Rainy Mornings

Rainy days always make me wistful. They remind me of staying in, romantic movies and popcorn. Unfortunately, today was not a day for staying in, it was a school day, and as per usual, I had overslept. Mum obviously hadn't woken me before leaving for work, and my alarm clock must have blended in with my snores.

A few years ago mum decided to take a short college course in events' management, and she now worked for a small business, mostly organising weddings and other types of celebratory events. Unfortunately, she also worked long hours. With my dad in New York, and mum always working, I quite often felt lonely. My mum was yet to realise she had become what she had despised in my dad before their divorce.

I was never too lonely however, with my best friends around. As a senior at Stoneybrook High, I knew most of my fellow students from my days at Stoneybrook Middle School. A few of my close friends, (including my best friend Claudia and I) had actually been part of a club back in the eighth grade. We shared a common interest in Baby-sitting, and became close friends that year.

Unfortunately, a few of our members moved away, or drifted off to different groups in High school. But Claudia, Mary Anne and I were still close.

As for the others, Jessi Ramsey became quite serious about her dancing at 11, and barely has time for 'outside' friends. I heard she is quite likely to leave SHS for a ballet scholarship.

Mallory Pike remained at boarding school, and comes home for holidays, where she and I catch up. Her family lives in the house behind mine.

Dawn Schaffer lives in California with her dad, step mum, brother and baby sister. She is happiest where it's sunniest.

Kristy Thomas and Abby Stevenson are still friends, but they are friends with totally different people now. They got a lot more serious about their love for sport as we got older, with Kristy playing varsity girls softball, and Abby captain of the girls Soccer team.

Shannon Kilbourne had ended up attending SHS in 9th grade, and is now one of my closest friends.

Tired of reminiscing, I yawned and stretched out on my bed, taking a glance at the clock as I did so. I stopped mid-yawn and realised how late I actually was. I would barely have time to grab something to eat – but I knew I would have to make time for that. That and my insulin shot. I have Diabetes, a disease that restricts what I eat, and requires that I take shots a few times a day. After having it since I was in the 6th grade, I'm now quite used to it, but the thought of it still makes some people wince.

As I showered, I pondered about my outfit for the day… and finally decided on a cute little denim mini, and a pink top with a white jacket. Grabbing a pink satchel bag for my stuff, and some pink shoes, all I had left to do was my hair and make-up. Years ago I had permed my hair constantly, but I had thankfully decided to stop, and added a few blonde highlights to change my look. I quickly put my hair up in a French twist, securing it with a clip. Adding make-up to my face, and an apple and a muesli bar to my bag, I quickly took my shot and ran out the door.

Jumping into the white Jeep my dad bought my for my 16th birthday ('trying to buy my affection' according to mum. 'Guilty for not being there' according to me), I started off to school, detouring past Claud's on the way. Just before I reached her street, my mobile rang. A picture of Claud flashed on my screen.

"I'll be right there!" I answered quickly, hanging up as I pulled into Claud's street. She jumped in when I pulled over, and we tore off toward school.

Over the years Claudia's fashion sense had developed from creative and funky (or so we thought at the time) into quite simple, yet sleek. Today her long hair was crimped and worn out, and she wore a white turtleneck cotton dress, with a black leather plaited belt slung casually around her waist. She wore black knee high boots and HUGE silver hoops to complete the outfit. Kinda made me wish I'd had more time to contemplate my 'cute' outfit.

Pulling up into the parking lot, Claud and I got out and ran up to the front of the school to meet up with our friends. Shannon, Emily Bernstein and Pete Black were standing there with Mary Anne. As I caught sight of the person standing next to her, my body went into overdrive.

My heart rate fastened, my stomach started tingling, and my face felt hot. We came up to them, and I couldn't tear my eyes away from…

Logan Bruno.

Mary Anne's boyfriend.