Sarah's change in life

Chapter 1

                 

I was falling through the air. I screamed at the top of my lungs, expecting that to help me stop. I was getting closer and closer to the ground- maybe only 10 yards before I came face to face with the ground. Why was this happening? I hadn't done anything. I heard my younger brother, Chris, crying in the distance.

"You can't leave me too!" he screamed.

I quickly snapped awake, panting. I lay in my bed which was now soaked with sweat. I looked over at my alarm clock to see the flashing bright red numbers. 6:20. I had to get moving soon for school.  I sat there for a few more minutes thinking about the nightmare that had just happened. My thoughts went straight to one person. My mom. It has been a little under a year, but the pain was still fresh.

"Sarah! Let's get a move on," my dad yelled from downstairs.

I got out of my bed and headed over to my dresser. I pulled out my favorite blue shirt from soccer camp last year. My team had taken first place. Then, I went to my closet and grabbed some sweats. After putting on my clothes I headed out my room and down the stairs. My brother was already sitting at the table eating a doughnut.

"Good morning sweet pea," my dad said while giving me a tight hug.

"Morning dad," I grumbled.

I pulled out my favorite cereal, Lucky Charms, and poured some into a bowl. While I shoved spoon fulls into my mouth I thought about the day to come. I knew that I had a long day ahead of me since I had school, homework, practice, and had to watch over my siblings. My thoughts were interrupted when my sister came down the stairs moaning.

"I'm tired! Can't I go back to sleep?" she asked seriously.

"Sure Nicole," my dad said to my surprise. "Tonight. After you have had a great day."

"Come on dad! That's not cool." My sister said rolling her eyes.

I laughed to myself knowing I shouldn't be surprised. My dad was always joking around with us and never seemed to be upset. Even after the incident with my mom, Dad never cried or showed sorrow. At least not when we were around.

"Come on, we don't want to be late," I said grabbing my backpack that weighed at least a ton.

The three of us, Chris, Nicole, and I, headed out to my car. I threw my backpack into the back seat and climbed into the driver's seat. After Nicole was secure in the passenger seat with Chris in the back I took off. It took only five minutes to get to Lincoln Middle School, where Chris jumped out.

"Don't get into any trouble today, "I said as he walked off. "And pay attention!"

Chris turned around quickly. "Yea, alright," he stated.

I sighed knowing today would most likely be like all of the other days. He was always on his phone or sleeping and never paid attention in class. He never took notes and came home with bad grades. It was a never-ending cycle that had been going on his entire school career. He had taken my mom's incident the hardest. He completely gave up and never listened. School got worse, even though I never thought it could.

As I drove down the street, I turned up the volume on the radio. Nicole was sleeping next to me and I couldn't help but laugh. She was always staying up way too late. Not because of homework or studying, but because of her phone. She didn't care at night about not getting sleep, but always paid the price in the morning. The funny thing is, though, is that she never seemed to learn the lesson.

"Wake up sleepy head," I yelled as I pulled into our high school, Northview.

She jumped in her seat, nearly banging her head on the top of my car.

"I don't really want to," she said slowly.

"Maybe you won't stay up so late tonight." I laughed.

"She got out of the car and slammed the door behind her. She started up to the freshman hall where her locker was located. I got out as well and locked the door. I went the opposite way, to the junior hallway.

Once I got to my locker, which was in the middle of the hall, I opened it and put my homework up and grabbed my notebooks. My mind began to wander; I thought about our upcoming soccer season. Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted.

"Hey Sarah!" my best friend, Kate practically shouted.

"Hi Kate," I replied while laughing. "You seem excited."

"You didn't hear?" she spoke, almost out of breath. She curled her long brown hair, while biting her lip, barely able to stop herself from shouting our her new information.

"No, what's up?" I asked confused.

"Our new uniforms are in! They look so nice! They're green and look so official and..."

"Okay, okay, I get it." I said, laughing again. "That's so great! I've been waiting forever!"

"I know me too!" she said with the biggest smile on her face.

The warning bell rang making both Kate and me jump.

I have to get going Kate. I'll see you at soccer later!" I shouted over the noise that was made with everyone trying to get to class on time.

"And the new uniforms!" she shouted as she turned to walk the other way.

I shook my head while laughing. I headed off to my first period, Physics, which was on the second floor. I was excited for the new uniforms too. Last year, our uniforms were falling apart and the numbers had practically come completely off. We rarely got new things, since we were short on money, so this was very rare.

The tardy bell rang just as I took my seat and I sighed. Today was going to be another long day, but I was going to make it. I had to make it.