Equine Strike Hills Academy (A Place in the Saddle) #1

Chapter 6: I Hate Math

Bri and I were up by 6:00, getting ready for our first day of classes. I pulled on a black tank and a red, white, and blue flannel, paired with my dark blue skinny jeans and black ballet flats. After applying my makeup, I curled my hair and put it up in a high ponytail. After grabbing my backpack, I was ready to head out the door. Bri grabbed her messenger bag and slung it over her shoulder.

"Ready?" She asked.
I nodded my head as we left our dorm and headed down the hallway.
Bri had on a green and white striped t-shirt with short, blue overalls, and black high top converse. A black beanie covered the top of her chocolate colored hair.
I looked over my schedule for the thousandth time: algebra, English, history, Spanish, science, and creative writing.
I blew out a breath, I could do this, but first Headmistress Smith's announcement in the auditorium.

Bri and I walked into the auditorium, past the ticket counter, and down a wide staircase with red carpet and glossy wooden handrails. We took seats in the middle. Looking around I spotted Courtney and the Perfs. But I didn't see....wait! There he was! Anthony Young, he walked down the aisle and flashed me a smile before sitting with his friends. I felt a little too warm and my cheeks grew hot. Bri flashed me a questioning look, but before she could say anything Headmistress Smith walked on stage.

"Welcome fellow students and faculty." She said. "Thank you for coming. I hope you are ready for a great year here at ESHA."

Everyone cheered and clapped.

"As everyone knows, Equine Strike Hills is one of the most prestigious and rigorous schools here on the South Coast. We take great pride in our school. So we must work hard and play hard to show that ESHA is the strong, elite institution that it is. I hope everyone is familiar with the school calendar this year, stating when certain sports begin and end, when breaks are, and also when special school activities begin like Homecoming and Prom."

Excited whispers broke out among the students.

"Don't forget we accept nothing but the best out of our students, whether it's in school work or sports, but do it to the best of your abilities. I hope everyone has a great first day and don't forget to plan your work and work your plan here at ESHA. Where the best and the brightest come to receive their knowledge."

After Headmistress Smith exited the stage, Bri and I stood to make our way to our classes once we got through the throng of people.
Once we were outside we headed towards the math building where our first class began.

"Ok, why were you acting totally weird when Anthony Young walked by our row?" Bri asked.

I shrugged my shoulders.

"Come on Kiera, tell me. I know you like him. He's like only the hottest guy in our grade."

I blushed. "I don't know, maybe?"

"Ha! I think someone has a cruuushhh." Bri laughed.

I swatted her arm. "Hey! Shut up, before everyone hears you!"

Giggling we stepped inside the building. Bri headed to room 207- Geometry, while I headed to room 215- 9th Grade Algebra. Let's just say that math wasn't my strongest subject. Walking into the classroom, I took a seat near the front and pulled out my math textbook, a calculator, and a notebook. Students soon filled the room, along with Danielle and Rosalie.
My teacher, Ms. Brooks, took her place at the podium in the front of the room.

"Welcome students!" Ms. Brooks announced, clapping her hands together. "Let's begin today's class with a pop quiz so I can see where you are at this year."
Ms. Brooks began passing out the pop quiz. "You have 15 minutes and your time begins now."

Picking up my pencil, I began on the first problem.
1. Solve for x: 26=2x-5+23
Wow that was easy. I wrote down my work along with the answer 4.
But problem two was a whole different story.
2. What's 2x-4+16=56x-33+51 using quadratic formula with scientific notation.
The frick?
Writing down a random answer I moved on to number three, hoping it was easier, but the questions just kept getting harder and harder. Once the 15 minutes were up, I passed my paper forward. I blew out a breath. I never wanted to see that paper again, especially the grade.

••••••••

Once the bell rang, I gathered my things and headed out of the room. I met up with Bri as we headed to our second class of the day.
"So how was it?" Bri asked.
Three words rang in my mind.
"I hate math."

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Hey! Sorry this chapter is kind of messed up and rushed, but I've had a crazy week. And I was supposed to go to a clinic this weekend, but of course my horse got hurt once again. I'm hoping this is the last one for a while.
Hope you guys enjoy! ~Skylar