Raphael's P.O.V.-
I have no clue why but I suddenly woke up from my nap in a cold sweat. What the hell? My eyes quickly scanned myself then my surroundings over. For some odd reason, I couldn't stop trembling for a minute or two. Though I couldn't remember it, I felt like I just woke up from a bad dream- a nightmare. So scary that it interrupted my sleep. What's more weird, Baby's image kept popping up in my head over and over. But it wasn't a happy experience; it felt like something- or someone- was looming in the background over her. Couldn't fathom what it was but something definitely felt off- real off.
Leo and Mikey were playing a video game when I wandered into the common area. Neither acknowledged my entrance, too entranced in their current battle. But I didn't care about that. I just rubbed the back of my neck and turned to the eldest. "Where are they? Still at school?" "By "they", I assume you mean Baby and April," Leo said, not moving his eyes off the screen. "School's still on for another hour, why?"
I didn't respond right away, rolling my gaze to the corner of my eyes. "No reason," I eventually sighed. "You ok, Raph?" Now Leo finally glanced over at me. "You look… a little shaken." "I-it's nothing," I rubbed the back of my neck again. "Hey," I then added. "Does "lavender" mean anything to you guys?" "Lavender? You mean the flower? No," Leo had already turned his attention back to the game. "That's what I thought," it didn't mean anything to me either. "Take that, bro!" Mikey yelled, getting more engrossed in the battle. "Oh crap!" Leo joined him.
Leaving them to that, I went off to the kitchen where I knew I would have some privacy. I didn't want to be called out on my blatant hypocrisy; wasn't in the mood to deal with that. I still couldn't shake the feeling of dread; dread hanging around Baby's image in my mind. I pulled out my phone and found her number. I'm not checking up on her, I told myself internally. I'm just… making sure she's paying attention in class, yeah… Cause that's my business, I gave a little cringe. Either way, I'm texting her. My fingers began to type as fast as possible.
Baby's P.O.V.-
"Now, I want a four-hundred-word essay on what you did this summer and more specifically, the moral implications of your actions by tomorrow morning." We all looked at each other, not responding until April raised her hand. "Uh, Mr. Ratburn? We're in twelfth grade." "Mmmmmm, you're right, Miss O'Neil," his tanned hand rubbed along his chin thoughtfully. We all then smiled at her like she was our savour- prematurely, it would sadly appear. "I'd like a five-hundred-word essay by tomorrow; it'll help prepare you for college. And remember, spelling counts." We didn't hold back our groans this time as the room erupted with them.
"Now then, let's get a head start on this year's curriculum," Mr. Ratburn turned to start scribbling something down on the board; I don't know what it was, I wasn't paying attention. Of all the teachers to get stuck with for…. Wait, what class was this again? I checked my timetable inside my notebook. College prep?! We had him for college prep?! Ugh! This was going to be a nightmare. Could things get any worse?
At that moment, I got a message on my phone. With a quick glance to see that Mr. Strictest Teacher of the Year wasn't looking, I pulled it out for a check. [Red: u'd better be paying attention in class] Ugh, I both rolled my eyes and grinned simultaneously. If he wanted to know where I was, why didn't he just come out and ask? Oh well, at least this was more interesting than…. whatever that was Mr. Ratburn was scribbling down. [Me: u don't see the irony in ur message; how can I pay attention if ur texting me?] [Red: whatever; pay attention! I'll see u later after skool] [Me: k, see u at the shop later] I had to put my phone away after that when April gave me a nudge. It appears Mr. Ratburn saw and wasn't too pleased, judging by the way he was sternly glaring at me and tapping his foot. Yep, I was wrong; things could get worse.