I hate waking up to the sound of my phone alarm. Of course I am so groggy. I can’t even find my phone right now. In the distance, I hear aunt Trisha arguing with the sweet little old lady next-door. something about her sprinklers hitting the house? Why can’t she just shut her mouth? Aunt Trisha is always doing the most! The only way to describe her is ” Batshit crazy”. My bed is so warm. I don’t want to get out. If I don’t get out soon, I will have to deal with aunt Trisha.

With that thought I am on my feet. I go to the bathroom to start the shower, return to my room to gather my clothes. I try to take the quickest shower I possibly can take while making sure I am clean. I even brush my teeth while in the shower. when I finish I dry myself off as quick as possible. Apply lotion to my arms and legs. get dressed. Brush out my hair and throw in my anti-frizz gel, scrunch, scrunch, scrunch, put on my socks and shoes then I am out the door.

Aunt Trisha still screaming at the neighbor. she sees me running to my car and shrieks “AND JUST  WHERE DO  YOU THINK YOU’RE GOING”? I replied. “ sorry aunt Trisha, got to go, I’m going to be late for school”. I get into my adorable little red Volkswagen beetle.( the only real possession I own). start the car, hit the gas and see in the rearview mirror aunt Trisha, now standing in the street, with her hands on her hips, talking to herself. I truly don’t believe that woman has ever smiled! She is the most miserable person I have ever met!

Once she is out of sight, and I’m around the block, I stop and park the car on the side of the road.  I apply a small amount of makeup ( blush, lip gloss, and mascara).   I spray a little body spray to my t-shirt. I couldn’t care less what anybody thinks of me anymore. However, I still want to smell good and look in the mirror, and not be completely horrified at what I see. 

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

when I arrive at school, I take a quick glance into the back of the car seeing my backpack. Took a second to think whether or not I want to grab it. I quickly realized I won’t open it even once, so why bother carrying that heavy thing around all day?

Walking into the main hallway, I made eye contact with the head cheerleader Shelby. she is standing there with the rest of the cheerleaders and some of the football team. I heard one of them say. “ Hi Madissy, how are you?” ... they all turn to look at me, all of them are smiling. Honestly, I’m not trying to make any of my old friends feel bad. I just don’t have time for any of that anymore. I tried to muster up a bit of a smile, and just said.” fine.” as I walked to class. I could see that they all looked a little disappointed. 

before my parents died I was a cheerleader, I was very active in theater and was on the volleyball team. I was popular. I had lots of friends. went to a lot of parties and school events. I thought those things made me happy? maybe they did? I really just don’t even know anymore.

My parents were the biggest part of my world. I know I was the biggest part of theirs. They were both reporters for Wolf News. They were called to report on changes in weather. Particularly in the area of the Grand Canyon. 16 months ago they died in a helicopter crash. Nobody knows what really happened, I was told they believe that unpredictable gusts of winds drove the helicopter into the side of the canyon, causing an explosion. Nobody survived.

Sitting in class, staring at the whiteboard in front of me. The teacher is talking, but she may as well be speaking in a different language. My mind just wanders. Images of my mom and dad just flash in my mind. It’s like I’m looking at a slideshow. The only conscious thought I can remember when this happens ‘is this normal?’

The teachers stopped calling on me a long time ago. They used to try to talk to me, Now I think they’re just happy that I’m showing up. I used to get all A’s. Now I’m lucky if I get a C or a D. It all seemed so important, now It just doesn’t anymore. The only dream I have now is to get away from my bat shit crazy aunt.