripped down and waited for the water to heat up which didn’t take long. Stepping under it, it washed everything away; my tiredness, the image of those eyes, making me feel a lot better. I knew I didn’t have long, as I was walking, so I quickly did what I needed and got out. Getting dressed I quickly ran a brush through my hair and chucked it up into a ponytail. Applying some eyeliner, mascara, and a little lip gloss. I went back to my room, chucked all the books I would need in a bag, and made my way to the kitchen.
I thought about texting Megan for a lift, but decided against it. And I knew it was useless texting Luke cause I doubt he would even be there today. He had a tendency to skip school.
“See you mum.” I yelled before walking out the front door and slamming it behind me. I was so glad this year was my last, then I could get away from this place, away from her. Sounds stupid considering I don’t want to be sent away but I'd rather move on my own terms. I took my iPod out and started listening to “Let It Die” by Three Days Grace. I don’t know why but I loved this song. Looking at my phone I realized I’d left a lot sooner than I thought and would be at school, about 8:20 meaning I had 40 minutes to kill. Megan will be there so it’s all good.
Megan and Luke are the only two people in the entire school that I can tolerate. Megan and I became friends in year 9. She was new to the school and Trent was being his usual prick self, saying shit to her, and I snapped and had a go at him. We have been friends ever since. I tried teaching her to look out for herself, but she is too nice. So I look out for her. As for Luke, we became friends last year. He was new and Megan befriended him, so in turn so did I. I know they’re both scared of me, but they look past it. And try and ignore it I guess.
It didn’t take me long to get to school and when I did I noticed a crowd of people in the car park, which was unusual. Megan had just pulled up so I walked over to her and her little blue jumbuck ute. Not the best of cars but she loved it.
“Hey Megz, what's going on?” I asked.
“Apparently there's a new kid or something and of course the rumor is he is hot.” She replied.
“Of course.” Was all I said.
She walked over to the group of people and began to walk through them. No one said anything and I knew it was because I was there. They just ignored me, but muttered hellos to Megan. I didn’t mind that they ignored me, actually it’s how I liked it. I was hoping as it was the first day, no one would say anything to her. I didn’t need to fight today, but I knew that there was a chance that was too good to be true. I muted everyone out and just followed. I didn’t need to hear what was said. I just saw Megan stiffen, meaning someone had said something. I went to step around her and there stood Trent. I guess he hadn’t seen me as he normally only said something when I wasn’t around.
“How many fucking times do I need to hurt you Trent before you get the message?” I asked in a threatening tone. He looked shocked, so he hadn’t seen me. I didn’t hear what he had to say back, because right at that moment the new guy turned around and our eyes locked. And that was when I realized it was him and those damn eyes that had been haunting me all night.
“Scott?”I asked questioningly.
His eyes grew wide with realization. He recognized me.
“JD.” He replied.
“Don’t call me that.” I replied before turning to walk away. But he grabbed me, not knowing my golden rule. I heard several people gasp in anticipation.
“Wait.” He said.
“Don’t touch me.” I replied harshly before yanking out of his grip and walking away, much to everyone’s surprise. No one said anything to me, although I’m sure I heard someone mutter to him that he is so lucky, as he just broke my number one rule and I walked away. No one followed me. Just the way I liked it.
I guess it’s time I introduced myself. I’m Joey Daniels. I’m almost 18. And my life hasn’t been the best, but I’ve dealt. But this was unexpected. Why is he here and what does he want?
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