Stalker

Jessica stepped off the bus and stared out as the freshly painted buildings before her. Swallowing hard, she wandered inside the grounds, passing various high school students as she nervously made her way to the sixth form block; tucking a strand of long auburn hair of her face. As she walked, she noticed various other sixth form students walking into the building, feeling her heart jump with anxiety as she glanced at her appearance in the nearby windows. Maybe this was a mistake she thought quickly checking her outfit over. The letter from the school stated the dress code for today was ‘smart casual’ but as she passed various other students in jeans and hoodies she began to question herself entirely. Suddenly the cream long sleeve blouse seemed almost too formal and the black shorts almost ridiculous.

Oh god why didn’t I just go to Newport instead

The automatic doors parted and she walked inside. The smell of cheap perfume hung in the air, drifting towards glass doors of the common room of which she saw a huge crowd of people standing behind. Jessica turned her nose up the smell, its sickeningly sweet smell was almost overpowering, making her feel sicker that she already did. It’ll be ok she silently reassured, pulling open the door and walking inside. Loud chatter of student gossip filled the room as Jessica moved her way through the crowd; passing new and familiar faces from her high school classes that were either unwilling or simply had no choice but to stay on at the school they had moaned about for the previous past 5 years. That was the thing about Birchwood High School, you hated the teachers, the students and the decrepit buildings but once it got its claws into you, it was almost impossible to shake it off.

She took a seat in a nearby chair, looking around at the buzzing crowed. She knew almost everyone here; then again, what was she expecting? The sixth form was good and most people who attended as high schoolers often stayed on. But despite its familiarity and warm atmosphere, she couldn’t help but feel more alone. Her friends were long gone from this place and now it was just her.

Maybe I should’ve left this place while I had the chance.

In that moment, a short, red-headed woman burst into the room; a small band of teachers following her close behind as the room slowly fell silent. “Good morning sixth formers. My name is Mrs Feather-Levey and I am your Head of Sixth form. I will read out a list of names and you will go with your tutor to your form rooms.” She explained cheerily, smiling out at the students before them. Jessica ignored the woman, fiddling with her phone as she contemplated phoning home, explaining to her mother that this was a bad idea and how she wanted to go home….”

“and Jessica Court, please make your way with Mr. Andrews to your form room”

Jessica’s eyes grew wide in horror. Mr. Andrews was one of the most terrifying teachers in all of Birchwood High, there was no way in hell she would survive with him as a form tutor. She shuddered as memories of high school came flooding back, the loud bark that erupted from his lips as he taught, the fury that followed if he caught a student misbehaving. She had been on the bad end of his temper before and never wished to encounter it again.

They wandered through the now desolate school and made their way into the technology department. Jess hung at the back of the crowd, unsure of what to do. She had to put herself out there more. She couldn’t just hang back and be this shy little girl anymore, it was getting beyond ridiculous. Eventually the group of New Year 12’s walked into a classroom and sat down among the rows of desks. She quickly scanned the room, unsure of where to go.

And that’s when she saw her.

“Emma?” she asked, tapping the shoulder of a nearby girl. The girl turned, her face beaming as her eyes fell upon Jessica. “Hi hun” she cried, throwing her arms around her. “How’ve you been, its been ages” she said, sitting down in a nearby chair. Jessica smiled, sitting down opposite her, a feeling of relief washing over her as she chatted away to her. She never expected Emma to stay on; she didn’t appear the sixth form type. Then again, who was she to be so judgmental? “Yeah me and Laura both stayed on, it just felt right staying here” She explained, removing her glasses to rub her eyes before placing them carefully back on her face. Jessica smiled. “I don’t think I was ready to leave to be honest, then again I don’t think you could leave James could you” She joked; grinning wildly as she gently nudged her on the arm. Emma laughed shaking her head; she had always had a crush on Mr. James ever since he had started working here.

The door behind them suddenly opened. The girls turned to find a small group of year 13’s walking into the room. “Who are they?” Jessica whispered. Emma smiled. “They merge the older year with us” Emma said quickly, her face lighting up as she called out a man’s name.

Gerard!

A young man slowly turned, smiling at Emma as he took a seat at the desk in front of her. His friend followed close behind, smiling cheerily as he sat beside him. “You alright Em” He asked, his voice as smooth as silk as he offered her a smile. The man stood 6’2 with short black hair and dark eyes that you couldn’t help but lose yourself in and his is slender physic and suited appearance was almost breathtaking. “I’m good thanks, this is Jess, Jess this is Gerard” Emma said, smiling proudly between the pair. Jessica smiled timidly. “Hi” she said quietly. Gerard raised his eyebrows at her, looking at her with a look she couldn’t quite describe before turning his gaze back to Emma.

What the hell was that all about?

“Hi, I’m Ray” his friend said, leaning back in his chair. Ray looked remarkably different from Gerard, with his long hair, smart dress sense and stocky physic; it was almost a surprise that they were friends. “Hey” She replied cheerily, her gazing falling back on Gerard who continued to ignore her. Instead, she began to talk to Emma about the summer break and how long it was since they saw each other. Jessica sat there awkwardly, silently scolding Gerard for rebuffing her. Just because he was friends with Emma didn’t mean he had to be so rude.

Notes

Hey guys! Sorry this chapter is so dull, I'm trying to introduce the characters so you know who they are ect ect. But don't worry, it will get better I can assure you ;) x

I've also decided not to include character profiles. Many people imagine the characters differently anyway and If im totally honest, I don't really know who's going to be in this story yet.

I hope you enjoyed the first chapter so please Rate/Comment/Subscribe xxx