Survivor

1 > "That's the first compliment I've received today." ~Giovanna

I shivered as the cold breeze whipped past me. Pulling my hood further over my head, I looked around once more before taking off down the narrow alley. Once I was sure I was positioned correctly on the wooden box I kept for these situations, I took one final look at my surroundings before hoisting myself onto the narrow ledge.

I quickly pulled myself through the small window making sure to shut it behind me. The stench of cigarettes and alcohol was the only smell present as I walked down the dimly lit corridor. Stopping at apartment number 16 I quickly slipped in after opening the door and closed it securely behind me.

I finally relaxed, letting out the breath I was holding and allowing my shoulders to drop. The usual brief moment of relief washed over me and I knew that I had made it without running into any roadblocks. Being a street fighter meant trouble, and trouble was something I couldn't afford. Especially not with my little sister not even 10 feet away from me currently.

I quickly grabbed a pair of sweatpants and a random t-shirt and headed to the shower. After washing the aftermath of my fight tonight away, I climbed into bed next to my sister. Drifting into a peaceful slumber the last thing I saw was the clock on the nightstand saying 11:59. Well looks like I'm waking up in 4 hours. Might as well make the best of that time. With that thought in mind, I pulled Mia closer to me and drifted into oblivion.

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I woke up at 5:30. Pretty late for my usual 4:00 am but after street fighting I tend to take it easy the next day. Which means one and a half hours of extra sleep. But hey, who's counting?

I swing my legs over the side of the bed and am instantly met with the cold tile. Not wanting to endure the nail-biting chilly wind of the mornings, I quickly grabbed my towel and rushed into the bathroom.

After a quick 15-minute shower, my muscles were more relaxed. I scurried over to the drawers where our clothing was kept and made quick work of debating what to wear. Deciding on something a bit more colourful since I was in a fairly good mood today, I decided on black skinny jeans, a white t-shirt, a blue denim jacket, and one of my prized possessions...my black Nike. I grabbed a white snapback to complete the look and I was ready for the day.

I decided to lounge around for 15 minutes before waking Mia up. She was one hell of a grouch in the mornings so I might as well let her sleep in for an extra 10 minutes today. The only problem with that is, she is slow in the mornings. The day I wouldn't have to run behind her, rushing her is the day...
Yeah, the probability of that is very low.

"Mia," I whispered whilst gently shaking her. "Mia it's time to get up."

"Ughh." she groaned, highly annoyed as she rolled over and pulled the blanket underneath her chin. "C'mon Mia, you gonna have less time to get ready and I'm gonna have to rush you along"

"No," she said adamantly.

"Which also means I'm gonna have to deal with your grumpy self after getting annoyed because I rushed you."

I gently pulled the covers off her "up up, move it "

" Roseeeeeeee! "

"Miaaaaaa," I whined right back at her annoying her further. Two can play this game.

"You so mean."

"Why thank you, that's the first compliment I've received today. Now get out of bed before I bring a glass of water," I threatened.

"Ok ok I'm up!" she yelled as she sprung up from the bed. She shot me a glare to which I returned with an amused look of my own.

"Morning grumpy," I smirked knowing I was just adding to her irritation.

"I hate you," she complained as she dragged herself out of bed, grabbing random clothes from the drawer.
"Aww I love you too sis," I shook my head chuckling as I began making the bed and tidying up the room.

"Rose?" I heard her voice question from the doorway.

" Yeah?" I looked up from the task at hand my eyebrows furrowed.

" You know I don't hate you right?" she questioned quietly.

I smiled softly at her.
"Of course I do," I replied and not even a second later I felt her small body crash into mine as she wrapped her arms tightly around me.

"Love you sis" and just like that she was gone just as suddenly as she appeared.

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I walked through the double doors of my high school. The dread had already formed a knot in my stomach proving that it was gonna be one long ass day. Should've mentally prepped for the headache I'm bound to get, on the way here. But I was too busy stuffing my face with a cinnamon doughnut alongside Mia and Seb. Can't blame me, it tasted great with a creamy cup of coffee. Ahhh the good stuff.

I walked forward, manoeuvring my way through the masses of students. Like damn, leave some space for the occasional ant down there people. I reached my locker and quickly grabbed everything I'd need up until lunch. Slamming my locker shut I made my way through the crowd and reached my first class. AP Maths, oh what joy. Having 10 minutes until the bell rings I used the time the only way that can be seen as fit. I put my head down and slept.

"Miss Parker" I was woken out of my slumber by Mr. Greenberg's voice. Damn him and his nasal voice. It's one of the most annoying things ever. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't sleep in my class." Well, I'd appreciate it if you didn't teach whilst I'm sleeping, but we can't all get what we want, now can we?

"Go to the board and complete that equation, since you were paying attention."

Great. Just great. I dragged myself out of my seat and moved forward with every pair of eyes in the class on me. I scanned the board and began solving it based on the notes I had gone over last night. Remind me to thank myself for thinking ahead yesterday.

I solved it as quickly as I could, not particularly enjoying the 30 or so pairs of eyes staring at me made my way back to my place. The look on Mr. Greenberg's face clearly said he didn't expect me to solve it, let alone get the correct answer. I'll be honest, I'm just as surprised as him.

"Pay attention in my class in the future Miss Parker." I gave him a quick nod as he moved on to explain the rest of the work.
On the bright side, I got 60 minutes of extra sleep instead of 10. Might as well pay attention to the last 10 minutes of class.

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Seb glanced at me just in time for both of us to roll our eyes. I was currently in History class and the teacher that teaches it is just as old as the history she teaches. Miss Harrison is the type of teacher that could lull you to sleep with her voice. Her lessons are the type where you can feel your soul being sucked out of you. Draining. Now add to it, her constant droning on and on... Yeah doesn't make a good combination.

I banged my head on my table quietly and prayed for a saviour. Suddenly the PA system crackled and the secretary's voice sounded over it. Yesssss, please announce that we get the rest of the day off. "Giovanna Parker, please report to the principal's office, Giovanna Parker please report to the principal's office."

Seb turned to look at me, curiosity and worry all over his face. I shrugged and packed up my stuff, happy that I could leave this hellhole. I left the classroom and made my way to the principal's office.

What I didn't expect, was to see Mia sitting there.
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Hey
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I know it's kinda short, but I'm working on that.

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Thanks for reading
-Rain 🖋