Removed

11

 The engine revs as I slam the door shut. Dad buckles his seatbelt and I mimic him, my school bag lying by my feet. My glasses have been replaced by contacts and my hair is back to its natural state. To the untrained eye or an oblivious person, this would seem like a usual morning. It's not. I can't remember the last time Dad drove me to school. Actually, I can't remember the last time he blatantly stated, "I'm taking you to school today so wakey wakey,' and proceeded to yank the covers off me.

The world speeds by in a blur. All colors of the spectrum blend together and the blurred forms of guards just discharged from their shifts speed by. I lean back in the cushiony chair. My heavy eyes flutter shut and my hands rest on my lap. Still, butterflies on steroids attack my stomach. I can't comprehend why Dad's so eager to drive me to school. One day I asked him as he was about to leave for work. We were both running late. He simply left me to run the whole way to school. Of course, I was late. It went on my permanent Chip record.

"So, Autumn," Dad starts, steering his gaze in my direction,"How did you like the Simons?"

My eyes remain shut, my legs propped onto the dash. "Who?"

"Trish, Jake, and Jared."

"Oh," I mutter, resting my arms behind my head, "They were nice." My blood starts to boil as my heart starts to hammer. Sweaty palms hide beneath soft locks and tight lips by a turned head. Heading spinning and tears threatening, I anticipate Dad's reply.

"That's wonderful!" He exclaims a little too enthusiastically.

He didn't offer to drive me to school just to ask me one question. There's a catch. Whenever something good seems to happen, there's always a catch.

I hear Dad clear his throat. "Well, they just adored you!"

Yeah, Jared just adored me. That's why he and Cody betrayed my trust, crumbled all I had left and struck a match.

"So," he breathes, his words jumbled as though he can't get them out fast enough, "They want us to head over after school today!"

My eyes snap open, breath ragged as I spin around to face him. His emerald orbs are alight with excitement, his hands rapidly clasping and unclasping. Dad's lips stretch into a wide grin and reveal gleaming white teeth. As soon as the smile reaches it's peek, it falters. He seems to notice my unease or my hesitation to respond.

"No," I whisper.

His face instantly falls.

"Autumn, I thought-"

"I just, I don't want to go back there," I mutter. As his face falls into an expression of disappointment, I quickly add, "Well, right now. Maybe next week, or-"

"We already agreed."

My sympathetic gaze quickly turns ice cold. "Then why are we having this conversation?"

Dad shrugs. The car has parked in the school parking lot. Few students hop from cars and trudge into one of the two high school buildings. Smiles are surprisingly abundant. Friends chat amiably, couples grasp hands for dear life, and some linger outside. Instead of a smile I wear an undistinguishable expression.

"Be home by six, Autumn."

I start, grabbing my bag from in between my feet. Anger bubbles inside of me and I fight to restrain it. Fingers twitching and nails digging into my palm, I reach for button that opens the door.

"Did you hear me?"

The door slams shut behind me, the noise resounding through the nearly vacant parking lot. I don't spare a glance backwards. After inhaling a gulp of air, I amble forward. The lower high school building seems ominous. It's dark and casts an eerie vibe. All my enemies seem to reside here from eight to three all year round.