(PENDING DISCONTINUATION) The Charlie Diaries

Chapter Three - First Day

"Here comes the sun. Do Do Do Do..."

No.

"Here comes the sun, and I say...

Just leave me alone, George Harrison.

"It's all right..."

I will not be forced to wake up. My bed is always there for me when I require comforting and warmth; my pillow and blanket are my only shield to the humans I hate. Just let me rest longer, I implore you.

"Little darling..."

I love walking up to the voice of The Beatles. But, today, the beautiful melody is despised. I hate mornings, especially this one. I end my alarm.

I turn to lay on my side and I see my best friend, snoring. I study her perfect features. Her straight hair remains immaculate, even in sleep. A light smile shows on her face, perhaps she is dreaming blissfully. Wouldn't it be terrible if someone were to end her dream. A wicked smile plays on my face and an idea comes to me. I grab my pillow and abruptly smack her with it, but she only moans in response. I tried.

Sadly, l rise from my bed and head to my bathroom; where I will soon come out as a different person, someone acceptable to my fastidious mother. I do the usual over-the-top appearance, because first impressions are important, according to my mother. When I come out, Ali has left - probably gone home. I observe myself in the mirror hanging on my closet door. The word "fake" comes to mind. I'm nearly unrecognizable, gone are my comfortable pyjamas and the messy hair, because now I wear my school attire. My ombré hair has been curled in waves and pinned back. Everything about me is now 'acceptable'.

I make my way down the stairs and make my way to the food. I step into my pristine white kitchen. I see my mother dressed in a knee-length white dress that fits her thin body perfectly. Her makeup compliments the dress and her brown hair is in a bun. She wears silver high heels that lengthen her tall stature. She is completely focused on the conversation on her phone.

I can feel hunger and also, some anxiety causing butterflies in my stomach. So I grab a bagel and smother it with cream cheese. In the corner of my eye, my mother stares at me with a disgusted expression. I understand what she is secretly telling me. I retaliate and turn to her and take a bite. My mother looks away, not wanting to witness such a repulsive scene. I smirk to myself.

"I'm leaving now" I say as I walk out the front door, "Bye." I'm sure she won't miss my presence.

I try to control my nerves and ignore the horrible woman. I turn the ignition on in my car, and I drive to school.

I'm excited for my first day of senior year, surprisingly. Only 179 more days of school and I will have my freedom.

My first class on this glorious day is Biology. I might not be the brightest person, but science is one my many interests, so I've taken this class.

I walk into the classroom and realize that I am not acquainted with most of the students in this class. I'll have to endure this class alone. Great. I'd usually sit in the back of the class, but unfortunately it is already occupied. Now my only two options are to sit beside someone, and, then only because I am sitting with them, I would have to socialize with them. Or, I could sit in the empty seats at the front left of the class. I choose to sit alone, a wise choice. I sit and place my binder on the desk and start to play with my pen. I tend to be annoying when I am nervous, as usual, I find myself trying to come up with a rhythm to click the pen too. I'm like the Mozart of pen-clicking, although, it's not a career I would pursue. The bell rings and my class begins.

The traditional student introductions are an abhorred activity with this particular teacher - we have that in common. So the class proceeds to the course introduction, class expectations, safety reminders, and the life-altering speech about choosing a career in science. The "inspiring" quote: "If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts. Give the world the intelligence that exists in your young minds. The knowledge you will acquire in your future years of study will teach you that everything and anything has a solution, formula, equation. And, you simply must apply yourselves to the greatness of figuring it out. Never doubt yourselves or even question your intelligence, don't give up. Science is a beautiful subject and you can learn something new every day with your discoveries. Discovery is inevitable and you will find that this knowledge is extraordinary. But, are you willing to indulge yourself into the scientific world? Apply yourselves students. You will go far." My interest has grown, but only a bit.

The teacher starts the attendance and as usual I will be last on that list. After about twenty-something names, I hear my name, Taylor, Charlie. I hate being last on attendance lists because I always get treated shitty. In elementary and middle school, in case of a fire or when we had fire drills, I was the last to exit the classroom because we would always exit in alphabetical order. Personally, I thought I deserved to be safe from fire before some kid with an "A" lettered last name. But now, I'm in high school where it's "everyone for themselves" and I can get my revenge on those "A" lettered bitches. But then, I hear a name. I hear my teacher call Wilson, Nick. I turn to search for this kid and I notice there is someone beside me, a guy. It's him.

I sit in my spot for lunch. This spot has been claimed by me ever since my first day of high school, three years ago. My spot is outside, near the back of the school, secluded by some bushes on the side, with shade from the sun, on a bench; it's the ideal spot that anyone could deem one-of-a-kind. In front of me is the football field and to my left, the school parking lot.

I am here alone because I dislike eating in front of other people. It's not the way I eat, I am ashamed of, it is my abstention from food and the temptation of others. Ali has been aware of this ever since middle school and she has respected my choice to spend lunch alone.

I hear my stomach growl quietly and drown the sound with music from my headphones. I feel the music begin to pulse through my head, silencing everything, including the world. My eyes follow a cloud in the sky descend further into the atmosphere. It's such a lovely day.

In my peripheral vision, I spot Nick. I find his attractive self walking around the field by himself, on his phone. Oh, my gosh! I watch him like a creep, enjoying the view.

My classes end for the day and my brain is overwhelmed with useless knowledge. Only 179 days more, I remind myself.

I walk to my car and, as expected, Ali is waiting inside. Ali tells me about her day, the newest school gossip, and then asks me about mine whilst I drive her home. Unfortunately, I reach her house before I'm able to respond. I give her a hug and she leaves. I watch Ali enter the house and drive away.