Falling from the Top

Chapter 22

Tuesday came too fast. I felt my bad mood peek as soon as I had awakened that morning. My head felt heavy and killing someone was the first thing up on my to-do list. Thankfully, Lucinda had been at my place early and managed to cheer me up with freshly baked pancakes. As a result, killing someone took the third place in my to-do list.

I arrived at school early, knowing that if I lingered home too long, I would inevitably stumble across my mother's ghost. She looked more frail, paler and dead every day. Jelena and Ava arrived some moment later, clearly surprised to see me here so early and irradiating with irritation. It was obvious that questions ran through their minds but they were sensible enough to keep quiet. And then, Jelena started talking.

"I talked to Paul today," Jelena started. "He told me about all these great people he met when he showed them around the city, you know like he did with us. And he said he has had the opportunity to meet a great guy that invited him to come and see him. Apparently, the guy lives a few kilometres away from here and...," She paused for the dramatic effect. "After he has visited this other dude, he's going to come and see US!"

She squealed in excitement and Ava joined in her high pitched scream. I blocked my ear but laughed. They grabbed my hands and started to jump up and down.

"Oh, I can only imagine the moment when you'll see him again!" Ava said dreamily. Contrary to what others believed, Ava was a true romantic. Into prince charming and all.

"I know! After all this time of talking through the phone, I finally see his lips form the words he'll whisper to me." Jelena responded with a vague smile.

"And when is he arriving?" I broke in, down to Earth. But that didn't seem to affect Jelena in any way. Her smile only grew larger as she declared.

"Two weeks. I'm so excited!"

Two weeks seemed like a long time, but then again, she was the one who had been talking and waiting for him to come by. At least, she knew exactly when her lover would stand next to her, whereas I had no idea when mine would even be ready to do so.

I sighed and hugged her. "I can't wait!" She hopped up and down in my embrace and I laughed. "Alright, back to reality. We are late for Biology."

Ava gave me a suspicious look. "Since when do you care about being late?"

Jelena laced her arm with mine and butted in. "Since she got a crush on the nerd." She whispered the next part to Ava with a smirk on her face. "You know, to show him she's smart and all. But if you ask me, I don't think it's working."

I elbowed her and giggle. "Oh shut up. Besides, he knows I suck at school, no need to play smart..."

They both laughed and I blushed a little. We halted in front of my class and they both moved away, towards theirs. As I was taking an easier biology class, we were separated.

The time ticked by slowly and when the bell finally rang, I rushed out the door. Next lesson was the best.

I arrived in the small theatre room and slouched down on one of the red seats. Many other students joined me and Cherry sat next to me. I smiled and she returned it. Our relationship wasn't great but she kept low on my radar since the whole Nina thing.

Our teacher ran on the stage, out of breath. He was a small, round and bold man. He was pretty extravagant and wacky. Today, he wore a vermillion suit, with a huge black bow tie. He was the only teacher who didn't wear a pair of jeans and a chemise. I absolutely loved him, especially since I aced his class.

"GOOD NEWS STUDENTS!" He yield, which was almost unnecessary because most of us sat on the front row. But then again, this was Mr Doriani so what did I expect? We all stood silently, excited to hear the rest. "We have been selected to play at this year's kermess a play of my choice. The principal even gave us the big stage where they usually placed the best band of the year! This is so great. And it will count for your end of year grade so you guys better give your best." He clapped his hands a few times, obviously excited.