Chapter One

Music. My life line. I wouldn't survive without music. It calms me, energizes me, makes me happy, sad, everything. But most importantly, it makes me feel something.

"Luke Mills get your ass up right now!" I hear my mother yell.

"I'm awake!" I hiss back at her putting my headphones back on. Recently I've been in a rut with music, I can't find anything to listen to. It's like my soul doesn't like anything, like I'm missing something. I'm already dressed and ready to go though. No need to yell at me you crazy bi-

"Luke!" She hisses yanking off my headphones.

"What?" I snap at her sighing.

"Take your brother to school today. I have other business to attend to" she says walking away. Ever since she married my step-dad she has changed. She use to be kind and caring. Now all she cares about it pleasing John, my step-dad. Sighing I get up and walk down stairs. I see Michael sitting on the ground at the door. He's only thirteen, he still has a long time till he can leave. I'm seventeen, turning eighteen next week. I couldn't imagine what he's going through, just knowing he is so far from leaving.

"Come on buddy" I mumble frowning gently.

"Yeah, whatever" he mumbles getting up. We head to my car. The ride was silent. Nothing new. He doesn't like talking and I personally don't blame him. Once he's dropped off I head to my highschool.

"Lukey!" I hear Masie call as soon as I get out.

"Hey Masie" I mumble, shutting the car door. You see, I don't have anything against her. She's a nice girl. But Masie has a huge crush on me. And I personally don't like her like that. Being in the closet sucks sometimes.

"Guess what!" She chirps leading me inside the school.

"What?" I asks staring away from her as we walk. She starts talking, however, I'm not paying attention anymore. Call me an asshole, I know. My eyes wonder over to Matteo Jokes though. He's so handsome. His broad shoulders, muscular arms, sky blue eyes, brown hair, yummy abs-

"Luke!" Masie yells snapping me out of my trance.

"Hm? Yeah?" I ask looking at her again, "I'm sorry I zoned out"

"Yeah I know. Anyways, prom is coming. And you know what, we should go together" she says smiling widely.

"Like as uh, a couple?" I ask frowning.

"Well duh, silly!" She says giggling.

"I'd l-love to Masie but uh, I erm, can't" I tell her, my eyes darting everywhere but her.

"Why?" She asks her eyes staring at me suspiciously.

"Because, my mom uh, needs me home to watch my brother" I tell her trying to sound convincing.

"Oh" she says frowning, "I understand"

"Thanks Masie, I'll see you after class" I tell her smiling gently as I walk off. I've told Maisie several times I don't like her, however, she won't stop. Like I said, she's nice. I'm just not interested.

BAM

"Ugh" I groan fall back, dropping my books as I fall. I look up quickly to see the one, the only, Matteo Jokes.

"Watch where your-" he stops looking at me. I gulp hard. This isn't going to be good.

"I-" before I could finish he growls, almost like an unhuman like growl. I swear to God his eyes changed from blue to yellow for a split second. He's just staring at me. Almost like he's admiring me? No, that can't be. He's straight for God sake.

"Who are you?" He barks at me. Making me almost flinch.

"L-Luk-" I start

"Luke Mills" someone answers before I could. I glance over and it's Ashley Jackson. Head varsity cheerleader and Matteo's girlfriend. How does she know my name?

"Yeah" I mumble looking at Matteo, I'm still on the ground, and people are staring. Oh God.

"He's a nerd, a no body, just a lonely boy no one knows" Ashley rudely scoffs, "So don't waste your time"

Before I could say anything or do anything Ashley drags Matteo away. However, he kept glancing at me. This sucks. Quickly I scramble to get my books, then I rush off towards my first class. That was so embarrassing. Damn, now I'll never make a name for myself here. I mean, I guess it isn't all bad. At least I got his attention, right? Besides, if I was going to make a name for myself, I should have done it when I first joined highschool.

As I stand up I hear Masie call my name. Sighing I turn to look at her. She smiles small and pats my back gently.

"It could have been worse" she whispers.

"Yeah yeah, story of my life" I mumble walking towards my class.

"I'll see you at lunch" she mumbles walking away. I just nod and walk inside. As the day goes on I couldn't help but want to go home. Not like home is any better though.

As lunch approaches I make my way to my car. Masie likes to eat with me, however, not today. I'm personally still embarrassed. I don't even want to know what people are saying about me. I can just imagine. Matteo and I have only one class together, P.E. Which was this morning, third period. He didn't seem to notice me. Though, his friend's made sure to point me out and laugh.

Sitting by myself is always best anyways. No one to bother me. I sit there listening to music until it's time to go back inside, the time went by unbearably slow. I don't eat, not normally. It's a long story of why.

As I head inside I couldn't help but feel eyes on me. I just ignore everyone though, I don't even want to know the rumors about me now. Walking into my history classroom I see my teacher give me a look, one of those "I cant tolerate you" looks. Which is normal, he doesn't like me. Never have. Shaking it off I sit down. Its Friday, and this is my last class. I just want this day to be over.