When the Clock Struck Midnight

When the Clock Struck Midnight-2

Chapter 2

          I heard a distant beeping. It was so far away, I couldn’t place where it was. It wasn’t going away either. Instead, it seemed to be getting louder, until it was all I could hear. Turns out, it was just my alarm. Stupid old thing. It never did the sensitive thing and just shut itself up. I got up groggily and hit the snooze button. I resisted the urge to do what I thought was logical and throw my alarm across my room. I was willing to bet five bucks that someone in my position would’ve at least considered it.

          I threw the covers off and walked toward my bathroom. I looked like a zombie. Hell, a zombie wouldn’t want to be seen with me. I quickly scrubbed my face with soap and brushed my teeth. There, I thought, at least now I look alive. I went back to my room and decided on an outfit. I decided on a black tank top with a white cardigan and skinny jeans. I put on my boots and chose to keep Jordan’s earrings on too. I went downstairs after I had done my hair and put on my make up.

          I walked into the kitchen and was surprised to see my mom.

          “Mom, what are you doing here?” She looked up, surprised that she hadn’t heard me walk in. Her expression shifted and she smiled.

          “Well, good morning to you, too.” When she realized I was still waiting for a reply, she sighed and said, “Our meeting ended early and I was able to come home.” Mom was an assistant for some CEO of a company that had something to do with money. I wasn’t really into the details. I just hated how her boss always dragged her around as if she were an accessory and had no life like him. Stupid rich people.

          “Why didn’t you call?” I walked to the fridge and yanked the door open. Suddenly, mom’s eyes widened with innocence.

          “I wanted to surprise you,” she said simply. I reached for my yogurt. It was my usual breakfast. I know, right? How original? Note the sarcasm. I heard Mom sigh. “Sweetie, what are you doing? I can make you breakfast, you know, now that I’m back.”

          “No thanks,” I replied, leaning against the counter as I peeled off the plastic cover. Mom was watching me intently now. I shifted uncomfortably.

          “Where did you get those earrings?” she said suddenly. I reflexively touched my ears.

          I turned away from her, searching for a spoon, and said, “Jordan gave them to me for my birthday.” I cringed, knowing exactly what she’d say next.

          “Really?” She said it as if she knew what was going on. She thought that Jordan and I had gotten together or something, even though, she’d only been gone for three days, barely enough time for the both of us to do anything. She was just one of those people who thought there was something more between Jordan and I.

          “Mmhmm,” I confirmed, as I found my spoon and took my first spoonful of yogurt.

          “What else did he get you?” she said, suddenly interested. I shrugged as if it wasn’t obvious what she was doing.

          “Everyone pitched in to buy me a Karaoke Machine.” I couldn’t help the smile that crept on my face, but it suddenly slipped when I saw the time on our microwave. “Crap! I have to go, Mom.” I pecked her on the check and quickly finished my yogurt. I threw the container out and reached for my backpack. “I’ll see you after school, ok?” I was out the door before she could reply.

          I walked down my porch steps in time to see Jordan walk out of his house. My smile reappeared when I saw him. He smiled back.

          “Hey, you ready?”