Monday, August 29, 2005
First day of High school

"Mae....Get up Mae. It's time for school!"

The alarm clock of my sister's voice woke me up.

Rubbing my eyes and yawning, I didn't want to wake up so early and fell back on my fluffy pillow.

"Five more minutes please!"

Ow!

She pinched me on the cheeks. And this time she shouted as if a trumpet was playing in my ears!

"Mae! Get up! No time for dilly dallying. We'll be late for the first day of school! I have my first class in SJU in three hours and don't want to be marked absent."

I forced my eyes to open wide enough for me to focus! Gee, for some odd reason Mo really wanted to go to school!

"Okay, stop pinching me, I'm up! I'll do my bathroom business and I'll go downstairs to eat breakfast in five minutes. Are you happy now?"

I yawned and stretched my arms toward the ceiling.

Aw....the first day of high school for me, and Moira's first day of college.

Seems like only yesterday we were so young and free; what happened to those days?

Moira left my room feeling satisfied. I smiled and looked at my 'real' alarm clock. It's only 6:00 am, but in two hours I'll be entering my first day as a high school freshman.

Ugh, and the rooster (my sister) officially woke me up with her cock-a-doodle-doo!

I got off my bed and looked at my closet. I should have picked the clothes I was going to wear yesterday night after Joshua left. But I was too tired to decide, since I was too absorbed with my brother's absence. Oh, well, just made my morning rush a little busier!

My final choice: a red sleeveless top with my favorite pair of dark jeans. I laid it down on my bed and finally went to the bathroom to wash up.

After thirty minutes, I was done making myself pretty for the day's worth. I know a lot of girls who spend more time in the bathroom than me, but I just get right to it with whatever needs to be done.

My secret is that I don't put much makeup on like my sister. I learned that makeup actually comes from chemical compounds in my eighth grade class; so I don't really put too much on as I did before. Once I get older, I don't want too many wrinkles and whatnots on my face.

I occasionally will put on foundation, eye shadow, mascara, lipstick, and a bit of powder - but that's about it. Call me a 'wet blanket', but that's Marlene Brennan for you. I don't feel ashamed, if I got no game; that is the motto I live for.

"Hurry up Mae! It's nearly 8:00. I need to drive you to school. Mom and Dad have already left for work!"

My sister grabbed my brother's car keys to the Jaguar XF 2.0T Sedan that I will probably own once I get my driver's license.

"Okay ...Okay let me just finish my cereal and we're off."

Moira looked at me, tapping her finger against the counter.

"Oh, before I forget ... here's your allowance mom left."

I looked at the twenty dollar bill.

Only twenty dollars? That won't even cost me enough to pay for one textbook. Luckily I saved enough from my summer job at day camp as a counselor. Sigh ... What's a girl to do these days?

"Use it wisely!"

I nodded satirically to my sister.

Who does she think she is? My boss? Ugh!

***************

As my sister dropped me off, I saw my friends waiting outside the campus. Paige and her brother Robinaire waved at me. I ran up to the curb where they were standing.

We all hugged each other, since we haven't seen each other since we left middle school.

"What's up Mae?" Both twins asked once they let go of their embrace. I was happy to see them, and couldn't contain my excitement.

"Joshua left for North Eastern Point Military Academy yesterday, and Mo is starting SJU today. Oh yea... I also went to a summer day camp for cancer patients, and applied to be a summer counselor. It was really fun to make a huge difference for those kids! I'm glad I took the opportunity to do that! How about you two? How was your vacation?"

As usual, Paige started the conversation, while Robinaire waited for his chance to talk. The sister of the duo was always the bragger, which I didn't have any objections to. Just listening to her allows me to stay tuned to the next "Soap Opera Digest of the Lewis Twins".

"Robin, the family and I both went on a hot air balloon ride. It was thrilling! You could feel the breeze run through your hair, and enjoy the beautiful sights below all at the same time! You should go with us sometime, even though I know you are scared of heights. Will you be up for the challenge?"

I had to put a rain check on that thought as that thought caused me to become dumbfounded. Hearing the words, 'hot air balloon' already got me nauseated. I could already see it, stepping into the basket as it was ready for take off.

"Mae, are you still listening to me or have I lost you?" Paige asked as she waved her hands in front of my face.

I quickly snapped out of my reverie and apologized for my actions.

"I'm listening Paige. Please continue."

She nodded and smiled in acknowledgement.

"Very well, Robin also went to try out for the community baseball tryouts."

Hearing that response, made her brother turn around and whine.

"Sis, I was going to tell Mae that!"

"Well, sorry bro. Just a little too chatty I guess."

"You mean from all that coffee you drank this morning? Too much coffee makes Paige a chatterbox!"

"Very funny Robin. Can I help it if I drank too much caffeine? I needed the extra boost of energy!"

Sigh. The Lewis siblings couldn't be a better duo for friends, but to see them bicker was rather exhausting.

"Enough you two! Can't you guys just get along? Anyway, I wish I could finish the chat, but I have to find my locker that was assigned to me.  Love to hear how your baseball tryouts went Robin, but I'll hear about it next time okay? See you guys later."

The siblings waved at me, but knew that Robin mumbled something in his sister's ear. Maybe he wasn't happy with the fact that he didn't have enough time to say anything in the conversation.

***************

I went into the administration room and asked where I could find my assigned locker.

I received my school information in the mail, but was  dumbfounded on where everything was.

The secretary was sitting at her desk, typing away. A wooden name plate in front of her desk with the surname of Mrs. Newell was facing toward my direction. I was always nervous to speak up to faculty, but fought that idea and went straight up to her.

"Hi, Mrs. Newell. My name is Marlene Brennan. I'm a freshman here and would like to know where my locker is located."

She looked up at me and smiled.

"Please show me your papers Marlene and I'll direct you to the location. As you can see we are pretty busy here, since this is the first day of school."

I nodded and gave her the required documents.

Thus, she took out a piece of paper that had the school's map and showed me where to go. I thanked her and was soon on my way.

"Let's see ... I go upstairs, turn right and will see the lockers numbered from the 120's."

As I made my way up the stairs, I saw a brunette playing with his hair across the hall. The guy was looking at his mini mirror in his locker, which happened ... to be next to mine!

Ugh, how typical!

"Excuse me, but you are blocking my way." I replied after tapping his shoulder.

Couldn't see his face clearly since I was holding my backpack; but as soon as he turned around, I fell head over heels! I felt this burning electric emotion come over me, and was rather embarrassed that the attractive guy was now gawking at me!

My first impression of Owen was that he was cocky, too naïve, and disrespectful, but he wasn't really a bad person. He was just your average sleazeball.

But when we eventually became friends, I often caught him looking at other ladies passing by. It angered me, because I wanted him to pay full attention to the girl he was talking to. But to this day, I still hate the fact that I didn't tell him how I really felt about him as I was scared that he'd walk away from me forever.

***************

The guy in front of me wore a motorcycle jacket. His shoulder length, blonde hair at the time reached to his shoulders and had the cutest dimples I ever saw.

I knew I was in trouble once I couldn't fight back my heated emotions.

He caught my eye and winked.

"Hi Babe, see something you like?"

I had to return the smile.

"Sorry for my mess Babe. Is this yours?" He pointed to the locker next to his.

"Yes, it is Mister. And don't call me Babe!" I retaliated.

"Oh, come now Honey, we're going to be neighbors for the whole year. So, what's your name?"

Must be one of those smooth talking guys who thinks he could just win me over by a snap of the finger. I raised my eyebrows in disgust.

"Listen up buddy, I'm not your Baby or your Honey! So, please stop it. And why should I give you my name? Don't you already have one?"

"Ooh feisty!"

Yes, he must be one of those guys known as 'players' that my brother warned me about. Men who easily forget your name and just call you nicknames. The slimeball's tacky comment just angered me.

Turning around, I opened up the door of my locker and put the school supplies Moira lent me inside. The racks were dusty and it needed some feminine touch. After the purchase of new textbooks, I figured I would buy some colorful contact paper to decorate it.

My neighbor at #128, couldn't stop smirking at me. What's his problem?

"The name is Owen Thomas, Sweetie. Can I get yours?"

Just then the first bell rang to alert students that class would begin soon. Saved by the Bell!

I closed my locker with a latch I purchased earlier. Tried to memorize the combination, before turning around.

"Sorry pal, I'll give you a rain check on that one, I have to go to Homeroom."

I grabbed my backpack and placed it on my shoulders. Apparently, I didn't notice that the zipper of the backpack accidentally hit Owen in the face.

"Ouch! Look what you're doing, girl!"

GIRL??? Aww! ... mister that just hit the end of my nerves and infuriated me even more!

"Oops, my bad! Sorry pal, but if you knew it was there all along, you should've moved! It's your fault, not mine! "

He scowled.

Just then the final bell rang letting students know that in five seconds, class was going to begin.

I headed straight past him with the textbook Moira loaned me. I went ballistics! Again, this was all his fault!

Moira tried to warn me not to be late for class on the very first day, but this -- the twerp -- had to ruin it.

So, I ran so fast like a cheetah downstairs, trying not to hit anybody, and turned right to room number twelve; not knowing someone else was right behind me.

Luckily I was wearing my running shoes.

***************

A tall woman with dark hair and glasses that made her look like a strict judge, stood in front of her desk. She was probably in her mid forties, and probably spent most of her years inside a classroom.

"Good Morning class! My name is Mrs. Borba. I will be your Homeroom teacher for the year. I will be taking  Roll Call now, so please take a seat."

Got here in the nick of time, and there were still a few seats left in the back. I headed toward one of them, but then I saw him ... taking the chair right next to me. Owen was still holding his hand where I accidentally hit him earlier, causing me to snicker.

Just what I need! Mr. Thomas in the same class.

"What are you doing here?" I asked in a whisper.

"I'm a student here too you know," was his wise-cracking reply.

Sigh! The things I got myself into!

"Marlene Brennan?"

I looked up at the sound of my name.

Shucks, he's going to know.

"I repeat, is there a Marlene Brennan here?"

I slowly raised my hand and spoke up.

"Present, Mrs. Borba."

"Welcome Marlene, you should have said something earlier. I was going to mark you absent."

Pissed at myself, I looked at Owen who was secretly laughing.

Ha, ha. You almost got me in trouble.

After that short class introduction, known as Roll Call, Owen turned to me and asked what my next class would be.

I decided to tell him right off the bat, because if I didn't, he'd still be chasing my tail.

"Drama, Owen. Why, are you in there too?"

"Unfortunately not Miss Drama Queen, I got History. Can I see your schedule?"

Can't believe he just said that. Me, a drama queen? Okay, maybe I can get out of hand sometimes, but he started the whole locker situation and why I was late for class.

Didn't want to argue anymore, so I shut my mouth.

I grabbed the paper he was asking for from my bag. Might as well do it before he harasses me again.

"Here Owe. I like the sound of that, cause he owes me a lot now. And that was my sassy nickname for him!

I had six classes plus Homeroom. Hopefully, he's only my classmate here.

He took the piece of paper from my hand.

It read:

Homeroom (M-O) -->8-8:30 am [Mrs. B]

Drama 9 - 9:45 [Mr. X]

English 10 - 10:45 [Mrs. J]

Math 11-11:45 [Mr. C]

PE 12:30 -12:50 [Coach S]

Science 1 -1:45 [Mr. M]

History 2-2:45 [Mrs. L]

Homeroom (M-O) -->2:50- 3pm [Mrs. B]

Turning around, I looked at him wondering what the sly guy was thinking.

"Okay now, since that is settled; my question is, why are you in this Homeroom? I thought this class is only for students with names beginning with A-E, last name basis"

He underlined the portion of the paper that says Homeroom in black ink. "Read!" Homeroom [M-O]!

Oops, guess I missed that part.

"Marla, Homeroom here is by first name basis, not the other way around."

Marla??? The name is Marlene. He just knows how to push my button!

I tried not to look too astonished, but I couldn't help it . In actuality, I felt that school rule was stupid. Aren't students supposed to be listed in alphabetical order by last name?

What am I going to do?

Thus, I asked if I could see his class schedule.

"Can I see your paper then?

He nodded no.

"Not so fast, my pretty! You have to apologize to me," was his fast reply.

"What for?"

"For being a snob to me earlier."

I stood up, not knowing what I was doing and exclaimed, "WHAT!!!?"

The loud outburst made the class turn around to face me.

I turned ice cold - frozen as a penguin - due to my embarrassment.

"Is there a problem, Ms. Brennan?"

I sadly shook my head no to Mrs. Borba.

"Very well, please be quiet. Homeroom will be over soon, so you can take your chit chat outside."

Owen snickered.

"You heard me Babe!"

Ugh!!!

I swear once we're out of this class, I'm gonna get even with him!