Tidal Wave

04

I walk to my room once I enter the house and put my backpack by my closet. And also the bags with my new clothes.

I'll put them up tomorrow or something. I'm too exhausted right now to even think about doing it tonight.

I curl up on my bed in a ball. Under the covers of course. I quickly fall asleep.

My eyes shoot open. It's morning already...Ughh! I look at the time on my pink princess clock as usual...

It's seven-thirty!

I'm going to be late for school if I don't hurry! Jessica usually makes sure I'm up in time. I wonder what happened...

Maybe she got caught up in something?

I run to the bathroom to quickly brush my hair and brush my teeth. I frantically put my butterfly clips back in after taking them out to brush my hair.

I decide to put on the new dress I got and my Converses. I think it looks kind of... cute.

I never thought I'd say that about an outfit I'm wearing. It feels great! I hope it won't draw too much attention to me. But maybe it would be nice to have some compliments for a change.

I look for Jessica but I don't see her. All I see is a note left on the kitchen island. I pick it up and read it carefully.

"Hey! Sorry, I'm not here. I got a job offer. I'll be home tonight though. Have a good day at school! — Jessica"

I leave the note where I found it and walk out the door with my backpack over my shoulder. I walk at a fast pace to make it to school before the bell rings. I will be so embarrassed if I'm late!

Universe... please don't let me be late!

Luckily I am not late. I arrive about ten minutes before the bell. Phew!

I look for Jamie and the rest of my friends. I find Jamie talking to Riley and Kirrie.

Oh, dear. Riley is with them. Come on... I can do this. Just breathe. I close my eyes for a moment and take a deep breath.

I walk over to them slowly. I hope Riley doesn't notice me but it may be inevitable since we are all standing together now.

"Nice outfit!" Riley comments.

I don't say anything. My brain won't let me say anything. I'm too in shock. My cheeks are definitely super red right now too.

"Thanks," I say quickly.

I look down at my Converses to avoid looking at him directly. I have no idea why but when I finally look up... I see Heather walking over.

"Riley! What are you doing over here?"

She pauses.

"Why don't you come over here with me? You know, your girlfriend?"

She specifically draws out the word girlfriend.

Wait... girlfriend!?

Before I can even think more, Heather and Riley are already gone.

I mentally sigh out of hopelessness. My enemy and my crush. dating. Wow. This is just great.

I mean I knew I probably didn't have a chance. But now I definitely don't have a chance. Ever.

The bell rings and everyone goes to class. I wait until it's almost all cleared out to go to class. Which works out for me because I don't get trampled and I get to avoid Riley and Heather.

At least until I am in the classroom. Then I still won't have to worry about it because I can just focus on my assignment. Which is exactly what I do as soon as I get to my desk and the teacher gives us our assignments.