The Player's Weakness | ongoing

TPW// chapter three

I WATCH JEALOUSLY as people held raincoats and even folders over their heads to protect themselves from the rain, sprinting across the car park to their buses.

I would willingly get on one of those buses (shocking, I know) at this point.

I felt even more envious when they began loading into their cars. All I wanted in the world right now was to be sat in a car, surrounded by a bit of warmth and settled in some nice, comfy seats. Was that so much to ask?

If only I hadn't told my mum I didn't need a car. How I was regretting that now.

Having braced myself for the weather, I pushed on the door and stepped out into the blistering cold. I winced as it slapped me in the face, the rain like razors into my skin. Why oh why was I so stupid to refuse Em's offer?

The rain was not like that in a film, High School Musical for instance, where they dance and everything is peachy. Oh no, in real life, it is painful and the last thing I want to do is break into song.

Some junior just stood in the rain as I passed. Nobody paid him much mind, too intent on getting out of the rain. I continued on my way with my bag protected from the wetness by my jumper.

He barely showed any sign of realising he was in the rain, so I was tempted to check he was alright. As I trotted over, however, he sniffed and with a pull in his hood, began walking in the direction I assumed of his house.

I would hope so anyway.

Ladies and gentlemen, high school for you.

Trudging home wasn't the nicest of things at the best of times, especially when pellets of rain pummel you every step of the way. I could feel my clothes clinging to my body and puddles forming in my shoes. I made sure to avoid large puddles, not wanting to get even more drenched as people sped past in their blasted cars.

I'd only just dodged being splattered in even more water, this time thick with dirt, as a car drove past.

"Wow, that makes a lot of difference," I said to no one in particular, still watching the rear of the car that had most likely been intending on soaking me even more.

To be honest, although I was cold and would probably be aiding a forming illness, I wasn't too bothered for myself. It was the contents of my bag I was worrying about. My poor books. My babies.

Shrugging my bag off of my shoulder, I hastily covered it with my jumper, now walking like some sort of deformed kangaroo/ pregnant woman.

A sleek, black car began following me, slowing down to keep my pace. Ok, I was beginning to feel a little freaked out.

Because of the overhead clouds, light was scarce so I could barely see the pavement in front of me, let alone make out who the driver was.

My mind began whirling with possible scenarios, most of them how this mystery person would drag me to the woods and so forth. Yes, I may be a little paranoid and imaginative, but right now I was contemplating sprinting the last few blocks home and couldn't care less. Tell my mum I love her and I want a chocolate fountain at my funeral.

And tell Em that it was me who dropped her phone in the swimming pool... actually, don't. She'd probably resurrect me only to kill me for herself.

"Hey, do you need a ride?" a voice barely audible asked from the driver's seat of the car, his dark hair just visible. His voice was rich and was pleasing to listen to.