How to be popular

13. Never Look Back

Ring. Ring. Ring.

There was no answer.

Sorry, the person you are trying to reach right now is either out of service or not available. Please try again later.

I swore under my breath, becoming increasingly ill with my phone. If my real parents didn't answer the first time, they probably wouldn't ever answer.

I slumped further in my seat, feeling hopeless. Call the number again, maybe whoever has this phone didn't hear it ring. I wanted to believe that.

The phone rang again, once, twice, three times, but still no answer. The computer voice spoke again.

I turned my phone off, putting it back in my bag. It was getting close to the end of my "free period," so it was almost time to leave. Sighing, I got up and put my bag on my back, only using one strap.

The feeling of depression hit hard again. Nobody answered that phone because, most likely, my real parent's phone went out of service. It was the only number the adoption agency had, really the only information I could get, and without it being useful, I was again back at square one.

But the only thing that made me feel better was the drugs, and I needed more. Not really caring about the time, I went into the nearest bathroom.

There were other girls in there, so I decided to go into the stall farthest away from them and lock the door. I was desperate and needed to get away from all of the stress.

So I pulled out the bag with the crushed powder inside, the "Unicorn Dandruff." I took a small amount and put it on my leg after I sat down on the toilet seat. After that, I searched my pockets for dollar bills, finding one in my right back pocket. I rolled it up, snuffed up what was on my leg, and within minutes, all of my troubles melted away.

I don't know what time it was, but I must have fell asleep when my eyelids slowly opened and my hearing returned when there was a sudden and loud banging at the stall door I was in, making me nearly pee my pants.

I cautiously opened the stall door, and a custodian shoved it open.

She looked at me with slim eyes that stared me down, her thick figure making her look dangerous. She popped a bubble she made with her chewing gum.

I got up quickly. "Um, what time is it?"

"4:00 miss. I suggest you should stop staying up all night and then you wouldn't have to resort to a bathroom to take a nap."

I squeezed around her. "Sorry, ma'am."

She shook her head. "Just get out so I can clean this disgusting place girls like you purposely mess up." Her eyes scanned my body, making me uncomfortable. "I can tell just by looking at you that you're one of Ava's friends." Her words stung like the stinger of a Japanese hornet.

I quickly made my way out of the bathroom, down the halls, and out of the school out to my car.

My phone rang. I got excited and rushed to get it out of my bag. I was disappointed when I learned it was my adoptive father.

I rolled my eyes and answered, knowing he would keep calling until I did.

"Hello?" I said uncertainly.

"Where have you been! You were supposed to be home thirty minutes ago," he scolded.

What was I supposed to tell him? Just make up something.

"Sorry, I was....talking to a teacher about my grades."

He chucked sarcastically. "I can see why. Your progress report is really disappointing Alex. Get home now." He emphasized the now, making me jump and start
my car so I could get home quickly.