The Ones I Should Avoid

The Twins

I reached my first class finally after navigating the busy halls trying not to arse-up in front of everybody. After taking a wrong turn because I got distracted by the rumours that were floating around about my accident, I arrived at my first class, late. Miss Donald, who was a young teacher and loved drama as much as some of the students, gasped as I walked in drawing everybody’s eyes to the front. I rolled my eyes and mumbled an apology for being late. I cast my eyes downwards and weaved my way to my desk. The problem I found though was somebody was sitting in my seat. Somebody hot. Miss Donald spoke up, "Ivy, I'm sorry. I wasn't sure if you would be back, so I gave your seat to Rylee. He’s new." she added fluttering her eyelids a little. I looked around the class nearly every seat was taken except one at the back. I also noticed that nearly all my classes eyes were on me. "It's fine" I mumbled heading, with difficulty, to the seat at the back beside a girl I didn't recognise either. The girl smiled at me and turned in her seat to face me. "I like you already!" she declared enthusiastically. "Wh-What?" I was surprised that she wanted to talk to me. She was obviously confident and outgoing and probably very popular. "I like you! I mean, you’re the only girl in this class so far who isn't drooling all over my brother. I'm Ella, by the way. And that beef patty over there is my twin brother Rylee." she said it so fast and with so much energy I had trouble keeping up. "Beef patty?" I snorted laughing. She giggled "Yea, beef patty, meat head, sausage twitchier, whatever you feel like calling him" "Sausage twitchier?" I covered my mouth to smother my laughter. I don't remember laughing like this in, like, forever! She grinned at me, "We are going to be great friends!" Friends! I haven't had a friend since Heather made it clear that anyone who associated with me was also going to suffer the consequences. I smiled back at her. I couldn't help this little bubble of hope that swelled in my chest and lightened my heart just a little. Ella and I had the same classes for the rest of the morning, I think Rylee did too, but I didn't take that much notice, unlike the other girls. I was just happy to have a friend for once. She even helped me by carrying my bag to class for me as I was struggling thanks to my crutches. I was slow to open up, but Ella wheedled her way in. I was glad she hadn't asked me about my accident yet because I wasn't ready to tell. She had no off button and by lunch I was exhausted from just watching how much energy she had. I followed her to the cafe where we sat at a table. I didn't realise whose table till her shadow loomed over me.