No one disturbed me, and for a few minutes I lay against the warm wood in utter contentment. If only all my days at Cheval Academy were like this, if only. I managed to squeeze all my worries about my home life out of my consciousness, feeling a weight lift in my stomach. I blocked out all trains of thought, letting my mind drift into a numbed state. I just lay and listened to the noises, the breeze. Whinnies of the posh school horses drifted across from the barn, laughter joyfully bouncing from the mouths of my fellow students. The music of cooing birds, the rustle of leaves in the breeze.

The soft thuds of footsteps over grass.

What? No, that can't be right. I snapped out of my daze, face contorting into a scowl. I listened quietly - yes, someone was approaching. I lay still, hoping that they would pass the table by or change direction. But, as usual, lady luck failed me. Of course, she always did. I had never been lucky, never won anything. I don't know why I kept believing that one day hope and chance would prevail, such feeble things were pointless to believe in. I groaned as I saw a pair of shoes come closer to the table, my table. What idiot was going to sit here? Did they not realize that Sydney Knox was sitting at the very same table they were about to sit upon? Obviously not, as seemingly oblivious to the freak laying opposite them, the pair of shoes came to a stop and laid the persons despicable ass on the wooden seat.

Oh woe. Why me? Just when everything was going so well someone had to make contact with me, even without knowing it. I took one last bite of my apple, savoring its juicy taste. Head tilted to the side, allowing me to view the strangers feet and legs more clearly. Black jeans, like me. I stayed still a few more moments before sitting up slowly, eyes adjusting to viewing the world right-way up again. Mascara and eyeliner laden blue eyes scanned the kid quickly. A boy -a round my age, black hair, sorta pale, a thick leather watch round one wrist, a sweatband around the other and an iPod jammed into his ears. I squinted at him, scowl still visible upon my face. I didn't recognize him, and I usually knew most peoples names around Cheval. Perhaps he was new? Ah, bless the dear soul. Maybe he didn't know who I was, what people thought of me. Maybe the kid didn't know that just being seen with me could taint your reputation.

I waved my hand in front of his face, hoping to catch the dimwitted creatures attention. You new around here or something?

S Y D N EY
♥ ♥ ♥

I watched the kid closely for any signs of life, any recognition that I was in fact sitting across from him. Should I ring an ambulance? He isn't responding yet. I spread my fingers, examining the black painted nails growing out them, as he seemed to snap out of his somewhat concerning stupor. This kid didn't seem like a very interesting fellow so far. Yet, he wasn't as bubbly or excitable as the other teenagers milling round - which I appreciated. At least I wouldn't have chatter box giving me a head ache. Definitely not I thought, as I heard him speak for the first time. A short, snappy word, telling me perfectly that he wasn't one for talking.

I cocked an eyebrow at him before turning away. He didn't want to talk? That was fine with me. I watched a group of kids lounging at another picnic table. They looked so happy, cheerful. Friends surrounding them. I peeked out of the corner of my eye at the boy sitting at my table. Who did I have? I had this scruffy kid which i didn't even know. Or did I? Thoughts wandered back to my classes? Had I ever seen him before? Maybe. Hang on, that time in class! Remember damn you! A vicious smile wedged itself across my lips. Yes, indeed, I do remember. I laid back down along the wooden seat, biting once more into my apple. Daniel Thomas. The teacher had called his name once, asking him a question. I hadn't taken much notice of it, but somehow my mind had managed to retain the insignificant memory.

Daniel Thomas. I said bluntly. It was name, simply a name. Taking one last bit of my apple, I sat up again and lobbed it away across the lawn, watching as it rolled to a halt.

Daniel Thomas...

S Y D N E Y
♥ ♥ ♥

Ah, it speaks!

Oh, but how rudely those words snap from his mouth. No restraint on his emotions, not caring what I made of the remark. I titled my head curiously, watching him again. Very few people spoke like that around here. They wished to uphold their dignified titles and families prestigious legacy. They kept their mouths tightly bolted, not daring to let such foul language taint their reputations. This fellow didn't seem to care, letting the words stumble from his jaws naturally. I had thought this kid might be just another dull life form wandering Cheval - but somehow he sparked my interest.

He was different, I could tell. Just by simple and obvious observations. Itw asn't hard to tell. The way he dressed, acted and spoke. Was it possible that somone even the slighest bit like me existed in Cheval Academy? I bit my thumb nail, thinking. Here was an opportunity, just waiting to be taken. My chance to maybe get someone on my side - not a friend, just someone who I know that might have the same opinion of the idiots in this school. Who knows, maybe he could be of assistance whenever I have to prove a point to these mindless kids. What do I mean by that? You'll find out later.

Sydney Knox Simple, yet another name. I took no pride in it, it was just letters put together to form two words. I leaned over, and extended my hand. Look, Daniel, I don't want to be your friend, and I'm sure you don't want to be mine. I cocked an eyebrow But I'm also sure you hate the people in this school as much as I do. I justw ant ot know that you're on my side, not theirs.

S Y D N E Y
♥ ♥ ♥


Ah, but Sydney, you're not surprised are you? Did you not know your ploy would not work? Something tells me you knew what would come of your statements. Oh you are a devious one Sydney. Your planning something aren't you?

Dark blue eyes watched the teenagers face curiously. Such an interesting specimen. Hand retracted with a careless air, shoulders shrugging at his hissy fit. A tantrum of slamming ear phones and foul words would not scare me away, no, but I was wise enough to not provoke his anger any more than I had. My words which had caused him to react were true, believe me, but I had hardly expected him to accept my offer. I did need someone on my side, someone to assist me in bringing some of the jerks in this school down. Yet the truth was - I couldn't just have anybody to fill these roles. I needed someone committed, an outsider like me. Daniel Thomas's reactions were not quite as suitable as I had hoped, such a short fuse would not do.

My gaze wavered over the boy for a few more moments, before I yawned and lay back down along the cool wooden seat. I barely contained a laugh, a twisted smile falling over my lips, hidden from the kid. It was undoubtedly a humorous reaction. Wrenching ear phones from ears - assaulting the air with curses. So pathetic. Indeed, though, I had found out he was not afraid to get physical - and would probably Knock me out if I proceeded to taunt him or get on his nerves. Yet, was he so messed up that he would hit a girl? Who knew, but I wasn't at this moment too frightened by his childish display.

"No need to start swinging the ear phones, it was a simple offer. You didn't have to accept."

Still laying back against the seat, arm reached down to pick up my bag. It was black, with several red stars dotted here and there, with numerous holes ripped by constant use. It was a cheap brand, we couldn't afford anything more. I dragged a simple digital camera out of it, turned it on, and flipped through the photos. I watched as scenes of the school whizzed past on the screen. There were many of horses, grazing peacefully in the paddocks. Not for the first time I felt a sense of longing pull at my heart. I could not afford a horse. My Aunt had given me the chance to be around them, by sending me to Cheval. She had her own worries and financial bills, and she could not spend her dollars on material things like pets - especially when she funded part of my mothers hospital bills. I loved horses, such majestic creatures, Yet I hardly knew how to ride! I had secured a spot here by assuring the staff I would take part in riding lessons, but so far I had only turned up to two of them. Instead of being able to appreciate the equines up close, I photographed them, with the owners permission of course.

"You got a horse here?"