The Igniters

Ryan

Ryan:

"Ramona, hurry up," I hear mom shout. I was about to tell her it was pointless, but as soon as I open up my mouth, the door opens, and she comes out wearing the saddest face I have ever seen. I watch her turn around and watch her look from our childhood home to the garden, and then to the sky. We have both have been enrolled in this academy called the Academy of KNOW. Apparently, it's one of the best in the country, which is weird, cause no one seems to know anything about it. I feel like something is off about this school, but I won't tell Ro that. She will use anything as an excuse to stay home. Though I believe she has probably already done her research. Ro and I are close, so I already know how her brain works. She is incredibly intelligent but that girl could talk herself out of winning a million dollars. I got the confidence, but we both have the looks and the brain. My light brown hair and hazel eyes always created a stereotype for me. I was either an idiot, an athlete, or a playboy. But I actually enjoy the gentle things in life and tend to be a peaceful person. Until you mess with my sister. Speaking of my sister, I notice she is staring off into space. She can't do that sometimes because it can cause her to have a panic attack. She went through a lot recently, and she's not quite over it yet.

"The roses will be fine," I say, hoping to get some kind of reaction.

[Drawing] "It's not the roses I am worried about. We are leaving the only home we have ever known, to go to this school, which no one seems to have heard of, might I add, and we only know each other."

"Look," I say, trying not to look worried. "I get it. This is scary. But come on, the school can't be that bad. You saw the pictures."

"Yeah, and I also saw the nonexistent reviews. I mean come on, how can the school have five stars and no reviews. That impossible. And the pictures were so unreal. No one is that happy to go to school."

"Ramona, you have got to start looking on the bright side of things. This academy could be fun and exciting. We could have a chance to experience new places. I mean come on, have you ever been to California?"

"No, but-"

"No more buts. Be happy. You should be proud that we got into such a prestigious academy." I sigh. He's got a point.

"Fine, but if we get kidnapped or murdered, I will blame you."

"If we die, you won't be able to blame anyone."

"Shut up," she lightly pushes me, and I chuckle.

"Let's go," I say, and grab her bag.