Two Years Ago - 14 Years Old - Beatrice

I am quickly walking down the plain sidewalk and trying not cry. I stare at the grey pavement and keep moving. That's what I've been trying to tell myself for the past few days: to keep moving. Don't stop; only move.

I am too focused staring at the ground that I run into someone.

"So sorry," I mumble, crouching down to pick up my fallen school books I just came back from buying at the store around the corner.

Another set hands join mine, a boy's hands, and help me pick up my school items. I look up and face the boy.

He has dark blue eyes, dark hair, and a pointed nose that hooks slightly at the end. His jaw is tense and his eyes are careful not to meet mine. He offers me his hand and pulls me up.

"I'm sorry about that. I should have watched where I was going," I say a little louder than before. The boy nods and our eyes meet. But he doesn't look away. He smiles.

"Are you new here?" he asks politely. I nod.

"I just moved in this weekend actually." The boy raises his eyebrows.

"From where?" I shift my books uncomfortably to my right arm.

"I moved from Joliet. It's only a few hours south from here."

The boy offers me his hand and I shake it timidly.

"I'm Tobias Eaton. Welcome to the neighborhood…" he draws out the last word and I realize I didn't tell him my name.

"... Beatrice," I finish for him. Tobias smiles.

"Well then Beatrice, welcome to the neighborhood," he says, smiling.

And somewhere inside me, I find a smile too.

Please review/rate (1-10) ten being the best/or just give me some ideas as to where the story should go. Thank you for reading my story! Chapters yet to be updated soon! - the author