In the Heart of the Forest

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Beep, beep, beep, my alarm blares as I sleepily roll over and smash my hand on top of the digital clock, hoping I hit the snooze button. I rub my eyes as a blinding light pushes it's way through my closed eyelids. I roll back over to shield my eyes from the blinding torment.

After recovering my sight, I look to see what was so bright. There is a tiny gap in my curtains maybe three inches wide that casts a ray of sun right onto my pillow.

I must have forgotten to close them last night. I had had them open a bit so I could see the moon. There were more howls last night... and the night before that. I guess I will have to ask around to see if that's normal for the area.

Since we arrived on Saturday, I spent the next day--yesterday--finishing unpacking. Now, my room is completely unpacked.

I pull myself out of bed and walk over to my dresser, searching for an outfit to wear for my first day of school. Yes, I should keep my clothes in the closet, but I'm too lazy to hang anything up. I pull out a pair of dark-washed skinny jeans, a black tank-top, and a flannel shirt.

After showering and donning my clothes, I head downstairs for a quick breakfast. "Hey, dad," I say when I walk into the kitchen. He is drinking a cup of coffee while leaning against the kitchen counter.

"Morning, Kiddo. Your mom already left for work. Are you ready for your first day of school?"

"I guess so, I mean, I am coming in a few weeks late for the official first day."

"Yeah, maybe, but you should be fine. Just watch out for boys."

I pull out a bowl for some cereal and sit at the bar with a box of Capn' Crunch.

"Dad, trust me when I tell you that NO boys will take an interest in me," I scoff.

"Well, I dunno, not that I want you to get a boyfriend or anything, but you are nice, pretty, and smart. You are bound to catch a boy's attention at some point." My dad says with a shrug.

I shake my head, "Not exactly. I am not necessarily pretty, nor am I attractive personality-wise. I tend to be a little cold." I say before stuffing more food in my mouth.

"Little Thea, always putting herself down..." my dad tsks.

"Nah, I'm just being realistic. I mean, I don't mind that I'm not super gorgeous. I'm skinny, and that's all that matters to me," I say proudly. My dad walks away, mutter something about girls and their fear of being overweight.

Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be skinny for looks, but because it makes it easier to run. I would much rather be flat-chested and be able to run a marathon than have the curves that all the boys like.

Yes, I like running. Maybe a little too much... I have been running ever since I started high school. I find that with running, you can't think of anything else. The pounding of footsteps and the even breathing--there is just something relaxing about running. It is an emotional release as well as physical exercise.

After finishing my breakfast, I brush my teeth, grab my backpack, and head to the car to wait on my dad.

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We arrive at the school. I take a deep breath to control my semi-erratic heartbeat. Ugh, I hate being nervous. What if I embarrass myself? Maybe if I just don't speak to anyone... Yeah! And its September 1st, so I will just pretend I'm going to Hogwarts. I am brought out of my thoughts by my dad's voice.

"Good luck, Kiddo. Have a good time!" My dad says enthusiastically.

"I hope I do. I don't suspect I will, it is school." I reply while opening the door.