5 Seconds of Sirens

Chapter 1//Try Hard

Last chance at survival, Calia. Make it count. Keep your head down and don’t fuck it up. My hands balled into tight fists of their own accord, and I wiggled my arms so the sleeves of my overly-large leather jacket covered them. Remember what Ash said. You control the power, not the other way around. Don’t freak out. I relaxed my hands just a bit before they balled up tighter. I could practically feel my knuckles turning white every time a shoulder bumped into mine. Ignore it. Keep your eyes down. Don’t give in. You’re strong, you can do this. I weaved my way through the taller bodies, trying to make it through the door to the main office. Since the first bell had already sounded, the students had nearly turned into a solid mass on their way to Homeroom. Ignore the idiots; just get your shit handled. You’ve really gotta try hard this time. “Just shove through, usually works.” I snapped my eyes up out of instinct, staring at the figure the voice belonged to. Looks like a tool. Put your head back down, idiot! “Everyone out of the way, fresh meat coming through!” The boy spoke again, this time in a more annoying tone before he gripped one of my leather sleeves. Within seconds I yanked my arm away, crossing my arms over my chest before I pushed through the crowd, trying to keep the physical contact to a minimum. Smooth, genius. Ten minutes in and people are already touching you. Get your shit together and go, you psycho.

“Stiles, bro. Stalking is illegal like, everywhere. Go to class, dude.” I lifted my gaze again, but only slightly, to see a tall guy standing behind the desk. I took little to no time checking him out. Boys were the last thing on my mind. I had no idea who had been talking to, until I heard the mall from the hallway grumble and walk away like an angry five year old. “Sorry about him.” I only shrugged as I tightened my hold around myself. “I’m Scott, the office aide. What can I help you with?”

Alright. Gotta look up, now. Not his eyes, Calia. You know better. I picked my head up only a bit, making sure not to look directly into this kids eyes. “Acalia Fynn. Transfer student. Senior.” I kept it short, sweet, and to the point before I turned my head to the desk. Watching this Scott guy get my file could have been creepy, and I was all about normal this year. I had to be normal.

“No problem, just give me a second.” I heard his feet move, but I was trying to avoid stalking him with my eyes as I waited for my schedule. Even when he returned with the paper I tuned him out. It was far from the only ‘first day of school’ speech I had heard in my life. But here’s to hoping it’s the last.

As soon as he stopped talking I snatched up the paper and scanned it. Ten minutes of Homeroom? What kind of a school was this? “Thanks.” I mumbled the words before I stepped back into the hallway, thanking every God that it was empty. Spoke too soon. Way to jinx yourself, dumbass.

“Hey, wait up! We’ve got first period together, I’ll walk you.” Say nothing. Nod and stare at your feet. You know the drill. I gave Scott a quick nod, keeping my eyes to my schedule while following his feet down the hallway. “So where’d you move from?” Silence. “Do you like Beacon Hills so far?” More silence. “Okay then…” I was hoping that meant he would get the hint. Talking was something saved for when it was absolutely necessary, or when I was comfortable with someone. Neither situation applied at the moment. “You don’t talk much, do you?” This time I stopped, raising my eyebrow at him. Does this kid ever shut up? He returned my look with a nervous laugh before he steered me into a classroom that was slowly filling up. This was one of my least favorite parts. Everyone was already clumped together at the desks. “You can sit with us. Come on.” I had almost forgotten that Scott was right next to me. I gave him my normal small nod before I followed him to the back of the room.