Counting Symbols (A Transformers Story)

Chapter 3

Amanda's POV

Beep! Beep! Beep! I groaned and opened my eyes, letting them adjust to the dark. I sat up in bed and yawned, stretching my arms as I did so. I rolled over in bed and clicked the off button on my clock. It's about time I get a new clock that plays music or something less annoying then that beeping sound, I thought, slipping out from my warm, toasty bed.

I changed my pajamas for a dark blue shirt with blue jeans. I combed my hair until it shone and brushed my teeth extra hard. I didn't want Jack to see me as some weird girl.

I slung my backpack over my shoulder and grabbed my phone before heading downstairs. In the kitchen, the first thing I saw was my mom asleep on the kitchen table. I shook my head as I walked over to her. She probably stayed up last night, I thought. I gently rested my hand on Mom's shoulder and shook her until her eyelids fluttered open.

"Amanda?" Mom said, looking up at me. "Yeah?" I asked. "I...I fell asleep, didn't I?" Mom's shoulders slumped as I nodded. "It's ok, Mom. You were just tired, that's all," I comforted her. I grab my toast and buttered it. I took a bite and sat down next to her. "Now I'm concerned about you," I said, munching. Mom just smiled and rolled her eyes playfully. I kissed her on the cheek. "Have a good day, Mom!" I called as I ran out the front door.

I was about to climb my bike when someone said, "Hello". I looked up to see a short boy, about my age. He was wearing a red shirt with baggy pants and his red glasses kept slipping down his nose. "Hi," I greeted him. I smiled. "My name's Amanda Winters. What's yours?" The boy smiled back and said, "Rafael, but call me Raf." I nodded. "Um, do you want to walk to school with me?" He asked, shifting on his feet. "Sure! I could get away from my bike, I ride so often," I laughed and walked down the sidewalk with Raf.

"So, we have any classes together?" Raf asked. I nodded. "Homeroom and English, and I think maybe Science, too," I said. "Cool," Raf said. We carried on walking in awkward silence. Raf cleared his throat.

"So uh, my friend Jack told me he was texting you last night. I think he wants to get to know you better," Raf said. I smiled. "Really?" I asked, hoping I didn't sound too eager. Raf nodded. "Cool! I'd like to meet him too," I said happily. Raf just smiled.

Then I frowned. "Did he show you our texts?" I asked. Raf nodded, his expression changing a little. "Oh, uh, do you know who Ratchet is?" Raf stiffened beside me. "Did I sat something wrong?" I quickly said, fearful he would dump me and walk by himself. Raf shook his head. "No, and I don't know who Ratchet is," Raf said dismissively. "Oh, ok. Thanks anyways," I said.

"Why do you want to know?" Raf asked, shooting me a confused sideways glance. I shrugged. "I just...Jack mistaken me for someone named Ratchet. He asked if he could come over to that guy's base," I said. Raf was quiet for a minute before saying, "Well, we're here. I'll see you in homeroom, K?" "Sure! See ya later!" I called as Raf took the stairs two at a time. I was surprised that our walk went by so quickly.

"I see you've meet Raf," Someone said behind me. I jumped and turned around to see a tall boy in my grade. His eyes were green and he has orange hair. I cocked my head. "Yeah? Is that ok?" I asked, confused. The boy said that about Raf as though it was a bad thing I've met him.

The boy sneered. "The names Vince," he said, holding out a hand. I took it and shook it. "Amanda," I told him. Then I asked again, "What's wrong with meeting Raf?" "Oh nothing. I just suggest you stay as far from him as possible," Vince replied. Confused, I muttered, "But Raf is a nice kid." "Oh sure," Vince snapped, rolling his eyes. "Raf is like the opposite of nice!"

Surprised, I looked at him with my mouth open. The school bell rang. I knew my classes would be starting soon. "Well, it was nice meeting you," I said, backing away toward the school steps. "See you later!" I whirled around and dashed up the stairs and into the school. I didn't stop running until I was at my locker.