Always

"Finally." I whispered to myself as I hopped out of bed.
Today was my last day of high school. I slipped on a pair of high waisted shorts, a floral top, and brown sandals and ran downstairs to the kitchen. "Good morning, Cassandra." Said my mom as I walked in.
"G'morning." I replied, sitting down at the table.
"So, how does it feel?" My mom asked, sitting down across from me.
"What?" I asked with a mouthful of pancake.
"To be out of high school, of course!" She exclaimed.
"I'm not out yet, mom." I said.
"Well, you know what I mean." She said, leaning across the table slightly.
"I'm excited and nervous at the same time." I said. "I mean, I'm so glad to get out of the prison that they call "school" , but honestly I have no idea what I'm going to do with my life." I admitted.
"Oh honey, I think everyone feels that way before they graduate. It just takes time to think these things over. I know you will find your path."
She walked over to me and embraced my tiny body. I had light brown hair, just like my mother. She released me and looked into my eyes. "You'll do just fine, the way you always do." She said.
"Thanks mom." I said. "Crap! I'm gonna be late to school!" I said, dashing for my car keys. I kissed my mom on the cheek and hopped in my blue Nissan.

When I got to school, I immediately searched for my best friend, Natalie. I walked the crowded hallways to find her leaning against her locker talking to a guy named Matthew Espinosa. I didn't approach them, but stood behind a trash can, watching in awe. Natalie has had a crush on Matthew for as long as I can remember, but has never had the nerve to talk to him, until now apparently. When he finally walked away, I strode over to Natalie's side. "What the actual heck?" I asked.
"I know!" She exclaimed. "He just came over here and started talking to me! He asked my what my plans were after graduation and stuff and then guess what happened?"
I grinned and said "what?" Although I knew what she was about to say. "He told me that he has been nervous to talk to me for a long time and then he asked me out!" She said, beaming.
"Oh my god Natalie, that's amazing!" I said.
"I know!" She exclaimed, hugging me. I was truly happy for her, but a large part of me was jealous. I hadn't had a boyfriend since second grade and I don't think that even counts. I've already faced the fact that I'm going to become a lonely cat lady.

I continued on with my day, counting down the seconds until the final bell. When it finally rang, all hell unleashed. The hallways were packed with teenagers pushing their way to freedom. I don't blame them though, for I would be doing the same thing if I weren't, well, me. I am probably the most introverted person to ever exist. I sighed and made my way out the doors of the high school. I numbly walked to my car and drove out of the school parking lot. I was just about to head home when a thought hit me. I'm out of school. I took that as a sign to hit the local Barnes and Noble and get a Starbucks drink and some new books. I ended up buying a Carmel frappe and a copy of "The Hunger Games". I happily roamed around the store, reading my book, when I slammed into something hard.
"Ow" I mumbled. I looked down to see that my drink had spilled all over me, but luckily my book was completely dry.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" Said a voice.
I looked up to see the famous viner, Brent Rivera. He was the last person I thought I would see today.
"No, it's alright. It's my fault, I wasn't paying attention." I said.
"Let me at least help you get cleaned up." He begged.
I thought about it for a moment and finally said "okay" and we made our way to the restrooms.