A Cup of Coffee

c h a p t e r 0 2

Elizabeth

8 am.

Crap. I'm gonna be late!

I stared at my alarm clock, class was starting in half an hour. I haven't finished my essay and the class was across the campus.

I scrambled to find my file and shoved it in my backpack along with my pouch full of pens - which may I add, I only use like a couple pens - and my wallet and keys. Usually I have my life together but all the care I have in the world is just gone at the moment. After slipping out of my shorts and T-shirt, I yanked a blouse and a pair of blue leggings out of my cabinet. I shoved one leg in while heading for the bathroom. Katie was over at Nathan's so I had the dorm to myself and I spoiled myself a little bit too much with my movie marathon and completely forgot about the time.

8.04am

There goes my morning routine out the window but hey, at least I showered before bed. I don't know what's wrong with me and I've been late to everything the past couple weeks, why am I like this? I thought to myself whilst I brushed my teeth as quickly as I can. After washing my face with cleanser, I patted myself dry and popped my lipstain into my backpack.

Taking a quick glance at myself, I shoved my feet into some sandals and just sighed. I was a mess without my morning coffee. To be honest I was always a mess. So what's new?

8.16am

I made my way to the elevator and pressed the down button repeatedly - as if it was gonna come any faster. As I stepped in, I put some lipstain on my lips and dabbed it on to spread it. Then I ran my hands through my wavy brown hair trying to brush it out, contemplating whether I should just trim it one of these days. Just to make my life much easier.

All I was doing was trying to calm my late ass down because I was preparing myself for the run I had to make across the field. It was the only short cut available and I couldn't be picky if I was late. As the elevator opened, I started running towards the field and I thanked God for the absence of rain. Thus my sandals are safe from muddy grounds.

8.27am

"I need to start exercising," I breathe to myself as I held the door to the classroom, panting heavily from the run I had to make across the field and three flights of stairs. Because sadly, the elevators were out of order on the day I needed it.

I combed my hair with my fingers again, trying to get rid of the tangles from the running I did.

At least I wasn't late. Look on the bright side right?

I twisted the door handle but it wouldn't budge.The room was locked. Bummer. I still had a minute before class and Mr. Reed doesn't lock his doors.

I peeped through the glass panel and realized it was empty. Sure I was on the right floor! I checked the staircase and saw "3rd Floor" written at the side. It was already past 8.30am, throwing my bag on the floor, I slid down the floor. Burying my face in my hands, I can't be late again this semester I thought. I didn't want it to appear in my records. Mom was already working her ass off to pay for everything and I live near the school already. I mean dad helps out but mom's the breadwinner of the family even before the divorce.

"Ms. Andrews, what are you doing on the floor?" A familiar male voice spoke, distrupting my train of thoughts.

"I was late for my Literature class and tried to rush here before the time but it was locked and then I looked in and there was nobody inside and I feel so so tired and I'm just so done with everything and -"

"Sweetheart, it's Saturday today," friendly Henry Wilson, the campus cleaner, reminded me. I wanted to slap myself, instead of checking my phone, I decided to rush to school.