Survivors

Breach

They always say to enjoy the little things and not take anything for granted. I guess that is the flaw with humans, when not faced daily with the possibility of losing everything we forget.

The day started as everyday has for the past two years, music blaring caffeine in one hand and a cigarette in the other while the sun is just starting to peak over the horizon. Devon drums along to Green Day's "Basket Case" on the steering wheel. Autumn sleeps for the bit of time she can in the back seat. And I stare at the passing scenery. We sit comfortably in the music filled car until the song ends and an irritated voice comes over the radio. I instinctively turn off the radio before the overbearing volume can begin with the next song.

"Checking in, what is your status?"

I grab the radio and drearily speak,

"Good morning Z, the barrier is now clear. Headed to school."

"Thank you Athena, I will inform Leo when I get his report. Have a good last day, take the week with friends and family then come home for the summer."

"Copy Z, see you next week."

The radio dies and we fall back into a brief silence before Devon states with impatience in his tone.

"School is so dumb for us, it's not like we're ever going to get real jobs in the future."

"Rules are what they are Loki. Have to keep up appearances."

At this he nods his head turning the radio back on. We fall back into the music for two hours. Finally we pull up to the front of Autumn's school and she crawls from the back seat with a grin.

"See you two later, drinks before we head out in the morning?"

Devon does not do mornings so I respond for both of us.

"Yeah Raven sounds good we will be by to grab you at 1545. Love you."

"Love you both, see you at 1545."

Autumn disappears into the school as we pull away heading towards my school. The morning traffic makes for a longer than normal drive but we pull up out front of my school. I see my friend Catherine waiting in our normal spot looking excited for today's festivities.

"Enjoy your last day Athena I'll pick you up at 1500. Love you."

"Love you too Loki see you at 1500."

I leave the car, closing the door gently and begin walking towards Catherine. She gleams at me,

"Are you ready for the end of year fair?"

"Yeah it's better than sitting through an unbearable math class with Mr. R."

Catherine rolls her eyes then throws an arm around my waist as we walk into the school and up the stairs towards my locker to drop my empty back-pack off. We walk through the empty halls and stairways out into the noise of the school fair. Most of the staff and all of the students are gathered around enjoying the last day fair. There are booths set up all throughout the back parking lot from every school club. The smell of food permeates the air around us from the food trucks lining the furthest portion of the parking lot. Games, dunk tanks and a small stage with a local band playing on it stretch across the soccer and football fields. We laugh and enjoy all of the festivities until about 1400 when the principal walks onto the stage for his announcements. This earns the poor man some boos and shouts of disapproval from the people enjoying their time.

"I'll keep it short I promise. It has been a great year and an absolute joy. I look forward to next year and the achievements we will accomplish. I will see all of you next year! Of course with the exception of our seniors, to all of you I wish you the best and brightest future. Staff please begin to make your way inside to say your final farewells to the senior class."