8:26

A bell rings letting everyone know that we have ten minutes to get to second period. I walk out of my first period door and down the hall. People wave and awe at me as I take my proud stride along rows of lockers. I greet everyone with a smile and wave no matter who they are. My motto is: people are people, just like me.

A tall guy in a lettermans jacket approaches me, his long blonde hair waving with every step. He's right in front of me with those big blue eyes.

"Hey," he says sweetly.

"Hey Corey," I say my head leaning into his shoulder.

"What's the matter?"

"I'm freaking out! I have my dance midterm next period,"

I say nervously.

"Don't be nervous sweetheart. We'll all be cheering you on."

"Ugh. Just shoot me already," I say rolling my eyes. I have been practicing all week for this routine. If I fail, I will fail the class. Corey laughs. "I'm going to go to the little girls room too touch up my makeup. Meet me in the dance room."

"Ok see you in a second," he smiles as he walks away.

I make my way towards the bathroom cheerfully. No matter how nervous I am for my routine, I am and will always be excited for dance class.

I walk straight through the door and that is what it happened. At first I thought maybe it was a locker slamming shut. But then the sound happens a few more times and it is followed by screams. Gunshots.

I've heard them before on my dad's ranch. But not like this.

A sense of panic that I have never felt before surges through my veins like a tidal wave. The vital air that had once filled my lungs rushes out and I feel as if I am suffocating. I jump into a bathroom stall at Godspeed and lock it. My feet find their way to the top toilet seat and I squat down.

BANG! BANG!

More shots ring out and more screams deafen me. I close my eyes and pray.

Please don't let me die, I say in a whisper. Please don't let me die.

Hot tears burn my face and the lump in my throat succeeds in turning into a sob.

Shh, I think to myself. No noise.

My mind races with thoughts. Fia, my best friend,might be dead. Corey, my soul mate, might be dead. Barry and Skye, the couple that will never happen but every one ships it anyways, might be dead.

And I'm next.