Angels in the Light Room

Chapter 1

High School

High school. A higher level of education then middle school or elementary school, hence the name. But that is not only what it is. Who you are depends on what you do in this higher realm of education. For example, if you flunk high school you’ll probably end up as a janitor, but good grades lead up to something good like, a doctor. High school is also the beginnings of romance. It’s where couples actually dostuff together. My parents met in high school, and got married in college. They’re divorced now. Which is why I don’t think high school relationships work. People are just too young to get together in high school. And with everything on TV saying, “Have sex. It’s ok, you wont get hurt!” So they do, and every thing just goes down hill from there.

So where am I going with this? Well nowhere actually. I just rambling because it’s my first day of high school, and I’m nervous. Because my sister, Jess, has been telling me stupid myths about high school. I know they are not true, but I’m still nervous. I’m not really a people person. I only have one friend, Alex, who I met in 7th grade. Alex is the one thing that keeps me from just running away from everything. She’s always so cheerful and funny, and I can just laugh my problems away with her. Alex is in science, drawing and lunch with me. So I have that to look forward to.

I’ve been in school for 20 minutes, and so far school has sucked. I couldn’t open my locker because it was jammed, but eventually it opened. Of course I got lost on my way to English, which was my first class. The bell rung and I wasn’t even half way there yet. I finally found the room and pushed open the door slowly, trying not to look like I had run the whole way there. The whole class turned and looked at me. Well the teacher didn’t look at me, he glared at me. His gray hair was almost all gone, but his eyes still held a youthful fire. And all the fury of that fire was directed at me. He marked something on a piece of paper that I bet was the attendance sheet, his eyes never leaving me. Uh oh.

“Tas, Corbin correct?” His voice nowhere near as friendly as I had been hoping.

I swallowed before answering softly, “That’s me.” I tried to smile but I don’t think it came out right. He gave a short nod and pointed to an empty desk right in front of his. I cringed already knowing what he was going to say.

“Sit there,” he said, crushing all hopes that he was just pointing for no reason. I held back a sigh and slumped into the chair. He continued on with his lesson. I learned that his name was Mr. Burt, but that was all I learned. The rest of the class period I pretended to pay attention. I entertained myself with my pencil. I would swirl it around my fingers and I soon started doodling on my paper. Mr. Burt saw me and glared at me (continuing to talk) until I noticed. I stopped, and two minutes later I was at it again. This cycle continued up to the bell. I got out of there as quick as I could. English was not going to be fun this year.

Next was gym. I didn’t get lost because I knew where the gym was. Mainly because of all of Jess’s sporting events, and award stuff. She’s a senior so I’ve been going there for three years. Unfortunately, I was late because my English class had to be on the other side of the school. But I did get there and the teachers didn’t seem to care that I was late. I went and sat down on one of the many stands. I was sitting near the freshman group, close enough to be seen as a freshman, but far enough that didn’t have to talk to anyone. The teachers split all of us into three groups of about 30, and each teacher took one of the groups into a different area of the gym. My group was evenly divided between girls and boys, and they were all talking loudly. I was sitting doodling the basketball hoop trying not to be noticed. I was about to start drawing someone shooting at it, but the loud shriek of a whistle pierced through the noise. It also pierced through my brain. My ears were ringing for the next 5 minutes, and during that time I met Mrs. Burgandy. She was tall and pretty muscular for a woman. Her light brown hair was tied back in a ponytail and a rather large whistle was hanging from her neck. I quickly put away my drawing, knowing she wouldn’t be too fond of it.

She looked over our silent group with inspecting eyes. When she looked at me it almost felt like she could see right through me. I felt my face flush, and I brought my arms up to cover my chest, just in case. After she had finished looking everyone over she started what sounded like a prepared speech

“Okay, class. My name is Mrs. Burgandy. Yes it sounds like the color, but spelled different. Anyways for this semester you will be doing swimming, which means you change in the locker rooms by the pool and when you’re done changing you’ll go to the pool deck. Don’t worry I’ll show you it later in the period. Is that all clear?” she finished and scanned the room for hands. One boy did raise his hand but not into the air. He brought it to his forehead in a mock salute.

“Ma’am, yes Ma’am!” he shouted in a soldier impersonation. All the other boys around him laughed. I inwardly rolled my eyes. Boys can be so stupid some times. Mrs. Burgandy seemed to think the same thing. She raised one of her eyebrows in a challenging way.

“What’s your name ‘soldier’?” her voice not showing any sign of emotion. The boy just smiled and went on with his act.

“Caden, Ma’am. Caden Louis.”

“Well Mr. Louis would you like to lead the way to the pool then?” she said making it sound like an option when everyone could tell it wasn’t. The boy, or Caden, hesitated for a moment before standing up and getting off the bleachers. He walked towards the doors at the back of the gym. No one in then class moved until Mrs. Burgandy motioned us to follow him. The whole class moved as one and hurried up to catch up with Caden.

When we got too the pool Mrs. Burgandy showed us the girls, boy’s locker rooms (Caden got us to the pool hall and that was as far as his small little brain could take us, too many doors for him), and since it was Co-ed she told us not to go wandering around the other genders locker room. I personally was glad to oblige, but some of the boys looked disappointed. She quickly brought us out to the pool deck and explained the rules, but the bell cut her off and we all left before she could finish. I mentally pulled out my schedule and remembered I had math next. Finally something I’m okay at! I hurried there not wanting to be late with to the only class that I might actually pass this semester. I did get there on time, although it was just barely. I took my seat as the bell rang.

The teacher stood up from behind his desk. He had black hair and thin glasses that gave him a stern look, but I could tell he smiled more then he frowned. The teacher quieted the class down before speaking.

“Hello class I’m Mr. Hiet, and I’m going to take attendance before giving you assigned seats. Just raise your hand when you hear you name. Anders ...Beckman… Black… Casey… Corbin.”

I raised my hand like all the other kids, but he stopped and looked at me. Oh great.

“Do have a sister named Jessica?” he asked eyeing me, looking for a resemblance I’m guessing. He wouldn’t find it so I answered with a nod, and a small “yeah.”

He gave a smile that I couldn’t really under stand what it meant. “Tell her old Mr. Hiet says hi.” His voice sounded cheerful

“Ok, I will.” I said quietly smiling back at him. He just nodded, and continued calling off names. After that we got our seats. I was in the front, again, and I didn’t know anyone who sat by me, again. Mr. Hiet was pretty cool, but he was kind of creepy. Whenever he turned around he looked straight at me. He was always smiling, but it was still freaky.

My next class was Cultures of the World, or better known to most as social studies. I got there on time, well close enough. It didn’t matter anyway cause the teacher was not even there. So I sat down, towards the back, and looked around to see if I knew anybody. I didn’t see any one I knew but I did see some of the kids from gym class. Including that really annoying guy, Cad, or something.

The teacher came in soon after that. He looked a little winded, but he was young probably got out of collage a few years ago. With his blond hair, tanned skin, and bright blue eyes you would think he’s a surfer, or at least from Cali. This could be a cool class.

“Sorry Class, I’m probably going to be late a lot, because my last class is on the other side of the building.” He apologized with big smile.

“No Problem here!” one of the boys called laughing. It was that Cad guy again. The teacher just laughed and put his laptop on the desk, next to the globe.

“That’s nice to hear, but its time to start class. I am your teacher for this semester of cultures of the world. My name is Mr. Puckle.” He stopped talking waiting for the snorting to stop. “There won’t be any assigned seating as of now, but if I see…problems I will not hesitate to make a seating chart.” He then took attendance, and told us what we were going to do during the semester.

“Also, I hope you guys all have friends in this class because there is going to be a lot partner work.” He said it like it was nothing, but it was something. I despised working in groups. It meant I had to talk to people and interact with them. Oh that’s no big deal you say. Well it’s a big deal with me! I only have one friend in the whole world! And she’s not in this class. I needed to express my rage, sadness, and fear some how. So I expressed this odd mixture of emotions onto my notebook. I started off as a demon, but turned in to a girl crying, after that it was a ghost. In the end it was a demon girl ghost. But it worked. I hadn’t taken in any of the lesson, but I felt better. The bell rung and I got out of there as quick as I could. As I was walking to lunch I realized I should have paid attention to the lesson. After all social studies is my worst subject.

I got to the lunchroom reasonably early, and found an empty table and sat down. I was looking around for Alex, my only friend, when I saw her. My sister. She walked into the cafeteria laughing with her friends. Then she looked in my direction, our eyes met, and I winced. Jessica’s relationship with me wasn’t the best. And I was quite all right with that. In fact it’s mutual we hate each other. Then her group started to walk to the table I was at. At that moment it hit me. This was her table. Panic rose up within me. Should I leave, should I stay and say I got here first? Before I could decide one of her friends spotted me.

“Hey Jess, isn’t that your sister?” Her friend, Kristen, asked and walked over to me. “How have you been Tas? I haven’t seen you for a long time.” She questioned and sat next to me.

“I’ve been good.” I laughed as she messed up my hair. My sister and me don’t have a good relationship, but her friends are always nice to me. Of course they think we get along really well, and that’s the way it’s supposed to be. All family problems stay family problems and don’t come to school.

“That’s good to hear. So see any cute boys yet?” Kristen joked knowing my association with boys.

“No!” I said rather loudly shaking my head “And even if I had I wouldn’t even notice if they were cute. Uh… I’m sorry but I got to go. I see my friend.” I stood up and I did see Alex. I started running towards her but turned around and waved to my sister and her friends. Jess smiled and I could tell she was happy she didn’t have to eat lunch with me. Well whatever I got to eat with Alex, so there!

“Alex! Wait up!” I cry at my friend while weaving through the crowd. She turned and her black hair almost hit the person next to her. I skidded halt in front of her probably causing a major traffic jam in the hallway.

“ALEX!” I screamed so loudly it probably broke her eardrums. She just laughed and dragged me over to a table and sat me down.

“Having a bad day?” she said sitting across from me. I nodded my head vigorously and sniffled. Alex just smiled and patted my shoulder very dramatically. I took a deep breath and laid my head on the table.

“Ready to tell me about it?” Alex asked the smile still big on her face.

“Almost,” came my muffled answer. I took another much needed deep breath and told her my whole day. This is why she’s my best friend. I can tell her anything and she can tell me anything, but I do the most talking. As I finished up Alex decided it was time to go buy lunch. So I got a slice pizza and Alex got grilled cheese, fries, and a cookie. We were walking back to the table when she threw something at me. I almost dropped my pizza catching it, but when I saw what it was I didn’t care if I had dropped the pizza. Alex had bought me a muffin without me noticing. I loved muffins.

“My treat.” She smiled at my reaction. I was almost crying with joy.

“I love you Alex!” I hugged her once again almost dropping my food. She just laughed and hugged me back with one arm while putting her food down with the other. I let go and sat down looking lovingly at my muffin.

“You may love me, but you love that muffin more!” she accused faking being wounded.

“I’m sorry my dear Alex nothing comes before Muffy.” I said stealing one of her fries and stuffing it in my mouth.

“Hey, I want to see that picture you drew in cultures.” She basically demanded. I sighed and pulled out my …interesting drawing. I handed it to her and looked the other way gnawing on my muffin.

“Whoa, this is a new one, it’s good though,” she grinned, “I never was as good an artist as you.”

“That’s just because you don’t practice as much as I do.” I mumbled having had this discussion many times.

“Or maybe it’s because I actually have a life!” she stated, handing the drawing back to me. I glared at her and took the drawing back viciously.

“Oh, that’s clever,” I said knowing that was a horrible comeback. Alex just stared at me for a minute before breaking out into laughter. I turned my head away to hid the blood rushing to my face. A few minutes had past and she still was laughing. It wasn’t that funny! The bell rang and I stood up and she just kept laughing. When she tried to stand up she fell over she was laughing so hard. By this time my face was about as red as a tomato. I glared icily at her hoping it would stop the laughing. It didn’t. We walked down the hall and people’s eyes bored into me, well that’s what is felt like anyways. They were really just staring at Alex cause she was still laughing at me!

When we showed up late to Science she finally wasn’t laughing anymore. Nothing really happened in science. I just met the teacher; he seemed a little…well crazy. Nothing out of the ordinary happened though, just explanation of what was going to happen during the semester, and a few explosions. You know, the usual. The next period was Drawing. A class I basically just took for an easy A and a free period. Luckily I also had this class with Alex. I bet you will be able to guess what happened next. Yes, we were late. So we walked in quickly and, seeing two open seats, sat down just as quickly. The teacher just smiled, saying nothing, and walked into the back room. Apparently he had already said what was going on and wasn’t going to repeat. Alex and I sat there in silence for a bit, trying to figure out what we were supposed to do. The teacher came back out with two pencils and some paper. He gave them too us and smiled.

“The first skill to master in Drawing is to draw what you see,” he said and made a motion to the rest of that class. “The second is to not be late.” With that he walked over to a desk and sat behind it, watching the whole class.

It was about that moment that I noticed that everyone had their shoes on the table. After wondering how I hadn’t noticed it before I wondered what the heck was everybody doing with shoes on the table. Of course it took me a while to realize that they were drawing them, but when I did I quickly took of my shoe (almost falling off my chair mind you) and slammed it on the table triumphantly. Oh how clever I felt that I had solved the riddle. It wasn’t until I felt everybody’s stares did I comprehend it wasn’t that big of a feat. Just when I was about ready to curl up into the fetal position under everyone’s stares Alex did the exact same thing. This got a few giggles and people went back to their work. Did I ever mention that I love Alex?

That was my first day of High school, all the important stuff anyway. Not the best day, but it defiantly could have been worse. And although school was so exciting I couldn’t wait to get home. Now most kids, who can’t drive, take the bus home. Lucky for me my Dad is free when school ends so he decided he was going to pick me up everyday. I couldn’t be happier. I’m a Daddy’s Girl through and through. Words can’t begin to describe how much I respect, love, and admire my dad. He’s been with me through all the tough times in my life. Which is more then I can say for my mom. I wish I could say that I don’t hate my mom but I can’t. I hate, no loathe, her. The sad part is that she doesn’t hate me back... I want to be able to forgive her, but… I just can’t. I don’t even know why, all I do know is that I can’t stand her.

I better stop talking about my mother before I burst a blood vessel or something. Back to where I was. Alex was waiting with me for about ten minutes before she left to go to her ‘job’ at her aunt’s bakery. So I sat, staring out into space for another 5 minutes after she left, waiting for my dad to come. Finally he did and got my attention with a loud obnoxious honk of his car horn. I saw him grin as I jumped in surprise, and couldn’t help but grin back. I rushed over to the car and climbed into the front seat.

“Hi Tas!” called a high-pitched voice from the back seat. I smiled and turned around to wave at my little nine-year-old brother.

“Hi Sam! Hi Dad.” I said and turned to my dad.

“Hello Tassy, What happened at school today?” He asked, with a knowing smile.

“Nothing…” I replied and put my seatbelt on, glad to be heading home.

A/N: Hello everybody, Kendra here…This is my first story on fiction press so I hope you all like it… I would appreciate reviews but I’m not forcing you, hehe… Uhhh ….. That is all…