Open When • JO MFZ COMPLETED

Chapter 20 • When It's Finals

Mackenzie's POV

"Just remember you'll be fine. You know what you're doing," my mother reassured me.

Today marks the first day of finals or midterms before winter break. This is everything we've learned this semester. Needless to say I am beyond stressed, nervous and want to cry.

I can't fail finals, it's a big part of our grade and it's hard to make that up. Especially since it's the end of the quarter too.

My mother kisses Maddie and I goodbye as we walked out the door to Maddie's car. Getting in, we put the heat on to warm up the car. Since it was obnoxiously cold.

"Hey, you'll do fine Kenz I know it," Maddie said, as she started to drive.

I guess she noticed me biting my lip and shaking my leg. My annoying habit I have while I am nervous and/or anxious.

I nodded stared out the window. Watching the scenery pass by as we drove.

"Seriously Kenz, there's no need to worry. You're smart you have this in the bag, I promise," Maddie reassured.

"I know it's just- the thought of doing bad gets to me. I don't want to let anyone down. You know?" I explain.

She nods, glancing over at me for a moment then turning back to the road.

"You won't disappoint anyone. I know that for a fact. You can't disappoint me, Mom, Dad anybody. Everyone's proud of you," Maddie explains. "If it makes you feel better, I'll take you out after finals are over and we can get food or something."

I smiled turning to her.

"I'd like that."

-

I slammed my locker shut. Turning around to my friends.

"You guys ready?" I question.

They nodded sadly.

"As ready as we'll ever be," Ashton groaned.

I chuckled a bit and walked side by side with Carson and Lexi. Carson wrapping his arm around my shoulder, pulling me close to his side.

"You got this Ziegler," he smiled. "You is kind, You is smart and You is important."

I chuckled a bit at him quoting The Help.

"I forgot how much of a dork you are sometimes," I teased, wrapping my arm around his.

He pretends to be insulted. His jaw dropping, making an O shape. Then placing his hand on his heart.

"How rude, I will let you know I am not a dork. I'm a movie enthusiast," he defends.

"Mhm."

We both chuckle and walk into class together. Preparing ourselves for our first exam of the day. Ap US History. Then later today we have math exam.

We are beyond stressed for that one. Like, how do you study for math?

Anyways, we take our seats around each other. I grab out my pencil and sit patiently in my seat. Waiting for the bell to ring and for this test to start.

"Okay losers," Mr. Taylor said, entering the room moments after the bell rang. "You ready to fail?"

I know he does this to mess with us and stuff but, can he not today?

I mean, he's a great teacher and all. He interacts with his students and acts like one but, seriously can he not?

I take a deep breath and close my eyes. Breathing slowly I reassure myself that I know what I need to know.