Clearer Waters

Two

If there's one thing I've learned, it's that you can't wait around for things to happen. I have to make them happen. Unfortunately, my brain is terrible at remembering things, so at first, I just sat down at my desk, looking out my window. Dew drops and leaves floated in the breeze like paper in the wind. My favorite part of the day was sunset. Especially in November, the soft orange and pinkish colors danced across the sky, like dancers on tiptoe. It was a beautiful distraction from the ugliness happening in my own apartment. This weekend, I was at Dad's, who had recently moved in with his girlfriend, Mona. At first, I thought she wouldn't like me. According to Dad, when Mom was pregnant with me, Dad had to stand Mona up a lot to be with Mom and I. But Mona was actually very sweet about it. Sometimes, we even bake cookies together.
    But the ugliness wasn't the fighting that occurred at Mom's apartment. It was the kissing that occurred here. All. The. Time. It was really disgusting. It's not that I was against kissing. But they were exchanging saliva so much, I saw it more as tongues that had touched God knows what that day, swirling together. Which was exactly what kissing was. But no one ever called it what it really was.
    Thank God my room was soundproof. Or at least enough so to block out occasional sounds of love. Yeah, I'll pass, Dad.
The alarm clock on my nightstand alerts me it is time to be waking up. I usually wake up before the alarm goes off to look at the people of New York City. I know. I'm a stalker. Lovely. I go through my closet and put on the first thing I see.

I hope Mom doesn't mind I borrowed her overalls. I was dressed more like it was May instead of November. But the weather lately had been too nice. I know wearing overalls and flip flops was kind of pushing it, but I didn't care. I am used to the New York weather. Besides, it could be really hot in my home room teacher's room. Lately, it seemed like he had been doing it on purpose. Either way, it left a warmth throughout my body the rest of the day.
After getting ready, I zoom past Dad and Mona's door, not bothering to make breakfast. I never have much of an appetite in the mornings. Mom says this affects my grades, which are on edge. I'm not failing, but if something doesn't improve soon, all my B's would slip to D's. I jog down the six flights of stairs into the lobby. Just like Mom's building, there is no elevator.
In the lobby, I meet Greg, my best friend. I don't see him after school much when I'm at Mom's. But when I do, it's legendary. Last week, we went dumpster diving. It was amazing. I didn't think I was an adventurous gal. My mom was sort of a textbook prom queen, captain of the cheerleading squad when she was in high school. I guess I always assumed I'd end up like her. But, Greg has been starting to bring out my adventurous side. I love it. One time, he took me to the top of the roof, which was restricted ever since some idiot used it to drop eggs on some guy, and it was glorious. If I thought the view from my window was cool, this was so much better. The brick sides were crumbly and thin, so it made sense why no one went up there anyway. But I stood on top of the bricks, the wind flowing through my hair, and stared death in the face, once again. I felt brave.
I guess, if I wanted him to be, Greg could be my boyfriend. We've even joked about it a few times. He is gorgeous. Golden blonde hair, stunning blue eyes, athletic build. He could've picked anyone to hang out with. He chose me.
"Hey, Emma!" He gives me a two finger salute.
"What's new?" I slap his hand. Sure, it seemed kiddish and almost silly at first, but now, it's our signature greeting.
"No complaints. You?"
I roll my eyes. "I think I might need ear plugs. They are so loud! It's changed the way I look at my father!"
He laughs. "Then just tell them to be quiet."
I stare at him in disbelief. "You don't think I've tried? Once, I knocked on the door and went in there, asked them to keep it down, they said okay, then, went back to doing the same thing. If I don't knock, I get a flash of Mona's bra and my dad's belt. It's so gross!"
Greg laughs at my amusement. The bus horn is honked, and we rush inside, papers scattering everywhere. Another day, another boring routine.
Why don't my wishes ever get granted? Why don't any?

Okiee, this is the author! I just want you to know, there may be some delays in the story. I was just sick and have a lot to do in school. I am also putting in one of my original stories, Cumulonimbus! Go check it out soon! I promise I will not update only once a month. Maybe twice a week. Possibly three. STAY AWESOME!! (Although no one ever reads this crap anyway.)