Chapter Six–Bad Morning

Chapter 6

Brrrrrrrrinnnnng.

Ugh, what time is it? I think to myself. Looking at the clock, the time 5:45, and the notorious alarm clock chime greets me; groggily, I reach over to the clock and turn off the screeching sound blasting from the clock. After defeating the enemy, I trudge out of my room and into the bathroom.

I am no means a morning person. For those of you who are morning people, more power to you; Claudia is a morning person; my brother is a morning person and so are my parents. I’m a nocturnal mammal. The thing about the summer break allows me to relax my body and my mind. I can go to bed as late as I want, and I can wake up as late as I want (which is usually 1 p.m.). Now, however, reality has kicked in—school is back. This isn’t any ordinary school year; this year is my senior year in high school. Many people dream about becoming a senior because of graduation. I, on the other hand, have other goals in mind. For one, I want to leave a mark as the best quarterback this school has ever seen! Two, I want to solidify my relationship with Claudia. Three, become closer to God. Finally, receive acceptance letters from the Division I-A schools.

After my shower, I put on my outfit for the day: blue shorts, a white sleeveless shirt, and flip-flops.

“Good morning son! How do you feel about beginning your senior year?” my dad ask.

“Ah it feels great dad. I feel like I’m on top of the world!”

“Well hun, you’ll soon fall to the bottom of the world if you don’t eat breakfast your mother fixed you. You know you have to feed your body with all the nutrients it needs.”

“Yeah, yeah dad, since when did you become an expert on health?” I question him with a tease in my eyes.

“Believe me son, you’ll need the energy to last you through the day. By the way, Claudia called and wanted me to tell you that Alexia is doing just fine.”

“Good,” Alexia, Claudia’s best friend, was attacked in the mall the other day. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m late for breakfast and the beginning of my future.” I poke my chest out like I’m Superman.

“Get going kiddo…the food won’t be hot forever.”

“You’re not joining me dad?”

“Well, I don’t know how to say this son; I really don’t. Perhaps I’ll tell you some other time okay? Right now, I need to think about some things first before I tell you what’s going on.”

“Umm…sure okay.” What is going on with my dad? Did something happen between him and my mom? Was he fired from work? “I’ll catch you later dad,” I give him a hug as I turn and head down the stairs to meet my mother.

“It’s about time you showed up. I was afraid the food might be cold by now.” My mom opens up her arms awaiting a hug.

“Mom, you know how I am; I’m not a morning person that’s all,” I proceed to give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Besides, your cooking is sooo good, I couldn’t miss any of your meals.”

“How are you dear?”

“I’m fine mom, how are you?”

“I’m a little worried about your father.”

“I am too. You have any idea what’s going on with him?”

My mom, who was washing the dishes, turns off the water and looks up and out of the window of the kitchen. She wipes her hands on a towel.

“Mom, what is it? Did something happen between you and Dad? Is he laid off?”

My mom lowers her head.

“Did he get arrested or something?” My mom looks up again. “I wish you would tell me what’s going on Mom!”

“I…” My mom sighs and shrugs her shoulders, something was truly wrong. She finally turns around to face me; I can see tears in her eyes. “It’s best if I don’t say anything right now. Why don’t you finish up and get on to school?”

My mom is the kind of person that is made from steel. If she decides on a course of action, she’s going to stick to it—no matter what. I knew pressing matters wouldn’t get anything done. Reluctantly, I nod my head and begin to eat cereal. Apparently, my mom didn’t cook breakfast after all; she made it appear like she had finished cooking. I don’t know what was going on between those two, but I was eager to find out.

“Welcome to the 2002-03 school year. This is your principal Thomas McQuade. As seniors for this school-year, you are all the top dogs of the school. Remember that the underclassmen all look up to you. As such, I want each one of you to take it upon yourself to set the best example for this school year. Also, this year will be the best school year in football history. Anchored your senior quarterback Victor Cooper, I expect the team, and the fans, to bring this school to athletic greatness. Our big rival game is coming up on October 20th against Stintson County. For our softball team, I believe they will help deliver us a solid reputation for our school. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not going to hog all my attention on the athletic aspects of this school; I will also monitor, and support, the various academic groups—“ Mr. McQuade is interrupted when the assistant principal, Francis Hope, runs up to him looking frightened.

“What’s going on?” I ask Claudia.

“I don’t know, but whatever it is she’s definitely spooked.”

“Guys, sorry to leave in such a hurry, but I must go and deal with a situation that has gone out of hand,” and with that, Mr. McQuade and Mrs. Hope runs out of the auditorium. All of the voices which were silent all burst out uncontrollably.

“What do you think she’s talking about?” I ask again.

“I have no idea.”

“I wonder if we should go to class.”

“Yeah, I think we should go to our classes but I think it would be best if we stay in the auditorium until there is further word.”

“I need to talk to you about something okay?”

“Can it wait until later?”

“I guess it can, but I wanted to know your opinion on something.”

“Sure, what is it?” She turns towards me with those gorgeous eyes of hers. Those eyes have incredible power behind them; no matter what I do, I am always drawn to those beautiful eyes…”Victor? What’s wrong? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

“I…she…” I point to where I was staring. There, there is Allison Walden, my ex from last year.

“What is she doing here?” Claudia asks fiercely.

“I don’t know, but whatever she’s up to, I know it’s not good.”