Prologue
Aiyana
I was lost in thought as I twirled one of the flowers from my hair between my fingers. Sitting at my desk at school, I was wishing I was sitting next to a shallow stream, hearing the chatter of animals instead of the chatter of my classmates.
I felt a few small tugs on my braid. I decided to ignore it. Hoping they would lose interest and leave me alone. Didn't work.
Suddenly my head was ripped back, hard. And I felt my scalp burning as the girl behind me, Alyssa, grabbed my braid and pulled. Tears welled in my eyes from the stinging pressure and I almost let out a yelp. But I knew that would only draw more unwanted attention so I bit my tongue instead.
I heard her evil little giggle and she leaned forward in her chair so she was right by my ear. "Why do you wear all these flowers in your hair? To cover up your stench, Dirty Bitch?" Then she laughed again and let go of my hair. Pushing my head forward with her hand so my head snapped forward and my desk made a loud sound from me launching forward.
Everyone turned towards me at the sound and sudden movement. Most of the guys just looked unamused and looked away. But the girls....God, they were vicious. All glaring at me with malice in their eyes. Looking like they were about to pounce on their prey.
Then someone coughed. Intentionally. A sound meant to get someone's attention. I didn't have to look to know who it was.
A sigh of relief passed my lips knowing the glaring would stop now. It was my best friend Forrest. Unlike me, he was popular and well liked in school. Class president, prom king, involved in several sports and clubs. Funny and handsome with his dirty blonde hair and friendly hazel eyes. Why he's stuck with me since we were pups is beyond me. But his protection is definitely appreciated. Everyone respects him, therefore the torment would stop with his subtle signal. For now, at least.
I lowered my head and began twirling my flower again. Letting my mind take me somewhere where I never had to hide or be ashamed of who I am.
Staring at the tiny flower, my heart raced to the woods and laid in a field of thousands of them, while my body sat in class waiting for the bell to ring out my release.
