Dear Diary,
Today we start the day with English class with Mr. Thompson. I think this is my favorite class, probably because Mr. Thompson is our mentor and therefore approaches the class differently than the other teachers. He began the class, as usual, with a few announcements. He reiterated that there will be an extra test in a few days, in case you missed the first one. He also asked if any students wanted to help with the activities planned for a few weeks. Finally, he announced that a fire drill is planned for next week.
I feel my heart immediately start racing, and panic sets in. My hands start to sweat, and my leg begins to tap the floor beneath me in a slow, steady rhythm.
I notice I'm not concentrating for the rest of the class. I barely hear what the teacher is saying. Maya has asked me a few questions, but each time I just nod. I don't even notice when the bell rings and tells us it's lunch break.
At lunch, the four of us are sitting at a table: me, Maya, Sophie, and Lily. I hear them chatting about boys, but it doesn't really register. I look at my lunchbox in front of me. There are several meat sandwiches in it, but I can't bear to swallow them. The thought of the smell is already giving me all sorts of cramps. Before I know it, the rest of the girls at the table are standing up; break is over.
After school, I decide I don't want to go home yet, so I walk to the library around the corner. I love the quiet, the structure, and the absence of unwanted conversations. I stroll down the aisle with fantasy books and pick out a good one. I walk to my familiar spot in the corner of the room, where I can often completely shut myself off. I open the book, but quickly realize my mind is still not there; I've already reread the same sentence twenty times and still don't understand what it actually says.
I quickly close the book again and decide to let my thoughts flow; what options do I have? I come up with various excuses not to be at school on the day of the fire drill. Calling in sick requires a parent's signature, so that's out of the question. I could also just skip it, but I think they'll get an email at home. Finally, I consider letting Mr. Thompson know the day before that I have a doctor's appointment. That way, he won't have time to ask for a parent's signature, and teachers are more relaxed if you tell them it's something personal.
- G