Chapter 1: Pilot Jake threw out his arms to give Eliza a hug, like they always would. Eliza would squeeze his chest and then Jake would pick her up onto his back and they'd go into the school gates like that. Ever since they were in Kindy, the two would greet each other with smiles and playful hugs. Today though, Eliza didn't look keen one bit, she stepped back and looked down sheepishly. 'I, um. I'm sorry Jake, I'm just not feeling it today.' She mumbled. Jake looked sad and confused. 'Are you okay? Are you on your period? You don't usually avoid my hugs even then, but if that makes you happy.' He grabbed her hand and led her to a seat at the lunch area. 'Is there anything I can do for you, apart from hugs?' Eliza slowly placed her bag down next to her. 'I have been feeling kinda... Tired and stressed lately, I'm so sorry.' Jake shook his head. 'If you need space, you don't need to apologise, okay?' She nodded sadly. 'I might just need some quiet for a while.' Jake nodded, 'Okay, if that's what you want, quiet is what you'll get.' 'Thank you.' Eliza let out a small wobbling smile. Annie ran through the school gate in her usual outfit, half tucked T-shirt, jeans and sneakers that looked like they'd been dragged through mud the day before. 'Hey everybody!' She shouted out at the tired teens all around. 'Your favourite pickpocket's back from break!' Groans came from every corner of the school yard. 'Can you not this term?' Some girl shouted back. 'I'll think about it.' She winked. Mabel sighed and rolled her eyes as she turned back to her group of girls. 'How come she hasn't been expelled with how many times she's been in detention?' Amber grimaced, 'Don't you think maybe she's having trouble with something? Maybe she's actually really worried and she lets it out with joking and stuff.' Vivi glanced Amber up and down, 'Remind me why we invited you into this group?' She waved her hand dismissively. 'Leave.' Amber grabbed her bag and walked away. As she left, she answered, 'Because I run, that's all you know about me.' Mabel glared at Vivi. 'Firstly, who made you boss. Second, what's wrong with you?' She walked away too. Vivi smiled with no joy, 'Anyone ELSE wanna go?' One girl piped up, 'Honestly this group isn't fun or good. All that happens is Vivi forces us to make fun of kids.' A second girl countered. 'We're not making fun of them, we're telling the truth that no one wants to admit.' 'And half of us didn't want to join anyway.' Miya whispered before slowly and silently siddled away from the group as they all started arguing. Charlotte backed up, still watching for Vivi to have noticed. Then she bumped into someone and jumped back. 'Sorry.' Brock said, grabbing the startled girl before she could fall down. He quickly let go. Charlotte smiled slightly up at the tall figure. 'That's okay, thank you.' Brock watched as Charlotte hurried away. What if she thought he was weird? Was he creepy for catching her? He walked over to the table where most of the boys were gathered. All the boys were laughing at something Shaun said. 'See?' He grinned. 'I told you I'm not an idiot. I am actually funny and clever. I just act dumb and always annoying cause..... I think it's hilarious.' His smile flickered for a second. Will bit the side of his mouth. 'So if you were to confess your feelings to a girl, how... Would you dooo that... Exactly?' 'Dude, it was a joke.' Shaun laughed. 'I'd have no idea where to start.' The boys looked around, when they heard some of the girls start whispering. Will's smile faded into more of a bored look. 'Hey guys what are you talking about?' Logan said with a smile. 'Hey Logan.' They all said in monotone voices. 'Okay, no.' Logan said, his smile dropped. 'What did I do wrong?' Shaun's jaw dropped. 'Because you're the popular one that everyone has a crush on.' Will put his head on his fist. 'Yeah, the rest of us are really lonely. We literally get ignored.' 'At least they know your name, they don't even know mine.' Joshua sighed. All the boys turned their heads toward him. 'Let me guess,' He placed his forehead on the table. 'You guys don't either?' Shaun shook his head, 'I do, Josh.' Logan sat down, checking that he was facing away from all the girls. 'This is the worst, actually.' All the boys gasped. 'Everyone is looking at me all the time. A crush, the always perfect guy, the eternal smile. It's uncomfortable. I wish I could just be hidden for a bit.' Shaun smirked. 'What if you just REJECT all the girls?' Logan's eye's widened to double size. 'You know how long and tiring that would be? How could I explain? I'm not taken!' 'We can sort that out.' Will smiled.
I haven't mentioned all the characters, but dw
