THE PUZZLE

EVERYONE'S A WEIRDO

Ashley had woken up by the sound of her alarm. She stressed her hands to her phone and turned off the alarm. A new day had begun, the beginning of her nightmares. She noticed Peach was not on her bed. She sat for a while before heading to the bathroom.

After her bath, she dressed up, took a bite from the granola bar on her desk, and washed it down with a swig of cold water from the faucet. The bitter taste from the granola bar mixed with the minty freshness of her toothpaste, leaving a slightly unpleasant after taste. Then, she hurried to class. She got to the classroom seeing everyone seated, she found somewhere to sit.

"Good morning class". The homeroom teacher, Mr Caldwin greeted as he entered the classroom.

"Morning sir".

"As you all can see, we have a new student". He said to the class

Then to Ashley, he said;

"Introduce yourself".

Ashley got up and muttered her name.

" Ashley"

"Did anyone hear her?". The students shook their head.

"I'm Ashley Jackson, a transfer student....."

Did they want anything else... she thought.

"Miss Jackson, why did you leave your previous school".

Ashley was surprised. She stared at the homeroom teacher. Is this question necessary? She thought.

"Some personal reasons"

"Fine, you don't have to give the answers". He said to Ashley.

" I'll be back kids".

Something scurried beside her. She turned backwards and the girl sitting beside her smiled at her.

"Hi! Ashley".

"Hi" Ashley said staring indifferently at her. Everyone seems monstrous to her, though she believes that monsters don't exist. Ashley wasn't a snub but most times, she loved her space.

"Hello". They both heard. Ashley looked behind her and a boy was waving at her.

"That's Charles Sinclair, a nerd. He's totally a genius. Sitting next to him is Riley Lewis"

" She can barely see without her glasses". The blue eyes girl whispered.

" And that guy made someone lick the trashcan. His name is Wes Allen".

" Why would he do such?". Ashley asked irritated.

"He's the school bully". The blue eyes stated.

Ashley smiled. Bullies are her target.

" Would you have lunch with me at the cafeteria?"

Sure, I'll want to know everything about this dead school. Ashley thought

"Yeah" She said to the blue eyes girl..

"Anyway, I'm Aoife Davis". The blue eyes introduced.

★

Classes took break, Ashley and Aoife went to the cafeteria together.

"Tell me one interesting thing about this school."Ashley demands.

" There's a lot. Sports and games day...."

"Boring". Ashley commented

"It's fun". Aoife said.

"There's more. You just have to see them yourself". Aoife said giving Ashley a wink.

"That's boring too". Ashley said smiling

There was a bang on their table.

" Hey newbie". A dark hair girl smirked staring down at both of them.

"This is Mona Wales, she's the school peacock". Aoife quickly whispered to Ashley.

" Peacock?". Ashley giggled

"She thinks the world revolves around her".

" How can we be of help to you?". Ashley asked.

" You are sitting in my space". Mona said.

"We'll leave immediately". Aoife said holding her dish, gesturing for Ashley to get up too.

"Sit back Aoife, we didn't meet her here. And also I was wasn't informed that there's a VIP seat for anyone". Ashley said.

" I will pardon you because you are a newbie. You don't know the rules yet". Mona said rage boiling over her.

She walked close to Ashley and whispered in her ears

"Next time, I won't be friendly". Mona threatened and left.

" That was close". Aoife said.

"Are you good?". She asked Ashley.

"Ashley only gave a nod.

"Gosh! Must I have their kind wherever I go?". Ashley sobbed

" What's that?". Aoife asked

" Nothing". Ashley replied.

"You know what.." Ashley started

" Everyone's a weirdo". She said aloud.