NOTE: Hey guys! How have you been? I am really sorry that I haven't been updating very often, it's just…UGH life. Anyways, I have a new chapter for you guys and that is exciting! Now, I got A LOT of different requests from you guys and I am trying to fit all of that in and I promise they will all get written at some time or another, I have a list that I am checking off. This chapter probably will not be anyone's request but I am pretty excited for it and it is the first real inspiration I have had in a while. I hope you enjoy!
It was the middle of August and the first day of Callie's junior year was starting in a week. She was watching a sappy lifetime movie when she heard the mailman outside. Nobody else was downstairs so she decided to fetch the mail for the family.
Callie switched off the television and trekked down the driveway to the blue mailbox. As she opened it, she swatted away the gnats from her face – she had always hated the hot weather. Her lanky arm reached into the box and retrieved the few pieces of mail. Walking back up to the house, she mumbled to herself while shifting through mail "Coupons, Coupons, Bills, Junk Mail, I am NOT donating to you, magazine," she continued until she came to a stack of 5 different envelopes from Anchor Beach Charter school. She groaned, realizing that it was almost that time of the year.
When she entered the house, Lena was in the kitchen looking through the refrigerator. She saw Callie enter and closed the door "Oh, anything good?"
Callie threw the mail on the table "Some junk mail, Marianna's magazine, and Bills. And I think we got our schedules."
Lena's face brightened "That's exciting! You should all open them together!" When the teen shrugged, she took that as a yes. Suddenly, Lena's voice filled the house "Kids! Your schedules are here!"
It was not long before a trail of 5 teenagers came running down the stairs. Marianna was the first to open her letter. With enthusiasm, she read aloud "Okay, first semester I have Honors English II, Algebra 2, Chemistry, and Dance. For second semester I have AP US History, French II, Astronomy, and Creative Writing! Yes! I got into Creative Writing with Timothy!"
Everyone else had their turn sharing their schedules with everyone and they all seemed pretty happy. Callie got into AP English III with Timothy, and Jude was excited for his Philosophy 101 elective. When all the kids eventually retreated to their rooms, Callie was left staring at her schedule.
Lena noticed the teen "Is everything okay? You are going to be just fine in that AP class, you're awesome at it." Callie looked unusually pale. This was strange because she looked so happy a few minutes ago.
Callie pointed to a spot on her paper "I have gym this semester" Her eyes were glazed over and she could not take her eyes off of the paper.
Lena still could not wrap her head around the idea that gym was so bad. She could see that her daughter was really upset about this and she walked around to put a hand on her back "What's wrong with that sweetie? Ms. Herring is very nice."
Callie sat down at the kitchen table and set her letter down in front of her. She looked straight ahead and shook her head "I don't think you understand. Gym: Shorts and Short Sleeves."
Lena immediately understood. She sat next to Callie and looked at her "I see. Well, you know you can't get out of taking gym. It is the law. But, I can talk to Ms. Herring for you and see if you can wear a long sleeved shirt under it of a jacket."
Callie felt better at the thought of a solution, but she still wasn't excited to be taking the class "No, I'll talk to her. I don't want someone else to fight my battles for me. Thanks though."
"Are you sure? I would be more than happy to—"
"I'm sure! Thanks"
It was the first day of school. Everything had gone smoothly for Callie so far, and it was time for 3rd period gym. She sat through the whole class period in the gym with Ms. Herring talking to the class about what was to be expected of them and when the new units would happen. At the end of class, Callie had a few minutes to talk to her before lunch.
Her palms were sweating as she approached the gym teacher. "Ms. Herring? Can I talk to you for a second?"
The tall woman turned around and smiled at Callie "its Callie right? Aren't you Lena's kid? I saw you with her an awful lot last year and she talks about you at meetings sometimes. Enough of that, what's up?"
Callie cringed at the thought of Lena talking about her to other people. What had she said? She pushed that thought to the back of her mind and focused on what mattered. "Yea, they adopted us over the summer. I was wondering if I could wear a long sleeved shirt under my gym uniform. I have some stuff on my arms that I am self-conscious about and I don't really feel comfortable with the short sleeves." Callie looked at the ground as she waited for Ms. Herring to speak up.
The lady gave a concerned look at the teen "Is everything okay?"
Callie did not shift her gaze from the floor as she spoke to the woman "Not really, but my moms already know about that. You can go ahead and ask Lena if you want. I just really need to wear a long sleeved shirt, that's all."
Ms. Herring still looked concerned but she eventually nodded. "That's okay with me, you might also want to wear a jacket when it gets cold out and we go outside. Take care of yourself, Callie."
Callie finally built up the courage to look at the gym teacher. "Thank you. I am going to lunch now" She sped out of the gym
Ms. Herring called out a short "Goodbye!" as the teen left.
Later that day, Ms. Herring went to Lena's office and knocked on the door.
"Come in!" shouted Lena from her desk
Ms. Herring entered "Hello Lena!"
Lena knew exactly what this was about from the second the gym teacher walked into the room "Hey! You can go ahead and sit down if you want."
The Gym teacher shook her head "This will actually be pretty quick. So…about Callie, Is she…?"
Lena interjected at Ms. Herrings statement "Everything is under control, I assure you. Thank you for your concern."
Ms. Herring nodded and headed to the door "That is all I needed to know! Thanks!"
Lena gave her goodbyes as the lady left the room. She was proud of Callie for taking the responsibility of talking to her teachers. Her thoughts were interrupted by a phone-call from Stef. She answered "Stef, you know you are not supposed to call me at work."
"I know, I'm sorry. It was an emergency."
"What?" Lena said, noticing the slight sense of anger and worry in her wife's voice
"You will never guess where I found Callie…And I will give you a hint, It was not school."
NOTE: DUH DUH DUUUUUUH sooooooo did you like it? I hope so. Anyways, now that I read this over, I realize that this wasn't really all that good so I apologize for that. Like I said, I am still working in all of your requests and they will show up soon but don't be afraid to leave more. I LOVE IT WHEN YOU GUYS LEAVE NICE REVIEWS! I realized that I haven't said that in a while but just know that you are really awesome and it makes my day when I see a nice comment in my reviews box. I love you all!
ALSO! THE WINNER OF THE CO-WRITER CONTEST THINGY IS *cue drumroll* TheTBone! Everyone that applied was super awesome and It was really hard to choose but T, I think our writing styles will really match and I am super excited. SO, to all of you, be looking out for a new story within the next couple days/weeks/decades.
OH AND I LEFT SOMETHING OUT! I haven't decided where I wanted Stef to find Callie skipping school but I want it to be somewhat dramatic so it would be cool if you could give me your thoughts/ideas
And also, to the person who wants to have Liam come back just….no…I'm sorry but asdfjkl; I can't even comprehend my thoughts and feelings towards that and it scares me to think about writing it.
I love you guys!
XOXO
Katie