Stowaways (ON HOLD DUE TO LACK OF INSPIRATION)

Chapter 1: Basically Everyday Routine

The air is cold and I lay comfily in my bed, perfectly in peace as I find that sweet spot in my pillow. The frigid air does no harm to me under my thick fluffy comforter, and I try to enjoy every last second of this beautiful, beautiful sleep. As I am submersed in this silky ocean of blankets and pure heaven, I hear a familiar tone that puts a weight in my stomach and an ache in my head.

 I reach my hand out, feeling the nippy contrast between the warm and the cold, and turn off my alarm clock that reads 6:00am. Uggh why is getting up so painful. I drag my dead weight out of bed and sluggishly walk to the bathroom. COLD floor cooollddd flooorr, I silently scream to myself as I half tiptoe half leap back to my room that has warm carpet. A chill runs through my spine as I slip on some socks and make my way back to the bathroom. 

 I empty ye old tank, take a quick shower, and put on some decent clothes. A baggy grey knit sweater, black skinny jeans, brown uggs, and a patterned scarf. As I tie up my hair in a bun, I think about just how much I love this weather. It's finally November! After 5 long months of a hot, hot summer, that lasted 5 months too long in my opinion, winter finally took over.

I hurriedly walk downstairs to make my own lunch before my mom wakes up. 

"Good morning sweetie!" my mom says cheerfully. How early does this woman wake up??

"Morning, mom" I reply with a smile. 

 "Made you lunch. Its on the counter. Ham and cheese, you're favorite! Yummy." It's not my favorite.. 

"Thanks.. mom.." I tried to say gratefully. "You know, you could just give me lunch money so you don't have to wake up so early in the morning. I don't mind eating a pizza every now and then." 

"Ohh but honeyy! Those cafeteria foods can be so fattening", my mom replied with a worry in her tone. 

"Welp thats what P.E is for!" I tried joking. "But really, I can just make my own lunch in the mornings. It is my last year of school after all." 

I could see my mom's expression change from that perky smile that always made me feel safe and loved to deep in thought. She had these sad eyes, and I could already tell what she was thinking about. 

"Come on mom, we all knew I had to graduate someday. You should be happy I will manage to finish school in 12 years rather than 13!" 

"Oh stop joking around" she said with that smile again. "You're the smartest 17 year old I know, your father and I had no doubt that you would graduate on time. I just can't believe how fast you've grown up. One moment you're refusing to let go of my hand at kindergarten, the next you're already in your last year of highschool... re-ready.. to make.. your own lunches!" she says, trying to stifle back tears. I give her a big hug, take the paper brown bag on the counter, and head out the door. 

"It's when I can't make my own lunches that you should be worrying about me!" I shout as I close the door.

* * *

I take my physics, trigonometry, and economics books out of my locker and switch them with my American government, and AP English textbooks. Just then, I recognize a certain girlish giggle coming from a crowd of students. Kiera Emerson. The most popular girl in high school, and dare I say not too shabby with the fellas. Kiera is perfect. Perfect auburn hair, perfect emerald eyes, perfect tanned skin, perfect white smile, perfect, perfect, perfect! Although I admired practically everything about her, there was one thing I could never wrap my head around... Why she chose me as a best friend?

 "VALE!" she screams from across the hallway, and does a little girly sprint in her high heels. 

"Good morningg, lovely" I respond with a smoulder. 

"Good morning indeed! Guess what I just overheard" she said with a little tune in her words. She hooks her arm with mine and we start walking to our next class, which we were so fortunate to have together.

 I don't exactly remember how we became such close friends, but it was definitely one of those situations where you have a moment that just clicks, and the rest falls into place from there. And don't get me wrong, despite all her girly, a bit arrogant, and popular antics, she's a really good friend. Not every popular girl is like the ones in the movies where they seem like they were spawned from the devil, sent from hell to make one girl's life absolutely miserable. If she were, I'd be doomed. I am definitely those 'lost causes' kind of characters you see in the movies. I'm the total opposite of Kiera! I'm shy, dorky, have a special talent of making just about anything awkward, and SUPER great at conversation skills... not. 

"You stillll haven't guessed what" she said snapping me out of my daze.

 "OH sorryy... Kind of got lost in thought. What's up?" 

"When are you not lost in thought?" she laughed. "So I was walking by the principal's office, when I saw Aspen walk out with the principal, and apparently..." she looked ahead as we arrived to our Physics class. 

"Apparently what?" I said waiting for the rest of the sentence. She nods her head forward, and I look in that direction. In the seat behind mine I seethe most terrifying thing in my whole life. Aspen. Aspen Knyx was sitting right behind me! WHY WAS ASPEN KNYX SITTING RIGHT BEHIND ME? I feel a rushing warmth up my neck as I try to look casual. 

"What is Aspen doing here?!" I whisper to Kiera. 

"Apparently... he switched over to our class! Isn't that great? This is your chance to FINALLY get to know him after 3 years of high school together." 

"Are you insane?! This is bad, this is really bad. I was perfectly fine admiring him from a distance Ki. A FAR distance. And now he's right behind me! You did this to me!" I say looking up and pointing towards the sky. We walk in, take our seats, and I do the very best I can to remain unnoticed the whole rest of the class.

Once class was over, I slowly packed my bag waiting for him to leave. Once the coast was clear I got up, threw some sheets away and just as I turned around to walk outside the door I immediately collided with someone. I collided hard.

 I fell to the ground and managed to spill everything that was in my bag. I didn't even bother to look at who it was because I was so focused on picking up my stuff before anyone tripped on it. "Wow, I am so sorry about the Valentine. I didn't even see you there, are you ok?" someone asked. 

Wait. That voice. I know that deep, kind voice. I look up, and standing over me with his hand extended out was Aspen. What do I do now? Say something you idiot! What do I say? Move. Smile. Apologize. Take his damn hand, ANYTHING. Wait... Did he just call me by my name? Aspen Knyx remembers my name...!