I vividly remember the day I confidently waved to my dad as he drove away, feeling a rush of excitement and a tinge of nervousness. It had been exactly two weeks since I started my sophomore year, and what a week it had been! Every day was a new adventure, from the bustling and chaotic hallways to the bewildering array of classes. Despite the occasional feeling of being lost in the sea of new faces and places, I was determined to make the most of my sophomore year. Making new friends was one of the things that kept me going. I had already met so many people who were friendly and welcoming, but there was one particular challenge that stood in my way - Mrs. Falkar.
Mrs. Falkar was our strict English teacher, and she had a talent for making everyone feel uneasy. Her nagging was enough to send shivers down my spine. I remember feeling a sense of relief every time I managed to escape her clutches with the sound of the bell. However, that didn't stop her from threatening to give me detention for the slightest infraction. Despite her intimidating presence, I knew I had to overcome my fears and make the most of my sophomore year.
As I walked through the crowded hallway, I spotted Oliver and Lizzie sitting with our new best friend, Cole. I met him in English class, and we quickly hit it off. I couldn't believe how well we got along, and it felt like we had been friends for years. We decided to hang out after school and explore the campus the day we met with Oliver and Lizzie. It was amazing to see how much there was to discover, from the study rooms to the gardens. The rest of the day was filled with laughter and excitement, and I couldn't wait to see what the rest of my sophomore year had in store for me.
I still remember Cole's luscious black locks cascading in gentle waves, framing a pair of striking blue eyes that seemed to pierce through the soul. His easy smile and infectious laughter made me feel at ease, and I knew that our friendship would be one of the highlights of my sophomore year. Together, we navigated the challenges of high school, from the rigorous coursework to the social pressures of fitting in. Looking back, I am grateful for the experiences that shaped me into the person I am today, and I carry the lessons I learned with me always.
As I walked towards them, Oliver couldn't resist taking a playful jab at me. "Uh oh, here comes our resident troublemaker," he teased. "Is it too much to ask for you to skip just one day, Leslie?" he added with a mischievous grin.
"If you want me to get sick then talk to my immune system, you dickhead," I glared at him.
"I'm just kidding, Leslie, I love you" he chuckled. I glanced over to Lizzie and Cole who were trying to stifle their laughter, but Lizzie couldn't resist and elbowed Oliver in the stomach. He started silent screaming in pain, causing everyone to burst out laughing once again.
"Hey, sit down Leslie. Don't mind him, he's just acting weird for no reason," Lizzie said with a shrug. "Oh, and girl, you gotta come to my place this Saturday for a sleepover, just me and you. We'll have a blast, trust me." she squealed excitedly.
Oliver leaped to his feet, pumping his fist in the air. "I'm in!" he shouted triumphantly, a huge grin spreading across his face.
"Oliver, you can't go this time," Lizzie and I said together, determined to keep him from coming with us.
"But why though?" he asked, with those un-adorable puppy dog eyes of his.
"Oh, maybe you can't come because this is a girls-only sleepover and we're planning on chatting about boys, makeup, and clothes - all the things that girls love to talk about!"Lizzie answered and smirked at me, and Oliver just rolled his eyes.
"Hey Cole, why are you so quiet?" I asked, worried.
"Huh? Oh yeah, I was thinking about something. Maybe we can go on a camping trip next weekend?"
"Yes!" we all said in unison, nodding to each other in agreement. I wanted to hang out with my friends since it has been quite a while since we all hung out just for fun.
"So, how long?" I asked, realizing I had to talk to my mom because she always freaks out about me being out too long from home.
"I'm open to any plans you have in mind," he replied with a grin. "How about we make it more exciting and spend the whole weekend together? We could head out next Friday evening and return on Sunday evening," Lizzie suggested with enthusiasm.
"That sounds like a great idea, but I'll have to check with my mom first," I responded, feeling equally thrilled about the proposal. Oliver and Lizzie nodded in agreement, eagerly anticipating the weekend getaway.
Later after school
I ran up to my mom and gave her a big bear hug. "Hey, Mom!" I exclaimed, looking up at her with puppy dog eyes. "So, Oliver, Lizzie, and Cole are planning a camping trip next weekend, and I want to tag along. Can I, pretty please?" I gave her my best pleading face and added, "I promise I'll be good and not cause any trouble. It's going to be so much fun, Mom. Please say yes!"
"I'll think about it, but how long?" my mom inquired, her eyes beaming with warmth and kindness.
"It'll be from Friday evening until Sunday morning," I replied, my face breaking into a broad grin that mirrored my excitement.
At 8 PM
As I was typing a message to Lizzie about our upcoming sleepover, I heard a faint knock on my bedroom door. I knew it could only be one person, my mom. "Come in!" I said, excited to see her. She entered with a smile on her face and greeted me with "Hey there, my little baby!" I sat up straight, adjusting my pillow as she walked towards me. "Hey Mom, what's up?" I asked curiously. "Well, I've been thinking about the camping trip, and I've decided that you can go," she exclaimed. I couldn't contain my excitement and let out a loud squeal of joy. However, my happiness was short-lived as she continued, "but under one condition." I knew what was coming next. "Your brother will go with you," she added. I was taken aback and dropped my jaw in disbelief. "Why, Mom, why?" I protested, "I never invited him, and that bitch hates me, Mom, he hates me!" I yelled, feeling frustrated. It was the first time I had ever yelled at my mom, and I instantly regretted it. "You want to go, right?" my mom asked. "Then he has to go since he'll be driving you there and he's older and more responsible. So choose whether you go with your brother or stay here," she said before leaving the room.
The situation I find myself in is quite complex. I want to go camping, but unfortunately, I have to take my brother along with me. This presents a bit of a challenge because I know that his behavior could ruin my mood and prevent me from enjoying the trip. It's frustrating because I really want to go, but at the same time, I don't want to deal with my brother's attitude. Ultimately, I've decided to go to the trip, but I know that I'll have to put up with my brother's behavior, which is not ideal.
YOU ARE READING
Take My Soul
Teen Fiction𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚘𝚞𝚕 Leslie is a high school sophomore who has a heart of gold and has always been close to her brother, but their bond has recently been strained. During winter break, Leslie and her family plan a trip to their vacation house, h...
