I woke with a start. Another one. Tired, I put my fingers to my temples and massaged gently. The digital alarm clock beside my bed glared into my sleepy eyes. 7 o'clock, Monday morning. Reluctantly, I got up, got dressed, washed and hurried downstairs for breakfast.

"Energetic, are we? Morning, dear."  Mom smiled. 

Hardly, I thought. "Morning, mom. Where's dad?"

She sighed. "Rushed off to work. He even forgot to say grace before his meal!"

My parents and I are christians. Mom is more energetic about the religious stuff than me or my dad, though.

"I'm going now. Bye, mom." 

"Goodbye, dear."

Nevermind the nightmare, Isabella. It's just another one. Forget about it, get on with your life, and hope your first day at Cloven High won't go wrong. 

I still remember those naive words I said to myself as I walked out the door.

***

He was there on the street, right in front of me, taking his time, walking rhythmically on the footpath. School uniform prim and black hair messy. Maybe he was taking his time a bit too much, because it wasn't long before I was just a few steps behind him. Sure, I could have easily over-taken him, but something told me not to. Something told me to stay as close to him as I can, as much as I can. I couldn't help but give myself an embarrassed smile. Did I fall in love already?

So there I was, taking up the same pace as the fellow student in front of me. God, I haven't even seen his face yet and I think that I like him? I found myself blushing a little, which also made me feel a little ashamed. Why? It's stupid, and it's girly. And no, I don't do stupid. I don't do girly either.

"Hey."

My heart stopped. He. Said. Hi! Well actually he said 'hey', but nevermind. 

I looked up. Wow. I have good taste. Light brown eyes and a nervous smile greeted me. Awww, you don't have to be so shy!

"Hey, um, can you please stop stalking me?"