Another Reality (original//revised)

The Survey

~

A new day of hell was about to start.

Alina Freeze entered her high school building, a feeling of dread washing over her. Another day in this hellhole was about to begin, and she couldn't wait for it to end. She wanted to leave, having better things to do than to waste her time slaving over work that probably wouldn't make a difference.

It definitely wouldn't solve any of her life issues.

Despite her frustration, the law bound her to this wretched place.

Alina navigated the bustling hallways, making her way to her locker. She flung it open, retrieving the required notebooks and binders for her first period. As she shoved her backpack inside and slammed the locker shut, she was startled by the sudden appearance of her friend, Rebel Jewel, who had been standing quietly behind the door.

"For the sake of my sanity," she breathed, her usually soft voice tinged with frustration.

"Good morning to you too, blondie," Rebel chuckled as she greeted her friend.

Alina huffed, "You need to stop sneaking up on me like that."

"Oh, please." Rebel rolled her eyes playfully. "Like you'll drop dead from the shock of seeing me."

"Very cute," Alina replied sarcastically.

As they began walking down the hallway, Rebel shot her a side glance, "What side of the bed did you wake up on?"

"The right side."

"You sure?"

Alina sighed heavily, "Last night's homework was brutal. Sleep deprivation is out to get me."

"Ahhhh. Chemistry?" Rebel guessed.

"It's always chemistry," Alina replied pointedly.

Rebel advised, "You could ease the pain, you know. Consider getting some tutoring after school. Mr. Walker would be happy to help."

Alina scoffed, rolling her blue eyes. "In your dreams."

"Oh, come on!" Rebel playfully nudged her. "You never get the help you need. Asking for assistance won't kill you. We all need it, even if we pretend we don't."

With a shrug, Alina said, "Stubbornness is my natural trait. I can't help it. A specialty of mine."

"Your stubbornness will send you to an early grave, I swear."

"I eagerly await that day."

Rebel sighed, "You definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

"Hey, this is the sleep deprivation talking," Alina defended herself.

"Whatever you say, chick."

The two friends descended into the cafeteria, paid for their food with student cards, and settled at a table in the far corner.

"So," Rebel began, nibbling on a chocolate muffin. "Excited about today's survey?"

Alina looked up from her grapes and sighed. "I completely forgot about it."