My hand reaches out for the snooze button. I know I should get up, but I can't seem to make it happen. I can hear Faith across the hall getting ready. How did she get to be such a morning person? I feel Jester, my cat, leap onto the bed and sit on my chest. "Morning, Jester," I mumble. He meows back to me. I should really be getting up. Jester hurries away as I roll myself out of bed. I get dressed and walk downstairs.
"Good morning, Raven," Mom says while buttering toast.
"Morning, Mom." I turn to see Faith standing at the counter. She glaces at me just long enough for me to notice how put together she looks. Her light hair is neatly styled, her makeup is perfect, and she always picks out the cutest outfits. I wouldn't dare look at my own reflection. My hair is streaming into my face, I don't bother wearing much makeup, and my wardrobe... could be better.
I sit down at the table. Mom looks nice too. She used to be a realtor and she still looks very put together. "Are you sure I'm not adopted?" I say finally.
Mom and Faith turn to me, confused. Then mom seems to understand. "Of course not, Honey. You look fine. But if you like, we can go to the store later and look for some new things," she says, "Maybe something that has a little more color." I watch her gaze drop to my black t-shirt, black hoodie, and dark jeans. I continue buttering my toast without really responding to her suggestion.
"Did dad leave yet?" I ask.
"About ten minutes ago," mom answers.
I was hoping to see him before he left this morning. I'll be graduating soon, there are a lot of things on my mind, but I guess it can wait until tonight. The clock says eight-twenty, I have to get going.
Backpack in hand, I leave the house and start walking. "Hey, Wesley," I call to the boy waiting for me at the corner.
"Hey, Rave." He's the only one who calls me Rave. "Ready for the test today?"
I remain silent.
"I take it that's a no?" He waits before asking, "The dream again?"
"It's always the same. I'm chasing a rabbit, everything disappears, and then I see Jester talking to me, surrounded by a bunch of weird people and creatures. I don't get it."
"You're really creative, Rave. Maybe your mind is trying to give you some kind of great inspiration that you just haven't figured out yet." Wesley suggests, trying to be helpful.
"Maybe."
_________________
Mr. Boil, my English teacher begins as the last student takes his seat. "Ok, class, today is the big day, I hope you all studied. You see the test papers have been placed on each of your desks. You have twenty minutes to complete it. Starting now."
Picking up the pencil, I start with my name at the top. I stare at the paper -I hate taking tests. Let's see, explain? Ugh. I hate questions that make you explain.
"Hurry up."
I turn to the boy sitting next to me and whisper harshly, "What?"
He looks suprised and shakes his head before turning back to his own paper.
That was weird. I could've sworn he said-
"Tic toc, Alice."
I look at the boy again. He's focused on the test. I turn to my left, Kathrine is sitting there. I turn around to see behind me.
"Ms. Windsor," the teacher calls, "Eyes on your own paper."
I turn back to my test. What was that? No one calls me by my middle name. I must be tired. I need to focus on this test.
Any confidence I might have had about this test has now left me as I struggle to stay on track. Before I know it, our twenty minutes are almost up. Jotting down the best answers I can, I finish up the last of the questions just as Mr. Boil announces that our time is up. I hate tests. A line forms to place the tests on his desk. When everyone's papers are turned in, Mr. Boil dismisses the class.
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