I ignored the alarm clock that was blaring in my ears. I just wanted to stay in bed and forget about the world. I was so sick of everything.
But then my phone started vibrating, and I knew it was him. My best friend, Leo. The only person who could make me get up and face the day.
"Yo, dude, wake up!" he yelled through the phone. "It's your first day at Lions Den High! You don't want to miss it, do you?"
I moaned and checked the time. It was 7:30 a.m. I had half an hour to get ready.
"Alright, alright, I'm up," I said, rubbing my eyes. "Where are you?"
"I'm outside your house, bro. Come on and get dressed. I'll wait for you in the car."
I hung up the phone and forced myself to the bathroom. I took a quick shower, brushed my teeth, and styled my hair. I looked at myself in the mirror. I was 18 years old, but I felt like I had lived a hundred lifetimes. I had moved around so much, changing schools, making and losing friends, never feeling like I fit in anywhere. I was always the new kid, the outsider, the loner.
But not this time. This time, I had Leo. He was my childhood friend, my brother from another mother, my partner in crime. We had grown up together in a small town, until our parents decided to move to the big city. He had transferred to Lions Den High a year ago, and he had been raving about it ever since. He said it was the best school in the city, with the coolest teachers, the hottest girls, and the most fun activities. He said he had made a lot of friends there, and that they were all eager to meet me.
He said I would love it there.
I hoped he was right.
I put on some jeans and a hoodie, grabbed my backpack, and headed downstairs. I saw a note from my mom on the kitchen table. She had left for work early, as usual. She was a nurse, and she worked long hours at the hospital. I loved her so much. She was the best mom in the world. She always supported me, no matter what. She always made sure I had everything I needed, even if it meant sacrificing her own needs. She always left me a bagel on the table, every morning. I smiled and grabbed the bagel. I thanked God for my mom.
I got my keys from the hall counter, and walked out of the house. I saw Leo waiting for me in his red speed car that he bought from his savings working at his rich uncle's pizza place. It was a sleek and shiny car, with a powerful engine and a leather interior. It was his pride and joy. He waved at me and honked the horn.
"Get in, loser, we're going to school!" he shouted, grinning.
I jumped in and we zoomed off, headed for Lions Den High.
"Are you ready for this, man?" he asked me, turning up the music.
"I guess so," I said, nervously.
"Don't worry, dude, you're going to have a blast. Trust me, this school is awesome. You'll see." he said, confidently.
I hoped he was right.
