"That doesn't bother me," Daria brushed off Jane's observation. "What bothers me is that jerk is going to be treated like a hero for the rest of his life."
"Well, maybe he won't live that long," Jane offered.
"Come on. You know wishes don't come true."
At that moment, a great blinding light filled all of Daria and Jane's perception - and, apparently, that of all the other students, as everybody cried out in surprise or fear. Accompanying the light was a massive roar, and for a fleeting second Daria was sure it was the detonation of a nuclear device.
The inky blackness that replaced the sudden dazzling display did not disabuse her of this notion at first. However, she realized she could still hear her fellow classmates, and could feel Jane tugging on her arm and asking if she were okay. That she was still alive was the strongest indication it was not a nuclear attack. Within seconds, the hall was vaguely illuminated again with the dim glow of lighters, keychain flashlights, and the occasional cell phone screen.
"Come on, Daria, let's get out of here," Jane said, holding her own lighter up for the scant visibility.
The student body slowly filed down the halls, nearly all of them leaving the school outright. Daria was surprised (and a little worried) at seeing the blackness continued outside - whatever happened had blotted the sun out, apparently. She sorted through the possible scenarios of what had happened in her head, but she didn't have enough data yet to know exactly what was wrong.
"Get back here!" Ms. Li shouted behind them, standing at the school doors. "School hasn't been dismissed yet!" Most ignored her.
"At least today wasn't a total bust," Jane said with a smirk. "We got to leave early."
"I guess. I'd take a whole week of school if I didn't have to meet Tommy Sherman again."
"Yikes, he must have really rubbed you the wrong way." Jane made a face at the prospect of more school.
They walked down the sidewalk a few more yards before Daria and Jane both tripped, causing them to yell out loud. "Damnit!" Daria cursed, grabbing her scraped knee. Jane looked down to where they had tripped, holding the lighter close to the ground.
The sidewalk was tattered, like some giant had ripped it in half. Examining around the sidewalk revealed that the tearing extended to the road and the lawn flanking it. On the other side of the 'tear' was grass.
Daria and Jane exchanged a worried look. "Curiouser and curiouser," Daria muttered.
Having no other option, they walked onward through the grass, until they reached a brick building.
"Amiga, I think this is..." Words failed Jane.
Daria nodded, swallowing nervously. "It is. Lawndale High."
They looked behind them. The inky blackness that encompassed everything hid what should have been Lawndale High School from sight. It would have been really comforting to see right about now, especially since they had apparently reached that same building by walking in a straight line.
"Do you ever get the feeling you're going around in circles?" Jane asked.