Chapter 1

HADAZA

My life has always been simple. I wake up, go to school, come back, do homework, eat, sleep and repeat. I just wish I had some adventure in my life, some excitement. I wish I had someone to share my deep, curious thoughts with. If only I could create a friend who I could paint endless portraits of. I want someone I could cry with, someone I could talk to about my problems, someone I could act crazy with and someone I could love till the end of time. I want a best friend I could write stories with and collect shells with.

I continue sketching my imaginary best friend and I on a magnificent boat. I'm painting a portrait of her as she pretends to be a pirate holding up her hook. The waves are crashing against the boat and tiny stones act as droplets. In the sky are all the planets in different sizes.

"Hadaza!" The calling of my name broke my lost thoughts.

"Hadaza!" I looked up only to find everyone staring at me including Miss Clark who seemed so frustrated.

"Yes ma'am?"

"Do you want to pass this class?" she huffed.

"Yes ma'am I do." I answered.

"Then pay attention." Miss Clark commanded as she firmly pushed up her thick glasses.

"Yes ma'am." That's all I seemed to say. I mean I couldn't make any promises but she didn't need to know that.

"Yes ma'am." Someone imitated me in a tiny voice. Which is not how I sounded, may I just add. Some of the students laughed at the pathetic joke. I just ignored them and impatiently waited for the bell to ring for lunch time. Once in a while I would glance at the clock over the board while chewing on my pencil as I waited.

•••

I rushed out of that horrific class like my life depended on it. I wasn't the only one though. Lunch is probably the only time everyone looks forward to when coming to school.

After getting myself a chocolate cupcake, some fries and yogurt from the cafeteria, I made my way to the library. This is were I could truly feel calm. Its drama and noise free. The library for me, is stress less. I come every break to continue my sketches while I make my stomach happy.

I went to sit on the far side where the windows were. The light shines so beautifully there. It emphasises the hard wooden shelves and etching of teenage graffiti.

I began eating and continuing my sketch. When I was done I checked if I should add anything to the picture, then I quickly signed the finished product in the corner. I stared at the artwork and went deep in thought still engulfing my food.

Gosh, I'm too lonely. I just don't understand why people don't like me. I mean I'm a nice person. But most people think I'm weird and awkward. I'm not gonna lie, I like the fact that I'm wierd, it makes me who I am. People just tend to avoid me or pretend I'm not there. Its just always been me, art and food. I used to be homeschooled until two years ago. So I guess you could say I've been lonely my whole life. Its kind of sad actually. Sometimes I actually feel sorry for myself. 

Ten minutes later the bell rang signaling the next period. I was rushing down the crowded hallway trying to get to my locker when I bumped into someone. The stranger and I exchanged glances and it felt like everything had slowed down. It was amazing how his green gaze was piercing through me in just a few seconds, making it feel even longer. "Sorry." I quickly walked away not giving him a chance to reply.

That moment felt unreal or imaginary in a way. It felt like one of those scenes in a thriller or mystery that could change the whole plot of the story drastically. Anyway, I just brushed it off and reached my locker.