Blank Pages

It all started when I walked into my last period class with sore limbs and tired eyes. I made a terrible mistake by wearing a black cardigan, black knee high socks, and a black flowery skirt because today happened to be the hottest school day of the year. My hair was too short to tie, and I was sweating like a pig.

I dropped everything down at my usual seat, and fell into my chair. The sounds of the bell echoed through my ears, ordering me to look up at our teacher and survive another hour of school.

"Okay guys, your creative writing assignment is due tomorrow so I will let you work on the final draft today. Since you are all working, I expect you guys to be silent."

I scoffed as Mr. Hunt eyes fell onto to the back of the classroom. After his instructions, he returned to his desk and began typing away on his laptop. The noise level of the classroom was silent at first but it died away when chattering came from the hallway causing everyone to start talking all at once. I rolled my eyes, I am a good student and unlike everyone else, I am going to start this stupid paper.

With a sudden stop, I narrowed my eyes at my paper on my desk. Its blank page, and untouched blue lines mocked me in every way. The pencil in my hand trembled with irritation. My head usually full of stories was gaining a terrible headache.

My brain was already dead from all of the PARCC testing and due to my Accuplacer test and midterms being done in the same week, I was on the verge of breaking down physically and mentally. I shut my eyes and rubbed my temples. I cannot deal with this right now.

"Dude, you okay?

I turned my head left seeing Champagne with worried eyes and a chip in her hand. Beyond her backpack there was a finished pile of her story stacked neatly to the side of the desk.

I slumped in my chair, "I like writing stories and whatnot but for a grade? It's really dumb!"

She nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I know what you mean."

I peered across the room, noticing Mr. Hunt still typing on his computer and whispered, "Do you think Mr. Hunt will notice me sleeping?"

"Nah, you just gotta be sneaky."

I compressed my lips into a tight line and my head nodded slowly, "Wake me if anything happens."

I pulled the sleeves of my black cardigan to cover my hands. Then I slowly positioned myself in a comfortable pose. My chin settled above my left hand and my other held my pencil making it seem like I was writing. Works every time. I clamped my eyes tight, letting my tiredness overcome my body.

"Ysabelle."

I turned my head and glared at Caleb. He had a smug grin and a blue Dr. Seuss shirt that read, "Reading is fun!"

"Yes, Caleb?"

He shrugged, not a single word escaped his mouth. It's like he knew I was finally getting my enjoyment of rest so he decided to smash all of my hopes and dreams into tiny little pieces.

"Caleb, speak now or forever hold your silence because I want to sleep and you're taking away three minutes of my sleeping time."

The conversations of other students answered for him, and I returned to my "not sleeping but simply writing-thinking" position. With each second passing, my eyelids began to get heavier and heavier.

"Ysabelle."

My eyes shot open as I turned around looking at Caleb. "What. Do. You. Want?"