SILENT RIVERS

ALONE

"Five minutes", i shouted from under the covers in response to my mother's violent pounding outside my door.

"I can't wait to have my own house", i mentally cursed.

I don't take much time to ready myself; Not much of a dress it up type.

There is nothing wrong with sneakers and joggers and a simple T-shirt.

Of course, every now and then i rock my ankle heels and booties, but I'm not very fond of walking in them.

I took my time as i descended the stairs.

"The bus is bound to leave you at that pace",my mom warned.

"I have a back up plan", i replied nonchalantly.

"And that is?" She asked with arms crossed.

"Walking", i informed her as i walked off the porch without saying bye.

As i walked the streets, i kept my head straight infront of me. My face straighter than a ruler; and void of any sign of emotion.

Not even a small smile to make it look like i had breakfast this morning.

I didn't by the way. My bag is practically a snack shop. You can find anything on there from Doritos to Tostitos.
Once you can eat it, it's there.

I mean school is hard work. And one cannot work on an empty stomach.

As i turn the corner towards Benny's Shop, i noticed a set of kids messing around an elderly man.

I hate it when kids treat elderly folks like garbage.
Sometimes i wish more of them were like Madea to beat their asses with anything they grab. And then run of course. They can send your ass to jail for that shit.
I hate people who mess with other people. Turns me off completely.

"Are you okay ?", i asked  walking up to Mr. Horace as the kids walked away.

"Katie",he smiled with wrinkled cheeks.

I didn't bother to tell him he got my name wrong. He does all the time. It seems his memory went quickly along with his youth, cause I'm sure i corrected him last night.

"This is for today", i told him handing him $5.

"Thank you",he accepted it giving me a small hug.

I got what I needed at the store and left for school. It was about 15 minutes away now.

The bell would ring in 10 minutes, but i don't care.
I can count on my fingers how many times I've been early to school since 9th grade.
On one hand too!

****************************

"You're late Miss Daniels", Miss Buchanan pointed out as i walked into the class.

"Good morning Miss Buchanan", i unwillingly acknowledged her prescence.

"Next time", she warned,"detention".

I laughed to myself. I've never gotten a detention in my life.

Well , i have but i don't go.
Who has time for that shit?

I take my seat at the back of the class and get my notebook out.

I'm the kinda person who writes every word the teacher says. That way if i write something stupid on a test , i can say that i learnes from him. Or her.

The 50 minutes of the class that i did catch drifted by quickly. Gladly.

The bell sounded the end of first period and i was the first to leave the class. I'm one of those students who dismiss myself from class. Not the bell.
The school says that the  bell signifies the end of class, so i have all right to walk out.

The next class is gymn class.Gymn class.

I hate exercise but I'm pretty good at sport though.
I play a little football, a little netball , and some volleyball.

My dad, who is now deceased ,was a great football player.
Not a pro or anything though.

"Today we're playing volleyball", Coach Gilmore announced walking into the gymn. All the other girl's groaned but i didn't , i just walked onto the court and took my position.

"That's the spirit  Ms. Daniels", Coach Gilmore cheered as she ushered all the other kids onto the court.

"This side is short of one player even with the new guy", Coach announced," girls you need to trade a partner".

"Take her ", Cara pointed at me.

"Why?" Her friend asked.

"She's practically built like a man", she snickered along with the rest.

"Watch it Cara", Coach Gilmore replied as she pointed for me to join the boys.

"Try to keep up ", a dark haired guy smiled at me.

"That won't be a problem". I told him without looking at him as i set myself into. position.

****************************
Finally the school ended.
As i walked the halls alone, I couldn't help but notice the different cliques.

Everybody was holding hands and laughing. It made me sick to my stomach.
The fact they actually believed they were happy. Or maybe it's the fact that deep inside I'd like to be able to be happy too. Just maybe. But highly unlikely.
On the downside, i had no one to even hold my hand. It's been like that for a while.
But I've gotten used to it.
If there's no one to hold my hands, I'll just shove them in my pocket and keep on walking. I mean at least I've got me. Alone. That i can count on.