Sydney

When the bus driver actually arrived, I wrestled my way through the swarm of kids trying to get on. When I managed to board the said bus, the real challenge came.

I didn't want to sit by any boys, because then the teasing would start. But seeing as Kenzie lived down the street and around the corner, she was just outside the borders for this bus. And, go figure, she was my only friend.

I finally settled on the seat near the front of the bus, around the fourth row, I think. I sat on the left side, and went to plop my backpack next to me. Until I realized that, in my rush, I had forgotten my backpack.

My mind whizzed through any important things I may have in my backpack. "Lets see, there's my extra lotion, three dollars, my ID card, my math textbook, and my English paper." I listed under my breath, counting off fingers as I did so. Luckily the English paper was due tomorrow.

When the bus finally closed its doors, it rumbled off. As it did so, I leaned my head against the window. I actually found that I liked to feel the movement of the bus. Smooth, yet travelling over all the bumps in the road. I soon fell halfway asleep to the steady movement.

***

I shot up when I was shaken awake. My eyes darted to the bus driver, who's pink manicured fingers were starting to dig into my shoulder. "S'cuse me miss, but were here, and I think ya'll be late for class!" She stated. I couldn't quite place her accent though.

Stammering words of thanks, I took off towards my school.

***

First period, which was Science, was filled in by a sub. He was bald on top, but not on the sides. Like the conductor on 'The Polar Express'. After introducing himself as Mr. Siane, pronounced 'see-anne', he passed out a test. I went through the questions fairly quickly, taking about 30 minutes. I watched in amusement as the sub drew Sponge Bob on the board while everyone else finished. So, about 5 minutes. We started correcting, and I only missed one question, which just so happened to be the easiest. Sure, I could get 'What is the true color of neon', but not 'Briefly describe Hard Water.' Being the genius I am, I blanked and put 'Ice.' Let's just say I had some serious face-palm time.

***

Next period was Gym. Or, as I like to call it, 'watch as Larika blathers about me behind my back'.

And that is indeed what she did. Every time our blonde teacher's ponytail moved away, a bunch of lies would flow out of her lips and to her meaner friend Darlee. Mostly about me.

"Hey Darlee, did you know that the Government has to specially ship Sydney fly repellent? It's because she's a bunch of-" Larika blathered on until our blue eyed teacher dashed over.

"Now class, we're going to do some high-knees! Get those bones up there! As high as you can now!" She said with a cheesy grin. Did I mention that she was one of those overly happy people?

Larika grumbled with me as we hefted our legs in the air. Her bright red hair, which was thrown ceremoniously off to one side, hardly moving except for in stiff bounces. I could almost see the hairspray scent coming off it in waves. She had 'fair' skin that she covered with all manners of makeup.

Darlee, on the other hand, was 'big boned'. Her unnaturally curly hair reached halfway down her neck. She was always sporting a soccer T-Shirt, although I've never heard of her playing a day in her life. She didn't even know the basics when we did it for Gym!

I swiveled my head to look for Kenzie, desperate to rant a bit. And then I remembered that I didn't have class with her until after Lunch.

Joy.

After Mrs. Lancine decided that our muscles were sore enough, she let us play some dodge ball. Hello missing skin.

Our Gym had bumpy, squeaky, waxy floors. Don't ask me why. And those floors always found some freaking way to skin me up every single time.

The whistle blew, jarring me out of my thoughts. I darted to the back of the Gym, while the Jocks surged past me to grapple for the ten rubber balls.

My tactic was simple: 'Stay out of the way of the balls'. And maybe a little touch of some, 'don't get hit.'

I swear, I couldn't throw a ball if my life depended on it. Or catch one. I kinda-sorta stink as bad as a dissected frog.

One terrifying game later, and one skinned up knee, we were dismissed back to the locker rooms. I quickly changed into my street clothes.

As soon as I finished, the bell blared for a good ten seconds. Huh. That was five less than usual.

As I approached the doors to the hallway, Larika and Darlee cornered me.

"Hey, look at this! Garbage can grow legs and some intelligence!" Larika screeched. Cue the bird-squawking laughter from Darlee.

"Garbage? All I see is a freak of nature!" Darlee added. Larika and Darla gave tittering laughs, although something in Larika's sounded off.

I just pushed past them and out the doors. Their words didn't really faze me anymore.

At least not that much.

YES!!! I AM ALIVE!!! Second chapter down and a third on the way! I'm feeling good! And for all you action seekers, don't worry. It's on it's way.

Along with some other surprises...

MarineDolphin