:Dreamscape:

:Dreamscape: Part 2

<P>+Second Dream - Day+</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>It seems like only a minute later when my alarm goes off, high pitched and jarring as it was last school year. The sound jerks me awake and, grumbling to myself, I roll over and knock the alarm clock off my nightstand. It hits the black carpet and the batteries pop out. This has always been my way of shutting the damned thing up. Rubbing my eyes, I crawl out of bed to put it back together. Fumbling with the battery compartment frustrates me, effectively waking me up. By the time I snap the clock back together, I'm wide awake. Ta-da! My foolproof plan to wake myself up. I reset the clock, knowing the whole process takes almost exactly ten minutes, and drag myself to my feet to get ready. The bus comes at 7:45. Thirty-five minutes to get ready never seems to be enough, but any earlier and my wake-up process doesn't work.</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>            Even though it's my first day of sophomore year, I don't care about looking awesome. I pull on a red-and-white -striped shirt and jeans, apply simple makeup, and hold my messy auburn hair back with a red headband. With ten minutes to spare, I tie up my old black converse and head out the door, grabbing a donut from the open box on the table as I hurry out the door. I mull over the meaning of the box as I head down the street, enjoying my chocolate sprinkles donut.</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>            Mom and Dad are never home, ever. I'm not joking. Their work keeps them away. They don't have to be home, either. Even though I'm only fifteen, as long as someone comes to check on me once a week, my parents are allowed to be gone for year-long business trips. They came home last night and left again this morning, which explains the donut box. I briefly wonder who cared this time.</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>            My brother is twenty-two and lives on his college campus. He usually doesn't even come home for holidays. When school closes, he stays at his girlfriend's place. I often wonder if he's okay. I miss when he was kind and caring. Now he doesn't even bother to email me. I guess, in the end, I'm alone in the house.</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>            I drop my backpack on the bus stop bench with a sigh. A familiar face greets me; my friend Kayla Smith. She seems to have gotten even prettier over summer vacation; I suppose Italian sun did her good. I note that her getting prettier is impossible, so it must just be her light, perfect tan. She sweeps her full, long black hair over her shoulders and out of her face.</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>            "I swear I need to chop this messy rat's nest off sometime very soon," she complains, her daily greeting. I respond with my daily reply.<BR><BR>            "You cut your hair and bad things will happen, Kay," I warn her, leaping up and giving her a huge hug. "How was Italy?"</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>            "Beautiful," she sighs. "Look at this dress, isn't it pretty?" She gestures to her pale yellow summer dress, which of course fits and suits her perfectly.</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>            "Lovely," I agree. She wears everything with the style and grace of the best fashion model. "Everything in your wardrobe is perfect."</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>            "Why, thanks, Pepper," she smiles. "So, what'd you do this summer? Besides eat peppermint candy?"</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>            I grin and pop that very candy into my mouth. "Not much. Oh, I got my driver's license."</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>            "Ooooh, take me to the mall after school!" Kay clasps her hands together in a pleading manner. "Pleeeaaasseeee?"</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>I roll my eyes. "There are other places to live besides the mall, like your house. But," I sigh, "I don't see why not. I need more peppermints."</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>"Yay!" Kay gives me a huge hug. "Thanks, Pepper!"</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>"Quit calling me that," I grumble.</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>"But peppermints are your trademark," she says brightly. "And everyone at school knows you for being energetic and different."</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>"Leave me alone."</P>

<P class=MsoNormal>The bus rumbles to a halt in front of our stop, and the crowd of teenagers around us piles on. I grab my bag while Kay picks up her designer tote and follows me onto the bus. We take our favorite seat in the back. Around me, students call out greetings and "Hey, Pepper!" rings around the bus. I laugh. Just like last year.</P>