More Than What They See

CHAPTER 2: The First Day of Many

Rhian’s POV

I walked slowly toward my classroom after they left. My hands were still shaking and my throat felt tight like I could barely breathe. I kept telling myself that it would be fine. That this was just a bad start and the rest of the day would be easier. But deep down I already knew things would not be that simple.

When I found my room I stopped by the door for a moment, too afraid to step inside. I took a deep breath and walked in slowly. Everyone turned to look at me and some whispered to each other. I spotted an empty seat at the very back near the window. I placed my bag down quietly and kept my eyes lowered.

A few minutes later the door opened again. And my heart almost stopped beating.

The same three boys I met earlier walked in. They moved like they owned the whole room. Everyone sat up straighter and some girls even smiled as they passed by. They walked right past my desk and the boy who spoke to me earlier paused for a second. He glanced at me then walked to the seats in front and sat down with his friends.

I thought they would not notice me anymore. But I was wrong.

During the first lesson we were asked to introduce ourselves. I stood up slowly and spoke softly. “I am Rhian. I just transferred here.”

As soon as I sat down I heard a whisper from the front. “Rhian? Sounds plain. Just like how she looks.”

I bit my lip and stared at my notebook. I did not answer. I did not look up. I hoped they would get tired of teasing me if I just stayed quiet. But every time I dropped something or answered a question I could feel their eyes on me. Every laugh they shared felt like it was meant for me.

When lunch break came I packed my things quickly and walked out before anyone could say anything else. I found an empty bench in the garden far away from the canteen. I opened my lunchbox but I had no appetite. All I could think about was the way they looked at me like I was nothing at all.

I heard footsteps approaching and I immediately closed my lunchbox ready to stand up and leave. But it was just a few girls from my class. They looked at me for a moment then one of them spoke. “You really should stay away from them. They do not like new people especially someone like you.”

I looked at her confused. “Someone like me?”

She shrugged. “You know. Simple. Quiet. You do not fit their world. They are used to getting everything they want and everyone giving way to them. You will only get hurt if you try to get close or get their attention.”

They walked away leaving me even more confused. I looked down at my simple clothes and my slightly worn out shoes. I never thought there was anything wrong with them before. But right then I started to see myself the way they probably saw me. Small. Out of place. Worth nothing.

I finished my lunch in silence and went back inside. I told myself I just needed to get through this day. And the days that would follow. But as I walked back to class I saw them again standing by the lockers laughing and talking like nothing had happened. And I knew this was only just the start of the harder life waiting for me here.