Elysium Read Free

though.
    “You know, I saw what Anne did and I feel bad. I’m not a total asshole. I thought you could use a friend, but it’s clear I was wrong.”
    He walked past me, shoving his hands in his pants pockets. I should have felt bad, but I didn’t. If I were to be friends with Heath, Anne would never let me live it down. The weather was cold, and the fact that my pants were wet didn’t help matters. I crossed the bridge, the creek below me rushing quickly across the moss covered rocks. The mountains were in the horizon, their snow capped tops standing out against the baby blue sky.  Even though I lived here, I sometimes felt like I didn’t belong.
     
     

Chapter Two
     
    I made my way up the steps to the school’s main entrance. Of course, Anne and Katie stood just inside the entrance, smug smirks creasing their perfectly painted lips. I smiled back at them. “Morning, ladies.” I walked past them, not missing how everyone around me seemed to already know about my little mishap. I went to the bathroom, praying the automatic hand dryer wasn’t on the fritz today. I pushed the door open, thankful the bathroom was empty.
    “Please work, please work.” I said it like a mantra, setting my backpack on the floor and taking my coat off. I pushed the big silver button, smiling and thanking the heavens when hot air blew out. I turned around and made sure my butt got most of the warm air. I’m sure anyone walking in right now would love to see me in this “compromising” position. I heard the bell ring and decided half-dry pants were better than nothing.
    I quickly washed my hands and looked at myself in the mirror. My dark hair was more or less stringy, some of the puddle water having splashed on my locks. My eyes looked a bright blue today, or maybe it was because my cheeks and nose were red from the chill of the air? I had dark circles around my eyes and a massive headache threatening to burst through.
    I heard the second bell ring and headed to my Anatomy and Physiology class. When I walked in, everyone was already seated, talking so loud it only intensified my migraine. Mrs. Henley stood at her desk, clearly having some trouble hooking up the projector. I took my regular seat, at the back of the class, and waited for it to be over with.
    Kallie Hendersen sat next to me, further down the social totem pole than I was. It didn’t help she had flaming red hair and a smattering of freckles covering her pale face.
    “It’s cold today.”
    She always initiated small talk with me. It wasn’t that I was trying to be rude to her, but I was already having a crappy morning, and my mood was shot.
    “Yeah.” I slumped in my seat and closed my eyes, as my headache roared to full force. Mrs. Henley started her lecture on the reproductive system. Her words caused most of the class to snicker, some of the guys throwing out suggestive comments to the girls.
    “Am I boring you, Miss Caldwell?”
    It took me a moment to realize she was talking to me. I slowly opened my eyes, the harsh florescent lights like knives piercing my skull. “What?”
    “I asked if I was boring you.”
    Looking around the room, I was acutely aware of every pair of eyes on me. “No, why?”
    “I just assumed, since you had your eyes closed.”
    Some of my classmates snickered, and I felt my face heat in embarrassment. I squirmed in my chair and cleared my throat. “I’m sorry. I just have a headache.”
    Mrs. Henley watched me silently for a suspended moment, as if gauging my expression for a hidden lie. “Do you need to see the nurse?”
    “No, I already took something. It just hasn’t kicked in yet.” Maybe I shouldn’t have worded it like that, because after I said it I realized it sounded a little incriminating.
    She nodded and started her lecture again as if there had been no interruption. Thankfully she turned off the light. The overhead projection suddenly illuminated the classroom and students instantly started giggling. A drawn