Linger

T E N

The sunshine peeking through the curtains woke me from my sleep. I shielded my eyes from the bright light & turned in my bed, reaching for my phone on the dresser. Just one glance at the screen & I was already out of bed when I realized I had less than an hour to get ready & be at school on time. I didn't feel like going school today. I didn't even feel like getting out of bed, honestly.

I dragged myself to my closet to look for something semi decent to wear. As I picked out a pair of ripped jeans & a sports sweatshirt, my phone buzzed on my dresser.

Hey, quick coffee run before school? :)

A small smile crept on my face as I read Sasha's message. I was already running late & coffee sounded really good right now & perfect for facing the dreaded day ahead.

Sure. I'll be ready in 15.

She text back with her reply right away.

On my way! :)

This gave me some time to freshen up & get my bag ready for the day. I honestly did not have the energy to do anything more. I had no idea what the day ahead held in store for me. Would Daniel - Mr. Hayden- be in charge of study hall today? How awkward would it be for us to be in the same classroom again & go back to being just teacher & student? Would I even be able to face him at all? All these thoughts were flying through my mind as I ran downstairs & headed towards the door.

"Headed out, Madison? Don't you want something to eat first?" My mother asked, appearing in the hallway as I reached for the door knob.

"No, Sasha's picking me up & we'll get something on the way to school." I told her & she smiled, pulling me in for a hug, much to my surprise.

It was an unexpected action, but one I didn't know I needed until now. I relaxed in her loving arms & held onto her, trying to fight back my tears. She pulled away to look at me, resting her hands on my shoulders.

"Your last year in high school..." She whispered.

I looked down at my converse, hoping she wouldn't notice the tears in my eyes.

"Have a good day, sweetheart." She said softly as she released me from her caring embrace.

"Bye, Mom." I whispered, grabbing my coat & headed out the door.

I was greeted by the cold air as I made my way to Sasha's black car parked in front of my house. I wiped my eyes on the back of my sleeve of my gray sweatshirt & sniffed, hoping Sasha wouldn't notice my already melancholy state, despite it being only seven in the morning.

"Hey sunshine! Ready for a good time?" Her cheerful voice greeted me from the driver's seat as I hopped into the passenger seat next to her.

I just laughed, not trusting my voice yet in my weak state.

"So how are you? Think you'll be able to make it through school today?" She asked, starting the engine.

I nodded slowly as I kept my gaze on the scenery outside. I didn't know how it was going to be once I walked through those double doors, but I had no choice. I had two exams to take today & missing one day of school in senior year is a nightmare. Some days you just had to toughen it up, no matter how pathetic you're feeling & just go all in. And today...was one of those days.

"Are you sure? Cos I could just turn this car around and we could go shopping instead and-"

"Sasha." I cut interrupted her spontaneous plan of ditching it school. "I'll be fine. Besides we have two exams today."

She sighed as she turned her left signal. "Fine. You're right. As long as you're okay with it though." She gave me a quick glance.

"I will be." I replied & turned to her with a smile. "But first, coffee."