Page Numbers

9- Avery

Mondays. I really do hate Mondays. I usually stay up late on the weekends, watching crime shows and eating junk. Monday is a shock to the system, even after 15 years of this. That's what I contemplate as I get ready for school grudgingly, pulling out books and clothes. I seriously shouldn't stay up until 12'o'clock, but it's my thing. Other kids to out on dates, to the mall, the movies, theme parks, the beach. I stay in all night, being a loner. At least I have Serial Crime, gummy bears and my imagination to comfort me. Darn it, where's my brush?

"Caster! Have you seen my brush?" I yell down the stairs, stepping out of the bathroom. "Yes miss, I believe it's on your reading chair. May I remind you that you have 20 minutes to get to school?" Darn, he better be kidding. I find my brush, drag through my knots, throw on a red sweater, some rings, some bracelets, a watch, grab my bag and race out of my room, slamming the door.

Of course, the stairs just refuse to let me get off the 2nd floor alive. I trip over nothing, and tumble down the stairs, my books spilling out of my bag and my hair going frizzy. I end up lying on my stomach on the bottom step, my legs askew. That was elegant. I right myself and re pack my bag. There's a bunch of notes and a bagel on the bench. I stuff the money in my wallet, grab the bagel and throw a good bye over my shoulder to Caster. Monday's off to a great start (note sarcasm).

I've always ridden my bike to school. I love the feeling of the wind rushing past you, and the fact that I'm making my own way to school. I cruise into the school, and lock up my bike. Here we go, back to school.
I really do hate Mondays.

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As I settle into Form, Mr Baxley announces there is a new student in our class, and stresses that he is not new, just changed classes. I sit up: I never pass up an opportunity to make new friends, seeing as I have none. Mr Baxley opens the door and ushers in a black-haired boy with blue eyes. "Uh hm, everyone, this is Colin." Mr Baxley interrupts my thoughts. I examine Colin. He is wearing what looks to be just a plain red shirt and jeans with matching Converse. He screams rich kid, only very subtly though. He seems confident but easily scared, an introverted extrovert. It sounds weird, but it takes one to know one. There's also something not quite right with him. WHAT IS HES A SERIAL KILLER?! Avery, seriously girl, you watch too much Serial Crime. You and your imagination, honestly, it's weird.

He's talking to Mr Baxley, and nods. He then walks toward the desks, comes toward me. I look straight ahead at the board, and sense him sitting down next to me. "Hi," he says, turning to me as Mr Baxley rambles on about some random assembly. "I'm Colin, what's your name?"

"Um, I'm Avery. Nice to meet you," I say trying to come off as friendly and not strange and creepy like I normally do.

"Nice to meet you too." Colin get's out before we're both shut up by Mr. Baxley's death stare.

He looks over at me awkwardly and opens his mouth to speak before thinking about it and closing it again focusing back on the teacher. He taps the desk doing that uber annoying finger run thing, Mr. Baxley looks over again and sighs clearing his throat at Colin, clearly frustrated but trying not to yell, "Now, Colin, I'm not sure what your last teacher was like so I'm going to be lenient with you just for today, but tapping of any kind, talking, or passing notes will not be allowed in this class. The assembly is very important and I would appreciate it if you would pay attention, now..." I tune out as he goes back to droning on.

I sit there for the rest of the ten minutes twiddling my thumbs and attempting to count the freckles on the kid in front of me's head because even that was more entertaining then the teacher. When the bell rang I sighed with relief, grabbing my bag and standing up in one swift motion, I started towards the door keeping my head down and hoping to make it to my next class without embarrassing myself, because knowing me I would manage to trip over my own feet in the hallway and knock over all the lockers, somehow causing a fire and burning the school down. I was about to step out of the room when- "Hey, Avery, wait up!"