Second Chance

One More Summer

The bell rang, startling me from my restless nap, and I glanced down guiltily at the untouched pad of notes in front of me. With a sigh, I gathered the blank papers and stuffed them messily into my backpack. Another class down.

Slowly standing from my secluded seat in the back corner of the classroom, I managed to dodge and slip by the various jocks and mean girls who attempted to kick my feet out from underneath me.

"Freak" a blonde bimbo whispers to her friend, loud enough so I can hear just as I pass by. Shooting her what I can only hope is a menacing glare, the blonde pales slightly and I push my way out the door and into the crowded hallway of students. High school. Where those at the top preyed on those below them just to elevate their own sense of "popularity" and self-assurance. It was pathetic, and even more pathetic because I used to be one of them- preying on the insecurities of others to make myself feel important. If only I could go back, right?

"Sav!" A faint voice called behind me, and I whirled around quickly to scan the crowded halls. Several couples made out heavily against the lockers- some even grinding on their partners as if they weren't in the middle of a public place, and a large group of cheerleaders snickered at some poor freshman struggling under the weight of her many textbooks. "Sav!" The voice yelled again, pulling me from my observation of a classic high school hallway, and I finally spotted the long legged beauty pushing her way roughly through the mingling students.

The girl's long blonde hair hung well down her back in pin straight locks, which completely clashed against her dark- almost gothic- attire. "I've been looking everywhere for you" the girl squealed hugged me tightly.

"What are you wearing, Blake?" I raise an eyebrow as we turn to continue pushing our way through the mass of students. It never ceased to amaze me how our tiny two-story school managed to fit so many kids at one time. Surely it had to be a fire hazard or something...

"You look goth" I chuckle and gesture wildly at her clothing choice. "And I, for one, happen to know you are definitely not goth."

"I like the contrast" Blake shrugs, casually; as if it were no big deal she changed from her usual preppy dresses to looking like a dark princess from hell. "I'm trying out a new way of life. My therapist says it will help me realize my true self" she smirks, and rolls her eyes.

"Somehow, I don't think she meant this" I pat her shoulder affectionately, and laugh as she playfully slaps at my arm. "How is that going by the way? Has Margie said anything else to you at home?" I ask squeezing her hand when her steps falter slightly at the mention of her wretched stepmother.

"No"

Earlier this year, her dad came home from a wild night married to a gold digging bitch named Margie. Blake's mom had only left a few weeks earlier, and the two have been clashing ever since. It even got to the point of violence when a few weeks ago her dad had to physically pry Blake off Margie during one of their many bloody battles. Since then, her dad was making the two attend a form of couples therapy to "resolve their differences" and "coexist".

"It's complete bullshit" Blake scowls, shoving past yet another unsuspecting underclassman, who wobbles slightly and casts a worried glance in her direction. I smile lightly at the poor boy and continue on my way. The poor freshman looked scared out of his mind- though I couldn't exactly blame him. Blake, when angry, walked with a permanent scowl- dark enough to make the happiest child cringe in fear.

"It won't last forever" I console, even though I already know it won't help. "Just think. One more summer then you are off to college"

"It's about damn time," she mutters under her breath, and I chuckle lightly. I think it's safe to say we were ready to graduate in a week.