Dead

The New Beginning

  "Dear! Hurry up! You're going to be late!"

  "Agh!" I almost fell out of bed as I scrambled to get ready for school. I pulled on my clothes as quickly as I could, before putting my hair into two ponytails, my signature style. Grabbing my schoolbag on my way out of my room, I headed to where my parents were waiting for me.

  "Don't forget you diary!" A tiny voice exclaimed. I turned back to find a small red creature with black spots hovering over my diary, which doubled as my sketchbook. I quickly snatched it up from its resting place on the table.

  "Thanks, Tikki!" I thanked my Kwami. Smiling, she flew into my bag, and I rushed out of my room. Eating breakfast quickly, I listened as my mom reminded me that she and my dad wouldn't be home later.

  "You're sure you'll be okay be yourself, sweetie?" My mom asked me, looking worried. Swallowing my food, I jumped up and gave her a big hug.

  "Of course, mom! You and dad don't have to worry about me! Just go have fun, and I'll see you when you come home." I told her brightly, not wanting her to worry about me for a second. After all, with Tikki by my side, I was in good hands.

  "Alright." My mom conceded. I grabbed my bag from the back of the chair and rushed out the door. As I hurried, I heard my mom call after me, "Have a good day at school, sweetheart!"

  I ran through the streets, jumping over little obstacles in my way. However, despite having the Kwami of creation and luck, I couldn't escape the big puddle of water a car driving by splashed on me.

  I shook myself off best I could, knowing it was too late to go home and change.

  I have a change of clothes at the school, I thought. I'll just change there.

  Hurry on, not wanting to be late once again, I ignored the wet clothes. Despite my misfortunes, I was blessed with a very happy life. Surrounded by so many amazing friends that wouldn't hesitate to help me out in a time of need, just like I'd be there to help them, I couldn't help but be happy.

  Besides, there was someone else I made it my job to make happy, no matter what.

  I hurried on, even more invigorated than before now that I had him on my mind. My bag bounced against my back, reminding me of the load I was carrying, and I slowed down for a split second.

  That is, until I heard the school bell ring, signaling I was almost late. I ran faster than before, cursing my tiredness for making me late again. I scurried up the steps of the school, making it in the doors just as someone came to close them.

  "Good timing." My best friend greeted me, a sly smile on her face as she saw my eagerness. "You were thinking about him again, weren't you? Then got so excited that you couldn't possibly slow down."

  "Quit it! It's not just him." I said, my voice changing as I thought of his perfect blonde hair, his gorgeous green eyes. Everything about him just screamed perfect, and I just had to see him. It didn't always work out the way I wanted it to, but this time my confession would go over well.

  He would accept my feelings, then we'd start dating, maybe hold hands if he wasn't too shy, kiss, get married, have kids. Then, of course, there's the hamster named-

  "Come on! Or we'll be late to class!" My best friend urged me, but I shook my head.

  "If I'm right, he won't be in class, but-" I turned towards the library and pointed at it with finger guns. I kissed the tip of my finger, before cocking it and shooting the kiss at the doors of the library.

  At just the right time, a tall, very attractive blonde boy walked out of the library, his head hung low. He had a book in his hands, and he looked so engrossed by it, I didn't think he saw us. But I knew he did by the way he ducked slightly, just avoiding my kiss bullet, and continued walking.

  "Dang it! Another miss." I grinned. "Challenge accepted. I'll do it. I'll confess today in such an amazing way, he'll fall head over heels for me, and we'll finally get married, and-"

  "Slow down, girl! First, we have to graduate." The bell rang at that moment, and I cried out in alarm before running in the direction the blonde boy had gone. We were in the same class, and I was late.

  Knowing my best friend, she had probably already checked into class before coming to close the doors. I knew she asked for that job so that she could sneak me in if I was late, but she also used it as an excuse to scold me.

  Not nice.

  I heard my name called out just as I burst through the door.

  "Here!" I cried, making my way to my seat.

  "I'll let it slide this time, but you really have to make a better effort on getting here on time-"

  "I know, Miss. I promise I'll do better next time." The teacher nodded and continued taking attendance. His name was one of the first ones called, so I couldn't see him stand up and announce his presence.

  However, when I glanced over at his desk, it was empty. The door opened and my head turned so quickly, I could have sworn I heard it crack. There he was, in all his glory. The gorgeous blonde, dazzling green-eyed boy, the love of my life!

  Staring at him was so hard sometimes, because he was too bright. Looking into his eyes was so hard, but it was even harder to look away.

  "Ah, there you are! You're late. Take your seat." I watched him head for his desk, but looked around when I heard the whispers and excited voices of my peers. I looked at them all curiously, before turning to find him blushing.

  "You know the rules, Mister." He jumped and spun around to face my best friend, who stood at the front, looking mischievous and triumphant. "If you came here later than her, you had to take her on a date. Everyone else remembers that, right?"

  "You can't possibly be serious!" He cried in outrage. "You locked me-"

  "Rules are rules. Doesn't matter how it happened, you came here late. You know what that means." Allegra smiled evilly, which meant she was up to tormenting him. I stood, comprehending what was going on.

   "Allegra, I told you I had a plan!" I cried, glancing at my bag. It was my best one, too."

  "Sorry, girl, but he was never gonna go with it unless I stepped in. Besides, now you can show him just how amazing you are. For the entire day."

  "It's okay." I tell him quickly when I hear him groan. He looks at me suspiciously. "You don't have to do it, if you don't want to." I want to do it a different way anyway, was what I wanted to add, but he never gave me the chance.

  "Are you insinuating that I am afraid to ask you out?" He growls menacingly.

  "No, no! Of course not! I just-"

  "Bridgette Cheng, will you accompany me to dinner later tonight?" He was so stiff saying it, and he looked so mighty when he stood straight like that.

  He was... perfect!

  "Yes, Felix! I would love to accompany you!"