The Walking

Chapter four

The alarm on my cell phone rang for me to get up. I swiped my thumb to the off button and sat it back down on the book shelf. I climbed down the ladder and picked out my clothes. I dressed in a white and blue, tie died shirt, blue jean shorts, silver high tops, my bickers jacket, and a white hat. I grabbed my backpack and went to the kitchen. I grabbed an apple and stood on the porch. I threw the core into the woods near us as the bus pulled up. As usual, the bus driver told me good morning and I did the same. I went to the back to sit with my friend to talk about how tired we were and how much we wanted to go home. Today was our first two finals and it was also a half day, so we'd be getting out earlier than our normal time. We pulled into the schools bus loop and us high schoolers unloaded the bus. The driver told us to have a nice day like she does everyday. Today was one of those days where we were actually on time. I got off and waited for my friend. She got off and we walked together like we always do, until I seen someone that meant a lot to me. 

"Go for it." my friend said and I ran to catch up with the person. I turned left as he turned right. I arrived at my locker and opened it. The top shelf was empty since we turned in all our books last week. The bottom would be empty soon. I hung my backpack on the hook and took out a pencil and a book. I walked into Mr. B's homeroom to see Jenny sitting on the heater. My friend came in shortly with another one of my friends. We talked about what we were going to do over the summer and Jenny said she would be going to Alabama and taking me with her. I said I would be going to New York to visit my people up there.

"Oh, by the way. My parents said it was OK that I go with you next month." Jenny said. 

"Alright." I said. The announcements came on and we did our normal school routine, the pledge and sat quietly while the announcer spoke. Some people were called to the office, which was nothing out of the ordinary. We had a few minutes until the first test, so I went to the bathroom considering I drank half of my water bottle. I came back and soon after we had to go to our testing rooms for the English final. I walked into Mrs. P's room and sat at the first desk my eyes landed on. Another friend of mine sat two seats behind me. I turned around to talk to her.

"Do you think there's going to be any Romeo and Juliet questions on there?" I asked.

"Probably not, we didn't get that far in the review game." she said.

"Yeah, you're probably right." I said turning back around. Mrs. P came in and handed out the tests. A boy and I didn't get ours, so she went out on a hunt to get them. I turned back around to my friend.

"I just wanna peek." she said flipping a page. "There is Romeo and Juliet." she said.

"UGH!!!" I groaned. Mrs. P came back with the tests we needed and she handed them out. I think I did well on it as I finished and turned it in. I sat there and played on my phone until we had to relocate to our Math testing room. I walked into Mrs. M's room and sat the first table I came into contact with. I played on my phone until she handed out the tests. Once they were in front of us, we started on them. I flew through it pretty fast since I knew what I was doing. I turned it in and read the book I had. 

Everyone else slowly finished the tests and handed them in. There really wasn't anyone in the room that I get along with, so I read until the afternoon announcements came on. I finished chapter two and closed it. The announcements came on and as usual people were called up to the office and the rest of us went to homeroom. I grabbed my backpack and took my Math and English binders out of my locker. I walked into homeroom and stuffed the binders into my bag. I swung the bag on my back and talked with my friends until we were dismissed. As we walked out of the school, I stuck with my closest friend and walked with her. We parted and sat in our own seats. The bus ride, as always, was funny with the guys joking around and being funny. I knew I would miss them since some of them were seniors who were about to be graduating. We dropped off the people that lived in town and than it got to the back road people which was me and a couple of other kids. I got off the bus and waved to my friend. I took my walk up the driveway and into the house. Mom and dad were still working, so I fended for myself. I knew the rules when being home alone, don't answer the door and if someone knocks, go straight to your room. Those were the only rules we had, so they were pretty easy to follow. Some of our containers sat on the counter filled with food. Shake and Bake pork chops, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. I made my plate and sat down to watch TV. It was the same crap everyday, only this time a thirty year old man was sent to jail for abusing his dog. What a world. I rinsed off my plate and turned the TV off. I was cleaning my room and listening to Eminem when I heard the front door shut. I froze by my desk and grabbed a book as I made my way down the steps. I looked to see my parents in the kitchen. I sat the book down and went to greet them.

"Oh, Toby. There you are." Mom said. "How was school, sweetie?" she asked.

"It was good." I said sitting at the island.

"So, did Jenny ask about New York?" Dad asked.

"She did and she can come." I said.

"That's good." Dad said. I nodded.

"Ok, so you'll be leaving for Alabama in four days. Do you have clothes to take with you?" Mom asked.

"I have my school clothes." I said.

"Oh, they won't do. You need clothes to look presentable." Mom said. "Come on, I'll take you to the mall." she said grabbing my arm. I ran upstairs and returned my book. I grabbed my hat and ran out to the car. We drove to the mall that was six or seven miles from the house. I picked out enough outfits for the full week of staying and we left. I threw the shopping bags next to my bed and ran back downstairs as I heard my name being said.

"Yeah." I said.

"Tomorrow, we'll be going over to Jenny's to talk to her parents about the trip." Mom said. 

"OK." I said and went back upstairs. Since it being Monday, there really was nothing to do. I sat at my desk and read my book, ever so often looking out my window.