I shuffle down the crowded hallway, books in hand. Bodies press against me from all sides, aggressively pushing me forward. I feel like I'm suffocating. I squeeze my books closer to my chest and try to take deep breaths.

I suck in a breath and exhale too fast.

Slower...deep breaths...

I close my eyes momentarily and let the flow of people guide me. I breath in again, but this time, a strong smell of autumn assaults my nose. My emerald eyes fly open and I look around, trying to identify the owner of the calming smell.

A tall boy with chocolate brown hair and entrancing, dark eyes is walking right behind me. He looks down at me and smiles, making my heart flutter. I snap my head forward and look straight ahead.

Did he just...He did. He...he smiled at me.

A light warmth spreads across my chest as my lips flick up into a smile. I close my eyes softly and inhale again, purposefully searching for the sweet smell this time.

As the pumpkin spice, apple cider, and caramel smell hits my nose, I visibly relax. The boy is pushed up against me; and his chest is pressed against my back. I am acutely aware of his presence. Every cell in my body is on fire from his touch.

I notice that not only does he smell like the fall season, he also smells a little bit like cologne. The smell is not overpowering, so it's quite nice. With those two scents mixing together, I am calm and I feel like I'm in heaven.

Suddenly, he is pulled away from me by the mass of other students. My skin is cold where his body touched mine. My heart falls slightly, and I feel lost once again.

I don't even know who he was...

I silently scold myself for being so affected by this boy whom I don't even know. When I inhale again, the smell is gone.

The roaring crowd pushes me all the way to my last class of the day, but now there isn't any panic or fear in me.

I had thought for a moment that everything was going to be okay, but now I can see once again that it really isn't. I'll follow through with my plan, just as I had promised myself I would. Today. Today is the day I set and today I'll do it. Today, after school, I'll kill myself.

I already have everything I need and I already know exactly how and where I'll do it. Nothing can stop me. And no one will stand in my way.

I ignore the teacher at the front of the room, droning on, and instead focus on my deadly thoughts.

When the dismissal bell finally rings, it startles me, and I fall out of my seat. I grab onto my desk to catch myself as I fall, but it topples over too, landing on top of me and sending books and papers flying across the floor.

The room is painfully silent. Every eye is on my trembling form. My lips quiver and my cheeks flush bright scarlet. I bite my bottom lip firmly, holding back the tears of pain and embarrassment.

Then, the room erupts into roaring laughter and pointing fingers. I hang my head in shame and struggle to stand up. Suddenly, the weight of the desk is lifted from my body and I'm tugged to my feet. When I look up, I am met with the same chocolate brown eyes from before, in the hallway.

My mouth drops open in shock. The tall boy smiles and reaches towards my face. He gently closes my mouth and moves his hand to caress my red cheek.

"My name is Dan", he says, staring into my blue eyes.

I nod my head and clear my throat.

"My name's Serena", I whisper, looking down at my shoes.

"That's a beautiful name", Dan says.

I look at him in surprise.

"Oh, um, thanks", I manage to stutter out.

At that moment, I realize that everyone else has left the room, except for Dan and I, save for one other boy who is standing beside Dan. He has my books and papers in his arms.

"Oh!" I exclaim. "I'll take those! I'm so sorry!"

He chuckles, "Oh, it's quite alright, Serena. My name is Phil, by the way."

I smile shyly.

"It's nice to meet you."

He smiles even bigger, "It's nice to meet you too."

I reach out to take my books, but Phil shakes his head.

"No, it's okay. I'll carry them to your locker for you."

The smile on my face grows larger, spreading to my eyes.

"Thank you so much."

He just smiles and nods. His raven black hair falls into his eyes and he lightly flicks his head, pushing it back into place. His icy-blue eyes sparkle and reflect a giddy child-like joy.

I look over to Dan, who's staring softly at my face. When he realized that I'm looking at him, he looks down and bites his lip, trying to hide the blush that's creeping up his cheeks.

"Um...well, I guess we should go now..." I say awkwardly, motioning towards Phil, who is still clutching my binders.

They both nod and step out the door. Dan holds the door open, allowing me through. I smile at the sweet gesture. I walk to my locker, the two boys trailing behind me like puppies. I hear them muttering to each other, but the only word I can make out clearly is "she."

The only "she" that's here is me. My heart drops and the lightbulb of happiness that had been brightening on my chest explodes, shattering and extinguishing.

I reach my locker and spin the combination. I pop the lock and open the locker; snatching my bag out. I turn angrily and reach out to grab my books from Phil's grasp, but I stop when I see their faces.

Phil is looking at me sadly, like he knows something. Like he knows what I'm going to do. My eyes flicker to Dan's face, also sad, but a little scared too. I drop my easy-to-read gaze and grab the books gently from Phil.

"Thank you", I mumble.

He doesn't say anything, just watches. I place the books inside my bag and sling it across my shoulders. Then, forcing a smile onto my face, I look back up at them.

"Well, thanks for the kindness and help! I'd better be going now...I've got...stuff to do!" I exclaim, infusing as much happiness and convincing enthusiasm as I can into the dry words.

The two boys exchange a questioning look that said much more than I can read. I gulp and lick my lips nervously. Dan turns to me again.

"What kind of stuff?" he asks carefully.

"Uh..."I try to think of an excuse. "I've got detention to serve."

Phil raises his eyebrows, clearly unconvinced.

"Yeah, I, uh, sassed a teacher", I add on to the lie.

At this, Dan raises his eyebrows too. I shake my head slightly.

"Better go now before I get into more trouble..."

Before they can respond, I turn and speed walk around the corner, heading towards the detention room. As I walk down the abandoned hallway, I pass a door labeled "Janitor's Closet." An idea sparks in my head.

Looking around to make sure no one's looking, I push open the door and squeeze inside. The lights are off and I decide to keep them that way.

Hello, darkness my old friend. I've come to talk with you again.

The lyrics play in my head and I quietly hum along.

With plenty of time on my hands, I sit in the dark closet, and I wait.

Word Count: 1306
I love you all! Have a great day!

~Kai