Crystal's Heart

IV. Why do people keep saying that

"And that's how we change the covers," the old librarian, Mrs.Elrod says. "Questions?"

I rest my elbow against the counter, "How do you feel about bribery?"

I know bribery is bad, but if it gets me out of doing community service; then it isn't that bad. It's a twisted thought, I know.

Mrs.Elrod laughs, "Mr.Davenson says you're a funny one." With her hands behind her back, she walked away, "Come."

I guess she doesn't feel good about bribery.

I followed her to the next section in the back of the library. Mrs.Elrob adjusted her glasses, "Here is your pass."

When she handed me the library pass, my face grimaced at the school picture. "Ugh."

I'm not ugly. The school hired a lousy photographer.

"Come." I followed her to the next section where they store the art supplies. I half-listened to her explanation about the upcoming projects they have and how I have to contribute.

Ugh.

"Crystal?"

I turned around to see Leslie. "Are you stalking me?" I asked.

Leslie laughed, "You're funny." She tilted her head, "Hi, Grandmama."

"Hi, sweetheart." Mrs.Elrob pushed up her glasses, "You know this fine young woman?"

"Yes. I'm her DA."

"Well, then, I'll let you show her the ropes."

Mrs.Elrob left us in the art supply room.

"How's everything so far?" Leslie asked.

I hop onto the counter, "It's fine, I guess."

"Any questions I can answer?"

My eyes narrowed, "How do you feel about bribery?"

Leslie laughs, "You're funny."

I hate this family.

My schedule was mapped out for the next three months. I'd wake up in the morning and debate whether I'd go to class - mostly don't then I'd go to the library to help out. If I'm not at the library then Leslie or Austin come escort me. The same goes if I skip a class.

Either Austin or Leslie knocked aggressively on the door. "Wakey! Wakey!" It's Leslie this time. "Don't make me use the emergency code!"

I throw the sheets off and stop at the door. "I'll be ready in 2 hours."

"Perfect. I'll meet you downstairs in 10 minutes." Leslie walked down the hallway.

"Don't you have a life?!"

Leslie turned around and smiled, "I'm on the clock! This is my life!"

She needs to get a better life.

After thirty minutes, with my hood on, I went to the lobby.

Leslie moved her attention away from Austin who covered the front desk today. She smiled, "You're early!"

I'm twenty minutes late, but to her, I'm early.

"See you later Austin," she said.

"Alright. Morning Crystal!" Austin said.

When I walked by Austin, I gave him the middle finger. I hold a long grudge and it extends each time he wakes me up in the morning.

The halls were crowded with people, as always.

When someone pushed into me, I gave them a nasty glare.

"Sorry," they said.

"It's okay," Leslie says to them, "She's just a bit grouchy before her morning coffee."