GAME OVER (paused)

Deadly game of tag with my apparently NOT human best friend

It was a chilly September morning, nothing out of the ordinary. Just the usual whispers, stares and very loudly shared opinions I overhear as I walk to school. The air is dry and crisp, and the hot sun is beating down on me, ruthlessly, as if it were trying to sucker punch me with heat rays. Luckily for me, I didn't burn easy. Sure, I tan pretty dark but I rarely ever get sunburn. As hot as it is here in California, the heat never really bothered me. Well, until today, but I'm pretty sure that's just because I'm being stared at, so naturally the heat of my body increases ten fold. I lived close to the ocean, and the path I take to school brings me down to the beaches where the nice salty breeze always calms me. I just need to hurry there before I get any hotter, otherwise I risk the chance of combusting. At least it feels like I'm about to explode. My face is probably red, too. I can already feel my hair sticking to my forehead, damp from sweating so much. My ginger colored hair began to to blow out of my face as i neared the ocean front. Once I reached the boardwalk, I grasped the rail, letting out a sigh. It felt like I was holding my breath the whole way here. As I inhaled through my mouth I couldn't help but smile. What can I say, the salty taste of the ocean air made me happy. The beach feels more like home than my apartment does, which I live in with my Mom and little brother. My little brother is adopted, not that it matters, but it felt worth pointing out. He was about two months old when we found him on our apartment doorstep, abandoned by someone who used the classic ding dong ditch trick to get us to open up. When we found him, my mom had absolutely no hesitation to take him in. Well, after reading some note that came along with the very noisy little "package" that was delivered and ditched. Look, I love my little brother to pieces but he definitely knows how to get on my nerves. Moving on.

I breathed in the ocean air, and released with multiple shaky breaths for a while. Trying to calm my anxiety was always easier when I was at the beach. I looked down at my watch, still holding onto the rail, and repeated "7:15 am" in my head over and over, which was the time my watch read. After a moment of processing I gasped at the realization that I have about 2 minutes to get to school before they lock the gates. Immediately, I bolted from the boardwalk. I weaved my way through the crowds of people as I got closer to the school, every now and then getting a "watch it" shouted at me. Sorry, I'm just trying to get to school without having to jump a fence, thanks.

Granted, this is my fault for allowing myself to zone out for so long at the boardwalk. I really do lose time there I guess. Still, I NEED to get to school on time today. I've already been late four times this week. Once more and I get a detention, and those really suck especially when you're dyslexic, ADHD AND unmedicated. Can't really afford the proper medication, so I've learned to just suck it up and mentally slap myself back into focus during class when I find my thoughts and attention wandering. It's torture really, but hey, guys gotta do what a guys gotta do to not get kicked out of his fifth high school in two years (it's only my sophomore year, so... haha I don't have the best rep...)

The school was in sight.
But so were the teachers who were beginning to close the gate.

"HEY WAIT!" I shouted as loud as I could, hoping to catch their attention.
"WAIT A SEC, DONT CLOSE THE GATE"

I finally reached the gate and I slipped inside just before they fully closed it. I didn't stop even though one of the teachers yelled "hey get back here!" At me. No. Sorry. I don't have the time for a lecture. I NEEEED to get to Class.

Sorry, Mr. David. Your still my favorite teacher I promise ahah..

I slammed the doors open, and ran for the stairs like my life depended on it. Which... it probably did considering the fact my mom would have my head if I got suspended for being tardy..... again.

I charged up the stairs and the down the hall, headed for my classroom. Just as Ms. Ford was closing the door I extended my hand, stopping it right before the miss could shut it.