School Days: Part 1

*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP*

Annie's day started with a fright, as always. Each morning she jumps awake to her obnoxiously loud alarm to turn it off as quickly as possible. She says it makes her feel alive and refuses to change it when her mother, Arelle, asks why she does that to herself every day.

"It's the only way I will wake up at all. Every time I hear it, I feel like I'm late, so it makes me wake up faster in the morning," Annie responded, sounding as truthful as she could.

The reality is, Annie feels like she is never in control of her day-to-day life. Having her alarm blaring in her face to wake every day is entirely Annie's choice. Making her feel more in control of her day and less like she needs assistance from someone else trying to control her actions, like her parents.

Scurrying over to her closet to pick out today's outfit, she chose a navy blue top and navy blue knee-length shorts with tights underneath—her favorite combination, no matter the weather. Annie liked the feeling of being different but wanted it to be of her own choice, not because someone else told her she was. Throwing tights under her uniform made that little bit of effort noticeable but not overpowering.

"Annie, come get breakfast!" Her mother called from the kitchen downstairs. "Coming!" Annie yelled back loud enough to be heard but made sure she didn't shout.

I don't know why she does this every morning. She puts out something to eat, knowing I won't eat it. Maybe she doesn't know, but she never asks or checks if I have. Who has an appetite this early anyway?

Annie grabbed her school things, shoved them in her backpack, and headed downstairs to the kitchen. Her mother was never there like always. She just liked yelling to nag at her for things. A nice gesture, her mother laid out a bowl with cereal and some milk for Annie. Even if it was the same choice every day. Annie did as she always did. Put the cereal back in the box and in the pantry and grabbed a bar for later. She cleaned the bowl, put the bowl and spoon away, and put the milk back in the fridge. She left the kitchen looking like she ate and cleaned up the mess. Her mother was never the wiser.

"Don't forget to grab your coat. It's supposed to rain today," said Arelle from her parents' bathroom. Annie headed out to the car, coat in hand, to wait for her mother and brother Eden to be ready to leave.

Rain sounds nice. Hopefully, it will pour before school starts today. I wanted to get some reading in this morning, and reading in the rain is the best way to start my morning.

*DIIIING*

The school bell rings, signaling the start of the day. Annie's eyes tear from her current read, and she looks to the playground. Watching her peers dragging their feet as they file into their designated classes. Some holding umbrellas to keep out of the rain, others running with coats and bags over their heads seeming to have missed the weather report. Annie untucked herself from her reading nook outside and smiling, looked up in the sky to let her face be kissed by the sweet smell of rainwater.

Nothing better than some rain and a good book. But, I thought I had more time. 7:50 AM. Guess I'll head to class. I really wanted to finish this chapter. But, I have been reading since I got here at 7 AM; I can come back at lunch. A quick stop at the bathroom before I head in.

The itch of anxiety slowly creeps in as Anine starts her morning march. Stopping at the bathroom has become a habit and coping mechanism for settling in before the day begins. Not knowing when she will have a chance again is always at the forefront of her mind. Focus is necessary during class and is already a struggle, so added stress is not something she enjoys.

The walk from the bathroom is pretty straightforward. Annie would have to weave through a few other classes. Go down the hallway, four doors on the left, and she was there. She dropped her backpack and books in her locker before taking what she needed for homeroom. Hopefully, no one would approach her because she is never in the mood for a fake conversation.

"Hey, Annie, did you do the homework for today?" Laney said to me when I was stepping through the classroom door. Why do people feel the need to make useless conversation? Every. Morning. I donned my mask and responded in my usual bubbly tone. "Yes, I did. It took me all night, though." Laney replied, "Oh yeah, it wasn't too difficult, just time-consuming, I felt. I still finished in a few hours, though. Getting that A! See you later." Oh, so this morning was a contest, I didn't realize. My eyes hurt from how badly they wanted to roll back into my head. I replied with a tired smile, "Oh, that's good. I'll talk to you later."

UGH. Mornings suck.

Class started the way it always did. Mrs. Elders took the role, morning announcements played over the loudspeaker, and the school day had begun.

Homeroom was always the place Annie felt best. It was her constant. Mrs. Elders was her favorite teacher, and naturally, she performed best in a comfortable place. Because she also taught English, Mrs. Edlers just understood how Annie's brain worked and left her be. A great teacher in her mind.

The clock seemed to be moving at a snail's pace this morning. Mrs. Elders talked about the upcoming assembly this afternoon and how she expected the class to be an example for the other classes. Excellent behavior was required, as always. Not that her classmates cared to respect those wishes.

This morning, more than others, Annie's focus was non-existent as she looked forward to the assembly. Not because of everyone gathering together; that was more of a nightmare than a blessing. But, not having to sit through the regular class schedule was a gift and a great start to the weekend.

Annie's thoughts were no longer in class as she rested her head on her desk. I can't wait for this day to end.