Ghost Note

Chapter 4

 The next morning I watched as Maria slowly rolled out of bed to the sound of her alarm clock. She pushed her feet into the 70's shag carpet and made her way to the bathroom. She turned on her radio next to the door and softly started playing The Mute by Radical Face. She walked into the ensuite bathrom and closed the door behind her. After about ten minutes she walked out wrapped in a towel and made her way to her dresser.

  I adverted my eyes out of common respect, but found it was rather difficult. This girl just fascinated me. She was so different.

  I looked back to see her wearing skinny jeans and a big sweater. She pulled on some socks then made her way over to the old vanity in the corner of the room. 

 She started to apply mascara over her light lashes, and once feeling satisfied, ran a brush through her long hair. When she finally pulled on her leather boots and grabbed her backpack, she made her way to school.

  I recalled a bus stop not being that far away from her home, but was surprised to see her start walking in the other direction.

 As it turns out we walked all the way to school. I was actually even more surprised to see that she went to the same school as me. And to be honest, a part of me hated myself when I realized we also had the same first period.

  She quickly made her way over to the back corner of the classroom and took a seat. Eventually the warning bell rang and everyone filed into there seats. I sat myself on the counter top next to Maria and awaited what would surely be a boring day. The class was going by as expected until someone threw a wad of paper onto Maria's desk.

 She hesitantly unfolded the paper and took in a sharp breath at the cruel words written on it.

Attention seeking whore.

  She meekly looked around the classroom to be met by harsh giggles from the girls in the front of the classroom.  She quickly looked back down at her desk and crumpled up the paper in embarrassment.

   "Just ignore them", I thought.

 I could tell by the way Maria was digging her nails into her palms she was trying.

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  The rest of the day went by uneventful until lunch rolled around.

 Maria quietly made her way to the cafeteria and took her place in line. Food in hand she weaved her way in between tables, not willing to take a seat. 

 She did try to sit down once, but soon changed her mind when she almost immediately got a glare in return.

 "This seat's taken."

 "Right, sorry."

 Inhaling a deep breath she finally made her way to the bathroom.  She took a seat in a stall and picked through her lunch.

 I started thinking then, as  I was looking at this girl all alone. She was so tough. I surely would've cracked with out the company of another. Why are people so mean to her? I couldn't conjure up any excuse for all of their nasty behavior. I've been hearing words like ugly and depressed and emo all day.

 I wish so much that I could be alive right now, and be her friend.

 My thoughts were ended when Maria stood up and exited the bathroom. The day ran on, and continually Maria was harassed. I'm not sure how much more I could watch. The only time I actually saw Maria crack a smile was when she was talking to her math teacher, Mr. Richard. He appeared to have a soft spot for Maria, and in general kids who don't have it easy.

 When school was over Maria speedily made her way for the front doors. She had barely made it out the doors when she was splattered with coffee.

 "Oops," Jenna sneered. Her friends laughed as if it was the funniest thing in the world.4

 Maria was trying her best all day, but she finally let the tears slip.

 "Awe she's crying," said one of Jenna's friends, underlined with a giggle. 

 I was screaming at Maria to hit her, but I had no such luck as Maria ran home.