Chapter 1: Bloodthirsty Students
That day started like the many others before it. Wake up to my alarm playing 'Tightrope' by Walk the Moon, get dressed, and go sit at my favorite spot. The roof.
I watch as the sun did its morning stretch over the horizon. Peeking it's head over the trees, tickling the clouds pink and red. I let the calm that only the morning could bring wash over me. The air was crisp with the faint musk of rain from the night before. Birds sang their sweet innocent melody of promise. Carrying on with their morning in ignorant bliss.
Everything seemed right in the world. Although, I had no idea of what is to would occur later that day.
Sighing in reluctance, I made my way back inside the silent house to wake my brother, Rafael.
He has been acting somewhat strange lately. Being secretive, not tell me where he goes during the weekends or after school. He would come home real late some nights and sneak through the window, also. I snorted in my head. He thinks I don't suspect anything.
I walk down the hallway and into Raf's room. Creeping silently over to his bed, I rip the sheets off and scream, "Rise and shine, sleepy head!" Only to find an empty bed.
'Really? Again?!' I thought with a sigh of exasperation.
Shrugging it off, because it's not the first time this has happened. I stopped freaking out after the first few times. I still remember the first time this occurred. Man, did I have a heart attack when I couldn't find him anywhere. His excuse the next day was and I quote, "uhh... I was...taking a walk. Yeah. I got up early and took a walk." Then he quickly shuffled off to his room, to do God knows what.
If that wasn't a load of broccoli, I don't know what was. But, there was nothing I could do except scold him and make him promise not to do it again. A promise clearly not kept.
I make my way to the kitchen, where mom was more than likely to be. The smell of bacon filled my nose, making me drool. I walk into the kitchen while wiping the drool off. Ew.
"Morning." I groan out, getting a plate out of the cabinet. I never say good morning. There's nothing bloody 'good' about it.
"Good morning, Juniper!" Mother replied with cheerfulness.
Why is my family full of morning people? I wondered.
"Come on, get something to eat and get ready for school. Wouldn't want to miss a day of your senior year, would you?" Mother questioned with a quirked brow.
"No, I guess not." I mumbled.
"Good, now stuff your face with food and get going!" She exclaimed with a bright smile and shooing motion.
"Alright, Alright." I say with my hands in front of me, surrendering. I put some bacon and a biscuit on my plate and head over to the dining table.
In a matter of minutes, the food is gone and I'm rushing to the door. Picking up my bag and stuffing supplies in it on the way, trying to get away from my depressingly quiet house.
Next thing I know, I'm walking down the street on my way to school. Deciding I need music, I put my earbuds in and listen to 'Panic! At the disco' for awhile and let my mind wonder.
What am I going to do after high school? I don't want to be that person who still lives with their parents when they're 30. Do I want to go to college? What career path would I want to take? Maybe I can open a plant nursery. I am named after a plant, you know. Why am I named after a plant, anyways? Did mom name me that, secretly, wanting me to open a plant shop when I grow up? Woah, Juniper, getting a little crazy there.
I shake my head clear of my weird and jumpy thoughts, and make my way to the school entrance. Taking a deep breath, I step inside the crap hole call "school".
The halls are stocked full of students trying to get to class or their locker. Sometimes it reminds me of a never ending stream of fish. Swimming up and down the halls, waiting to be released into the big pound call 'life'.
I grimly make my way down the hall towards my first class, calculus. Why the councilors made that my first class of the day, I don't know. They probably know I'm not a morning person and did it to spite me.
I'm making my way down the hall when a little freshmen stumbled in front of my path. Before I had time to react I rammed into them and we crashed to the floor. Rolling off of the poor kid I just squashed, I slowly get up off the floor and groan. I think my rib got stabbed with the corner of their textbook. And man did it hurt like hell.
I finally look around and notice everyone is frozen, watching us in anticipation. I give them my most horrid glare and ask, "What? Are you guys so bloodthirsty that you think I'm going to beat a little kid because of an accident?" I give a snort when they quickly make their way to wherever they where going with sheepish expressions.
I look down at the freshmen that got in my way and saw they are spread out on the floor with a dazed look. Or should I say her. With a chuckle, I crouch down and gently lift her up by the arms. Making sure she was steady on her feet, I let her go and ask if she's ok.
"What? Oh, yeah I'm fine. Just have a bruise on the back of my head probably and a slight headache." She says, lightly rubbing the back of her head. Suddenly her eyes light up like a christmas tree with excitement and giddiness. "I can't wait to tell Bulkhead I got ran over by a senior. He's going to freak!"
Bulkhead? What or who the heck is 'Bulkhead'?
"Look, kid. I need to get to class and you do, too. So, if you don't have a concussion or anything I need to go." I say in a hurry, not having time to dwell on her weirdness. If I got another tardy, mom will flip.
Not pausing for a response, I dash like a gazelle with a cheetah on its ass to calculus.
Not knowing, that seemingly insignificant moment was the end of my some-what calm life.