more than expected

Ah shit, late again.

Hey it's me Altina. So what the hell do I write? I guess I can talk about myself. Well I live in yoot toot (stupid name but that's what it's called). I got this journal for my birthday and I'm not sure what to put in this thing. Oh schools almost over I'm on day 170 out of 180. I'm pretty pumped about tha-

"Hey buttface, mom says you have to get ready for school."

My writing session has been interrupted by my ever-so-annoying sister Lucia. As she lazily walks out of my bedroom, I drag myself to my clothes hamper to pick a somewhat clean outfit. When I finish throwing on my clothes I check the time. Holy shit it's already 7:30. I'm going to be late again.

"Oh fuck."

I say a quick goodbye at my mom and sister so I can squeeze in a quick pat on the head for Sargent colossal berry bum, my Shepard collie mix. She barks as I bust open the door and dart down the street. At around 7:38 I get to hell. Rosevelt Intermediate, where the kids are dumb and the teachers are lazy. Ah, 8th grade, where you're a teen but not old enough to not be considered "cringy".

Anyways, I speed down the halls to Ms. Merious' class (the bell already rang at 7:35) and I attempt to quietly sneak into my spot. It's kinda hard to do that when you're seat is right in the front of the class. I duck and run to my spot in hopes of not getting detention for being late 4 days in a row. Rhys Greenwald, my best friend, and I make eye contact and he already knows what to do. (We do this thing where he tries to bring the attention to him in hopes of her ignoring my late attendance)

"Hey Ms.M can I go to the offi-" he's cut off.

"Rhys I know what you're doing. Hey there Altina. Fancy seeing you here." She says, still facing the white board. I swear that woman has eyes on the back of her head.

"Hey Ms. M. Sorry about the whole "me being late" thing. I'll be here on time tomorrow I swear" I let out a sheepish laugh. A short pause. "Okay so maybe not. But I mean I get my work done and I have an A in this class so it's not that bad"

She lets out a sigh and continues to write what she calls her "daily dose of famous quotes". I turn around to look at Rhys and he mouths a silent "I'm sorry" followed by an adorable, guilty grin. Suddenly the door swings open to reveal Mr. Cobberwick, our school counselor, and a girl with green hair. How edgy of her.