IN A LIFETIME

First Day of school

SEAN

The three of us sat in the car, but no one spoke. It was quiet, but it wasn't uncomfortable. Silence stopped being uncomfortable a long time ago.

On the contrary, there was nothing but noise outside. Car horns along with their loud pretentious engines, mixed with high pitched screaming, were all around us. It's the middle of the semester, I thought, not the first day of school.

The building was small. Much smaller than a typical high school but larger than what is expected in a small town. "367 students", I remember the administrator saying "369 with the two of you" she continued with an all too obviously fake laugh.

Right then a girl walked in front of our car. Tall and tan, with long light brown hair. I couldn't tell very well, but she appeared to have bright green eyes. She was ridiculously thin, but with her tall stance and the way she stood with her shoulders back, she looked anything but scrawny and weak. Undoubtedly beautiful. I followed her with my eyes as she walked into the school.

My mother finally broke the silence. "Listen, guys. I know you've had a rough year last year, we all did". I almost let out a chuckle. That could not have possibily been more of an understatement.

Memories from the last year came back to me. Sure I remember the hype. The laughing and feeling like I was on top of the world. But I also remember the pain. My entire body aching, especially my head. I remember the desperation and the evil desire.

I looked at the rear view mirror at Beth in the back seat. She was just looking at the floor. It seemed like all I saw of her lately was the top of her head. Her shoulders were always shrugged and her back arched. The opposite of the confidence that girl that walked in front of us had. I didn't blame her. I couldn't.

"Are you guys even listening to me?" My mom asked frustratedly. We both turned our attention to her and she just sighed. "All I was saying is this could be good for us. Small town away from anything and anyone we knew before. It can be a fresh start. Lord knows we need it." Neither of us said anything. "Okay. I give up. Just.....try to have a good day. I love you two."

We both got out of the car and started walking towards the building. Right before walking in I turned to Beth and gave her a faint smile. To my surprise she actually returned it and we both went our seperate directions.