Arduous

Chapter Five

Amandla Stenberg as Lucina

*****

[Lucina, 08:35, Local Highschool]

I wouldn’t go as far to say that I am a teachers pet, but, in reality, I am. Not that I am complaining or anything! It was quite useful this morning, for instance. 

I walked into Ms. Rose’s English class late by about five minutes. Mrs. Rose is the most strict of all the teachers in the school but all she did was smile at me! Smiled! Not once had a student walked into her class late without getting a detention slip. Yet, There I was , late and getting off free! 

I sat down at my usual seat with a small smile towards Ms. Rose. I sat up at the front. Abigail sat at the desk on my right and widened her eyes at me. A piece of paper was scrawled on and handed to me from her.

‘How is that possible? You didn’t even get detention!’ The note read. 

I flipped the note and scribbled back. ‘Being a teachers pet comes in handy.’ 

Abigail got the paper and her bright blue eyes light up as her soft lips pulled back into a smile. She gave a chuckle. The note was slipped into her binder effortlessly. 

“Nouns identify people, places or things while pronouns-” Ms. Rose explained. What were we in? Grade eight? I would never say that though. 

The reality is, I was a very shy person. The first day of grade eleven was the day I got my first friend. Abigail. I was surprised how easily I was able to talk to her! It had been a full week since then and Friday had crept upon the school. I hadn’t known Abigail for very long, but I knew it wasnt normal to have red eyes and purple bags. I noticed the tiredness even though she had makeup on. I knew nothing about her family and very little about her. The only thing I really knew about Abigail was her favourite colour. Green, in case you were wondering. 

The school bell rang. Ms. Rose dismissed us all with a wave her her gnarly hand. The class stampeded out the door, including Abigail and I. 

“Do you want to sleep over tonight?” I asked Abigail. Maybe we would be able to get to know each other better. 

I saw a inner battle happen in Abigail's mind. “Uh…um…Im sorry but I…I can’t tonight.” Abigail stuttered. This was the first time that Abigail hadn't been her confident, outgoing self. Interesting.

After English was Biology 11. Biology was my favourite class. Although, it was closely followed by my other classes. I had plans for my future to become a Veterinarian. I felt that being a Veterinarian could be an amazing way to help out and make a difference in people's lives. 

Lunch came quick. In my opinion at least. All during Biology, Abigail kept asking the time and saying that she was bored. To death. Past the grim reaper. Until she was reincarnated. And died again! Her words, not mine! 

Abigail and I grabbed a hamburger and some fries from the cafeteria. Everyday we passed the cheerleaders when we had to go to our small table and every time they gave our greasy food a longing look.