Mischief

fifteen

I toss and turn from each side of the small twin bed, causing the sheets and covers to tangle loosely around my body. I'm stressed. Very stressed. I know I shouldn't be but my mind seems to have other plans.

I haven't seen Felix in what seems like forever. I've checked every corner of the school, day and night and of course he's nowhere in sight.

I scan the dining hall each morning and gaze upon my classmates during History lessons, just to see if he may appear. Is he avoiding me? Was it all just a game like the one I had figured out in the first place? That I don't know and I'm not quite sure of.

I can't blame him honestly. I'm starting to realize I'm actually a terrible person. My best friend that I've known for six years isn't even aware of the fact that I'm basically a complete stranger to her.

Friends don't keep secrets. Friends don't kiss their friend's boyfriends. Friends don't distance themselves entirely all because of some boy. Friends don't hide their entire social life from others. Friends don't lie.

I stare straight up at the ceiling, allowing my thoughts to continue on and on again, nonstop. May I mention Elliott. Elliott. He has no idea. He doesn't even know what kind of person I am. Behind the wholesome grins, laughs and nods, I'm just a fake aren't I.

Or does he know? Does he actually know what I'm up to? I worry I'm so obvious. In fact I'm pretty sure I've become so paranoid that I won't be able to keep my secrets hidden for any longer.

-

It's an early Monday morning. The sky is still somewhat dark and heavy fog surrounds school campus head to toe.

I stand in a thick black coat and a medium sized duffle bag. Dozens of others surround me, drained looks defining their faces. Some yawn, others stay silent with a book in hand, eye bags marked upon their faces.

A boy with fluffy brown hair and round glasses lights a cigarette, the flick of his lighter eliminating the gloomy area. He exhales the smoke from inside his lungs while leaning against the iron gate.

"Listen up!" A voice booms.

Everyone seems to gasp quietly, the abrupt noise causing people to jolt away from the longing silence. The boy quickly throws away the cigarette, using his shoe to further put it out.

"As you all know, today is what you have all been waiting for." Our headmistress announces. "Our annual field trip."

An awkward silence takes over once again. The bored agony still lurking around us is present once again. The headmistress and teachers look somewhat dissatisfied at our reaction, it's what they get for waking us up at four AM this morning.

"Right, well, I'm sure you all are so excited, like you are every year. This year will be a bit different though. We will be taking the train all the way up north. So, be ready for a long lasting journey."

"Students will be put into different groups, ranging from about four to five people." She walks around with sheets of paper, handing each and every one to each person.

"On this piece of paper I've given you is your assigned group. Below are the activities you all will be cooperating in and the different places you will be seeing. Don't worry for now, once we arrive you'll know where to go."

I sigh, looking down at the printed out form.

Property of Domesdale Academy

Student Name: Audrey Pullman
Assigned Group: 6
Members included: Alyssa Campbell, Joshua Walker, Morgan Wright, Felix Blackwood

All members please wait within assigned areas of Chelmand National Forestry, thank you.

Relief.

Relief is what I felt. With a mix of anxiety, happiness and maybe even the slightest bit of anger but other than that I felt relieved.

I mean I haven't even seen his face for over a month now and here I am finally glad I can spark up conversation once again.

Maybe losing three hours of sleep was worth it.