It was the first day back at school for this year. Another year of 'learning' the much needed knowledge for college and beyond. But when did school turn into just making sure the grades are over 50%? When did it stop being about trying to remember information for life instead of sitting through classes until they're over, and then cramming the night before examination?
These were all questions I asked myself at the start of every new year of high school.
I slipped on my new t-shirt I got online. It was a Free Winona tee I got from some website trying to emulate Hot Topic.
I wasn't sure why but I loved it. The sketched face of Winona just completed it.
I looked into the mirror and grabbed at my hair from behind me.
As per usual, it was a total mess.
I then began the daily task of untangling it.
It wasn't that I didn't like my hair, it just gives me mixed feelings sometimes. As in sometimes I want to cut it all off and experience the freedom but then I think I'd die without it.
It has always been completely straight, which I liked. Just plain and simple.
It was some kind of light brown shade that I couldn't quite determine, the hairdresser called it bronze.
I gazed closer into the mirror to my face. This was the day I'd try make up. Not much, just the eyes.
I bought some liquid eyeliner over the holidays and had been desperate to try it, but it seems like every time I'd tried eyeliner before I ended up smudging it and turning into a panda.
I grabbed the liner and cautiously pulled off the lid.
The little nib looked so sharp and precise that I was afraid I was unworthy of its use.
I leaned in close the mirror and gently pulled at my eyelid to line the top.
Easy does it, just a smooth line across the eyelash line.
The girl on the tutorial made it seem so easy.
I painstakingly finished the top and moved to the bottom, without feeling the need to make a wing.
As I did the bottom, it happened.
Exactly what I'd been waiting for, the liner slipped off my skin and tipped into my eye.
"You idiot!" I told myself as I frantically blinked out the black.
Luckily, it was only a little bit, so with a few blinks it was gone.
After hastily finishing the second eye and adding jeans and shoes I entered the kitchen.
The familiar smell of coffee hit me as soon as I entered, with its rich fragrance helping to energise me.
I hated coffee though. Too many times I'd tried to be an adult and make myself a coffee, but no amount of sugar could stifle the bitter aftertaste it gave off.
I was still waiting for that magical moment when I would be able to tolerate let alone enjoy the taste of a morning coffee that so many people crave.
Moving to the cupboard I grabbed the box of cornflakes.
Cornflakes had always been my go-to school morning cereal, and this year was no different.
As I ate, the hope and freshness of the new year began the thoughts in my mind that last year I might've ignored.
The thought crossed my mind that maybe, just maybe I'd be friends with Cara Allenson.
I'd never even spoken to her before, but from where I've been standing, she is someone you'd want to be friends with.
I know it sounds stupid and cliche that I'd want to be friends with the popular girl.
Had I never seen a teen movie? Since when are they supposed to be nice to the common people?
Was I a common person?
My thoughts were interrupted by my sister.
"You're supposed to put the milk back when you're done with it" she said as she dramatically swooped in and grabbed the milk.
I couldn't be bothered to come up with reasoning, it really was my fault, but she was being dramatic. As usual.
"Whats with the eyeliner?" she asked.
"What about it?" I answered, trying to sound more confident than I was.
"It's just that I thought make up was 'against what you believe in' " she said while tapping away on her phone.
Had I really said that?
I can't control what my thirteen year old self said last year.
What I can do, is make up excuses now.
"You can't keep referencing things I've said ages ago, people change you know. Ever heard of change and grow?" I asked her.
"Whatever" she remarked as she left the kitchen, no doubt heading for the bathroom.
Although I'd never tell her, I thought the way she did her hair and make up every morning did look kinda cool I guess, but I'd never have the motivation to do it.
At ten minutes to eight, I grabbed my bag and headed outside to my bus stop.
My sister was already there listening to music, so I stood by the sign.
The bus stop desperately needed an upgrade, as it was covered in graffiti and was missing the glass on the right side.
