Time Stops

Smoke fills the now crowded hallway with students moving from class to class. Fire alarms begin to go off as they all make their way outside like no big deal. This is the third time just this week and it's driving me insane. Can the lunch ladies make one unburnt meal?

           Muttering under my breath, I keep my head down and follow the crowd outside. Incoming Text: "DON'T FORGET MY BINDER. I NEED IT FOR MY JOB INTERVIEW TODAY." -MOM. Shoot, guess I'm going back inside. "Oh, I'm sorry." Startled, I realize I had completely ran into a short red headed girl while turning around. Our eyes meet and I swear on my life that time stops.

          Her long red hair glistens against the long-sleeved blue New York Giants top. Her rough hands hold some flyers announcing a school event of some sort. It is miraculous that they didn't drop when I rudely charged into her. Her bright green eyes search mine in wonder? Dismay?

          Only then do I realize she is speaking. "Uh.. Excuse me. I didn't mean to run into you." Her voice is soft and angelic, music to my ears. "Oh.. umm.. No. I mean, I'm sorry. That was my bad." I slide to the side and she quietly starts to walk away. Don't let her leave..."Wait!" Slowly, she stops and turns around. "Yes?" It is then that I realize how much she has put up walls to keep others out. "Your name? I'm sort of new and don't know much people." Her suspicious eyes soften and a timid smile appears. "Emma, my name is Emma." With that, all I see is red hair bouncing softly out the doors.

             It is only then do I realize, that everyone is gone and I am left standing alone.