Program: Superhuman *ON HOLD*

Chapter 2: Macy Castilla

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

I breathed in deeply, snuggling further under the covers.

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

With a groan, I snapped open an eye and gazed at the alarm clock on my nightstand. With a large effort, I raised my arm and slammed it down on the snooze button. Then, I pulled the blanket over my head. Usually, I didn't mind getting up in the morning – especially if I got up early, because then I would have a few extra hours on the day. But, today? All I wanted to do was sleep in. Why, you ask?

School.

The first day of school was today. I bet it would be tons of fun. New friends, cafeteria food, loads of homework. A complete paradise. Note the sarcasm.

With a grunt, I threw off my covers and took a moment to stare at the ceiling, contemplating why the builders of this house painted it white and not – I don't know – blue? Pink? Why did they have to go with the stereotypical white?

After a few more moments of procrastination, I heard the alarm go off again and I reached over, turning it off. I was about to get up until the events of the day before tumbled back into my brain. With a creased brow, I fell back on my soft pillow and wondered what was going to happen next. This new morning brought refreshed emotions, but I still felt edgy about Mr. Vale and his oh-so-annoying son. I gritted my teeth in anger when remembering how tenderly Daren kissed mom, even if it was only on the cheek. And then the way she giggled after?

I shuddered.

Honestly, rich guys could get so annoying.

Shoving my thoughts aside, I pushed myself up and looked down at my wrinkled pajamas. I threw my legs over the side of my bed and pressed my hands on either side of my thighs. As an image of Mr. Vale and Mom tickled my brain again, I hunched my shoulders. My fingers subconsciously squeezed the bed sheet between them as I closed my eyes. My heart felt like it had been pierced. Mom couldn't be falling for that guy. It was just wrong. He... he already divorced once! Who's to say he wouldn't do it again? And... to think of all the women he could have slept with. It made a cold shiver run up my spine. The motion jerked the sleeve of my sweater (I wore it instead of a shirt) off my shoulder, which kicked me back to reality.

Grimacing, I yanked the sleeve up again and stood. Picking out a pair of skinny jeans and a plaid shirt, I exited my room and saw Mom's room door was open – so she was awake. Arden's, however, was closed. He'd always been one to sleep in. Needless to say, I wasn't surprised.

A small shuffling noise on the ground drew my attention and I looked to the right to see Sammy running up, tail wagging so hard his butt was shaking. Despite myself, the sight made me laugh a little. His wet nose roughly pushed against my leg and he whimpered, as if wanting to jump on me. With a smile, I leaned down to his level, placed my clothes across my lap, and clutched his head between my fingers. I giggled when he licked my lips with that pink tongue of his. Nothing like a dog to cheer you up in the morning. I finally gave him a goodbye kiss and stood again.

Upon entering the bathroom, I dropped my clothes on the counter and turned my neck in a tired circle. I couldn't let myself think about how terrifying school was gonna be – then I would never get through the wee hour I had before it even started. So, I went ahead and made the quick change. For a moment, a brief smile came across my lips when I saw how nicely the jeans fit me. The shirt was still unbuttoned, but I couldn't resist turning to the side and glancing at my legs in the mirror. Not too bad. Even for me.

Facing ahead again, I looked down and traveled my fingers up my shirt, buttoning as I did. Finally, the tedious process was finished, with the top clasp undone.