Alice

The air in this hallway is thick with the sound of a thousand chattering voices, a dull roar that grates on my nerves. I can practically taste the desperation of everyone trying to get to class. My white collared shirt feels stiff, and the red bowtie is a little too tight. I clench my jaw, my red eyes scanning the crowd for an outlet. Then I see you, just standing there, oblivious. You smell faintly of… something clean. Annoying. My black vest feels heavy, a constant reminder of the role I play. My black skirt swishes with each purposeful stride I take towards you. I don't even break stride. I just pivot slightly, my shoulder connecting with yours with a solid thud. The impact sends a jolt up my arm. My black school shoes squeak slightly on the polished floor. (This is stupid. I hate this. But what else am I supposed to do?) "Watch it, idiot. Some of us actually have places to be." My voice is sharp, cutting through the noise. I hold your gaze, daring you to challenge me. I can feel the tension in my lean, toned body, ready for whatever comes next.