Do you know what it is like to be seen and yet invisible? To be know and yet forgotten? That is the life of a shapeshifter. I put on new faces like make-up and bodies like clothes. For the moment, I am a brunette. Loose curls and wide almond eyes give me an innocent air, blending in perfectly in the background of a suburban high school.

As I walk through the halls I wonder what it would be like to stay. To have a normal, steady, life. The deep ache that follows me no matter what shape I wear rises to the surface, and tears well in my eyes. To cheer myself up I let a soft breath turn to a hummed tune as I add some highlights to give me a happier look. The song is ancient, a changing melody that lets me look however I wish.

I make my way to the theater, where I find others who are almost like me. They too put on masks and paint smiles and take on new lives. But for them it is only entertainment. They could stop whenever they wished, whereas my “acting” is for my survival. I joined the theatre to polish my skills; to keep me practicing.

No one can become a character so completely as I can. One boy comes close, he can make himself _feel _the emotions that drive his character which give them depth, but sometimes he becomes to involved. Ever since a reenactment of Romeo and Juliet he has been pursuing me.

His attention is the reason I have to leave. His attention is too much; others are starting to notice me too. I can feel their eyes on me as strangers try to remember where I came from. One girl; who has hated me ever since _he _turned_ _his attention to me, studies me with distrust as I make my way to our director.

I hand him the note that gives the reason for my “expulsion” and turn on my heel to stalk back out. In my hurried attempt to escape I walk right into _him. _His name is Dylan, and he towers over my small frame as I stumble back.

_Going somewhere? _He asks with his eyes.

_Just leave me be! _I snap back. The smal flick of his eyes to my hands shows I hurt him, though he is to stubborn to let that sway him. A small crease appears between sculpted brows as he takes in my clenched fists. He follows be out to my stolen car and watches me drive away with the forlorn appearance of a lost puppy.

I push any thoughts of him out of my mind as I transform into a tall slender blonde with bright blue eyes, on my way to a new life.