The boy in the back

Chapter 1: Highlighter

I try to act normal. I try to act calm.

"How tall are you?" He asks.

"6'4."

"Do you play basketball?"

I take a sharp breathe, "Yes."

"You should apply for the team. We've got open spots."

"I don't think so." I shake my head.

"Why not?"

I shrug.

I need to be alone. I can't do this.

I watch as a brunette with long hair comes over. Arlo smiles at her and her lips twitch before forming a small smile.

"Hey." He says as we stop in our tracks.

"Hey," The brunette looks at me, "Are you new?"

Is it that fucking obvious?

"His name is Henry and he plays basketball." Arlo blurts.

"Hi." I mutter lowly.

"I'm Eva." She says. Her voice is soft and tender.

Her eyes flicker between me and Arlo.

They are judging me.

I need to go. I need air.

I can't do this anymore.

I want to go home.

"Nice to meet you both." I say before walking around them and continuing my way to the front office.

I can hear the whispers, i can feel the stares.

They are crawling under my skin, into my blood and infecting it. Slowing me down until i'm drained and gone.

My eyes lock with a black haired girl.

She winks at me and i freeze in place.

~~

A red headed girl winks at me. She's beautiful. She must be a few years older than me.

She smirks before walking into a classroom.

~~

I feel sick to my stomach.

I hold back from gagging as i walk into the office.

The lady looks at me, "How can i help you?"

"I-i'm new." I pick at my pants anxiously.

"What's your name?"

"Henry."

I hear the blood rushing in my ears. The way my stomach twists in circles like a tornado.

As she turns to get paperwork i gag.

I feel so sick.