Esterton
December
Going back to school after the last day before winter break isn't what I had in mind, but that's where I'm heading.
On a typical Friday afternoon, I should be at home. I should be doing homework while Daniela fuels flames on her four o'clock talk show before the news. If I finished in study hall like I try to do, then it should be me time on Paw Days, hoarding acorns, whispering sweet nothings into Gumball LaFleur's ear, telling him what a dreamboat he is.
It's break, so no homework, Paw Days!
I can't be on there right now, though. The faceless, nameless blurs in the Krodi's parking lot over there can't rescue me from this restless itch inside. Rolling out of the car, action movie style won't help me either. I might as well tap out because that store, this long light, the turn, it's what I'll be seeing for the rest of my days.
Exaggeration much?
Maybe.
"Good afternoon! Katie Johnson in the WETN radio tower."
You'd probably feel the same way, too, if you were in my dress shoes, which I don't recommend, they're clunky.
Awful.
"Let's get to this hour's code for your chance to win that two grand! Happy. H-A-P-P-Y. As in...one lucky person will be happy they won."
I'd be happy if Mom U-turned for home.
"Come on..."
On Mom's impatient command, the light turns green. We make the sharp turn left. The Krodi's in the mirror isn't as close as it disappears behind us on the residential main. I watch the old two-story homes and bony trees pass by. The homes make way for trashed lots and odd jobs. I'm not in recognizable territory anymore. This is the west side of town, industrial country, forgotten by the times (or so the news says).
The trains still run through here. We duck under a set of tracks that go on for miles in each direction. It's after this point that my future comes into view. From my curious nights online, the cube-like building overlooking the railyard has been around. It's served multiple uses over the course of its lifetime, none greater than its current job.
It's one of the smaller schools in our charter system, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in "advanced classes for bright minds."
"Like you," my parents have said.
I've been struggling to understand this. What was wrong with where I've been compared to here? I've been going to my old school forever. Why, in the middle of...
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Castling: A Novel (NaNoWriMo21)
Dla nastolatkówIt's a slice-of-life centered around "Chase the Ace," who finds himself changing schools against his will mid-year to help make the most of that brain of his. It'll be good for him, they say. He won't be so bored. He'll get to be with an old friend...
