The ground was wet. The blades of grass held the delicate drops of water. Crushed leaves echoed the empty street as Natalia made her way to school. Even from outside she could hear her mum shouting at her dad through the phone. She put on her headphones and began walking. New year. Last year of college. Thank God, she thought.

She went to her tutor and was given her new timetable. One thing she loved about her college was that they gave a list of the class to the students.

"Great, Mark Linton..." she mumbled.

"Talking about me already?"

"Please, just go away." Natalia walled to her first lesson and Mark followed her. She ignored his comments about her and his friends laughter. She sat at the back, like she usually did and put her bag on the chair. After turning her head to the window, she heard the chair scrape against the tiled floor and heard her bag drop with a thud.

"Aw, is Nats upset? Babe, you must be dying with joy that you get to see me all day everyday."

"I wish I was dead..."

"Babe," he started. She felt her heart jump at that name. But it was nothing special. He called everyone babe.

If I was dead, I wouldn't have to get teased on by you. Or listen to my parents arguing all the time. Or get the blame for everything in the house. Or get in trouble because I didn't pick up my little brother on time.

"No, I wish I was actually dead. You would be happy. Everyone would."

Mark stopped and stared at her. I wouldn't. He then cleared his throat and chuckled. "Don't we all. You're not the only one that wants to die. Trust me..."

"I don't get it, Mark. You're a good guy. Why can't you leave me alone?"

"You need someone in your life, Nats. Whether it's someone like me or not. You neeed someone..." He was gonna stand up but he heard the teacher. His aunty.

"Mark, sit! Class, this year, you are gonna be working in pairs. Mark, you and Natalia since you are sitting next to each other. And the rest, I will have to sort out. Needs to be one boy and one girl." The teacher carried on talking but all Natalia could focus on was Mark's hand on top of hers.

"What you doing...?"

"Saying sorry. I promise I will be better from now on. I won't tease you anymore." Mark entwined their fingers and moved closer to her.

"Mark...We need to get to work, let go of my hand!"

"You're left handed. Write with your left hand."

"I'm serious, Mark."

"And I'm serious, Natalia." She looked into his grey eyes and nodded her head. She then felt her phone vibrate and read the message.

'Where the hell are you? Sanjit has his hospital appointment! Get here now.' :Mum.

"Mark, I have  to go."

"Fine," he snapped. He harshly let go of her hand and she slowly picked up her bag, ignoring the throbbing pain on her arm.

"I'm sorry. Can you drop me off, please? You're the only I know that has a car. I need to get home. I forgot my oyster and I have no money."

"Walk." Natalia looked out the window and saw the heavy rain. With a sigh she got up and talked to the teacher. She looked back and saw Mark looking at her and walked out.