Writer's Block

Chapter One: Back to Reality

I put down my pencil and sigh at my pathetic excuse for creative writing. This sounds more like a bad script for an indie video game rather than a piece of literature. My 1st period teacher continues to drone on and on about equations and other math stuff that I've never had much interest in. She never calls on me for anything, so I can basically use this class as a free period to do whatever I please.

I turn my head to look out the window as I crumple up my paper. The birds pass by, chirping happily, the cars on the street move with a purpose, each with individual motives like rushing to work or possibly a kidnapping in progress... Jeez, why does my mind do that?

The bell rings for second period and everyone in the room rushes out like a druggie running from the cops. Nobody wants to be left in the room with the teacher after the bell. It doesn't matter what teacher you have, they will always hold you back with a black hole of a conversation. It leads nowhere and you can never escape.

When the school day ends, I grab my things and make my escape from the cramped hallways and into the courtyard. As I await the arrival of my parents to pick me up from school, I take out my journal and a pencil. I decide to give this another try...

"My eyes are met with glorious, golden lights illuminating the night sky. The grip of her hand on mine becomes tighter, excitement coursing through our veins. Nevertheless, I mustn't forget my primary objective, getting her to the castle. This girl, who has stolen my heart, has recently been revealed as the lost princess of the kingdom of (insert classy family name here). I was somewhat shocked when I found out my maid was a princess, then again, we never really spoke much. This girl was one to get her job done quickly and orderly, I respected this. Therefore, I never wished to get in her way, so I never reached out to her. Maybe that was a mistake on my part..."

I stop and place my pencil down. "No..." I say to myself. "This has been so overused...
I can't do this..." Cursing under my breath, I feel my phone buzz. Pulling it put of my pocket, I see that I have received a message from my mother. It reads, Sorry honey, can you walk home today? I'm running a bit late at work. I sigh and text back that it's no problem. Picking up my belongings and hoisting them over my shoulder, I turn to see a certain someone standing before me. My "stalker", Ian. "Hey there Lilly!"  he smiles and winks at me which makes me shudder. Ian is tall, buff and slightly tanned with dark, short cut hair and piercing green eyes. He's the heartthrob of the sophomore class, so I have no idea why he likes me rather than any of the popular girls. "Hey..." I reply unenthusiastically. "Need a ride home?" Despite my overwhelmingly large urge to accept, since walking home in Texas weather is a challenge in its own, I don't think it's safe to get in a car with this guy. "No, I'm fine." I say, pushing my medium, raven hair behind my ear. He narrows his eyes and places a hand on my shoulder. "I'm not letting you walk home in this heat, Lil. I insist. Let me give you a ride home." I roll my eyes. "Fine, but if I get bullied for being seen with you, we're going to have some problems." He smiles widely and pulls his keys from his pocket. "Well then, what are we waiting for?"

His car is classy and mesmerizing, though the interior is what you would expect from a teenager. The outside is a sleek black color with a convertible roof. The inside is disgusting, McDonald's leftovers on the floor, dirty clothes sprawled out across the backseat, and much much worse.

"What's your address? I'm gonna put it into the GPS." Ian says and lifts his phone. I reluctantly sit in the passenger seat and recite my address to him. "Oh, we don't live too far away from each other!" He proclaims excitedly then revs the car to life. "Right." Looking out the window, I dismiss his attempts to make small talk.

The car ride was about fifteen minutes, though it felt like an awkward eternity. Every few minutes, he'd ask a random question or make some stupid pun. Of course just smile or give simple, one word responses, but Ian does not know when to quit, does he? "Well, we're here..."he says, putting the car into park and looking at me. "Yeah, thanks." I say, gathering my things and reaching for the door handle. "Wait..." Internally groaning, I pause and look back at Ian. "What?" His cheeks are rose tinted and he avoids eye contact. "I... was wondering if you'd like to go out sometime..?" Jesus... "I'm sorry, I'm just not-" He interrupts me. "Hey, I know you probably don't like guys like me, but I just want one date. Give me a chance, Lil... I promise, if you don't like me after that, you'll never see me again!" I press my lips together and push my bangs back. "Look... You're sweet... But I'm pretty sure I'd get the shit kicked out of me by at least all of the cheerleaders..." I smile nervously and grab the handle. "You don't need to worry about them. If they mess with you, just tell me." "You're sweet... But I can handle myself..." I smile and open the door. "Thanks for the ride and... I guess I'll think about it..." Slamming the door behind me, I walk up to my doorstep and unlock the door.