Alex Rider: Deception

Alex- Chapter 6

December in San Francisco was mild compared to England, although the days were still short and the nights too long. Alex woke up late Thursday morning to a rainy sky and his alarm clock squawking loudly. He groaned and slammed his fist down on the snooze, trying to squeeze in a few more minutes sleep.

"ALEX!" he heard Sabina shout, "Where are you? We're going to be late, it's already seven fifteen!" Alex's eyes flew open, he couldn't believe just how long he'd slept through his alarm. He grabbed a pair of jeans and a polo from his dresser on his way down the stairs, still trying to rub the sleep from his eyes. He thought of the dream he'd been having as he brushed his teeth. It was a good one, and in it he was introducing Katie to Jack. Jack kept elbowing him suggestively while Katie chatted amiably about their nice flat was and how she had always wanted to go to England. Jack spent more than ten minutes preparing a meal, and they went to see a soccer game after dinner.

Alex was still saddened by the thought of Jack, but he no longer despaired over it. He was just grateful for the time he had with her.

"Alex!" Sabina cried, interrupting his reverie, "Hurry up!"

Alex bolted down the last flight of stairs and grabbed his backpack and an apple from the kitchen. Sabina was impatiently tapping her foot and holding the front door open for him. "Finally!" she sighed, and hopped into the car, Alex on her tail. "Sorry," Alex muttered back.

And thus began Alex's worst day in San Francisco. They arrived at school as the bell rang to signal the start of first period, which resulted in Sabina and Alex earning late passes from the office- that also meant they had to do detention today or tomorrow. "This is all your fault," Sabina growled, "I'm supposed to have a date with Derek today and tomorrow is track practice." Alex rolled his eyes and sullenly walked onward, effectively ignoring Sabina.

They split ways to attend their separate classes, and Alex had math first period. His teacher decided that because Alex was late, the entire class should suffer a lecture on punctuality. Alex took his seat in the middle of the room and watched the minute hand on the clock crawl by. Mr. Gunny's speech took up nearly half the class, and the other half he spent trying unsuccessfully to cram a lesson into his students' heads.

Second period for Alex was English. In that class Alex discovered that he had forgotten to print out his essay, and therefore managed to get on his teachers bad side for the day. Mrs. Mason allowed him to use the computer to print it off from his flash drive, but she was not happy about it.

In third period Alex realized he had forgotten his history textbook at his house. He only had enough money for milk and a snack at lunch, and Katie didn't show up for free block during fourth period. Alex was sure things couldn't get any worse for him when the teacher announced a huge term project in Italian that day.

"This is an at home project, and you will not get any class time to work on it," Mr. Garibaldi droned, "you are to make a tourist brochure about one city in Italy." Alex stared Mr. Garibaldi down, waiting for the "just joking" that would never come; Mr. Garibaldi didn't joke. "Include attractions, hotels, history, and major holidays. The best will earn five extra points on the mid-year." Mr. Garibaldi went on to explain how you could lose points, while simultaneously handing out a chart that described the details of what needed to be included and how you lost points. When the bell rang, Alex was the first one out the door. The day's finally over, Alex thought in relief.

"Hey Rider, where you going?" Craig shouted across the hallway, "Mr. Bets' class in the other way!" Alex's stomach dropped to his toes. There is nothing worse than thinking the school day is over, only to realize you still have another class. Dejectedly, Alex dragged himself up the stairs to Mr. Bets' room. He threw himself into the desk and silently willed the clock to move faster.