Hair Die

McKayla's Libarary

I was late for school again the next day.

My 30th tardy that semester.

But my dad had backed over my ride-to-school board, so I had to walk. I walked and the wind blew against me, I think it wanted me to go home. I know I did. But this kind of wind was unacceptable. I was used to the kind of wind that I can match. On my board, the wind and I are just two equal elements pressing into each other's speed. But as I walked, the wind was greater than me, it wasn't hugging me, it was wrestling me. Why was this?

After nearly an hour of cowering against the wind, I finally made it to school about ten minutes after the bell. 

"Oh, Rachel! What was it this time?"

The cheery african woman behind the desk smiled at me, but it was a smile filled with pity.

"My dad ran over my longboard on his way to work. With our only car."

She just clicked her tongue in disappointment, and wrote me a pass. I told her who my first period teacher was, and then I ran to my locker.

Shoving all my shit inside, I scrambled to gather the note, my Literature binder, and my pencil pouch. I smoothed my new hair and calmly walked to the classroom, of course after aggresively slamming my locker.

"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes... Go, Rachel!"

Mr. Michealson always made us identify quotes if we came in late. Thankfully, that one was easy. Which means he was in a good mood.

"Mark Twain."

I had a seat in the front, since all the good seats in the back were filled. The class was still a little chatty, I could make out some remarks that flew back and forth between whispering students. I was sitting next to this really small Chinese girl, I think her name was Kate. She was an extraordinary artist, and she had once explained to me that she was practicing her writing skills to be well rounded.

"Okay, guys, shut up. I have an announcement."

Everyone shut the fuck up immediately. We all knew the announcement, we were starting a project. Projects are fun. People like projects.

"I know what you're thinking, 'oh cool me and my bffl Sally are gonna stay up all night "working" on our project heeheehee' But you'd be wrong if you were actually thinking that. For this assignment, I am going to be choosing partners based on my understanding of your social involvement with the other person. Basically, you're all going to be paired with someone you don't really know or like."

There was only one, simultaneous groan. We actually sounded kinda cool, like... Like a herd of black elephants traveling across the void and calling out their deep sorrowful cries. Hey, don't hate me because you ain't me. I will admit, I have a fairly creative, poetic, some would say dark outlook on everything.

"Got o the library over the weekend, and find an old poetry book. Interpret a famous poet's works."

The library.

The library?

"your partner list is on the door..."

Oh fun... I'm with this kid Fredrick. He's a douche.

But the library? that's the last place Mckayla and I hung out, behind her library.

That's also right next to where she killed herself.