Wow It's been a while that I updated this story! I'm glad to write it again, still have to get to the swing of the plot and cast more characters.
Whoever is still reading, thank you. New readers, hope you like it.

Chapter nine: Rachel

I opened my eyes, rubbed the crust off my eyes with my palm. The sun was peeking through the clouds. Today was a new day. As I lifted my lower back for a stretch, I sat up fully. Looking at the calendar, it was the first day of school. I then checked the time on my nightstand: 7:25 a.m.

My first day as a junior, grade 11. I smiled. Only one more year of high school. It was going to be about PSATs, extracurriculars and college entrances. I removed my comforter and headed to the bathroom for a quick shower.

After my shower, I brushed my teeth, wore my pair of fitted jeans, black boots and white graffiti t-shirt. I brushed my hair twice and laid it on my shoulders. I took out a light jacket, just in case the weather dropped. My fresh new school supplies mom bought yesterday were already in my backpack. I prepped last night. I held onto the strap making my way downstairs for breakfast.

Jaime was coming home today. Susie couldn't take me to school today, she's riding with her parents. I skipped all the way down to the last step. I had a warm feeling in my stomach whenever school began, I liked it. With a big smile on my face, I spotted dad in the kitchen bar reading his newspaper. I kissed him on the cheek and said 'good morning' to him. He muttered the same thing, taking a small bite of his buttered toast before going to work.

Going to the cupboard, I picked out a box of Frosted Flakes cereal, a bowl, and the milk from the fridge. "You're ready for your first day?" Dad asked while I poured milk on my cereal.

"Yeah," I replied, nodding my head excitedly, taking a spoonful of cereal and milk. I coughed it out when I tasted it. "What the hell?" I choked, the milk's sour! I turned on the tap water to gargle and spat. "Gross!"

"Language," dad scolded. Spoiled milk was one of the worst things to touch your tongue. I had to get this horrible taste out of my mouth.

"Accch." Wiping my mouth. I poured the milk down the drain.

"Rachel," he scolded again.

"Sorry dad, the milk's spoiled," I explained, throwing the carton and the cereal contents in the trash.

"I'll buy more." His eyes didn't move from the paper as he continued reading.

"Where's mom?" I opened the fridge to find something edible. There was cream cheese and plain bagels. Slicing it in half, I placed them in the toaster and pressed the lever down.

"She went to work early," he responded.

"Without me? I need a ride," I whined, I heard the toaster pop up.

"Isn't Andrew picking you up?" I rolled my eyes, almost forgetting about it. Trying to forget about it. Smearing the cream cheese on the toasty carb, I took a huge bite and sighed. I ate slower since I had time.

"I can walk."

"He'll take you. You had fun riding with him."

"In elementary school." I nibbled on the bagel.

A horn honked from outside. I jumped; the bagel was hanging off my mouth. "Let's go, Princess!"

I groaned. I checked the time on my watch: 8:18 a.m.

Dad snickered behind his newspaper. I glared at him, scarfed the rest of my breakfast, drank some orange juice, placed the dishes in the dishwasher, and exited my house.

"Bye dad," I told him, wearing my bag straps over my shoulders.

"Have a good day, sweetie. Make good choices," he said.

"No promises!" I sang and slammed the door behind me. Andrew's black car was parked in front of my house, he leaned his head back casually in the driver's seat bopping his head to something on the radio. Wearing a simple black shirt and jeans, his muscles pulsing as he rocked to the loud music.

I approached the vehicle slowly; I cleared my throat and pulled on the handle. It didn't budge. I did it again. It's locked. He didn't notice me, I knocked on the window to get his attention. He turned to me and smiled, waving; I pointed to the door for him to unlock it.

He lowered the window and yelled out "what?!" The song boomed through the speakers.

"Can you unlock the door?!"

"Oh!" I heard the click of a button when he pushed it on his driver's side.

I opened the door, he drove up an inch, almost running over my feet. His cackle laugh made my skin itch.

Breathing deeply to calm myself, I walked to his car and attempted to open the door again, he did it again. Chuckling and wheezing came from his mouth, so this was funny to him.

I didn't want to begin my day with a fight; however, he was testing my patience.

Instead of stomping and throwing my hands in the air or resorting to violence, I turned and moved away for a walk.

School wasn't far, anyway. "Rachel, what are you doing?" I heard him say, a slight humor in his voice driving beside me. Still walking, I picked up my pace. "Come on, I was joking to put a smile on your face." Andrew stride beside me, matching my pace.

"I didn't find it funny," I replied with a shrug.

"Ok, ok. Just get in, we'll be late."

"I can walk, you go on without me."

He cut the engine off, hearing his steps run after me. He held onto my elbow, my body faced him halfway, "I'm sorry. Please."

I sighed, crossing my arms over my chest. "I don't think you want to be late on the first day of school." He had a point; I didn't want to start my first day with a tardy slip. What would be my excuse? I turned down my old friend and neighbor for a ride?

I shook my head, stepped to the passenger side, and opened the door.

He entered the driver's side, buckling his seatbelt, "that wasn't so hard, was it?"

I glanced at his side; he gave me his megawatt smile. Before turning the ignition, I wore my seatbelt, and laid my head on the seat.