Grey Hearts

Chapter Two: A Whole New World

Lana

I fought the urge to stick up my middle finger at the guy that just ran into me and made me lose my balance. To make it worse, he even stepped on my books. “So rude,” I remarked.

I wish I could just make him pay by carrying these books to my locker. I sighed and arranged the books on my arm, this time, slowing my pace so I could observe my environment and avoid a repeat of what just happened.

After getting to my locker in one piece and arranging those books alphabetically, spine to spine – a precision that drives my Mum crazy, I scanned the timetable for the schedule for my next class. “I told Mum she should have let me resume last week so I could get a hang of this place.” I murmured, my brows furrowed as I stared at the paper.

The voice in my head said that it was okay to ask someone for directions so I raised my head and glanced at the students in the hallway. Most of them were in groups of fours and fives and I didn't want to bring notice to myself that I was new around here. I checked the time on my phone and saw that I still had about twenty minutes until the first class.

“That should be enough time to locate the venue.” I said as my legs moved on their own accord, taking a right turn down the hallway where the classrooms were situated. I kept my head down and my ears peeled for any conversation regarding where I was headed but the gossip that filtered into my ears was no help.

I almost gave up finding it five minutes to the class but that was when I saw the bold sign on one of the doors down the hallway, ‘Physics lab’. I smiled and walked to the door. My breath caught in my throat as I opened the door. The class was already filled with students, all chatting animatedly. I took a deep breath and walked in with my head high.

The class went without an incident, except for the curious stares that came my way when I answered a few questions the instructor asked. After the class, we were asked to pick extracurricular activities to participate in. I ached to go with art and crafts as usual but that was one of the things that gave away our location the last time so I opted for drama club. Even as I filled the registration form, I could hear Mum's voice in my head, ‘Keep your head down, Lana. We just got here.’

My phone beeped and a message from Amy, my old friend from Australia pops in. ‘Hey, you. What's up? I miss you so much. How're things at your new school? Senior year here is going to be so boring without you.’

My hands hovered over the keyboard as I debated on whether to reply now or later tonight. Mum would definitely lose her mind if she found out that I was still in touch with anyone from back there.

I sighed and my shoulders slumped. “How long will this continue?” I asked no one in particular as I walked towards the cafeteria. I needed to get so engrossed in school work and other activities so that I'd keep my fears and worries at bay and enjoy my time here before we had to move.

I didn't need to order anything for lunch because Mum packed something for me but I stood in the queue anyway to assess their menu and of course, the nature of their meals. Once I was satisfied with my survey, I found an empty table somewhere at the back of the room and sat down to eat.

A shadow fell on my face as I took the first bite and I raised my head to see who it was. “Hi, I'm Barbara, the school vice president.”

Beautiful , that was the first word that registered in my mind as my eyes scanned her curvy frame appreciatively. Her warm blue eyes were fixed on mine as she extended her hand. I shook myself out of my daze and smiled, taking her hand which was softer in contrast to mine. Life was probably going smoothly for her as well, I thought, watching her introduce her friend. No, that was a poor sense of judgement.

“Oh, hi Gina. I'm Lana.” I replied, waving at the redhead by her side. “It's nice to meet you both.”

“I saw you in Physics class earlier and now here, alone,” she added with a breathy laugh, “so I automatically concluded that you are a new student. Am I right?” Barbara asked.

“Yes, yes. I am. I've only been here for three days.”

Barbara’s face lit up with a smile. “That’s great. You'd love it here, Lana. I assure you. I'm also the president of the drama club, just in case you're interested in that sort of thing.”

I didn't miss Gina’s bored expression as she rocked from side to side and kept checking her watch. Barbara probably did this often and I was sure that it didn't appeal to her. “I registered earlier today, Barbara. Thanks for the invitation.”

“Okay,” she drawled, “that means I'll be seeing you around more often. Welcome to Crenshaw, Lana. If you'll excuse me, my lunch is getting cold.” I merely nodded, watching as her straight black bob bounced as she turned. Gina's lips spread in a small smile, a silent acknowledgement perhaps.

I dug into my food, happy that I'd made an acquaintance today. Mum would like that.

***

The bell rang, signaling the end of classes for the day. I pushed through the crowd of students in the hallway, eager to get home. My phone beeped but I held myself from responding until I got outside.

I finally got to the parking lot and took out my phone to check. ‘Hi, darling. I'm at the police station. It's taking longer than I expected and I know I'm supposed to pick you up but could you please take a cab? I'll see you at dinner.

Love, Mum.’

I smiled, skipping down the road like a giddy child. This was my chance to go spend some time at the art shop down the road. If I can't join the art club at school, I might as well appreciate their works.

I got home by 5pm and noticed that the curtains were still drawn. That only meant that Mum wasn't home yet. Good, that way I wouldn't have to explain where I've been.

The moment I walked in, I froze. My heart hammered wildly, my bag slipping from my grip. A scream tore from my throat, piercing through the air and shattering the stillness of the house.