The Educator (dark h.s)

Chapter 20- calm before the storm

'How easy it is to judge rightly after one sees what evil comes from judging wrongly.' ~ Elizabeth Gaskell.

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The shrilling noise of my alarm clock sprang to life, snapping me out of my comfortable slumber. I squeezed my eyes shut, grasping the last ounce of rest I could conjure up. My dad's loud voice telling me to 'get my arse off the bed' sent my weary eyelids wide open as I was met with complete darkness. I waved my arm around, feeling for the alarm before I slammed my hand down on the snooze button.

'One day to go' a faint voice whispered in my head, causing my traumatised self to tremble right at six in the morning.

I put my hands backward, pushing myself off the safe mattress and out of my great bubble of warmth and shelter. I let out an exasperated yawn before dwindling my way across the room to the light switch. The pervasive light hit every corner of the room, causing me to squint my eyes from the sudden brightness.

I let out a sigh of relief as my room was perfectly neat and tidy for all to see. I had cleaned it up yesterday after coming back from the police station though I was exhausted and ended up just picking some stuff off the floor, gathering my books and drifting off shortly after a warm shower.

I pulled my school uniform out of my way too huge wardrobe and shimmied into it. I strolled over to my small mirror, fixing my tie and top button as I tightly pulled them together. My hair was down naturally, making no time styling it as I put on some make up and coated my eyelashes with a thin layer of mascara.

Usually I'd spend more time on my appearance and makeup but since this was a rather short day, I had let myself skip the girly part and stay with the basics. Not that anyone paid any attention to me anyway.

I was ready, my uniform was neatly presented and my skin was washed and as clear from acne as possible. I lurched down to my shoes drawer and took out my knee socks, pulling them up my legs.

"Would you like some breakfast, doll?"

My dad called from the kitchen upon hearing me creek down the stairs. I rolled my eyes at his mood swings and responded with a small 'no thanks'. Walking down the hall I glanced in the embroidered mirror hung on the wall to make sure I looked presentable.

"Whatever." He muttered.

I debated whether to go have an apple for my growling stomach but decided against it as my dad's upcoming remarks didn't seem much tempting.

I marched past the kitchen, grabbed my shoulder bag on the way and headed towards the front door.

I yanked the heavy door open and speed walked down the street, kicking a rock out of my way. The chilly air felt like needles on my skin as it hit my face with much force and icy coldness, ready to give a frost bite. I came to a halt as I reached the bus stop, air blowing out of my mouth and turning into a white, foggy cloud.

I took out my phone as the abandoned station was rather boring. Before I could go further in and check my messages, a loud honk hit my eardrum. I glanced up to be met with the usual bus. A sigh left my mouth as another bloody day was ahead and hopped on. I walked down the line of seats carefully, and Sam's made up face caught my eye. I quickly took a seat next to her.

"Good mornin' Gwenna." Her eyes lit up as she flashed me a toothy grin. I'd never understand how morning people work, apparently something in their system's screwed up otherwise they'd be like us; normal people who hate having conversations and attending school when they wake up.

"Mornin'." I mumbled and she chuckled at my short reply.

"Glad you finally listened and took the bus! If you hadn't broken that habit of yours to walk in the snow, guaranteed you would've caught pneumonia."