Chasing Pavements

Because of a black pen

I was up and getting ready before my alarm clock could screech and beep me awake.

The annual First Day of School had changed drastically over the years. It went from my mom taking lots of pictures, while I waved and slung my backpack over my shoulder like a JCPenny model, to general excitement, eventually reaching complete dread. But, today, and only today, would I be happy and prepared and confident. I was going to make new friends. I was going to aim for straight A's this year. I was going to join a few clubs, maybe even a sport if I was in a really good mood. The point was, I was going to make my senior year count. A part of my mind wanted to add, "I was going to get a boyfriend," to that little list of goals, but I shrugged it off. Relationships, love, and boys in general never worked out for me. My 8th grade year was a great example. I mentally slapped myself. "Do not think about that."

My mirror wouldn't cease to pick out any flaws and lower my self-esteem a bit every time I checked my reflection. Fiery red curls that cascaded down my shoulders, piercing emeralds for eyes, a sprinkle of freckles across my nose, pale skin. I pinched my cheeks to try to add some color to my face, but I ended up hurting myself instead. Sighing, I padded downstairs, kissed my mom farewell until 2:40, and skipped out the door.

This was my year. I mean, I sure as hell hoped it would be.

_____

Alicante Preparatory School sounded far better than reality. Sure, it was a private school, but it was more like a public school with a fancy name and higher quality restrooms.

It felt so familiar, walking down the tiled hallways and running a hand along the striped wallpaper. I passed the large gymnasium, cafeteria, and finally made it to the commons, which was similar to a lobby of a hotel. The main office was located in the commons and it was an area to talk and hang out. It was also where I found Simon, who'd recently been sprayed by the faulty water fountain.

"Schedule time!" I grinned, nudging Simon's piece of paper in his hand.

"English, math, blahblahblah, lunch! Now, that is a good period!" he enthusiastically pumped his fist in the air. "I heard they got rid of the creepy lunch lady with the green hair and lazy eye."

"Aww, I always thought that ol' Milly had a special place in her heart for you. She gave you extra tater-tots."

"Oh, the shame," Simon mock-sobbed. "Well, I guess I got to go to Mr. Fell's for science. I'll see you later, Fray!"

Now I was alone, a few minutes before the bell would ring. I scrambled around to find my Literature class and snatched a seat at the right moment.

____

"I am Mr. Larson, and only call me Mr. Larson. No 'Mr. L's' or 'L-Dawg.' I trust you are all literate enough to pronounce two-syllables, hm?"

I was losing consciousness already.

"And, now class, we have a new student."

My ears perked up at this, but my head stayed rested against my mahogany desk.

"Please introduce yourself, Mr. Lightwood."

And, just like that, seven years worth of memories flooded back to me like a giant tidal wave. Mr. Lightwood. No. Mr. Larson couldn't be talking about-

"I'm Jace, and only call me Jace. J-Dawg and Mr. J are acceptable, though, since I doubt most of you are literate enough to pronounce one syllable, hm?"

He did such a perfect imitation of Mr. Larson, who I could vividly imagine turning red, that it was almost scary. The people laughing were those who didn't understand that Jace had just insulted them. Which would be everyone but me.