Faking Fate

Chapter 1

Beep! Beep! Beep!

Ugh, I groaned, my eyes squinting against the harsh morning light that filtered through my curtains. As if waking up for school wasn't torturous enough, my alarm clock seemed determined to pierce my eardrums with its incessant beeping. With a frustrated growl, I reached out to silence the infernal device, but my half-asleep coordination betrayed me, and the alarm slipped from my grasp, crashing onto the floor with a loud thud.

"Great, just great," I muttered, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I reluctantly swung my legs over the edge of the bed. My room felt chilly, and I quickly wrapped myself in a cozy robe before facing the day. As much as I longed to crawl back under the warm covers, I knew I couldn't afford to linger. The infamous Eastwood High had a knack for throwing curveballs, and I needed to be prepared to dodge each one skillfully.

Shuffling over to my dresser, I selected a simple, comfortable outfit – a loose-fitting sweater and a pair of worn-out jeans. With my uniform of invisibility securely on, I trudged into the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face to jolt myself awake before brushing my teeth.

Peering at my reflection in the mirror, I sighed, wishing I had my sister's effortless poise and beauty. I push this thought away and reach for my hair brush to gather my hair in a ponytail.

My eyes fell on my sketchbook sitting on the counter, and a small smile crept across my lips. Art had always been my sanctuary, a place where I could escape the relentless expectations and comparisons. I grabbed the sketchbook, tucked it under my arm like a precious secret, and headed downstairs for a quick breakfast.

As I made my way to the kitchen, the aroma of coffee filled the air, courtesy of my dad, who was already up and getting ready for work. He greeted me with a warm smile, seemingly unfazed by the chaos that often accompanied my mornings.

"Morning, Em. Rough start?" he chuckled, knowing me all too well.

"Seems like it's gonna be one of those days," I replied with a half-hearted smile, grateful for my dad's understanding.

As I stood there, lost in thought, I suddenly realized that something was missing. "Where's Mia?" I asked aloud, turning back to my dad, who was still sipping his coffee in the kitchen.

Oh, your sister left a bit earlier," he replied, giving me a curious look. "She had some morning cheerleading practice or something like that."

I nodded, trying to suppress a pang of envy that tugged at my heart. Mia always had a schedule packed with activities, while I preferred the solace of my room and sketchbook. Sometimes, I wished I could embrace the world with as much enthusiasm as she did, but it just wasn't in my nature.

"Alright, thanks," I mumbled, grabbing my bag and trying to shake off the small waves of self-doubt.

I gave my dad a quick hug and headed towards the front door.

As I stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeted me, and the world outside seemed to hold a breath of anticipation. The sun peeked through the trees, casting long shadows on the pavement, and I felt a surge of hope rising within me.

I approached my trusty old car, "Betsy," as I affectionately called her. She might not be the most glamorous ride, but she had carried me through countless adventures, and we had formed an unbreakable bond over the years.

Sliding into the driver's seat, I adjusted the mirrors and turned on the engine. The soft purr of the car greeted me like an old friend, and I couldn't help but smile.

As I drove through the familiar streets, my mind began to wander to my best friend, Lily . Despite our differences, she had always been my rock, standing by my side through thick and thin. Her infectious energy and unwavering support were the reasons why I had the courage to face the world outside my comfort zone.