Dreaming of Tomorrow (on hold)

Chapter 3

Peace. Quiet. Freedom. Some of the things I crave for the most in my life. The only place where it becomes a reality is in what you could call my hideaway. About 10 years ago on the south side of town, the apple orchard saw the end of it's days. It's absolutely stunning with the old and fading red barn and the wide opens fields where some of the remaining apple trees still stand. A small creek snakes its way through the abandoned property and wildflowers grow as far as your eyes can see.

My mother was the one who discovered this place. We used to come here on picnics together, and in the heat of summer we'd go swimming in a wide spot of the creek near the waterfall. Now, I come here to escape the anger of my father and to seek the serenity of my hideaway.
I bring my car to a stop in front of the old rusty fence. The wooden sign hung by one creaking, sad hinge. I checked the time once more before leaving the cool car. I slammed the door shut and continued to scuff my feet along the dusty gravel road, creating clouds of dust. As I near the corner, the faded red barn enters my sight. I push the thorn bushes out of the way and climb through the opening of the old fence. The tall green grass itching my legs, I walked towards one of the remaining, towering apple trees. I nestle myself against the base of the tree and am comforted by the shade. I lazily swing my head to the side, getting a beautiful view of the waterfall that peeks through the shrubbery a few yards from my relaxed body. I love that waterfall, but sitting here under my apple tree, I can relax for a few minutes before school. My eyes start to flutter and I can start to feel my mind drift away. The wind tousles my hair and brings a cool sensation to my face. Before I can drift away to a peaceful slumber, my phone alerts me that someone has texted me.

Cam: Hey, where are you?

I glance at the time and curse under my breath. I reply quickly.

Autumn: SHIT! God, I lost track of time! I'll be there soon. Do you think our homeroom teacher will beat my ass if I'm late? Because I'm going to be...

I spring to my feet and run as fast as my legs will carry me to my car. I get another text notification and I put the key in the ignition. I grab it and view it. A reply from Cameron.

Cam: lol good luck! I can't tell with this one. He seems pretty chill so far, but I'd still hurry if I were you.

"Great way to start off my senior year," I mutter as I speed away from the only place I feel like I can call home.

.........................

I park my car in the first open spot I see and come to an abrupt halt. I throw my bag over my shoulder and try to fix my appearance as I go off in a dead sprint through the main hallway. The hallways are eerily silent and the only noise is the sound of my feet hitting the tiles as I run up the stairs to the second floor. My eyes found room 213 and I come to an halt. I try to calm my breathing as I reach for the handle. I throw the door open, "I'm here!" I said, slightly out of breath and a little louder than I'd expected. I feel the eyes of everyone in the room find their way to me. I make eye contact with Cameron and see that he's barely holding back a snicker. "Miss. Calloway, I presume?" the teacher asks with an irritated tone.

"In the flesh" I say with a slight smile. My eyes scan the sea of people, trying to find an open seat. The last seat available is beside a boy that I don't recognize. He seemed to be teeming with confidence, yet also appeared to have a bored expression on his face. His tousled chestnut hair and his bright blue eyes mixed with a hardened jaw line gives me a sudden tingling sensation throughout my body. I slip into the seat, still aware of all the eyes upon me. I can feel the eyes of the mysterious guy burning into me. I struggle to keep myself from blushing and look at the teacher, awaiting the beginning of his lesson. I feel his gaze slowly lift off of me and focus back onto the teacher.

"As I was saying before we were all interrupted, I am Mr. Hardwell. I am your AP history teacher this year. I expect the most out of you all now that you are seniors..." Mr. Hardwell continued on with his most likely rehearsed speech that all the teachers would be giving. I try to listen, but all I can focus on is the presence of the boy sitting next to me. Who is he?