Alone Hour

Chapter 2: Enlisted

        I would have been doomed if it wasn't for Mr. Martin. Running in like a crazed seagull, he yelled, "I choose Lance! He's-" He coughs and catches his breath. "He's my pick. You go on ahead and choose the other twelve Mrs. Dobley." Then, with a very big huff, he sat down next to me. "Now we're even for helping me out on that game," he wheezed. "Next time I need you to get me past that boss on level 57."

       That day, everyone was staring at me left and right. Some saying I was a hero, some claiming I cheated. But what they say didn't matter at all to me. My trip to Lacopa was confirmed. This would be the happiest moment of my life. Nothing could stop me, not even Mrs. Dobley, who tried her best to discourage me. I'd have to say though, her best is somewhat disappointing.

       Back home, my parents were flabbergasted. They called all our relatives to tell them about the great news. "This is even better than when Lance got an A+ in math!" I heard my mom say in the phone. Math was always a easy subject for me, especially in the last 3 years. "Now," I heard her exclaim. "he's going to Lacopa Techs! And he was chosen, too!" I could hear wild whooping noises in the background. Looks like my family and I are going to be partying all night.

       That morning, I woke up looking drunk. I had a stupid grin on my face and was wobbling around the house like a penguin. I know this because my dad's security camera recorded this and sent the video to my father saying "High Alert: Burglar Detected." A wobbly burglar can be seen wobbling around and stealing some cereal. I really am a dangerous criminal. Of course, we all had a good laugh about it, and finished breakfast. I packed up a meager lunch for the trip at Lacopa, 2 boxes of raisins and a cookie. To be honest, I wasn't really paying attention. I was daydreaming. The wobbly burglar is back.

       At the school courtyard, 12 students were already gathered along with Mr. Martin and Mrs. Dobley. I rushed to join them, tripping over a step on the way down. Mrs. Dobley scowled at me. "Late again, Mr. Matthews." I ignored her and stood in line with the rest of the students. I took some time to see who were there with me. There, in the front, was the class president, Michael Franklin. Always so self righteous. He stood at least a foot above everyone else, waving at his eager fans (mostly girls) who stood at the top of the steps, blowing him kisses. A few more students down, there was the notorious Victor Cao. He is the smartest kid in the grade, but don't let that fool you. His martial art skills are top notch.

       I looked through the line of 13 students again, looking for anyone else I knew. And there she was. Abby Connor, a intelligent girl whose beauty was the top in the school. I'd have to admit, I have a crush on her. I checked again. Wow. I only know 3 people in this group. Much less than I had expected. After all, these were the Fat Lady's picks. How could I ever be friends with them? Ok, maybe Abby. By now, Mrs. Dobley was directing students onto the bus. "We have to be there 9:00 straight!" She barked. As I passed her, she made a inexplicably evil smile. 

       The ride was ok, I guess. Apart from the fact Mrs. Dobley was staring at me the whole time, I met some new people. Victor Cao happened to have 2 of his twin brothers with him. All 3 of them are going. That leaves 7 people I don't know. As the bus skidded to a stop, Mrs. Dobley gave her final orders. "Off the bus, one by one, be kind, and if you can't-" She then glances at me with one of her evil expressions. "-then pretend to." We walked forward like soldier's marching, with Michael help while he shouted, "1, 2, 1, 2".

       When we finally got to the entrance, I got to see what Lacopa Techs really looks like. Security, security, and more security. Guards everywhere with rifles slung over their backs. We started walking through the metal detectors, one by one, until it was my turn. I walked through, hoping nothing was wrong, until the alarms went off.