Chapter 1
695 Words
"Anna, my dear, time to go to school." Mom said opening the door to my room.
I was standing in front of my mirror, contemplating my reflection while fidgeting with my pendant. It felt so weird having to get through my last year of college without Zayn. But the toughest part was confronting our classmates and teachers. Since the start of this year, they spent their time making me feel comfortable or at least not alone.
But that was exactly how I felt without Zayn by my side. Even having to drive to school on my own and not having him pick me up was unnatural.
"Honey, let's go. I'll drop you." Mom smiled at me from behind.
I grabbed my bag from my desk and a couple books still in silence and followed her downstairs. The drive to my school was more awkward. I could feel she wanted to have a conversation or lighten the atmosphere a bit. But she knew I was still grieving. I had my own way of dealing with what had happened.
"Thanks mom." I waved her goodbye as she drove off.
I turned around and tried to prepare myself mentally to face condolences hugs and sympathy smiles from almost everyone. And as I walked down the corridor to my locker, I could feel a heavy atmosphere, people gossiping, heads turning my way and looks that cried pity out loud.
"I wish you were here Zayn." I whispered under my breath my head leaning forward on his locker just next to mine.
I took out my literary book from my locker and made my way to class just in time with the bell. I sat in my place and stared at the empty seat next to mine. Throughout the entire lecture I couldn't remain focus and would caught myself lost in my own thoughts. Once the bell rang the end of the class I quickly gathered my books and was about to disappear into the hallway.
"Anna dear, can I have a word with you please?" Mrs. Maple called me before I could make it out of class.
"Yes." I answered getting to her desk.
"You know my door is always open if you want to talk about it." She proceeded giving me a small smile.
Mrs. Maple was the sweetest teacher one could have. Probably because she was the youngest one of them all. She was in her late twenties with a pretty face framed by long wavy blonde hair. Staring at her made me remember the first time she was giving a lecture. All the boys in the class was taken aback by her beautiful figure including Zayn. I remembered teasing Zayn about how he was drooling in class and he would turn bright red. I snapped out of it and smiled back at her.
"I'm fine Mrs. Maple." I said feeling my throat getting tighter.
She nodded back at me taking my hand in hers. I knew she wouldn't believe me. After a couple of minutes she let go and handed me an envelope with my name written on it.
"I want you to sit down and think well about this." She said and I immediately realized what it was.
I turned my back on her and made my way to the roof. Since school started, I would have lunch up here to avoid any forced conversation. I sat down and opened the envelope.
"Dear Miss Williams, after reviewing the work you handed in for the entrance in our writing competition, we have the pleasure to count you amongst this year's participant.
I stopped dead in track and tried my best to remember when I did the application for the competition. I had completely forgotten about it after the death of Zayn because I thought I would never be able to write again or at least with the same passion. The only reason I opted for literary classes was because I wanted to be in the same class as him back then and I ended up falling in love with the subject. I pushed the memories at the back of my head and took out my lunch box.
"What are you doing up here alone." I heard a deep voice from behind and almost jumped in surprise.
- Writer
