CRACKS IN THE MOLD

Chapter 4

Axel

After switching off the alarm, I just lay in bed. I sort of wish that I could go back to sleep but I can't. My alarm will go off again three minutes after its set time, and three minutes after that...and again and again until I turn its other half off. It was a birthday gift; a perfect gift. I've always had trouble waking up on time. I usually switch off the regular alarms, go back to  sleep and finally wake up late. Katrina got me this alarm set that comes as a couple. One part is set and placed in my room and the other part in one of the guest room's closet. Both parts are in synch. After turning off the one on my nightstand, I have to turn off the other, else the one in my room goes off again after three minutes. Except in the rare occurrence of me being exhausted, I hardly ever go back to bed after that. The alarm has been very effective. After turning the other half off, I decide to do a quick workout. I start with jumping jacks, then high stepping, push ups, crunches and finally planks. Each exercise is carried out for forty seconds, with ten seconds of rest between exercises. I repeat the set in the same order. The workout takes about ten minutes and I barely break a sweat. I shower and get ready for school.
The day goes by slowly. It's our lunch break and I can't find Maria...Lexa in the lunchroom. I check the roof top and behold, there's a giant lock on the the door. A bill has been posted on it saying 'keep out'. I'll worry about that later. I search my brain, which areas of school are quiet? Bingo. The library. I rush to the library. After signing in, I look for the most secluded area, offering the most privacy. There she is, eyes focused on the book before her, loud music playing in her ears. I know it's loud because I've called her name thrice already and she hasn't turned towards me. I move closer and she notices me.

Lexa
I've been spending all breaks and free periods in the library. It has a great collection of thrillers, from Dan Brown to Dean Koontz. Some of the best moments of my life were experienced whilst reading a book. Like always I'm enjoying a much needed period of solitude and a good book when I feel someone walk in. I ignore them, hoping they'll go away. Instead he comes closer, Axel.
"I'm sorry to interrupt you Lexa. I need to have your phone number.... So that we can communicate and realise our project. I tried to get it yesterday but something came up.
Here's my phone..."
I type my number into his phone and in the name box I type 'Chemistry Project' then I send a blank text to my number.
I'm about to send him off when the warning bell goes off. I gather my things and head out. The day  goes on. Some hours later, I hear the pleasant sound of the final bell. I head for the parking lot. Once in my car, I check my phone. There's a voicemail from my mom saying she'll be home late. A text from Lyne describing the location of my keys. And most recently a text from Axel asking if we could work on the project this evening at my house and tomorrow at his. I type in a reply 'sure. Six pm today. Don't be late.'
After hitting send I realise my omission. I send a second text containing my address. I set course for my apartment. I find the key where Lyne said it would be. It's a spare but I don't like anyone having a copy of my keys. The house looks perfectly picture worthy. There is no sign of the mess that was there when I last saw it. Lyne really is a darling. I place a call to a gift shop and send a teddy bear to her address with a note that said 'Thanks'. I search the fridge for ingredients for lunch but I don't find anything for a complete meal so I start a grocery list. I can hear my phone ringing in the parlor but I ignore it. I go through the list hoping I haven't forgotten anything. Remembering the call, I check my phone on my way out. It's the gift shop. I give them a ring as I pull out of the parking lot. Turns out Lyne isn't at her place, she hasn't lived there  for about a month now. I am not even surprised. My call gets sent to voicemail 'Lyne is unavailable. Don't leave a message unless it's urgent.' It's not urgent so I don't leave a message. Forget shopping, forget lunch. I have to hurry home for the project with Alex. I get home with a few minutes to spare for a quick shower. Next I make copies of a few articles I think will be helpful in the course of the project using the printer in my mom's home office. The bell goes off at five fifty nine, Axel is here.