I tap my foot to the rhythm of the clock ticking torturously slow. Another long-drawn day at school has left me thoroughly worn out. I get that I'm only a freshman but I already have the senior-syndrome. But hey, in a few years I'll get out of this hell-hole and go to a low-cost university, live off of ramen for the entirety of my college days, find an unpleasant job to have for the rest of my life, desperately hoping to pay off my college debt and find a relatively decent house, giving up hope after 20 years and no progress, eventually coming to live with the fact that I'm going to die due to not being able to pay for needed medication. Or maybe not. I might get a cat.
After what seems like an eternity, the bell finally rings. I sling my bag over my shoulder and practically run to the door. I never knew as a child how excited I'd be to just go home and do nothing at all.
Even through all the noise, Mrs. Black is still trying to yell over her rambunctious students. "Don't forget about your career essays due on Monday! SAMUEL, DO NO THROW THINGS IN MY CLASSROOM!"
I rush to my locker and drop off my English textbook. My bag, unfortunately, doesn't feel any lighter. What the hell are these textbooks made out of? Bricks? I still ought to study for that science quiz, along with that history exam next week. I think the teachers all get together and organize what will be most difficult for us, just to see us suffer.
I hear someone shout my name from over my shoulder. "Aliiiiice!" I shut my locker and turn around to notice Simon hurrying towards me, struggling to keep hold of all his books and folders. Why doesn't that boy just get a bag?
"Whaaaaat?"
"You still down for getting coffee tomorrow? I seriously need a study-buddy"
"Of course! Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well, you bailed last time 'cause of a so-called 'family emergency'."
"It was a family emergency!"
"Your brother's goldfish died. Was a funeral really necessary?"
I could feel myself grinning. "Don't disrespect Bubbles like that! Rest in peace, little buddy. Besides, I had to be there for Liam. It's what big sisters do."
He laughed. "Liam really looks up to you, huh?"
"He looks up to everyone. Have you seen how short he is?"
"Hey, I was like that too when I was 9. Look at me now! I'm way taller than you, and pretty soon, he will be too. Then we'll see if you still have the balls to mock him," he chuckled.
I almost didn't notice that we were nearly the last ones left in the hall. We begin to head for the front doors. Simon always manages to make me just forget about my surroundings and pretty much everything else. It's awesome. How did I get a best friend this great? I snap out of my thoughts when my phone starts buzzing. It's Mom.
"It's my mom. I should answer before she freaks."
"It's cool. Remember, coffee at 2. Last one there pays."
He waves me a farewell as we walk opposite directions, each to our own house. I press 'answer'.
"Hi, welcome to Chili's."
"Very funny, I still don't get that."
"Uncultured swine. What do you need?"
"Just reminding you to feed the dog once you get home. Your father and I have a very important meeting and Liam is spending the night at a friend's house, so that chore yours today."
"I better be getting paid."
"You'll get Chinese takeout."
"Fiiiiine."
"I have to go, goodbye. I love you, sweety."
"Love you too, bye."
Beep. I grab the key from under the doormat to unlock the house. I'm immediately greeted by Cacao. I pat her head and she happily wags her tail. "Well, someone is happy to see me. Or do you just want food?" I walk to the kitchen and grab her food bowl and fill it with that gross slop she loves so much. I place it on the floor and she begins to gobble it up. "Chow down."
I drowsily walk up to my room and turn on some quiet music. I flop on my bed when my phone buzzes.
Simon: What career did u write about for english? I can't think of anything that won't get me an F.
Me: Don't know, haven't started it yet and I don't care. All I care about right now is catching zzz's.
Simon: Ur so cringy
Me: That's why we're friends ;)
I put my phone down and I was out like a light.
[Hey everyone! Sorry for the short, boring chapter! I definitely have bigger plans for this book! I know it sucks! I would gladly accept any tips for writing. Thank you so much for reading! It means so much to me! It was horrible but this is the first story I wrote and I'm tired af ^-^]