"I'm going to school now, see you later ma!" I catch a piece of toast right as it springs out of the toaster, toss my backpack over my shoulder, and sprint to the door.

"Late again! Young lady, you are cutting it real close. I don't send you to school for this, you are there to study!" My mother snaps from the kitchen, waving a knife threateningly as she pauses from slicing her pancakes.

I tap my foot impatiently with my hand on the doorknob. I really don't have time for another lecture. "Spare me the lecture please, I have to go."

"Listen to me when I'm speaking to you!" She glares fiery daggers into my soul.

I let go of the door and sigh, crossing my arms while still holding the toast.

"You really think you'll get full with a piece of toast?" She sneers. "How are you supposed to study? If I get another call about you falling asleep in class, I swear I'll cancel your outings."

What outings? I almost laugh. "Mom please."

"What the hell are you waiting for? Get out of here already!"

God, finally. I step out the door and use every ounce of will in my body not to slam it. It's a good thing school is just a short walking distance from home, otherwise I'd be majorly screwed.

It didn't seem to matter whether I stayed for a lecture or not, it was the same story either way. There was always the chance she'd give me a bigger one after school if I did leave, and I wasn't in the mood for it.

***

"Assembly? What is Mr. Dacus talking about?" I whisper to Joel as everyone starts bustling out of the classroom. "I didn't know that was today."

"Cheeuh, where have you been? Dozing off, I imagine."

My mind flashes back to this morning and I slap his arm. "Not even! Seriously though, what is this assembly even about?"

"They're announcing some cash prize they're giving out to the best student or whatever. All I know is that thanks to that announcement, we get to miss out on half an hour of English lit. Now that's what I'm talkin' bout baby!" he winks and finger guns me.

Cash prize? He must be talking about scholarships.

"You're such a geek," I shove him playfully, cracking a grin.

"And you're a big nerd," he fights back, sticking out his tongue. Something looks different about him.

That's when I notice the dark bags under his eyes. They weren't there before.

"Yo, what's good?" Sloane bumps into us and throws her arms around our shoulders.

"Nothin', just talking about how mad awesome it is to skip class for an assembly," Joel muses. His words slip out like butter, smooth and slow.

We bustle through a packed hallway that's tighter than a can of sardines, nothing we're not used to of course, and eventually squeeze our way through the double doors of the auditorium. Voices echo off the antiquated walls as people settle in.

Sloane, Joel, and I slide into a row of red cushioned seats and make ourselves comfortable as a plump, red faced principal wipes away sweat with a handkerchief and taps on the microphone.

"Test, test, one two three," he nods after receiving a thumbs up from a technician in the back and puts away the handkerchief. He runs a hand over his three hairs to keep them in place and beams. "Welcome, graduating class of 1980! Give a round of applause for yourselves!"

The full auditorium of students erupts in cheer and applause for themselves. Joel brings his fingers to his lips and whistles loudly. Sloane and I laugh and whoop.

"You are beginning the end of your high school journey," Principal McGregor proclaims powerfully. "As you embark on this final academic year and prepare for your lives beyond former grade school, it is important to remember that we are here to support and push you to success. Which is why today, we have a very special announcement."

Low murmurs fill the room, wondering what the special message could possibly be.

"I need to go to the bathroom," Joel whispers suddenly.

"Joel!" Sloane hisses.

"I just, I really have to," his eyes go wide. He cranes his neck to identify the best path towards the exit. A bead of sweat trickles down his forehead.

"Hey," I hold my hand over his arm gently. "Are you ok?"

He stares back at me and shrugs nonchalantly. "What? Yeah. It's nothing, it's just kinda hot in here don't you think?"

A brute security guard standing near one of the exits glares in our direction.

"I have a bottle of water if you want, I haven't opened it," I whisper.

"Alright sure," he finally gives in and I hand him the bottle. Sloane lifts an eyebrow at me in confusion as he takes a swig and I shrug, turning my attention back to the stage.

"— hundred thousand dollars. That's right, we're offering a full ride scholarship to the top senior to attend the college of their choice!" Principal McGregor extends his arms dramatically as the crowd erupts in gasps and excited whispers.

"Woo, money," Sloane rolls her eyes. "We already know they're going to give it to one of the rich kids whose parents donate to the school."

I side eye her as soon as she says that. Time slows down. This is it. Something heats up and pounds in my chest— the slow coming realization that my fate is in my very hands. This prize was made for me. "Not if I can help it," I grin with determination.

"Rain Wilson, are you going to make history?" Sloane raises an eyebrow daringly and opens her mouth in surprise.

"We shall see," I smile and give a modest shrug. Taking in a deep breath, I focus proudly on the stage and imagine my future. I will be up there, shaking the principal's hand as they award me a full ride scholarship. I will change history. I will make my future.

"In order to be considered for the Annual Willowburg Merit Scholarship," the principal continues, "you must submit an application. We will be looking at your grades and course-load, of course, but this will not be the only determinant. Willowburg High values determination, integrity, and contribution. Your application will consist of a list of your activities, courses, grades, and an essay answering a self-reflective prompt."

"I'm going to fall asleep, wake me up when this is over," Joel leans back in his seat and pretends to snore. Sloane muffles her cackle as I nudge him awake.

"Hey you rebel, this could help you too!"

"Doubt," he scoffs at me. "It's mostly the rich kids who can afford to pay for those fancy tutors and programs to get good grades and shit. What's the point?"

"It's not just about that. I'll wake you up with some warm water down your back if you really want it," I squint.

"Oh please Rain, don't threaten me with that," he sits forward and groans as he rubs his cheeks, probably recalling the prank Sloane and I pulled one summer.

Sloane's face turns red trying not to laugh out loud. "You were passed out drunk in my driveway, what did you want me to do?"

"Not cool," he shakes his head in embarrassment.

"Pay attention now," I hush them and pat his back.

"Lastly, you will need a letter of recommendation from a teacher of your choice, preferably one you have connected with most. The application and your letter of recommendation will be due by February. The scholarship winner will be announced on Graduation Day. We wish you all the best of luck!"

***

Sloane drapes her arm over my shoulder as we walk back to class through the crowded hallway. "Rain, you are going to knock their socks off with your application," she affirms proudly.

"Aww, thank you," I chuckle shyly.

Joel drifts next to us, his eyes glazed over like a ghost. I stare at him and lift an eyebrow, but he makes no attempt to return the look or even turn his head. He's not normally like this. Nothing in my recollection seems to explain why he'd be acting that way.

I turn to Sloane and cock my head, nodding subtly towards him. What's up with him? I mouth.

Sloane frowns and shrugs. Tired maybe?

Out of nowhere, he stops. Sloane and I halt midway too and apologize to some people behind who bumped into us.

"Dude, what the—" Sloane starts.

I follow his gaze to a small group of students next to some lockers. There's three guys standing around someone opening a locker, smiling at each other kind of weirdly.

I look at the back of Joel's head and narrow my eyes. I guess that explains it.. maybe they're the ones who sell his drugs around here.

The group of boys start chuckling to themselves. Right before I can snap him out of it, he storms over to the group and forcefully pins one of the boys to the locker by the collar. The sudden bang is followed by a wave of hushed silence across the hall.

"Holy shit," my eyes widen in confusion.

"You better leave her alone before I teach you worthless scums a lesson," Joel mutters angrily.

"Hey buddy, listen, we don't want any problems here," the posh kid pinned against the locker lifts his hands up defensively, his voice slightly trembling.

Another boy from the same group with this exaggerated shiny cowlick makes a move to step up behind Joel.

"Back up!" Joel warns, his eyes practically flaming.

"I won't cause anymore trouble," the blue eyed guy against the locker trembles.

"I'll part your jaw open next time you pull this shit," he threatens before finally releasing him.

The posh kid coughs and rubs his neck, stumbling next to his other two pals. The tallest one of the three nods and the pair follow him away from the lockers.

The silence is soon replaced by low murmurs and eventually busy conversations as the students continue walking back to class.

"Hey Holly, are you ok?" he asks softly.

"I uh.. you didn't have to do that," she answers quietly. Surprisingly, her tone of voice doesn't have that usual biting remark. "But thank you. For sending them off."

"There's no need to thank me. If they bother you again, you tell me."

Holly nods and gives him a gentle smile before he walks back to where we are.