All Chapters of Just The Way You Are: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

The wind softly blows, the strands of the hair sticking out of my messy ponytail flailing around. The cold air stinging my cheeks as I continue to walk. The bright sign of the gas station's convenient store cutting through the thick grey mist of another cold day. Looking around, I see other people with their friends. Walking and laughing or just sharing the warmth of a car heater. I sigh, watching the cloud of my breath float into the air. I trudge on, shoving my hands deeper into the pocket of my hoodie. The sliding doors open as soon as I reach them, sending an immediate wave of warmth to me. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and cleaning supplies fills my nose as I walk to the back fridges. There's so many drink selections to choose from. I just stand and feign to make a decision, knowing that I will get the same thing as I always get when I come. A few more seconds pass of me standing and staring at a wall full of beverages. A small new warmth envelopes me as the heavenly s

I snap the picture, the sun chose the perfect time to shine. Streaks of light glare in the picture, creating a glowing effect on him.I smile down at the screen as I admire the beauty of his features.The faint sound of the school bell rings and I snap my head up to meet his eyes."I have to go." I rush out.I have this thing where I'm scared to be late to classes. Does anyone else have that or is it just me?I quickly jump out of the car and grab my bags. Blake follows me and takes my bag from my hands. I look at him confused and he just walks while slinging my sports bag over his shoulder."What are you doing?" I ask."Walking you to class." He tells me like I'm stupid."I can carry my own bag, you know?" I whine, trying to grab it back from him."What gentleman would I be if I didn't carry the lady's bag for her?" He holds the bag away from me, smiling down at my pouting face."Whatever." I laugh, crossing my arms."So, what class do you have?" He asks, following me through the hal

I stare, horrified at the scene in front of me. The menacing death trap known to all high school students before. Each of its steps jagging out like sharp teeth ready to consume its next victim. Ready to drop you any second."Why the hesitation?" A harmonic voice whispered in my ear, sending shivers throughout my body.The smell of vanilla and cinnamon filling my nose.I turn around, an annoyed look on my face. Then turn back to my enemy."Hey, Blake." I breath out."You didn't answer my question, Danielle." He quirks an eyebrow, looking down at me.+"Because, I hate the stairs.""Why?" He laughs."You never know when you'll trip and just roll down. They're the cause to a majority of deaths now days. That's why people take elevators." I cross my arms, staring in defeat at the long case of steps."Like falling from thousands of feet in a metal box is a much better way to die." He rolls his eyes, the side of his lips slightly upturning."Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I still don't like them."

Today is the day.Friday.A day I have been worrying about since I knew what would come.The front of the school is littered with people. Black, red, and white paint covers their faces as the school spirit shows through their clothing.I walk on the straight sidewalk to the front doors of the school, hiking my bag further on my shoulder.A hand clamps on my forearm, turning me to face them.Blake stands, his tall figure sporting his white football jersey over a red sweatshirt. The number 19 displayed on the fabric.I look into his eyes as he smiles down at me. It fades once he takes in my appearance. His face holding a confused expression."Why didn't you dress out?" He looks me up and down, his eyes burning my skin."Where's the school spirit?""I don't own anything like that." I feel embarrassed, of course.For as long as I lived here, I still don't own any clothing for these types of events. Nobody noticed me, so I never thought it was really necessary.Until now."Not even a simpl

I rush out of the stands, running through the turfed field, frantically searching for one person. Blake. He won the game. Well, he helped them win the game. My eyes drift from each face, people jumping and hugging each other. Congratulating the players. "Danny!" Marcus runs up to me, a huge smile on his face. "Hey, Marcus. You did so great!" I chirp to him, smiling as I still search around. "Thanks..." he notices my attention. "You looking for Blake?" I snap my eyes to him, my cheeks flushing a deep red. "Yeah, I just wanted to congratulate him." It wasn't a complete lie. I did want to cheer him on for how great he played, but I also wanted to do something else. My mind keeps flashing images of that inside my head. Images that make my heart flutter and chills run through me. "Actually, I think he was looking for you." "Really?" My eyes widen, my heart speeding up in my chest. "Yeah, he should be somewhere in the middle of all that ruckus." He nods his head to the big cro