When Summer Becomes Winter

Chapter 22: Class Fight

Note: A little bonus drawing is presented in this chapter!

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Fall 11

I was sitting on translucent, glass-like ground with my heart pounding out of my chest. My friends were all gathered around me, going in a ring around the rosy circle. Laughter escaped from their esophagi.

I frantically began twisting my head and upper body in terror. Why were they doing this? Where was Leonel? Why wasn't he a part of the circle?

My heart started thumping harder; I passed out before I woke up. I gasped, shaking slightly, relieved it was just a nightmare.

I looked over towards my clock at six AM and groaned. I didn't want to get out of bed, but I knew mom wouldn't let me sleep in on a school day. I finally got the energy to climb out of bed and towards my dresser; my stomach was showing more and more each passing day. It shouldn't bother me anymore, considering I'm pretty sure everyone now knows about the baby. However, I didn't like the idea of me getting bigger. I slipped on a loose long-sleeve dress and some thick leggings.

"Morning, Clara!" Mom greeted me as I made it downstairs, I smiled at her and nodded.

"Morning, mom!"

"What would you like for breakfast?" she asked. I placed my finger on my chin in a thinking manner.

"Pancakes with yams and apples and some fruit ole." She smiled as she brought out the frying pan.

"Anything else?" she asked. I just shook my head, taking a seat at the dining table as she started preparing breakfast.

It felt surreal that summer had been over for almost two weeks and winter was quickly approaching. The seasons seemed to be taking so long, yet they were passing by so quickly.

So many memories to store, and so many coming! I felt my hand relax onto my belly, staring off into space. By next summer, everything will hopefully go back to normal! We can forget that I was ever pregnant, and hopefully the family who adopts the baby will be great parents.

"Clara!" Mom's voice exclaimed as I woke up from my daydream. Her voice was raised a little more than usual as I looked over at her.

"Yeah, mom?" she pointed to a plate of pancakes. Wow, that was fast! Or maybe I was just daydreaming for a long time.

We were all seated around the table; mom was taking small bites while chewing slowly. Like always, dad and I jostled our food down our throats like wild animals. It was a wonder if my mother was my real mother! I know she is because we have portraits of her and my father when she was pregnant with me, but it was strange that we're even related!

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I pulled my bag on my shoulder, bidding my parents farewell, making my way towards school. Leann was, surprisingly, the first one there. She was sitting at the foot of the stairs with her back turned towards me. One of her expensive designer bags propped up against her, a book in her lap, and a pencil in her hand. What was she doing?

Find her when she's by herself and look over her shoulder. Orland's words echoed through my mind as I rolled my eyes. It looked like she was doing homework and nothing flaw-like. I quietly made my way behind her, peering over her shoulder.

My eyes widened at the beautiful illustration she was sketching. It looked like a portrait of someone from the back, maybe? However, before I could determine who or what it was, the book snapped closed. I realized I was super close to her, being drawn to the illustration. Leann's face turned the deepest crimson color I had ever seen, and her eyes began watering.