Not Your Average Prep

I throw my handbag over my shoulder and walk into the classroom. All eyes are on me as I set my book bag on the table and empty out my school supplies. Wannabes.

"Take your jacket off," Mrs. K. says. I roll my eyes and go back into the hallway to return my bag and jacket to my locker.

I enter for the last time and sit at my desk in the front row. Mrs. K. turns the projector on and begins our morning math lesson. Slowly, ever so carefully and slyly, I sneak the peppermint I had brought into my mouth. Mrs. K. continues teaching, and my eyes stay on the board, but my mind wanders to far away places.

"Alana? Can you tell us how to do this?" Mrs. K. snaps me out of my fantasy. I clear my throat.

"Well, first you plus the-"

"Add," Maria corrects. I give her a glare.

"You plus the edges, and times the triangle."

Some girls behind me giggle. "And what does that give you?"

"Ten."

The class erupts into a fit of giggles. Maria whispers something to Christine, and they both laugh even louder.

"The answer, Ms. Clark," Mrs. K. says, "is one hundred and fifty three."

The class giggles more. I frown. "Not like you would've known the answer." I roll my eyes and sulk behind my Kindle.

"Maria? Can you explain this problem?" she pulls a new problem onto the board.

Maria clears her throat. "First, you find the perimeter of the square, which is sixteen. Next, you multiply that by pi. Find the percentage by dividing..." I zone out, putting my Kindle down. I never understood math. That's why I have a D. It's not like I care. I'm never going to use this in real life.

"Now, it's time for the test. Turn it in when you're done. You have twenty minutes." Mrs. K. begins to pass out the tests. Why are we having a test? She should've told us so we could study!

"Can we start now?" I ask.

"Yes, Alana. I said you can start when you get it."

I wanted to tell her I didn't hear her say that, but I shut my mouth and start the test. I write my name and look at the first question; (x) + ab / 19 - 9 = (y). There's no way I'm ever going to be able to do that. Then, I remember who's sitting next to me; Maria Jamp, class braniac, has never gotten a B in any class. Ever so slowly, ever so carefully, I take a quick glance at her paper. I read her answer, then write the same thing down on my paper.

I do that for the rest of her test; lean back, 'stretching' or 'yawning,' and my eyes take a peek at her paper. Then, I borrow her answer. It's a simple process, and I am one of the first kids to turn in my paper.

No harm done. I get an A, Maria gets an A, and my mom will finally un-ground me when she sees this test. It's a win-win. Nobody's going to get hurt. Right?

The bell rings, signaling the end of class. I grab my books and walk out the classroom door. I stop at my locker, then walk out the school door. At my school, seniors are allowed to eat at a restaraunt outside of the school. I do this everyday.

But, today, I'm not going back to school after I finish lunch, I'm going to the party of the century-not stupid science class.

Lunch is normal, but I am excited the whole time. I leave the waitress a small tip. I'm not going to waste my party money on lunch.

After lunch, I stop at my house and get into my party dress. It's a beautiful dress; my favorite. It's a short red dress, covered in sparkles. It has one sleeve along the right shoulder. It's the perfect dress for this party. I wear matching heels, and put my hair in a bun. I put on lipstick and makeup, examining myself in the mirror. I look old enough to go to this party.

Just as I am leaving my room for the party, I hear someone open the front door. I crack open my bedroom door. My mom is at the door.

I mutter a not very nice word under my breath and shut the door quietly. What am I going to do? Why is Mom home? She has work until five!

"Is somebody there?" Mom asks. I suck in my breath and slide into the closet. If she walks into my room, she won't be able to see me.

About fifteen minutes later, I hear a door shut. I leave the closet and crack open the door. Nobody is there.

I grab my purse and walk out the door, careful to lock it behind me. I check my phone; 12:34. I have to be home by four, so I can get back into normal clothes before my mom gets home.

I get in the car and begin the drive to Josh's house. I'd be at the party in no time.