I arrived at school with Kennedy, and we walked into the building. Students were at their lockers, and the bell had just rung, signaling the start of the school day. Today was the college field trip for the senior's, and I was among those that were going on the trip.

"So I guess I'll see you later then," Kennedy said as we walked together inside the school.

"Yeah, and what time will we leave?" I asked back.

"They'll call us on the speaker for an announcement," she replied.

"Okay see ya." I waved at the blonde.

I gripped my bookbag straps behind my shoulder as I stared down the hallway. I could see Rick standing down the hall, talking to his male friends, who were his football opponents. And I bet He was just discussing about bullshit.

I took a deep breath and then continued walking in that direction, since my class was also down that way. I tried to avoid getting too close to Rick and his friends, as I didn't want to attract any attention. I kept my pace swift and moved on towards my class.

"Hm, how you get to school?"

I froze and stood still when I overheard Rick's voice from behind me. I could smell the cologne he was wearing, which was subtle and charming. I could feel his eyes on me, and the way they were staring at me made me feel uncomfortable. I felt vulnerable and exposed, and I didn't know how to react to it.

Fuck.

"I walked." I said confidently

"mhm." he replied

"Kennedy picked me up! Like why did you do that!? your a asshole for leaving me, do you know that!?" I blabbered on angry.

"You're a dick!" I continued

I could hear the chuckles of his friends as they were talking amongst one another. They seemed amused by my reaction, and I could tell they were all looking at me and watching me closely.

"Damn, She's cute when she's mad." One of his friends said

Rick's facial expressions were nonchalant and nonchalant, as if he was completely unbothered by my presence. His eyes were following me around, examining my face and every aspect of my appearance.

"I never dated a black girl before, I heard you guys were hard to manage." His friend continued.

"What—

"Chase shut up for me please, eh?" Rick says

Rick pushed himself off the lockers and started walking ahead of me towards class.

I was way behind but still following, i wanted to keep my distance away from him as much as possible.

—————————————————

I took my seat away from Rick, making sure to keep my distance from him. I was seated in front of a brunette-haired babe who was chewing gum and smacking loudly, the sound of it was irritating and bothering me to the point of frustration. The noises made it impossible to focus on reading or getting any work done at all, so I was very annoyed.

"Excuse me." I turned around to face her.

She blows her gum as she curls her hair

The brunette blew her gum as she looked at me in an unfriendly way. Her voice was deep, which made it even more irritating and uncomfortable to hear. Her facial expression was very unwelcoming, and she seemed to have no reason for being so rude.

"What," she replied, as if I had done something wrong in having the audacity to sit in front of her and bother her.

"Uh, can you please quiet the chewing down respectfully?— I can't focus."

"Then move."

I scoffed before speaking again, "uh, you didn't think i would have thought of that the first time, do you see any other seats?" I replied

The brunette girl looked around, "hey it's Celine right?" She asked

"Yes it is."

"Well I know where you could sit,"

"On The floor." She snickered

I threw my middle finger at the girl before turning back around, too angered to deal with her and the situation. I sighed in my seat and started to fidget with a pencil, focusing on the teacher's lecture instead. I was trying to relax, trying to get my mind on something else than worrying about the irritation of the chewing.

And She was obviously doing it on purpose.

But also, I felt something light hit my back, like someone had thrown a paper ball at me. The brunette girl was chuckling, and it was quite clear who had done it. This was too much, and I couldn't help but feel infuriated at this point. My heart was racing, and I was tempted to turn back around and say something to her, but I knew it wouldn't be worth the effort.

It was like kindergarten all over again..

"May I go to the restroom please?" I raised my hand.

"I don't know, can you?" Ms. Claire asked

Just answer my question, I don't got time for this..

"kidding, go ahead and come right back Celine." She says.

I got up from my seat and rushed out of the classroom.

"weirdo." Brunette spoke.

—————————————————

I stood in front of the mirror in the school bathroom, staring at my reflection for long moments before the tears automatically fell. I could feel the emotions rising within me, the sadness, the anger, the helplessness. I felt like crying, for some reason, I felt like my entire world was crumbling down around me and I couldn't do anything about it.

I missed my mom.

I missed her presence.

I miss her affirmations.

I just missed her.

But now that she's gone, she's never coming back.

It's so hard to stay alive without her, she was my world and my best friend.

I cried as I looked at myself in the mirror, my tears now running down my face unabated. I thought about my mother constantly, the way that I was treated badly by Rick and everyone around me, and for no reason at all. I felt like the world was against me, and all I wanted to do was get away.

It was hard, feeling so alone and helpless, and the tears just wouldn't stop flowing.

"It should've of been me." I said to myself crying.

Not her, but me.

As I continued to cry, I heard an announcement on the speaker, calling for all the students going on the college trip today. I tried to focus on the announcement, but I was so overcome with emotions, it was hard to concentrate. It seemed like my heart was thumping in my chest, and my breath was getting shorter.

I heard my name being called out, but I ignored it— I just couldn't right now.

Hearing the sounds of other teens in the hallways excitedly getting ready to leave for the college trip made my chest feel heavier. It was like a reminder that everyone else still had a life outside of all this drama and trauma that was going on. I felt so alone, the only one with no excitement or happiness or hope.

Taking a deep breath, I heard a loud bang coming from outside the bathroom door, It startled me.

"Yes?" I yelled out from the inside.

"come on." Rick says

"I'm not going." I wiped my tears.

"Real funny, come on Kinsley."

"I said No."

"Fine, be alone then."

I'm already alone..

Once I heard his footsteps leave from outside, I relaxed a little, thinking that maybe he left. However, I was proven wrong when the women's restroom door suddenly swung open, and Rick was standing there, facing me.

"come on." He says again but more demanding this time.

I hesitating to leave out, I was still bothered by him and his evil presence even though his tone and attitude was more calmer,"

For right now.

I left out as he stares at me with a nonchalant face expression just examining my face.

"hm, were you crying?" he stared

"Uh—No!" I replied back

"Why would I cry? That would make me weak." I said

"well— you already are." He walked ahead of me with his hood on.

oh.