Not Yet Alone

Chapter 13

Awhile ago, I read an article that stated the top five favorite American soft drinks in 2011. Coca-cola was number one, Diet Coke was number two, Pepsi-Cola was number three, Mountain Dew was number four, and Diet-Pepsi was number five.

I have to say, when I saw that article, I was rather disappointed because my favorite kind of pop, which was Creme Soda, was not included on the list.

But then I started thinking. Creme soda is a fabulous drink, in my opinion, and it didn't even make the top five American favorites. So as good as Creme soda is, if it didn't make the top five, then that would mean that there is something out there that is even better.

With that revelation, I began trying new kinds of pop. I've never been one to like change, but I had to know if I was missing out on something.

It was in my search for the best kind of pop that I discovered Mountain Dew. It is so good, and I fell in love with its flavor.

But I never would have found it if I hadn't decided to search for it in the first place.

I can't really know that I'm missing something until I actually see what it is that I am lacking.

****

 I arrived to school one minute late. But it was my providential (notice I didn't say lucky) day because Mrs. Olsen was in her office visiting with another teacher, so she didn't notice my tardiness.

"You're late." Someone said when I entered the classroom. "How's that tardy sauce tasting for you, Taylor?"

I ignored them and took my seat.

Austin eyed me with an amused look on his face. "Having car troubles again?"

"No," My dad had had my car brought back home, and it worked perfectly fine when I drove it this morning.

"No?"

It wasn't actually my fault that I was late. I was all ready to go when I became aware of a terrorist plan to bomb the white house. It couldn't wait till later, so I had to sent a warning to the proper authorities immediately.

If I possessed the ability to text while driving, I could have made it on time. But sadly, I don't, so I was late.

Mrs. Olsen entered the classroom.

"Taylor was late." Someone informed her.

Snitch. Everybody hates snitches.

However, I knew Mrs. Olsen wasn't really in the mood to deal with me. "Well, I can't do anything about it because I didn't see it. But Taylor, please try to be on time."

Haha. Take that, snitch.

 It was too bad that I was late because I hadn't been able to get my caffeine fix. There is a very good possibility that I will fall asleep in class today.

"Taylor, I got you something." Austin poked me. Feeling annoyed, I turned around only to see him handing me a bottle of Mountain Dew.

"Thanks," I accepted Austin's gift, wondering what I had done to deserve this act of kindness.

****

I knew it was too much to hope that Austin wouldn't bother me at lunch.

I mentally groaned when Austin seated himself in front of me. "So I have decided something."

"Have you?" I didn't look up from my computer.

"Yup, I am going to drive you to school everyday from now on."

Oh, I don't like that idea. "No, you're not."

"Fine, we'll car pool, but I'm driving as long as there's snow on the ground. It's dangerous for you to drive on ice without four wheel drive."