I stepped out of the door and jumped, as fast as I could, on my bike, wich stood against the side wall of the house. I didn't take my red Mini, which I normally use, because my mom would hear it.

Actually a part of me was expecting my mom to come out, screaming that I had two seconds to get inside and put on a pretty dress, because when the ladies of the country club came I should become friends with their daughters and be a worthy daughter just like my sister. Ugh I really hate that phrase. It's the only thing that mattered when it came to me: being more like my sister.

But seeing as she didn't come out, I took it as a sign to leave. I rode to the woods. At the edge of the forest, I took a little gravel road. It was hidden between some plants. After about half a mile, I reached an old birdwatching cabin. Anna, my best friend, and I discovered it a few years ago. It was huge. We had enough space to stock a couch and two loveseats, a fridge, a carpet, a generator so we could install a television and a music installation. We got it here by asking Ethan. He was a huge softie when it came to me. He loved helping me, and never asked questions. So, when I asked him if he could help me to drive some old stuff of the country club somewhere, he just did it, no questions involved. We had placed some pictures and posters throughout the years. Now it was just a nice place to be. We both needed it. I had to escape my family and Anna, well she had a different reason.

When we were in middle school, Anna was bullied. No one saw it, not even me. There was this sophomore guy who thought it was nice to bully a little girl. He always wanted something. She had to make his homework, which was ridiculous since she was much younger. It went worse. From homework to stealing her money, to hitting her. He forced her to go out with him, like on a date. If she didn't behave like he wanted, he would hit her when they were alone. That was around the time she came here. I discovered her here, sobbing. Together we worked out a plan to catch him. She would lead him to the cabin, saying her money was in there. When he discovered it wasn't there he would be angry. I had placed camera's in the cabin and would be there with Ethan. And indeed, that's how it went. The guy started to yell and -which we didn't see coming- kissed Anna. And then he hitted her. That was really weird, from one thing going to the complete opposite. Ethan jumped in, saving Anna and we had proove. Long story short, the guy had this conflicted crush on Anna and the only way he thought he could reach her was by bullying her. Creepy, yes.

When I was almost there, I remembered I had to get food. The fridge was really empty and it was my turn to fill it.

Five minutes later I was near the shops. I was about to cross the street when a maniac almost crushed me. The car swerved my way. I squaled and tried to stop. Tires were screeching and the car stopped at a few inches of my bike. WIthout even as much as an excuse, he left again. I could only see it was a teenager of my age who was driving. Rude.

I bought some chocolate, fruits, drinks and many other things. With my bags I went back to the cabin. Anna was already sitting there, contemplating what movie to watch. "Hey richbitch. I hope for your sake you brought me M&M's. I am craving those things." I smirked. "You hungry lazy girl. They are in the green bag. You can dig them up if you want some."

"Or you could bring them to me." I huffed. "Not a chance, as you said yourself, I am a richbitch, not a servant." I said in a high-pitched voice. The only answer I received was a pillow in my face. I let out a squeal. "No you've done it!" Needless to say, her action resulted in a pillow fight.

That night, when I tried to snuck in as soundless as possible, something terrible happened. Like really terrible. I fainted. I was passing Ethan's room, and all of a sudden everything went black. 

I vaguely remember being woken by Ethan, who was carrying me to my room. He putted me down, took of my shoes and sweater, tucked me into bed and gave me a kiss on the forehead. "E-Ethan? Why are you tucking me in?" I tried to get up but he pushed me down.

"Faery, go to sleep. You fainted in front of my door. You're lucky mom didn't hear you. You might want to prepare, tomorrow. She didn't like your disappearing-trick." I pouted. Tomorrow morning would be a great way to start the school-year. Note the sarcasm.

"Well then, give me a hug, ladybug!" I grinned at my brother's eyeroll. "You gotta stop these weird animal goodbye lines, little sister." He hugged me nonetheless.

The next morning was like I expected it to be. Since Fallyn took half an hour in the bathroom, I had to hurry. Jackson jumped in the pool instead of washing, claiming that 'girls love a swimming-smell". Whatever he likes... I didn't bother telling him he reeked. Breakfast wasn't really a blast with mother shouting at me for running of. Oops, my bad I guess.

And this time it was really bad. She kept going on and on about the shame that one of HER daughters NEVER appeared to a club event and blabedie blabedie bla. I didn't even hear the rest of her lecture. After all these years I had become a master in shutting out irritating noises. She could have continued for hours without me hearing one word of it. Sometimes I even forgot she was yelling at me. But what I didn't forgot was the length of her lecture, because if she would have gone on for only 5 more minutes I would never have made it to school in time. 

I only realised how late it was when I saw Fallyn sneaking past my mom to leave for school. So I knew I had to find a way to stop moms speech. And that wasn't always as easy as it may sound. My mom wasn't really a person who allowed people to interrupt her in any way. But for once, luck was on my side. When Jackson wanted to leave for school he came a little too close to mom and she smelled his so called 'swimming smell'. That turned her attention away from me and as she turned around to start yelling at him, I took my chance and escaped. I grabbed my jacket and bag and almost sprinted out of the house. I got into my car and drove off to school.

On my way I started thinking, how did I even pass out yesterday. I mean, I never pass out. I'm in perfect condition! I sport a lot and eat normal. Vegetables, meat and not everyday a dessert. I do eat a burger or fast food once in a while. Once a month or something like that.

Of course, I don't eat as healthy as Fallyn. According to mother and sweet Fail (yeah the nickname represents everything she doesn't do...) everything I eat is to greasy, has too much fat in it or is just rubbish. Fallyn eats -of course- at least three fruits a day, has perfectly balanced meals and has never touched a french frie in her whole life. Well excuse me, but I don't want to live like a Puritan.

But back to the story, I was going to school. As I was looking for a parking spot, I saw the car that almost collided with me yesterday. It slipped in the only spot available, the spot I was obviously heading to. He knew I was about to park there! I slapped on the horn. Asshole!

I found another one, on the edge. I practically sprinted to my classroom. "And you can go to the princi- O miss Morington! Come in. Take a seat, behind Mister Mapple please. Alphabetical order..." The teachers face cleared when he saw who it was. The only advantage of my name. If mother knew one of her perfect children was sent to detention, she wouldn't donate money anymore. And we all knew the school was counting on the cheque to build the new bleachers.

As for mister Mapple, that guy really wasn't blessed with his name. He has been in my class since first grade. The fact that he always came to school with a mapple syrup stain on his chin wasn't healthy... Poor Caleb...

I took my seat. My schedule was on my table. It was do-able.

Monday

First period: AP Calculus

Second period: French

Third period: AP Biology

Fourth period: Chemistry

Fifth period: PE

Sixth period: Geography

And it changed every day. On Tuesday I didn't have Geography, but English. Wednesday was only four periods, Calculus, French, English and AP Economics, Thursday was hell with two hours of Calculus, one period Biology, English, Economics and French, and Friday was heavenly with PE, Chemistry, English, Spanish and Art classes.

Yes, my school was one of those schools where everyday brings new topics and the number of classes changed...

"Well then, as you know students from junior or senior grade can leave the school, but you are not allowed to take any freshmen or sophomores with you. You all know the rules. Be late, detention. Not having done your homework or essay? Detention. Repeat these things a few times and you will have to go to the school counselor. Projects and class-excursions are announced a few weeks before having due." The teacher just rambled on and on about rules everyone already knew. I sighed and gave my Calculus class an all-over. None of my friends were here. Damnit. They all took Algebra for starters. But of course my mother wanted me to take AP Calculus because of - yes take a guess?- Fallyn. And my grades were good enough. I'd rather have a few hours of music classes but no, music is just for fun, not for school.

It was the third hour, the hour that my whole life would change. I didn' realise it back then but now I know. I was sitting in biology and was for once actually paying attention. Biology was one of the only courses that I actually liked, together with physics, chemistry and history.

I was listening to the teacher who was explaining the multiple functions of a cell nucleus when I heard the door open. When the teacher saw who came in he said: 'Ah mister Forbes, how kind of you to join us today. We're honoured with your presence and only 30 minutes late! You know as a reward for that I'll give you this nice, beautiful red card. That gives you entrance to detention class this evening." The whole class me included giggled. 

And the teacher stood there with a triumphant smile on his face. The unknown guy walked forward to the desk of the teacher and took the pass with the words: 'Well thank you sir, I already look forward to it.' The smile of the teacher disappeared instantly. I grinned, I have to admit it was a nice comeback. I couldn't have done better. And that means a lot coming from me. The guy turned around and to my surprise he fell down on the seat next to me. "Hey Fae" he said. "Euh hey", I stutterd. "How do you know who I am? Do I know you?" "No, you probably don't know who I am, but I do know you."

"How?"

"Well let's say that I know everybody but nobody knows me. That's one of the many advantages of living in the shadows." He answered with a mysterious grin on his face.

Now I was really confused but I didn't want to show it so I just changed the subject. "That was a nice comeback you just made." "Well thank you, I've practiced a lot. I love to show people that they aren't as brilliant as they think. And nothing works better than some nice sarcasm for that." Although he said this with a grin on his face, I noticed seriousness in his eyes. He clearly didn't tell everything. I wondered what it was. But I did understand what he meant. Some people do value themselves much more than they actually are.

Cough 'Fallyn' Cough. We didn't talk anymore for the rest of the class. I wasn't really that much of a talker and he wasn't either. But when class was over and he was almost out of the door I realised I did want to know something. So I shouted, "Hey, what's your name?"

...