The next morning did not come nicely. I was still on Florida time three hours ahead, but since I didn't go to bed until almost eleven Oregon time I wasn't feeling like I got a full night's sleep. Slowly at 6:30 a.m., I rolled out of bed. After a quick hot shower to wake me up at least a little, I pulled on one of my favorite casual dresses. It was floral with a brown belt and I had white lace leggings with my gray ankle boots that lace. It wasn't to chilly, something that surprised me because of the frosty weather last night. I slipped on a jean jacket just in case. I got all of my text books that I knew I'd need and gathered them into my small blue backpack. Grabbing my purse I slipped both my small digital camera, and my professional one in there.
I finger combed my hair just a bit, leaving it to fall in loose fiery wavy layers down to my shoulder blades. Then I reluctantly left turning off my light half un-packed room still wishing that I was curled up in bed. I twisted around boxes until I found my way to the kitchen where my mom stood bent over laying against the counter with her eyes closed by the coffee maker. I smiled, my mother was also not a morning person.
The ding of the coffee maker made her jump out of her skin, standing straight up yelling "I'm awake!" I laughed as I grabbed a muffin from the wooden bowl on the counter. She smiled a little embarrassed and made a face at me.
"Oh, shush Rhiannon. You know I hate mornings. I was up until two last night on a new piece." She said yawning.
"Oh my goodness mother! You really should go to bed earlier." I said, giving her the "mom" look that we've done ever since I was little.
"Yeah yeah, I know. Now hurry, you're going to be late to school." She sad giving a short hug then shooing me away. I laughed as I was pushed out the door.
Once in my little car I called "Ocean Blue" I turned on the radio and nodded my head along the beat of an old Beatles song. I watched as little kids trotted down the sidewalks in their little coats and hats and mittens. Adults running with their dogs and old couples walking together enjoying the morning. It wasn't a long drive to the school, I might walk one morning if I'm up to it, and not too tired. I turned into the parking lot and found a spot near the exit. I know getting out of school can be tough.
After a quick mirror check I took a deep breath and pushed the door open, ready to start my life over. With my cameras in my bag, and sunglasses on I walked inside with some fake confidence, like I've been going here since kindergarten. God, I hate being the new kid. At least I know Dani, and Matt.
I wandered the halls, looking blindly for locker 224 and also for classroom 113, AP English. After around four hallways and after a couple of frustrated sighs I gave up and shoved my schedule and the school map inside my purse along with my sunglasses that I slipped in my jacket pocket.
"God dammit, if I don't find my locker in the next five minutes I'm going to-"
"Hey, Rhiannon!" I heard a voice call from behind me. I turned to see Matt pushing, fighting his way to me. I smiled, relief filling me up to the brim. At least someone would help me with this place. It was a small school, but god, it was a labyrinth.
"Matthew! Thank goodness, I'm so lost. I have no idea where to go." I said, pulling my schedule back out of my bag. He smiled knowingly, and reached out to take it. He studied it for a moment his eye brows knit together. He was wearing a lettermen's jacket with a black t-shirt and jeans. His brown eyes sparkled and he looked really handsome. I smiled up at him as he nodded at my schedule.
"Alright, your locker is actually right here." He said walking down a few steps and knocked a top red locker with a dent in the side. He opened it easily and then stepped back so I could put my stuff in.
"Okay so first class is AP English, that's over here." He said leading me once I shut the locker. We made some small talk as we walked and I memorized the route to my first class. He made a joke about the teacher who apparently was a hard-ass and I laughed.
"Well here it is, we actually have 2nd and 5th period together that's awesome. You're going to love Mr. Staltic. He's got the best monotone ever." He said raising his eyebrows sarcastically. I laughed again. He was really funny, I didn't know someone could make me laugh so much naturally.
"But don't worry you don't have it too bad, and you know what?" He asked, with a grin that made my knees a little weak.
"What?" I asked playing along.
"Just because I'm so nice and giving, I've decided that I will be your guide of Elkton High School." He said taking a superman stance.
"Oh, what makes you think you have what it takes?" I challenged narrowing my eyes playfully.
"Well, I know the school, the teachers, we have classes together. And people seeing you with me will definitely up your status and me being seen with the pretty new girl will up my status. And all the guys will know you're mine and lay off." He said leaning in so far our noses were almost touching. I smiled at him again, and right before I was about to say something that I'm sure was clever and awesome the bell rang and a wave of students started the rush to get to their class on time.
"Got to run, I'll meet you here at the end of the period." He said, tapping my nose. And then he was off, lost in the sea of students he too, battling his way to get to his class, where ever that was.
