TWO

School's finally out and somehow,I survived. Apart from missing art class, everything was okay. Especially since I didn't talk or look at anyone. I had to skip lunch,just so I could avoid,well, everyone.

Noone has tried to talk to me, apart from the girl I met earlier in the bathroom, Melissa. I have to admit,I feel kinda out of place. I just want to hop on a flight and go back to the one place I belong.

Then I vividly recall everything that happened that night. It's like I'm living in the moment all over again. It's all my fault she's gone. I shouldn't have opened my mouth. I should have sucked in the pain and maybe I wouldn't be experiencing the incurable pain I feel right now. Oh, Sydney, please forgive me wherever you are, even if it's something I will never do for myself.

"Are you okay?"

I snap back. I notice that my head is on my locker. I look up to see the girl from the bathroom earlier today. I hadn't quite yet registered her question,so I come out with a "Huh?"

"Are you okay? School's over and the hall is almost empty."

Right. I should be on my way 'home'.

"Oh, I...uh...I just came to get my homework books."

"So,you have a car or is someone coming to pick you up? I assume you don't take the bus home,do you?"

"Um... I'm just gonna walk home. It's not very far from here."

"Oh, okay. I didn't quite get your name."

I recall our conversation in the bathroom and cringe. Why do you gotta be a douchebag sometimes,Ally?

"I'm Ally. Ally Ashton." I stretch my hand out for a handshake.

"And your Melissa, right?"

"Yeah. Melissa George." She shakes my hand.

I scratch the back of my neck.

"I'm sorry about earlier today. I was not having the best morning." I give her a nervous smile,which she returns with a geniune smile.

"It's okay. My first day at this school wasn't a good one either. You'll get used to the school soon." She ends her sentence with a reassuring smile.

"I have my fingers crossed for that." I lock my locker and put my books in my backpack.

"So where do you live?"

"Harprers."

"Harprers? No way! I live there to. We could walk home together...if you don't mind."

"Of course. I don't mind."

I made a friend- I think. Not bad, considering the events that took place earlier today.

~~~~

"Also,try your best to keep off Tyrell Clay's lane."

I was lucky enough to meet Melissa. She is filling me in on what I need to know about the school over lunch time. I have to admit, I have learnt quite a lot.

"Who's Tyrell? And why should I keep off his lane?"

"He's only the most popular and dangerous guy in school."

"Why? Did he kill someone or something?" I inquire, sipping my smoothie.

"Well,none that I know of. But with Tyrell, you'll never know. Just stay away from him. Better safe than sorry."

"Does he have friends?"

"He hangs out with one particular group. There's Den, Sean,Ray and him. I can't believe you've not spotted the squad yet."

"I have just been busy watching out not to trip on my own feet again."

"Come on! It was just an accident."

"Tell that to the people who were in the hall that day." I say with a twinge of sarcasm in my tone.

Lunch is almost over and I have to start my way to English class. Melissa has History and we won't be in the same class until last block,Gym.

Damn it,gym class!

"I'll see you at gym?"

"Yeah. Bye."

I go to my locker first to get a few books for English class. I have about four minutes left,so I'm not in much of a hurry. I get my books and head to English class.

Time drags by and it's finally the last period. I write down my homework and pack my books. The zipper seems to be stuck. I try to fix it but in vain. I'm running out of time,so I decide to carry my books in my hands and leave the class.

On my way out, I bump into someone and I drop everything,to my inconvenience. Now of all times! I say a quick "sorry" and bend down to pick my books.

"Let me help you with that." I hear a deep voice say above me.

"It's okay,I -" I stop mid sentence when I see the person standing before me. I am utterly tongue tied. My eyes meet a marvelous brown pair. I am really amazed by the features I see. High cheek bones ,sharp jawline-in a good way,dark brown hair and oh my! The lips. Don't even get me started on the rest of his body. This man is a...dream. He looks like he came straight out of a movie. He looks so... unreal.

"Checking me out,huh?" He asks with a smirk on his lips. I get out of my daze.

Oh shit! Was it that obvious?

"Uh...no,not really." I say standing up, gaining some composure.

Get a hold of yourself,Ally!

"I can't blame you. It's not your fault I'm sexy."he says with an even bigger smirk plastered on his lips.

You're not wrong.

I give a sarcastic "Yeah, right." I take the rest of my books from his hands, which are outstretched to me.

"So, what's your name?" He asks, stretching one of his now empty hands to me. I can't help but notice his veins.

How is this guy real?

I look at his outstretched hand once again. I know what I have to do. I have to leave with the last ounce of dignity left in me. So I do.

I walk past him, battling the urge to look behind and see if he's still there,or he was just a figment of my imagination. Then I remember that I'm late for gym and I walk even faster.