Its 7am. I hear the Beep Beep Beep of my alarm. Why does this always happen? It's always the same. I'm in the middle of an awesome dream and my alarm always, without fail wakes me up. It's always the same dream. I'm walking down the hallway of a school... not my school, but a different school. I'm walking down surrounded by people, but I don't really notice them, I'm focused on something that I can't see, something beyond my vision. I never reach my set destination; my alarm always plays its annoying beeping song.
I groan and roll over, pulling my covers above my head. If only I could just sink down into my covers again and sleep. But I know that will never happen. My mum will always come in and shake me awake again, calling my name as she does.
"Mackenzie Jane Loomy! Get up this instant! You'll be late for school!" my mother cries from downstairs. Speak of the devil. My mum, the nicest person in the entire world. I have no idea what I would do if she wasn't around. She is my rock. She knows that, being 16, I have normal issues, but I don't have normal issues. I have absolutely no friends. She understands what its like to be an outcast, a loser. She hasn't told my sister Emily that she is my only friend and she has trouble liking me. I just wish I could have a new start. A new school, a new life. But no, I'm stuck with my boring life.
I drag myself out of bed and straight into the shower, just because I have no friends, doesn't mean I don't have an appearance to withhold. I take 20 minutes in the shower, ignoring the banging on the door from Emily yelling at me. Just because it takes her an extra hour in the bathroom, because she has a boyfriend and friends, does not mean I don't get the extra time too. I take my time getting dressed and put on the slightest hint of makeup. I don't usually wear make-up, but today is my birthday, so I want to look reasonable today.
I step out of the bathroom, ignoring the swearing and insults I get from my 13 year old sister. I run downstairs with my backpack and grab my lunch and stuff it into the largest pocket. I sit down at the kitchen table. Mum has made me pancakes.
"Happy Birthday Kenz" my dad says over his newspaper. "16 today? It seems like yesterday you were running to get the bus for your first day of grade one."
That was the start of my life as an outcast. I spent the entire first day of first grade crying in the toilets because I got called Loony Loomy. My entire class laughed when she had said it. When I say she I mean Sarah Mathers. When the roll was being called she was looking for someone to pick on. That person was me.
"Yeah Dad. Just 11 years ago." I don't really know what to say, I only really talk to my family and even then, it's pretty small conversations.
"We are going out tonight, for your birthday. How about the local tavern? A family outing? That will be good, don't you think?" mum says over the stove, making Emily her breakfast.
"Yeah! Sounds great" I mean to sound excited, but it comes out as sarcasm. My dad doesn't pick up on it, but mum does. She gives me a sideways glance of sympathy. She knows I mean well, but she feels sorry for me.
I gulp down my breakfast and kiss mum and dad good-bye as I walk out the door. I make it to the bus stop just in time to catch the early bus to school. I get on and sit right behind the bus driver, hoping no-one will notice me. I plug in my headphones and listen to Marina and the Diamonds, knowing she will make me feel better. I stare out the window, hoping today is going to be different. Hoping that today, no one will call me loony Loomy, or that I won't have to sit out of team sports, because I know no one will want to pick me.
I get off the bus and make a bee-line for my locker. I get a few strange looks, because today, I actually tried for once. Although my long brown hair and dark brown eyes are noticeable, no one actually notices them. But today, I put on my big girl pants, and made myself look semi-hot. For no one in particular though, just myself. I get to my locker and stuff in my bag and get out my books. I am just about to put my music back on, when someone comes up beside me.
"Hi, Mackenzie" I look up to see who would actually consider talking to me. Standing right next to me is Stacy Miles. She isn't one of the popular, mean girls; but she is semi popular.
"I heard it was your birthday today. Happy Birthday!" she says ,clutching her books to her chest.
"Than-"I started to reply, but I was soon interrupted.
"Here, I know its you 16th,and I thought you might like this." She hands me a package and then runs off to join her friends , who give her puzzling looks. Which I understand, are looks of disgust and some curiosity. I look down at the package in my hand. I have never gotten a present before, Well none from people outside my family. I don't want to open it now,, so I carefully put it in my locker and walk to class.
