ROTWOTA: Book 1 - The Beginning of Extinction

It Was Good

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

Cody's alarm always bugged him. He hated getting up in the morning. Especially when it was a school day, but at least it was a Friday. At least today was the Friday that was right before Spring Break.

Cody was extremely groggy as always in the mornings since he often woke up at 6:50 in the morning. His mother was always bugging him about not staying up too late because it was like he was getting less than 40 hours of sleep an entire week.

Cody went into the bathroom to get ready for school, in the mirror, he could see dark circles under his eyes. After getting dressed, brushing his teeth, and coming his hair, Cody headed downstairs. Downstairs, he could see his little brother named Justin eating breakfast and his mom and dad were down there as well.

Cody had noticed a strange change in their behavior and it had been like this for the past week. They were acting a lot more cheerful, trying to be a bit more hyper and active, and even eating vegetables far more than normal.

He wasn't exactly sure what was going on with them, but he had a feeling something was wrong. He decided to join Justin in eating cheesy bagels to get his mind off the issue. "Hey, did you know that the new power plant is opening today?" Asked Justin.

Cody thought about it for a minute, he had indeed heard the news about what was happening this very day.

Several months ago, the mayor of Greenville had signed a contract for a brand new power plant to be constructed on the neighboring harbor. Today would be the day that the power plant would be declared as open for business.

Just then, Cody's younger sister Emma came downstairs. She felt happy that this was the last day of school for a while. "Hey Emma, cat's got your tongue?" Asked Cody. "No not really, I'm just glad that we can finally have a break from the exhausting and ever increasing schoolwork." She said. "Well don't worry, this is the last day before we're out for a week." Said Justin.

"Alright kids, it's time to get you three to school." Said the father. Cody's father then led his two sons and daughter to his truck and drove them off to school.

After driving for about 10 minutes, Cody and Justin were dropped off at their middle school. The two split off to get to their individual classes since Cody was in 8th grade and Justin was in 6th.

Once Cody entered his classroom, he saw his teacher Mrs. Wyatt making an announcement with a boy whom he had never seen before.

"Everyone, this is Gregory, I hope you will all make him feel welcome." Announced Mrs. Wyatt. Upon Cody heading to his seat, he realized that Gregory was also sitting right next to him. Cody wanted to get acquainted with Gregory who seemed kind of shy at first, but he was stopped by his teacher.

"This is the last day before you get a week long break from school. I do not want ANYONE misbehaving today, and that means no talking loudly before class starts." She said. Perhaps this wasn't a good time to talk with Gregory at the time. Maybe Cody could do it a little later at recess with his friends.

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As the day went by, everyone in the school was lavished in the moment when school would be done for the day and everyone would get to go home.

It was currently time for recess, and Cody knew this was the time to meet up with his friends. "Hey, are you Cody?" Asked Gregory. "Yes, it's nice to meet you Gregory." Said Cody.

"You could just call me Greg for short, but it is nice to meet you too Cody." Said Greg. Cody decided to introduce Greg to his friends who were over by the basketball court.