I could hear the birds chirping while walking to school. I saw my neighbours, bidding their children goodbye. Some interactions were amusing, some disheartening. While some nearly suffocated their child with a bear hug, some didn't even look up to say goodbye.

I'd say I'm judging but observing the same people for the past ten years had its perks. It felt like any other normal town, yet my dreams said otherwise. I shook my head, getting rid of the past temporarily. "Breathe in, breathe out. You got this." And I was ready to face my demons. At least, for a while.

The classes felt longer than usual. During lunchbreak, I wondered off to the fields, ignoring my growling stomach. I didn't have the energy to deal with people. I had friends... but that's the thing. I had friends, not best friends. I had people who would ask me about my day, I had people who I could laugh with. The difference was they wouldn't know whether my laugh was genuine or not. I smiled sadly. I used to keep my boundaries down. I learnt my lesson.

At the last bell, I walked inside, more than ready to finish Economics and head home. Then again, maybe not. Yeah. Definitely not. Ignoring my teacher, I continued to write songs, the only thing that provided me with bliss. I wouldn't have realized this to be my strength if Cliste never would have told me. Cliste was my psychologist, and so much more. When my mother wasn't there for me, she came and embraced me like her little sister. She was someone who was there for everyone yet no one truly understood her value until the end.

"Ms Pierce, might I ask you what you are daydreaming about?" I smiled apologetically at Ms Kendall. She glared at me. I genuinely couldn't care less, however maintained my act. "My apologies miss. It was unintentional."

"Of course it was. Now tell me, what happens to the PED of a good in both the long run and the short run?" I rolled my eyes. Did she think I was dreaming off without doing my research? She smiled sarcastically, expecting me to quiver underneath her gaze. Well, she's in for a treat.

"Generally, goods which run in the short run tend to be inelastic as there is a lack of substitutes due to their temporary duration. On the contrary, goods which exist in the long run gradually develop more substitutes, hence making them elastic. Should I give examples?" Ms Kendall looked like she got buried alive. "N-no sit down." The bell rang soon enough and I walked out aggravated. Sure my life was a mess, but I gave a shit about my career. That's the only thing that kept me tied to the real world. No way in hell would I jeopardize that.

A chuckle interrupted my inner turmoil. Elias Wordsworth, our school's "golden boy" was flirting. To be frank, he wasn't a playboy and neither did he go out much, but time to time, his flirty side did come out. He was a nice guy; 6 feet tall with ocean blue eyes, he had a lean physique, one which attracted a great number of girls. He always wore formal clothes, which was also a turn-on for most. Elias maintained connections with everyone, had everyone's back and always kept a smile on his face. He was the kind of guy who fit under the definition of a perfectionist in terms of looks, personality and academic records. He was a good and happy human being; Something I never will be.

"Hey Alaina wait up." Elias came running. "I thought you were going to help me in English." He pouted.

"Don't you have an entire line of girls to teach you?" He smiled.

"I need someone who's passionate about the subject, not obsessed over my curls." At this point even I smiled.

Me and Elias weren't close but ever since we became partners in English, we started to talk. It wasn't like he was bad at it; he genuinely wanted to understand the language with depth. For some odd reason, he thought I could help. Whatever the case, I dodged the offer. I wasn't planning on forming any sort of friendship with him. I didn't want to corrupt his angelic soul.

"Can we please do one session? Come on we need to write a book! Remember the assignment?"

I sighed. "We'll do it in class. Gather your ideas and we'll talk soon." I saw his smile drop for a minute.

"Is there something wrong with me?" I turned around.

"It isn't you. Its me. Always me."

Unable to see his hopelessness I walked away. "He'll be okay. He's got a lot of people. He'll be okay." Murmuring, I proceeded towards the place I call home. I hissed, quickly pulling my sweater up. The mark was burning. Oh shit. I'm late....

Heyyyy guys. So, this week is gonna be HECTIC for me for the monthly exams. I didn't want keep ya'll waiting so I'm publishing a filler chapter. This basically gives an insight about some people existing in Alaina's life and a little bit of normalcy cauz let's face it, this story will NOT be normal. So, a little background and we'll start spicing it up soon. Do not forget to check the tattoo out. That's basically the burning mark hehe. Hope ya'll like it and pls let me know if u do. Your votes and comments ALWAYS make my day