Nobody Said Life Was Going to be Easy. And I, Should Have Known Better

1: Rise and Shine

I pulled my hoodie over my clothes, grabbed my iPod and opened my door. Not one second passed after I took my first step in the hallway did I want to turn around and crawl back into my warm bed.

"Guinevere! Get back here!"

" I will not go to school!"

A sigh escaped my lips as I trudged down the stairs. As I reached the bottom I grabbed the squirming 5 year old and passed her to Mrs. Jones. As they headed down the hall with Guinevere continuing to argue, I grabbed a bowl of cereal out of the cabinet. I walked into the dining room and poured milk into my cereal; joining James, Cayden, Jennifer and Lisa.

"Morning Anna!" they all said in unison

"Morning."

I took a bite out of my cereal just as Freddy jumped on the table, eying my milky bowl. I scratched his chin, he scrunched up his face and started purring. Mr. Jones came into the dining room and yawned, his arms above his head stretching. He nonchalantly pushed Freddy off the table.

"Mornin' How are you all this lovely morning?"

"Good" was the universal response

I felt something tug on my leg, I look down and see Freddy giving me sad eyes.

"Sorry bud, boss says no."

At that moment Jason came out from the kitchen and jumped on Freddy. I watched as they playfully wrestled with each other. Eventually, fat Jason got tired and lumbered off. I love cats, they have funny personalities. Air brakes quickly filled the silence. James, Lisa and I gathered our bags and got on the high school bus. I sat down in the back and put my ear buds in. I rested my head against the cool bus window, watching the world pass by to the tune of All American Rejects. One thing I hated about living in the country was long-ass bus rides. It is a 45 minute ride to school in the morning and 30 minutes in the afternoon. But otherwise I love the serenity. The bus stopped and the seats were filled frequently. Almost to the high school I felt the weight distribution change in my seat. I look over to see Vince smiling at me. I smile and take my headphones out.

"You're way too cheerful at 7am." I uttered

"What can I say, I'm a morning person. Did you do the English homework?"

"Fuck! No I totally forgot, but I have study hall 2nd period."

"Oh, I was gonna ask to see it. What are you doing this afternoon?"

"Nothing. I don't really have anything planned."

"Yes you do, you're coming bowling with us."

"Bowling? No, I suck at bowling. And who is 'us'?"

"Me, Kathy and Jace...McKenna might come too."

"Alright, get at me at 9th period then, if I'm still alive."

The bus pulled up to the school and I shoved my iPod into my bag. Another fantastic year of Jeanon Highschool. Not.