Chapter 9 Ninth Chapter

Chapter 9

"Don't tell me you actually slept in late?!"

I heard Gabby's voice ask in disbelief. But her voice was fading in and out of my consciousness. I blinked a couple of times trying to get out of the have. "Huh?" I asked sleepily. "I can't believe this, is this you? The early bird of the house and most likely the only one in the whole country??" She asked in sheer disbelief.

I tried to make sense of what she was trying to say, when it finally clicked. I jumped off the bed, and ran into the bathroom. You see, I love waking up early, my motto for that was, "the early bird got the worm." I think I read that some where, but it stuck and became my motivation. Because I believe when you wake up early, you tend to seize the day, you become more focused, and your brain would be sharper. So in all my years of living, I always woke up early, even on Saturdays, hence the reaction of my sister. Running blindly into the bathroom, without my glasses I had managed to turn the bathroom upside down, knocking down every and anything that was in my way. I quickly brushed my teeth, and had my bath, my morning hot cocoa could wait.

My glasses was back on top of my nose immediately I got in the room, I didn't want to knock anything else, I didn't think I would have the chance to clean them up later. A pink plain gown, and pink sandals would have to do for today, as I was running extremely late.

"Morning Mom, morning Dad!!" I greeted as I rushed down the stairs. "Oh my goodness honey, did something happen?" Mom asked handing me my hot cocoa. I waved my hand dismissively, I didn't know how to explain to her that I slept through the alarm. My fingers hooked on the mug, and I took a sip, but quickly spit it out and blew hard. "Hot, hot, hot!!" I said, fanning my burnt tongue. "I am so sorry, I didn't mean to, but in my defense, I did try to warm you." Mom said taking the mug from me and cleaning the kitchen counter. "I never thought I would live to see the day Carolyn Anderson would be completely disoriented, thrown out of her game. My, my, what a day to be alive." Gabby said coming down the stairs with a self satisfied smile plastered on her face. I just eyed her. I couldn't say anything if I wanted anyway, my tongue was still suffering. I heard Andrina's car horn blast furiously from outside. My eyes widened, "They have been here for quite a while." Dad informs me. I muttered under my breath and I dashed towards the front door. My bag got caught in the door after I had already gone out. I groaned and came back to open the door, before pulling it back to me. Sophie had a sour look on her face by the time I got to the car.

"Why do you look like that?" She asked immediately I got in. Normally I wouldn't have minded, but even Andrina looked at me weird as she drove off. "What do you mean?" I asked, I winced because I still felt the burn on my tongue. "Did you look at the mirror? Seen your hair?" She asked passing me her hand mirror. I collected it gingerly. And gasped in horror once I saw who, or rather what stared back at me. A terrifying version of myself. I couldn't even believe that was me. My hair was sticking out in every direction, I didn't get it because I knew it wouldn't dry, and I forgot to comb it. That was when I knew today was going to be a bad day in the life of Carolyn Anderson. "Here." Sophie said passing me a hair brush. I took it gratefully, and started to untangle the nuts in my hair.

Soon it was smooth, and I didn't look terrible anymore. Andrina passed me one of the pink hair bands she stashed in the car for me. I never understood why she bought a couple of pink hair bands and filled up her car, but today I was more than grateful. When we got to school, I was only five minutes early, and I loved being overly early so I could do rounds, checking everywhere if any student or teacher needed my help with anything. But today, I could not go round the school. I just picked out the notorious hiding spots, at least then I would feel half accomplished. "You guys go ahead, I will join you soon." I tell the girls before dashing to the opposite side of the school. The old site, I knew many people went there to smoke. And I would have to go there and Chase them away.

And immediately I got there, I saw them smoking. I almost face palmed. Because this was the routine but they never learnt their lessons. "Come on Pres, it was your birthday yesterday, can't we just have this one day?" Theo asked. Theo has been one of my many issues since I got here. "No Theo, no day of Grace ever, do you want me to take you to the Principal's office, or will you hand it over?" I asked, already knowing the outcome. "Aww Pres, you are such a meanie." Theo teased, but handed one stick over. This was Theo, always joking around, but knew not to over step his boundaries. "The whole pack Theo." I said looking pointedly at his pocket. He groaned and gave it to me. I smiled at him. And faced the rest, they were four, but the easiest to deal with was Theo, and once I dealt with Theo, the rest would follow. "Still won't let me hit it Pres?" Garry asked me. I frowned, because he always asks this. I didn't understand what he meant by that, I wondered if he wanted to hit me, why would he want to hit a lady?? I stretched my hand out for his pack of cigarettes. "What do you mean by hit it?" I asked out of genuine curiosity. I didn't want to judge him too quickly, and conclude that he was a woman beater. They burst out laughing, and I stood there confusedly. Until they stopped. "Holy shit you really don't know what it means?" He asked amusement dancing in his irises. I hissed at him. "Language!"

"Well miss president, why don't I show you what it means?" He asked taking a step towards me. I took one back, not out of fear, but because he smelt of cigarettes. And he towered over me big time. "Hey Miss President! I have my cigarettes!" I heard a new voice say from the other side of the hall. I turned to look, but he was already by my side. My eyes widened, and my heart rate increased. He stood beside me, glaring at Garry. "You want to take advantage of her innocence?" He asked. But I couldn't process anything, because of the way my heart was beating. But I knew he steered me out of there and into the throng of student body. "Jo.. Joseph?" I asked shakily. He looked at me irritatedly. And walked away. And I almost melted, because what in heavens name was that??