CHAPTER NINETEEN
The last Wednesday of March gave the first glimpse of Spring I'd had all year. I could finally wear short sleeves again without having to bring along a jacket to keep warm. The weather wasn't scorching but it was definitely better than the winter we had previously been through. Snow still covered most rooftops and huge piles that had been plowed bordered almost every driveway in town.
The sunlight pouring through my parted window curtains enhanced my mood as I opened my eyes that morning. I tossed my quilt off of my half-asleep body and blindly swatted at my alarm clock.
After a quick breakfast, I went to jump in the shower. A brown towel was folded up on the counter by the sink in the bathroom. I assumed Mark would be getting in. "Mark!" I called for him. No answer. I ran to his room and knocked on the door. "Mark. Get up you'll be late for work!" I told him as he pulled a pillow over his face.
"Not today." He grunted and rolled over.
"Do you have the day off?"
"Something like that."
I sneered at the back of his head before exiting to take my shower.
--
Jen and Tom, who were sitting unusually close to each other greeted me as I walked onto the bus. I sat in the seat across the isle from them and smirked playfully at my blushing best friend.
"So. What's new, guys?" I giggled even though the answer was obvious.
"I was getting tired of sitting with you." She joked. "Plus, Tom's much cuter."
I grinned, watching Tom's cheeks blush happily. "Should I move?"
"No no, sit with your girlfriend." I laughed again.
"What makes you think I'm his girlfriend?" Jen bit her lip.
I rolled my eyes. "Well, you're both red-faced and flirty."
Jen gasped and turned to Tom with her hands on her cheeks. "WE ARE??"
He laughed.
In total, the ride to school was about fifteen minutes. The rest of the morning flew and before I knew it I was sitting in third period, awaiting the lunch bell to ring. Casey sat in the desk beside me, stacking up the binders she would put in her locker.
Making our way into the maze that was the fourth floor hallway, Casey and I weaved through clusters of people. "I can't even see the end of this hall." I had to raise my voice a bit.
"Just follow the smell." She said, referring to the scent of cafeteria food.
As Casey and I waited in line for a chicken patty, I noticed that our friends had already sat down at a table. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around, surprised to see Meghan. Her hair was now brushed and fell perfectly down her back. "Woah! You're actually eating today?" She blurted out.
I tightened my jaw, praying Casey hadn't heard her. "Yes, thank you for asking." I said sarcastically, hoping she would go away.
"Oh? Melanie, I must say this is shocking."
"Maybe you should try it some day." I shot a come back, which ended our conversation. I turned back to Casey, who was looking at me with a question on her face.
"What was that all ab--" She began.
"Next!" The lunch lady yelled to Casey, saving me from explaining. I could kiss that woman I was so relieved!! After getting past the awful smell lingering inside her mouth, of course. I never knew breath could carry that far.
