Follow: Chapter 1

Chapter 1

I was surrounded by denim jackets that Monday morning. I think it was some sort of trend. We were all crowding into the middle school, the jocks cursing at their friends, and the popular girls spraying perfume onto themselves and friends. The nerds were in a protective clump, clenching their homework and some of them holding onto their glasses. Just about everyone else (including me) was trying not to get slammed into the cold walls of the school. As I walked inside, someone’s denim jacket was annoyingly rubbing against me, and I ignored it until I realized it was my friend, Mia.

“You too?” I groaned. 

“Dont blame me! I didn’t know this whole denim thing was going on!”

We had both sworn to never follow any stupid trends a few weeks ago. Why would we want to be like everyone else anyway? I blew my bangs out of my face to show my annoyance until she apologized.

 “Hey, I’m sorry,” she said, “I didn’t even know! Besides, I think you’re overreacting anyway. Why is it so bad to follow some trend, or somehow accidentally do it?” she asked, tilting her head. 

“It’s just – never mindm” I quickly walked to my next class holding my breath. Why is it so bad? I wish I could tell her, but I couldnt. I’m glad I saved myself from saying anything about what happened. I had never told anybody.

Mrs. E gave me a tight smile, then gestured for me to sit in my seat. “OK. So today, class…”

I lost her there. How could I pay attention? I needed to think about things right now. It was just a month ago, but it felt like days. My brother walked out the door at night to go to some sort of party. Why did he… Wait. Why was I thinking about this? It wasn’t that big of a deal. I’m asking too many questions. I forced myself to at least look at my teacher so she could take the hint that I am listening, though I’m not.  Maybe I could think about a fake story to tell Mia. That thought gave me some comfort, blanketing me in some warmth. How wicked I was to get comfort from planning a lie. Not as wicked as my brother though.

Suddenly, the bell rang, and I walked out of the classroom glaring at anyone wearing denim. They deserved it.