Inevitable Fate

One

"Another new school year, another day of wanting to jump off a building," said my sister, coming into my room unannounced.

"Hm?" I sat up groggily. I am not a morning person.

"School! Get up, lazy ass," she mumbled.

"What did I say about the cursing, Taylor!" My mom called from the kitchen a few doors down.

"Sorry mom!" Taylor called back, giving me a brief glare before leaving my room.

I fell back dramatically, letting my head crash against the memory foam pillow. I'll just close my eyes for a few minutes; only a few.

**

"The bus is here!" Casie, my mom, yelled up at me and my sister. I heard her trudge down the stairs and out the front door.

Shit. I fell back asleep.

Before jumping to conclusions, I quickly pulled the headphones out of my ears and checked the time on my phone. Of course it was dead. I silently cursed myself for staying up and draining the battery watching YouTube.

"Austyn? Are you still home?" Casie hesitantly knocked on my bedroom door. I panicked, frantically searching for an excuse.

"Uh, yeah mom! Elle is driving me today," I lied. Luckily for me, the door remained shut and my mom said a final 'okay' before leaving me. I plugged my phone in before pulling the covers off my body. A whiff of cold air hit me suddenly. The fan, which was on all night, was now blowing very cold air onto my exposed body.

I turned it off and began digging through my wardrobe. My family never really went shopping much, but I went out and picked an outfit for the first day of my junior year.

I threw on the dark green shirt and white ripped jeans, despite the dress code, and checked my phone again. It had gained power again, so I texted Isabelle as fast as I could.

A: Rly need a ride, could you help??

I: Sure. Be ready in 20

A: You're a life saver Elle

I: I know🙄

I took one relieved breath before rushing to the bathroom and brushing my teeth. I got out the old, purple straightener I've had for years and let it warm up. My blonde hair is so wavy, it appears messy, even when I've brushed it thousands of times.

I took the hot straightener and styled my hair. I've done it the same way since seventh grade.

After finishing my hair and putting a bit of mascara on, I exited my room and entered the kitchen.

I shivered once my bare feet touched the cold, dark orange tiles. My kitchen was hideous, with the ugly tiles and white, stained cabinets.

I hated my house, but it was affordable, and that's what mattered.

I made my strawberry oatmeal with toast, making sure to put only strawberry jam on the toast, and I topped off with a side of chopped strawberries and water. I like coordinating breakfast foods, what can I say?

I finished eating and slipped on my socks and shoes. Right as I had finished getting ready, the door bell rung.

"Oh thank god," I giggled, opening the door to reveal Isabelle. She was shorter than me by a few inches, brown, clear skin, and round glasses. Her curly black hair was pulled into a ponytail, and she wore a grey Monsta X sweatshirt. (She's really into k-pop)

"Good morning, tyn," Elle grinned, pulling me into a short hug. Tyn was the name she picked out for me in the eighth grade, short for Austyn. I had picked Elle for her, and the two nicknames had stuck ever since.