The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over Eldergrove lane–the inner west of Sydney.
As summer's last whispers faded into memory.
The reminder of a new school year strikes me. Still trying to process the undying fact that today is the first day of school. Twelfth grade. The last year of high school. The last year before life becomes real. Not like life is not real already.
I've had plenty of real life threatening realisations/situations. Anyway I won't go there. Like that one point where I got struck by lightning by a guy with a staff. A sorcerer in fact. I know it doesn't make sense, I mean it wouldn't to the people on earth. Because the majority of people on this earth have forgotten such power existed.
As an elemental guardian–it's my job to protect the earth, keep it safe from the enemies that hide in the shadows. The Shadow creatures. They reside in a realm called the Shadow Kingdom. A place filled with death and misery.
I groan. Burying my face in my warm pillow, hiding from the despicable light, that annoyingly decided to enter my room. And my curtains aren't helping.
I want to lie in bed for another four hours. I get up feeling a sense of frustration from the light, as it's so persistent to get me up.
Like every other morning, the first thing I head to do is play some music on my phone. For motivation.
I check the time displaced on my phone.
7.45
Shit! I slept through my alarm. I'm sure I set an alarm for seven…however I set multiple alarms. Odd.
I don't think much of it and slide my finger across the screen to find spotify, while squinting my eyes.
I really shouldn't be looking at screens as soon as I wake up.
Every morning. I think of the same thing. Seriously. What is wrong with me…Not doing what I think is best for me.
As R&B music finally sets into play, I drag my tired body to the closet and stare at it—as if I have all the time in the whole world. Sike. No, I'm serious. "What to wear…" I rub my thumb under my chin, thinking of my options. Nevertheless, my brain isn't awake enough to have any. That is until I remember–I prepared a set of clothes the night before.
"Duh…" I head to my chair staged at my desk, where my outfit for today was neatly placed.
I'm now brushing my hair in the mirror. Yes. The mirror. Everyone does that. Nothing weird.
I can already tell I'm late to school. And it was only the first day.
"Ember, are you coming down?"
"Ocean and Kyle are here to pick you up." I hear mum speaking to me as she shouts from downstairs. They're here.
"Coming!" I raise my voice just enough, so she can hear me. I rushed to grab my heavy school bag and light gym bag—that sat peacefully beside my messy wardrobe. The gym bag is for after school. Before school started we made a plan to work on our abilities (more), which means more physical training and learning more about our abilities. Along with the history of the ELE guardians. Short for Elemental Guardians—warriors.
After that…I have track. I started going to a running club in the summer and realised I enjoyed it. So, I decided to stick with it.
I finally make it down stairs all ready to go, finding Ocean and Kyle standing before me. I greet Ocean with a hug and Kyle with our usual simple hand shake. "Morning. How are you guys doing?" I soon said, "morning. I'm okay…" Ocean responds with a depressed expression revealing/depriving her face. "What's wrong?" I ask worryingly. "What's wrong? School. That's what's wrong." Knowing her, that sounds just about right. "Now we have to waste our precious sleep." She complained, let's just say she's not a morning person. Every year, every holiday, every first day. You'll hear her complain. It's not annoying, though. ___
"Morning. I'm good." Kyle adds. Ignoring his girlfriend's dramatic show down. We both face him, starring intently. For no reason at all. Only for pure annoyance, as he caught our attention. "What!?…" he questioned, confused, not knowing why we were looking at him so intensively. So abruptly. Then out of nowhere, Ocean and I both started giggling. Just to toy with him, of course. "You know we should get going, unless you girls/guys want to be late." Kyle stated. Giving up figuring us out. We were already late before I came down. "Your right," I agree, "true," Ocean joins in, "I didn't wake up this early to be late for school. Especially on the first day." Ocean remarked.
With no time to spare, I shout into the hallway, where my mum may be. "Mum, I'm going!" I'm about to exit the main door, when a voice behind me calls out "wait!" Mum's voice came from the kitchen. "You forgot your snack," I was so caught up in getting ready and leaving on time, that I forgot to get food. I forgot to have breakfast. And forgot to bring a snack for breakfast. I would have starved if mum didn't remind me. "Oh, I nearly forgot that, thanks mum." Appreciation could be heard in my voice. What would I do without her. "Since you're still here," she started off. Oh no. This isn't going to end well. She can't be asking…no. Every year. "I
We need to take a photo of your first day of senior year, sweetie." She announced the photo I was dreading not to take. I quickly glanced back at the other two. Trying to hide back their smiles and chuckles. With that I can tell from what they're thinking. I squint my eyebrows at them. Youse idiots.
I stood next to the entrance, waiting for her to take the photo. "Why are you kids standing over there, go join Ember. I want to take a photo of all three of you." Just like I thought she would do. Ocean and Kyle slowly walked over to my side. Then she whispered something in my ear "no surprise there, am I right?" I smile and turn my head to face her, "yeah." I agree, a smile slid on my face. Every year Oceane or I pick each other up, and our parents take pictures of us on the first day of school. This time Kyle was in it, and I could see the surprise look on his face as she told them both to hop into the photo. "Say cheese!" A wide silly smile slid across my face. Filled/energised by the surroundings of my friends. I must look like a total dag right now.
"Ember, what time do you finish today?" She lowers her phone, after taking who knows how many photos "around seven." I give her a hug, while she does the same, placing a peck on my forehead.
"Have a nice time at work." I say before getting in the back seat of Kyle's jeep.
"Bye, Miss. Styles" Kyle waved his hand at her before he entered the vehicle, Oceane repeating his actions. Once we finally arrived at the school parking lot. We all met up in the hall near the lockers, in the hallway. "Mor-ning." yawned Yamma. Her short brown hair drooped in her face. "Morning," I repeated. "We're seniors this year!" Oceane pointed out excitedly. Jumping up and down—like 'finally'. "So, what classes do we guys have together?" Cole asks, as he zips his bag closed on the floor. "I have the same classes as Yamma and Sven," Kyle answered, closing his locker after filling it with books. "Not fair…I'm the only girl!" Yamma exaggerated, crossing her arms. Oceane and I giggled. Last year (look and see the classes from last year)
"And I have the same classes as Cole and Ember," Oceane added. Cole appeared to be his usual dazzling self, with his gelled hair and sporty clothes. My gaze drifted to my left—Where other students were walking. As some girls stroll past, their gazes are struck on Kyle, Sven and Cole.
As always. These guys can be passed as the ideal high school type. With a charming face and nice body physics. Though, they're not the only ones, there are four more dazzling guys at this school.
Dylian and Sam—The two from the basketball team. Alex—who's in the same class as us and friends with Cole and Kyle. And last of all the dimwit rich kid–Zane.
Who's supposed to be the most popular guy in school for his money.
Rumor is Zoe (the other richie) and Zane started dating during summer break.
Everyone is so obsessed with dating, instead of focusing more on their studies. And trust me these two need it the most. I place my attention back on our group chat. Checking the time on my phone. Only a few more minutes. "Well then, we should go. The school bell is about to ring." I pointed out, "see you guys at break." Kyle waved at us, while I, Oceane and Cole headed in a different direction.