Senior Year (BoyxBoy)

8 | Facing Challenges

Sky Turner

It was Friday afternoon, our third period of the day. Since this morning, time has been moving incredibly fast on a day I wish would pass by slower.

I scoot closer to the desk, resting my arm on it and placing the side of my head in my palm. 

Our algebra teacher, Ms. Williams, lectured and wrote notes on the whiteboard about equations that misconstrued students on our last test.

I glanced around the room. Some students were fixated on the lesson, writing down every note the teacher placed on the board, while others were sneakily typing away on their phones.

For me, the entire lecture was going in one ear and out the other; my brain did not attempt to retain the information given. The only thing I had written in my notebook was today's date. I sigh defeatedly, dropping my pencil onto the notebook. 

I glance over at the clock on the wall.

'12:30? It was 12:00, not even a second ago.'

I internally groaned; the third period was almost over. I should be enthusiastic, as the school day was moving quickly. It's Friday, which means a relaxing weekend ahead. That isn't the case for me, as I know what's planned when I get home.

My mind faces hurdles of emotions as the thought washes over.

'What if this ends up all being for nothing?'

'Are they going to listen to what I have to say?'

'Should I even try If they aren't putting in the effort?'

That has been my mental state, just a constant state of anxiety-filled questions ever since I opened my eyes to start the day. 

I wish I could predict what they would say, peer into the future to see whether this plan went well, know every possible outcome, and use it to my advantage. 

As the minutes ticked by, I struggled with this nagging sense of uncertainty despite meticulously planning every detail. The time was drawing near for the plan I had orchestrated with Ren to unfold, just three hours away. I rehearsed my speech tirelessly, committing it to memory with the dedication of an actor preparing for their most pivotal performance. Both Destinee and Kaylen were well-versed in their roles and fully aware of what was expected of them.

"It's foolproof." Ren's voice chimes through my head.

My mini panic subsided, remembering he said he'd be there for moral support. 

I smiled sheepishly, looking back on the memory of Ren and me on Facetime as I reviewed my speech for him. 

"You've got this. I know you do." Ren's inspiring words echo through my mind again.

I hope he knows how much of a supporter he's been for me these last few days.

"We're retaking this test, so I hope those of you who thought they were being sneaky on their phones were typing down some notes. Sky?" Ms. Williams said.

My train of thought was derailed instantly as my eyelids widened at the call of my name.

"I hope you were taking notes in that daydream of yours," Ms. Williams said, cleaning off the whiteboard. I glance left and right, noticing the class has packed their belongings.

The bells sound off, and everyone leaves the classroom from their desk. 

"Enjoy your lunch," Ms. Williams commented as they filed out the door.

Packing my supplies into my backpack, I head for the door. "Sky?" Ms. Williams says my name before my foot can step out of the doorway. 

My body whips back around to face Ms. Williams. She finishes marking the paper before placing it on the marked stack of documents. Her head lifts to face my gaze, and a small smile tugs the corner of her mouth.