Redwood High

Chapter 8

Christmas is a time for laughter and cheer. It’s the season where family and friends get together to celebrate Christ’s birthday. And of course who can forget the presents and hot chocolate. For me, Christmas is an adjustment issue. After Halloween, I’ve been cautious about my social health. My therapist says that the reason I don’t really express emotion is because I don’t want to accept it.  In order to acknowledge it that’ll bring me to mourn properly. Honestly I think that’s a load of crap. My parents died. Not much I could do about that. Except maybe move on. That’s what they would’ve wanted for me.

The month of December not only brought Christmas, it brought assignment deadlines. Our big marketing project was almost due and I don’t think I’m ready to present.

There was also the stress to excel in all my other classes. Along with my social health in question and dealing with some confusing ass boy, I had a pretty busy plate. I decided that I’m going along with my previous high school plan. I’m going to strive for AP classes and achieve my advanced honors diploma. That was my ending high school goal. Student Council elections also begin soon. A panel of teachers is interviewing all of the freshmen candidates and they decide who makes the cut.

My friends have some pretty busy plates as well. Karen Ledvoski showing up at school was disastrous… and memorable.

***

We had just exited marketing when down the hall; Karen was walking with some other girl comparing schedules. Carol took one glance and completely lost it.

“KAREN?”

Karen saw Carol and stopped. Karen smiled at both Carol and Ethan. “Hi guys. It’s nice to see you again.”

“I’M GOING TO FUCK YOU UP!”

Riley grabbed Carol by her arms, I dropped down to hold her legs and Ethan grabbed her backpack.

“YOUR SO LUCKY THEY ARE HOLDING ME BACK YOU FUCKTWAT!”

Carol got detention for foul language and being disruptive, but honestly, teachers can’t deny it was pretty funny.

***

Karen is a bio partner with Ethan and that does not sit well with Carol. I don’t blame her. The same reason they broke up has shown up in our halls. She’s everywhere. She’s in the culinary program so we see her every single day.

I was seated in English class, actually interested in what we were learning. We started the Edgar Allen Poe unit and I love Edgar Allen Poe. My all time favorite work of his is Annabel Lee. After English I had lunch and thank goodness too because I was starving.

“Carol is depressed,” Riley told me when I arrived at our usual table next to the doors that led to the Quad.

“Is it Karen?” I asked her.

She nodded. “She’s everywhere! She should’ve stayed at Harris High, the trash school where she belongs.”

I gave her half of my cookie.

“Everyday she has been blasting depressing music. I’m this close to injecting her with magma.” Riley emphasized with her fingers.

“Don’t be stupid Riley. The magma would just easily melt the syringe. It’s basic physics.”

“Well either way, you are going to end up dead.”

I spoke up. “I mean you and Ethan are in a good place. That’s what matters.”

“I was just getting back to trusting him. Ugh. If I didn’t like his face so much I would’ve sold him for an alpaca already.”

Riley’s eyes grew wide. “I LOVE ALPACAS!”

Lunch continued that way. It always has. And that’s why I love them for it.  They have been so supportive ever since I told them what really happened. Ethan still doesn’t know but I’m close to actually trusting him.

“So what’s the deal between you and Mr. Chiseled Jaw?” Carol asked me on our way to computer class.

“I don’t know. I don’t think there’s even anything between us. He’s an acquaintance.”

Riley scoffed. “Bull titties. He obviously likes you. If he didn’t then he would’ve moved on a long time ago.”

“I just want to focus on school and passing our upcoming presentation in marketing. I’ll deal with one thing at a time.”

***

It was the day before our presentation and we were all freaking out.

“I lost my copy of the script!” yelled Carol over the phone.

“Here, just look off mine,” Ethan said. Ethan was over at Carol and Riley’s house while I was busy finishing up the Prezi at my house.

“Why does demographics include so many numbers? I’m going to die. FUCK MY LIFE!” screeched Riley.

“Guys! Remain calm. We will all be okay we just have to fight through. Remember, after tomorrow we start winter break. Let that be your motivation.” I was the one constantly reminding everyone of how awesome they were.

“My motivation is actually Winter Homecoming on Saturday,” said Riley.

“YES! I am so excited. I have to go pick up my dress after school tomorrow,” remarked Carol.

Just be calm, I told myself. Be calm.

“You’ll do fine,” I heard someone whisper. I quickly turned around and saw nothing. But for a quick second I thought I did hear my mom.