I LIMP THROUGH the hallways, straining under the weight of my backpack as I try to maneuver through the seventh period hallway rush. The nurse had bandaged up the wound, but the pain was still haunting each step, creating a painful yet worrisome frown on my face. Though, the pain is nothing compared to the excitement running through my veins.

"By the way, my name is Chase."

There is a smile on my face, one that cannot be wiped away despite the circumstance. Since it is the end of the day, I head towards my locker, opening it as soon as I reach its location at the end of the hallway.

The door creaks as I swing it open, instantly pressing my hands forward to catch the falling whirlwind of books and papers and photos. I let out a huff as a textbook nearly falls onto me; I deflect it by arching my hands over my head, but it is unneeded as the book simply falls beside me.

I frown at it, lying helplessly on the floor. I try to bend down but my knee does not comply and I let out a strangled sound of pain, instantly straightening back to my full length.

"Here, let me help." A high-pitched, innocent voice muses behind me. I watch as a manicured hand reaches toward the textbook, scooping up the weight as if it were nothing and handing it back to me. I blink and gaze into the blue depths of Madison Coolridge's eyes. Nodding my thanks to her and reaching for the book hesitantly, I make a sound of confusion as she pulls it away before I could claim it.

"Listen, I just wanted to apologize for my boyfriend's behavior," Madison continues, tucking the textbook underneath her arms to gesture with her hands. Her voice seems innocent and sincere, though I can't be too sure. I know how she is, and how she acts. Years of observing teaches me this.

I raise an eyebrow and she gives a smile, making me ponder if I should trust her or not. Before I can simply return to packing up my bag for the day, she adds as if an afterthought, "Hey, I think I know how I can make it up. Why don't you come to Brent's Friday night?" Brent Jackson; eighteen; druggie; receiver for the football team; Bryce's best friend; school's player. "It'll be fun, and you seem like a cool person." Madison shines another brilliant smile in my direction.

I contemplate her words, frowning. I assumed that she hated me, or better yet -- didn't even notice me, but I suppose I was wrong. I set my mouth into a grim line, torn between hesitation and curiosity.

Eleanor, my inner mind chides.

I stare at the floor, feeling Madison's eyes burn a hole into my face.

Eleanor, my mind's urgency grows stronger.

I look back up at her; she is waiting expectantly.

Eleanor!

I nod.

"Great!" Madison exclaims suddenly, making me jump in the air. There is a glint in her eye, and I know there is something she is not telling me. She tosses the textbook in my direction and I fumble a step forward to catch it. Instead, it falls out of my outstretched hand and back onto the floor.

"I'll see you then. Party starts at seven, and the address is 437 Pine Drive. Bye, bye, Emery!" With a flip of her hair, Madison is gone before I can tell her my name is Eleanor.

With a sigh, I reattempt to bend down to retrieve the textbook.