Weather update

Chapter 1. The beginning

I pointed my eyes up at the sky. The warm Florida sun fell on my face and a soft summer breeze touched my bare arms and legs. A perfect day at the beach, unfortunately, I couldn't enjoy it for very long. Of course, I have been hanging around here for too long and it was nearly time for my next college course. It doesn't matter how many times I tell myself to hurry up, I always stumble on something that catches my attention and distracts me from what I am supposed to do. However, I rushed into the building, nearly falling down the stairs and dropping my books.When I came in, Dr. Heresen was already talking. Quietly, I moved between the students and settled down in a seat. For a moment, I caught Vicky's hazel brown eyes. For many years we have been friends. We met at high school and it turned out we have the same interest in the weather. I never thought I would end up in a school like this.

It all happened 4 years ago...

I brushed off the horrible feeling that gnawed inside of my stomach when I thought back about that night and, instead, I focussed back on Dr. Heresen. Normally, his talks are a bit boring but not today. He was talking about Hurricane Haiyan: one of the most dangerous and strongest hurricanes ever recorded in human history.This grasped my attention, I had heard about it before, but this college course is focused on more than hurricanes.

I caught up with Vicky during our break. "You were late once again..." she said as she settled beside me. I shrugged my shoulders and sighed. "I was at the beach for too long," I mumbled. She was only able to shake her head. "Skylar," she sulked under her breath. "How do you want to pass this year if you keep skipping lessons?""It's not on purpose..." I muttered. "What were you doing at the beach anyway? On the look out for some strange cloud formations," she asked somewhat mockingly. I huffed. "Why does it matter? I like the beach," I sulked.She gave me a 'really' look, "I know you, Skylar... you're stuck in the past," she said without looking at me. I rolled my eyes at that."I am not stuck in the past, Vicky," I grumbled, taking out the salad that I had made this morning.

I saw the sympathetic look in her eyes. "I would be sad too... but sometimes I have the feeling that you never get over what happened," she said. This time I did glare at her. "I lost my whole family," I snapped, making fist with my hands. Of course, I couldn't forget what had happened.She stared at me for several minutes. "Look... I am not trying to upset you, okay? I am just saying that if you don't get all the points this year... they will kick you out and I don't want that to happen," she statedAs if I wasn't aware of my grades that weren't that good. I also know about the warnings I got from several teachers.

Two days ago, I was called for a meeting with Ms. Smith. She told me the same thing that Vicky had. She doubted I would get enough points for the end of the year, I already failed too many tests. I had not told Vicky about that either. However, Ms. Smith had offered me a deal. Now that we are getting near the end of the year, she proposed to me that if I get at least a B for my final project, she would let me pass into the next year.I was so lost in my chain of thoughts, that I hadn't heard Vicky calling out for me. I realized when she jabbed my arm with her elbow."Seriously, Skylar? Where are you with your head," she asked, giving me a look. "Sorry! Just thinking," I said. "You need to clear your mind. Why don't you come to Mark's place? He is having a party tonight," she said.

I huffed, shaking my head. "You know I don't join any parties, Vick!" I mocked and took a bite of my salad. She rolled her eyes "It'll be fun," she pushed. "Yeah, whatever..." I grumbled. "Come on... don't be so negative, Skylar," she said, giving me a small shove.I got up and grabbed my bag. "I have to go. I'll talk to you later," I mumbled before leaving. "I will pick you up at eight!!" she shouted. I rolled my eyes. The only thing I dislike about her is that she is always so pushy about everything. Don't get me wrong, she is the best friend I have ever had, probably the best friend I will ever have, but sometimes she works on my nerves.I doubt it's her fault. Today though - I am a little bit touchy, I have to admit that.

When I finished, I headed back home. I have a small apartment but it is enough space for me. I dropped my bookbag on the floor and kicked my shoes aside before I headed towards the kitchen, getting a bowl with chips and some soda. I jumped on the couch and turned on the TV. Some documentary about a hurricane was playing. I popped some chips in my mouth while listening. The word 'Philippines' triggered me and I stopped eating.That's it!

I lept off the couch and ran towards the door where my backpack still was. I reached for my computer and headed back towards the living room, closing the door that separates the hallway and living room with my foot before I jumped back on the couch. I began to Google some stuff, my mind focused on the idea that was swirling through my mind.For my final project, I had to come up with something creative. So why not travel to the Philippines and interview some locals? I could talk about the weather forecast? The idea encouraged me to spend more time googling and doing research. I was so caught up in it, that I barely noticed the knocking at the door.

I leaped a little and jumped off the couch, answering the door as I saw how late it was. It had to be Vick again. "I know what I am going to do," I exclaimed, dragging her in."Wait! What," she asked confused as she came to a stop and looked around the room. My books and papers were everywhere. "You remember hurricane Haiyan," I asked, grabbing my books off the floor. "One of the worst hurricanes ever... yeah I remember," she said with a frown. "The climate is changing and that also means that hurricanes are getting stronger and stronger... especially for people living in the Philippines. They are victims - and they already have to deal with earthquakes... I know what I am going to do for my final project," I said.

I saw the confusion on Vicky's face before it changed into a look I knew all too well."What did Ms. Smith say? Get a good mark for this and you will pass this year?" she asked, crossing her arms. I sat down, sucking in a breath, and stared at the TV screen for a very long time. "Skylar! You are obsessed with hurricanes... you need to stop and focus on something different..." she said as she seated next to me. "What? This has nothing to do with my family! It's a good research project and I know I can get a good grade for it!" I objected as I lept off the couch and paced around the room.

"You think?"

I glared at her. "I do," I snapped. She sighed and stared at the TV for a very long time. "Why haven't you told me sooner," she asked eventually, getting up as well to face me. "I wanted to tell you, but something came between it..." I sulked as I turned around to avoid her eyes."Something came in between it?" she scoffed. "Don't make me laugh... you're obsessed with what happened.. Let it go, Sky! They're gone and you can not get them back," she snapped.I froze immediately. "They're gone..." she repeated quietly.I turned around, my eyes were burning like fire. "Get out!" I snapped, pointing at the door. "Sky... I didn't mean-" I cut her off.

"I SAID GET OUT!" I screamed.
She flinched and walked over to the door. "Have fun at your stupid party!" I snarled before slamming the door closed and strode over to the living room again. I sank, burying my face in my hands. Some tears rolled down my cheeks.I couldn't let go of the past...

Even when I tried to let go, that horrible night kept popping up in my mind and distracted me from everything, from everyone....Perhaps Vicky was right... I am mess.