Coach Carter

Fourteen

I opened my eyes to find it still dark out. I checked my phone; 5:45.

"Fuck." I said, sitting up. "And of course it's a Monday."

I was wide awake now. I grabbed my folder and a pen, shuffling through the papers Erica had given me. I pulled out the song one, figuring it would be the easiest.

'Name a song that makes you think about HER'

This one was written in at the bottom. I chuckled and went back to the top of the page. 

'Name a song you play when you're sad'

'Head Above Water - Avril Lavigne'

I made a little comment underneath about not being really into religion and God, but it spoke to me.

I answered a few more until my alarm went off, along with a knock on my door.

"Oh you're already up." Jen said, leaning against the door frame.

"Yeah, woke up a little earlier than normal." I stacked the papers back into my folder and threw it into my book bag.

"Homework?"

"Yeah, it's the worksheets from Erica that I've been putting off, but they're due today."

I got out of bed and hopped in the shower. When I was done, I let my hair do what it wanted and threw on a pit of basketball shorts and a tee shirt. I slipped on a pair of no show socks and my teal and black checkered vans. Grabbing my bag, I headed downstairs.

"Toast?" Jen asked, handing me a plate.

"Thanks."

We ate quickly and headed to school.

"Morning." Lex smiled at me. "Have you talked to Anna at all?"

I shook my head. "I'm planning on meeting her tonight to talk."

"Are you going to dinner with us tonight?"

"Yeah, any idea where?" Lex shook her head. "I haven't been eating well lately, so I'm not sure if it's even worth going."

She gave me a sympathetic look.

"Stop. You look like your girlfriend. I'm fine, I'm working on it." I opened my locker and got the books I needed. "At least I told you this time." I whispered.

"I know, and I'm thankful you did." She hugged me.

I walked Lex to class, passing Anna on the way. She didn't even glance at me. I get my hands start shaking, so I put them in my pockets.

"What the hell? Not even a smile?" Lex whispered.

I shrugged, trying not to let her know how much it hurt me. I said goodbye to Lex and slowly walked back towards Anna's room. I pulled out my headphones and acted like I was listening to music. I walked in and she was on her phone, whispering to whoever it was.

"I gotta go."

I took my headphones out and still had a few minutes before everyone else would start shuffling in. I guess Jen got us here earlier than I thought. I sat with my eyes fixed on the desk in front of me. Neither of us made eye contact the rest of the period. I could tell there was something wrong, everyone in the classroom could; she was just going through the motions, as if she didn't want to be here. I sighed when the bell rang, but didn't move. My eyes were fixated on her, begging her to say something, anything to me; but she didn't. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. I wanted so badly to hug her, tell her it would all be okay. But, would it? My mind was racing as I pulled my phone out.