Echo

Chapter 1

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Published: 4/8/20

Edited: 5/18/21

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      "Have you ever wondered what's out there? In the world? How about the galaxy? Are we really alone in this endless amount of space we call the universe? We only have the sun and eight planets: Earth, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, and Uranus. Why does it stop there? IS there more than just the Milky Way and black holes? Who says that Earth is the only habitable planet? Just think of the endless possibilities of what is beyond our own galaxy. New Planets, galaxies, and stars – waiting to be discovered. The possibilities are limitless to where there could be other life out there."

      As I paused to take a breath Mrs. Stern took that as her cue to speak. "Miss Marin, when I asked each of you to write an essay about persuasion this is not what I had in mind." A few snickers were followed.

      Thank you, Mrs. Stern for singling me out in front of the class. What's worse about this situation is that I'm standing in front of my classmates telling them my essay. I turned to my teacher preparing to speak in my defense, "Mrs. Stern I understand that my speech is something you weren't expecting. But I remember you said that our main thing to was to write a speech for people to be persuaded by." I glanced at the class seeing I had everyone's attention. "That is why I came up with a topic for my fellow classmates to be persuaded that the possibilities are endless!"

      "Like the possibility of you barely passing this assignment?" She asked. Now that was just cold. A chorus of laughs erupted as the bell rang. Everyone rushed out the class wanting to leave school and go home. I grabbed my messenger bag placing my books in it.

      I walked up to Mrs. Stern's desk. "Miss Marin you do realize that it's only the first day of school? And this assignment was only but a summer project." She said as she began to pack up her papers.

       "Yes, I do. But why is mine so bad? The theme is persuasion and the topic are about like undiscovered things out in space." I looked at her in desperation. I can't start off my senior year for my favorite class with a barely passing grade.

      Mrs. Stern sighed massaging her forehead. I extended my arm that held my essay, hoping she would at least think about giving me a good grade. Her brown eyes glanced at me then at the paper. The teacher sighed in defeat, "Fine. I guess I will read it since I did interrupt you. But I expect something better for the next assignment."

      I said my gratitude and goodbye before I rushed out. At least she decided to give my paper another chance. Mrs. Stern was always said to be a strict teacher, but she seems like she's more cranky than strict. I feel she is not much of a people's person – maybe a teenager person?

      I smiled as I realized I finished my first day of senior year. The excitement motivated me to quickly raced down the stairs of the second floor, wanting to be in the school's parking lot before my brother leaves. I opened the brown doors that lead to the front of the school. There were still a couple of students either waiting to be picked up or just got out of class. I searched the parking lot for my brother. We sometimes ride to school together depending on each other's schedule.

     Arms wrapped around my head, as a hand ruffled my hair. "Hey, Evelyn! Where have you been?" I swatted his hand away. My annoying twin brother, or John, stood by me. I stuck my tongue out him as he chuckled.

      "Don't touch my hair! And to answer your question I was talking with Mrs. Stern." John placed an arm around my shoulder as he nodded his head. We walked to his truck, since I did not bring mine.

      "First day of school and you're already sucking it up to the teachers," John shook his head with mock disappointment, as he started the truck. "What have I done wrong little sis?" I playfully punched his arm.

      "I was not sucking up. Besides if you must know..."

      "Apparently I must."

      "...Mrs. Stern basically said that she was disappointed in my essay. Oh! And let's not forget that she even roasted me in front of the entire class!" I looked over at John to see him smiling.

      "Oh! Frank was in that class. Even told me about it," he said as fixed his brown hair.

      "Great."

      "Hey, it didn't seem that embarrassing to me when Frank mentioned it." John said as he pulled out of the parking lot and on to the busy street.

     "You weren't there. And it was you who it happened to," I said smartly.

     John smirked as he said, "Yeah, I know." I pinched his shoulder in retaliation. "Ow! Damn it, Evie!" He whined.

     "You deserve it." I smiled innocently. "So how was your day?"

      "It was alright. Noting exciting happened. There is talk about a party this Saturday. I think – uh – Cecilia is hosting it?" John said as he stopped at a red light. I noticed how the sky was extra blue today.

     "Cecilia with the pool? Or Cecilia with the balcony and a pool?" I asked to clarify. We have two Cecilia's at our school in the same grade.

     "The one with a pool and balcony." John confirmed. I gave him a look. He noticed my gazed and glanced at me. "What?"

      "Are you seriously going to go?" I asked, feeling indifferent about it. That Cecilia was not my favorite person. Okay, she was not mean at all – she isn't like those stereotypical mean girls. Cecilia is a nice person but there is a problem.

      "Yes, I am and so should you. I know she may be talking to Alex Wren, but no one knows if they are actually an item." John stated. That is the problem. "Besides, you need to venture out. You cannot spend your last year of high school stuck in a library."

     "Hey! I do venture out!" I said indigently.

      "Hanging out with my friends and I do not count," he said.

      "Okay, but your friends don't mind me. I can make friends. I even have a friend. There's Abby and Wendy." I said.

      "Evelyn, you barely hangout with them though. I never hear you talking about sleepovers or meeting up outside of school except to go to the library. Maybe try to get to know them more than just at lunch or in classes." John stated as we passed more buildings. Lakewood City was known for its extremely tall buildings. We were beginning to near the edge of the city.

      John was right though. I have known Abby and Wendy since Freshmen year. We eat lunch together and shared classes. I never realized that we did not meet outside of school unless it was to do homework in the library. I sighed. I guess I should start making the most of senior year.

      "Okay. I'll text Abby and Wendy to see if they want to go to the party Saturday." I said to John. I felt offended at how big his smile got.

      "Awesome! This will make the history books!" John exclaimed.

     "Oh, go eat a history book you weirdo."