8th Grade

2.

Have you ever been nervous just going to school? Well, I have.

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I woke up at exactly 5:30 AM on Thursday, September 7th.

God, why does school have to start that early? But, I mean, I was lucky to get education in the first place, so I shouldn't be complaining.

My parents don't give two shits about me. Literally. They don't even care where I go. I bet the won't even realize if I've gone missing for a whole month.

I quickly dressed into my everyday clothes, went to the bathroom, and headed downstairs to get breakfast and pack my lunch. I quickly stuffed cereal into my mouth and packed leftovers into my lunchbox.

Last night, I had made pasta and not to brag, it was delicious.

Once everything was set, I checked the time which read, "6:27 AM."

I had 20 minutes before my bus would arrive.

You know what? I should just check my phone and read my messages, insta, snap, and everything.

And guess how many notifications buzzed on my phone?

A big fat 0.

I know, right? I'm so popular around these joints.

I was a part of two group chats and five personal ones. Two for my friends and the rest for relatives. One of the group chats was for family relatives and the other was for us three friends. It was titled, "3 Idiots."

We are the only ones who knew each other like the back of our hands.

I was idiot number one, Mia was idiot number two, and Maya was idiot number three.

I was the stupidest in the group so of course I was the leader of our union.

I went outside and basked in the lightly dimmed environment. It was beautiful! The trees had small, pink, flowers blooming on it and had lush green leaves. I don't know why, but I love staying outside and breathing in the beauty of nature, the fresh air that energized me.

I wish the world was really like it, but all it is a mask to hide what it truly is deep within: rotten.

Earth is no longer what it was and no longer can be, a lost hope, my teacher called it. The teachers saying always stuck with me throughout my life, trying understand what she was trying to say.

I jogged around the neighborhood to get my body pumping, to get the adrenaline rush I wanted. I took two rounds and waited by the bus stop, which was supposed to be coming in less than two minutes but of course it's going to be late since it's the first day.

I was the only person in my whole entire neighborhood who goes to Thomas. D. Harry Middle School. Literally. It really sucks to be honest because I don't get to socialize with people. Everyone here is really young or really old.

As I was so engrossed in my thoughts, I heard the screeching halt of a bus—my bus. Finally.

I smiled at the bus driver and said, "Good morning!" in which in return he replied with, "Pleasure to meet you." I was the first stop I assumed because the whole bus was empty, not a single soul. So, I sat near the front, because the back is always filled with the "popular" kids. The bus driver I knew for 3 years now, was no longer my bus driver for some reason. Hmm.

I took my seat and placed by backpack beside me and took out my AirPods and listened to music while reading some Wattpad. My friend had recommended to read Storm and Silence and honestly, it was one of the best books I had read ever. So I had started reading the whole series. As the bus filled, the whole back was filled with all the popular kids and I just minded my own business.

I tried to see if anyone I knew would enter. Scratch that. I hoped someone I knew would enter through the doors. I was peaceful in my own haven, but it would have been pretty cool if someone came. We entered the neighborhood, "The Rivers" and I tried to see if I saw anyone I knew. Then, I gave up hope and went back to reading. Suddenly, I felt someone Tap my shoulder and saw that my friend, Sam, was seated on the seat beside me. I was sooo happy to see a familiar face.

"Hey, Sam!!" I exclaimed, I felt glad that I wasn't alone.

"Hey, Adira! How are you?" He replied, smiling back.

"Decent. How about you?"

"Pretty good. Guess what?"

"Ummm...what?"

That's when I knew I trapped myself. He went on for the rest of the ride talking about the adventures he took during this summer vacation. I screwed up. But, it did help ease some of my anxiety.

The bus went to a halt and I became aware of my surroundings. I was going school. Around people who I don't fit with. I sighed and gathered by belongings and exited out of the bus. I just stood right outside of the bus and stared at the school, ignorant of the shoves and glares people were sending my way.

Sam nudged me and whispered in my ear, "Ummm, you okay? You're just staring."

I breathed in and out, making it evident that I was nervous by how strangled that turned out. I shook my head and bit down on my lower lip and proceeded to enter the school, leaving him behind. I memorized my homeroom number and since I was accustomed to the school, I reached the room with ease. I was the first person to reach the room so I just sat down at some random seat and watched to see who would enter the room next.

As students entered and sat down, I didn't see one face I knew. Of course I've seen them in the halls but I didn't know them, which sucked ass. No one was sitting next to me; I was alone.

The classroom was huge as it was a science class and everyone was seated with their friends. I felt people's eyes bearing holes in the back of my head, probably making fun of me or making weird assumptions, and I just tried to ignore it. I just pulled out my book and read, my only safety.

Though, nothing was helping the loud thunder of heart, my anxiety, or anything.

That was when the girl entered.

~~~~~~~
April 21, 2020
I hope you liked the chapter! I'm not sorry for leaving at a cliffhanger. Hehe. I'm sorry I was inactive for a while, but I had been busy with schoolwork and other things so I'm very sorry!

Stay safe and healthy,

Angel