University of Wonderland

Chapter Eleven

The next morning, I left for school before the sun started its daily routine. I wore high-knee rain boots and army green shorts with a dirty white top from my klutziness - seriously, drinking and driving should be illegal with all beverages, including coffee. Only an oversized red raincoat could help make my outfit better.

Behind the school, the air smelled like wet towel, and my hair frizzed in a direct betrayal of my blow dryer. I amped my speed, determined to get this part over with before any teachers arrived. My boots and bright red rain coat wouldn't keep me invisible for long.

And the only thing I could be sure of about Sulli's group was that they operated in secret.

The creek ran parallel to the back of the school, only a few feet separating them. The creek held only about an inch of murky, brown water instead of the five-or-so feet it had the capacity for. A vast field of dead grass stretched beyond it, sucked dry without water. The weather seemed to be conspiring with the city to keep out city from producing crops. Rain at this time of year was rare, and when it showed up, it was underwhelming. Today's forecast called for disappointment and sporadic mist.

Hoisting the backpack over my shoulder, I followed the creek in the direction of the lake that sat a few hundred feet away. My flashlight beamed a circle of light along my path, and the heavy flirting of crickets kept me company.

A snapped branched in the woods drew my attention. I squinted into the distance but only spotted trees swaying in the growing wind. I shook my head and forced myself to keep going. Stop being paranoid.

Several hundred feet along the creek, the sound of rushing water made my ears perked up. Large rocks, piled higher than my head, blocked the flow of water. Twigs and leaves stuck out between the rocks, water seeping through the crevasses. It looked massive, but I hope I could redirect at least a trickle of water back to the field.

After I set my bag down, I stepped into the creek and braced one hand on the dam. The rocks wobbled beneath my fingers. I smiled. "Easy peasy, mac and cheesy." (Do you guys like Mac&Cheese?)

One by one, I lifted the rocks and heaved them into the forest. Birds fluttered their wings in response. I wiped sweat from my brow, probably leaving a giant streak of dirt behind. Excellent. I'd neglected to put on makeup this morning and the dirt really completed my outfit.

If only my parents could see me now. They might even be proud.

Rain dripped fat, gray clouds - sporadic at first, but then coming faster and more fervently. My windshield-wiper eyelids couldn't clear my vision fast enough, but it was too late to stop now. The meterorologists had a warped sense of humor if they classifed this as mist. I lugged rock after rock, each one growinf heavier in my tired arms. Mild chatter from the students handing out near the side of the school marked an hourglass of time running out.

I slid my shaky fingers beneath another average-size rock and couldn't budge it. My hands felt useless, like decorative bathroom soap, there only for show. Tears broke through and streamed down my face. I sagged, breathing hard.

This was stupid. Crying wouldn't move the rocks, and giving up definitely wouldn't. Picturing Sehun's inmpressed smile if I completed their tests, I lunged for another rock. My muscles screamed, and the ache triggered another stream of tears. I yanked with all my strength, freeing the rock. Several more teetered. I hopped back farther into the creek right before all the rocks tumbled to the ground in a desperate escape from their tight-knit clique. I sympathsized with their bid for freedom from the status quo.

The water shot out at me, and I lost my balance, falling on my bottom into the mud. I didn't have time to react - the water pulled me under and covered my head. Goodbye, feet, I thought when the water swallowed them. My first instinct wasn't survival - it was embarrassment.