I’m Only Human

Chapter One

So, life doesn’t always turn out the way you imagined. For example, my parents are divorced and as a little one, I never saw that coming. How can two people madly and completely be in love fall apart? Well, there’s Stefan Croix. H e was the man who swept my mother off her feet when she had already said ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ to another. Now, those two live somewhere in France… without me. My mama always talked about going back to her French heritage but I had no idea this was what she had in mind.

I love my dad, don’t get me wrong, but I can see why she left. He’s a military man. He’s actually in the military which makes me a certified military brat. Travelling from town to town, country to country, is sometimes very annoying. Especially for my ma, who would have to start over her life every time. I had learned after a while not to get attached.

As you can tell, perhaps my faith in the world has shrunk over the years. But, things have happened to me to make me feel this way… right?

“Here’s your schedule.” The old lady smiled maternally and I gave her a quick grin. Unsure, what to do now; I made my way to a chair in the office to take a quick glimpse. It was pretty simple. I had gotten used to adjusting to different curriculums but I couldn’t take the fact I had Physical Education. At my last couple of schools, P.E. was required two years. Here, at Pueblo, it was mandatory all four years. I did not feel like getting all icky and sweaty.

It was an alright school, Pueblo High School. It was located right in the city that I liked. I had already read the basic info online beforehand, 1969 students and 120 teachers. It was a majority of Hispanic kids but I didn’t really mind that.

The morning bell rang and the sagging lady looked at me expectantly. I nodded in return. I obviously would not be given any newbie perks. My first class was Chemistry. Why did that sound completely and totally terrible? I stumbled around, squinting at the small map and trying to relate it to the stucco buildings surrounding me. I managed to make it in the room just as he was about to close the door.

The man was extremely tall and lanky, like giant piece of taffy. He looked Native American but I wasn’t entirely sure. Peering down at me, he continued to wonder who the hell I was. This is what I hated about going to a new school.

“I’m new today. Um, my name is Danielle Jackson.” I paused. “I prefer Dani though.” The man’s expression didn’t change. I offered him my transfer slip as a peace offering. “I think you’re supposed to sign this?” It took him a moment but he slowly took the slip and I walked past him. Closing the door behind me, I heard him sigh. This would not be a good class for me. At least I wouldn’t be here too long.

“You can take any free seat.” He mumbled hobbling past me. It was then I noticed he had a cane. What had happened to him?

I took the empty seat in the way back, hoping it wouldn’t draw attention to me. The whole class watched me as I sat. I took out a pencil and stared straight ahead. I wouldn’t let them get to me.

A tall kid came and sat next to me. I had a feeling it wasn’t because he was absurdly attracted to me or anything cause he stared straight ahead. I watched his lip twitch. To tell you the truth, I don’t think he was attracted to me at all.

I noticed how dark his eyes were though. They seemed deep in his head as if they never ended, just kept going forever. His long sleek ponytail was tied to low. Ew! Guys with ponytails? Not attractive, I decided.

Flipping my own ponytail, I turned to the board and tried to write notes and ignore the bad vibes that were radiating off this kid’s body. He had an attitude problem. That’s for sure.

I didn’t really write much notes because I ended up doodling. At the end of class, I ran out just after quickly jotting down the homework on a scrap piece of paper. The second I entered the hallway though, I smashed into someone.

“I’m sorry!” I muttered picking up stray sheets of notebook paper. I had put everything in my backpack so I figured they belonged to the girl I had just body checked. Her blond hair fell in her face as she tried to gather everything.

“Nah, it’s all good. I’m a complete mess.” She laughed and standing up and sweeping the stray hair out of her face with a free hand. I noticed her piercing blue eyes and sucked in my breath. “Are you new? Or am I just a jerk and have never seen you before?”

“I’m new.” I grinned loosening up. It was nice to meet someone who was at least friendly.

“Hey! That’s pretty sweet.” She laughed. “I’m Fritz.” She said grinning. I blinked for a second unsure if I heard her name correctly. She seemed to have read my mind. “Yeah, don’t ask. My parents? Complete weirdoes,” She rolled her eyes.

I laughed. “I’m Dani.” I simply said. What else was there to say?

“That’s sweet.” She grinned. I was starting to think that was this girl’s catchphrase. “I’m going to US History now, so I guess I should be off. You’re lucky if you don’t have a teacher by the name of Finkelstein, complete jerk.” She warned me.

I looked at my schedule, my eyes widening. My luck seemed to be turning up. “I do have her. In fact, I have her next… for US History!” I stammered. I hoped she wouldn’t think I was a complete idiot for my speech impediment when I got excited.

“Hey! Great, we’re in the same class. Shall we?” She winked and we proceeded down the hallway. On the way, I learned all the useless crap about her that I would forget when I moved but it was nice to have a friend and to have someone make an effort. I noticed we got multiple stares but that was probably because I was new.

We were surprisingly the first ones in the classroom and Fritz was sure to make sure I got a seat next to her in the very back. I had a feeling I wouldn’t be paying much in this class.

The same jerk of a guy walked into my History class and flashed me a quick disapproving glance. I rolled my eyes. What was up his butt? “What’s up with him?” I asked jabbing a thumb in his direction. Fritz excitedly looked in the direction but became kind of disappointed.

“Oh, that’s um… John? He’s Native American, like, extremely. He has a problem with everyone who isn’t. I think he actually lives on a reservation in the summer. I never see him around. He’s pretty quiet too.” She paused. “I heard he’s ridiculously smart though and just takes the easy classes so he doesn’t have to bother.” She rolled her eyes. “Kind of a show off, if you ask me,” Fritz made a weird clicking sound and pushed a strand of hair behind her.

I grinned. She was really pretty in a wacky kind of way.

At this moment, a man walked in who was perfect. I mean, PERFECT. He had this tan skin that glowed with dark glinting eyes and a perfect white smile. Fritz gasped when she saw him. “WE’RE SO LUCKY!” She whispered excitedly. What happened to Finkelstein?

He set down a professional looking brief case and surveyed the class. Call me crazy, but his eyes lingered on me for a moment more. “Hey guys! Finkelstein is having a baby so I will be filling in for her this entire year.” The class’s whispers grew to a prickly wave of excitement. “Calm down, calm down,” He winked at me. My mouth formed an ‘O’. Did HE just wink at me?! “My name is Ty. I refuse to have you call me Mr. Peppers, cause frankly, that’s my dad.” The class all laughed.

Ty, huh? I made a mental note of that.

“So, today, let’s get to know each other.” I looked out the window smiling up at the sky. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“Isn’t he so hot?!” Fritz yelped blindly walking down the hall. I struggled to keep ducking and diving other people walking past on their way to classes.

“Yeah, totally,” I said breathless. She paused to look at me but then kept walking.

“He was checking you out, you know,” Her tone has completely changed. I wasn’t sure what it meant though.

“Checking me out? He’s a teacher!” I laughed shaking my head.

“A hot teacher,” She clarified but then completely dismissed the whole topic. Even though she had moved onto tell me all about Pueblo High, I couldn’t get my mind off the substitute teacher and how he had weirdly reminded me of the jerk.

“I have Bible Lit. – what do you have?” She asked suddenly when we stopped at her locker. I fished out the crumpled sheet that was my schedule.

“Um, Advanced Algebra with Myers,” I said disappointed. I like having a buddy.

“Eh, she’s pretty nice, kind of spacy though.” Fritz observed. “I’ll walk to you class and then we can meet up at lunch or something.” I swallowed. I really did not want to leave her.

As I turned to enter my math class, I smashed into another person. Except, he was not a friend. “What hell is your problem?!” He snapped grabbing his books. I looked to see the jerk was my next victim. Except, this experience was quite different.

“I’m sorry.” I mumbled but I didn’t feel very sorry.

“Why don’t you just stay out of my way?!” The tall boy snapped and rushed away. I bit my lip watching him run off into the crowds. Why did he hate me so?