Chapter One

~10 Years later~

"There, you see him?"

"Yeah"

The whispers behind me grow closer as I continue to walk home. I'm tempted to turn around, or I could run. If they're following me it's not for a good reason, they probably want to look at 'the freak' 'loner' or 'the runt' I've heard all the names people call me. It's because i'm small, I don't eat much so i'm pretty skinny. My skin is as pale as snow, and every little mark stays on my skin. My hair is the darkest black, so I'm also used to the nickname 'Snow White'. I try and ignore the comments and whispers, but it's hard, because I know it's true. I'm such a disgrace, not even my mother wanted me. I was so caught up thinking about the names, I forgot there were people behind me, so falling on my face gained the attackers a small whimper, that they laughed at.

"Look at that piece of shit! He's so weak!" I know that voice. And it doesn't surprise me. His tanned face is shoved into mine.

"Where you going, you little slut?"

"Josh, come on I need to pick up Hana" the second voice sends shivers down my spine. I've seen him around school with Josh. I've watched him, and heard his voice. His laugh is one of a kind. But I can't talk to him. Not if he's friends with Josh. I'm pushed against the wall and I can see them both clearly now. Josh has anger in his black eyes. I look at the brown haired boy I've watched. His hair is combed forward into a slight cowlick on his head, he has almond colored eyes and his posture is impatient as he looks at Josh.

"Oh come on Alec, just a few hits?" he sighs at him. He raises his eyebrows and nods his head in my direction. He walks over to me, looks in my eyes, and I swear I died.

" Fine!" what happened next I should have expected. He pulled his hand back in a fist and hit. My head bounced off the brick wall and I watched as the world blackout for seconds then came back into view. I felt the blood flow from my nose, and my body was let go, allowing me to slide to the floor. Josh laughed.

"Can I go now?" Josh rolled his eyes but nodded. He waved to the brown haired boy and took off in the opposite direction. I felt someone pull me up. The world was still spinning but I saw his eyes, rich brown, full of concern. I stood up on my own as he let me go.

"Good you can stand. Hope you can walk. Sorry 'bout that" he smiled at me, showing off dimples that most would miss. Me brushed off my shirt, turned, and walked away, leaving me dazed and confused.