Skin and Bones

I wake up with a jump. My heart pounds in my throat, before the sound of the alarm clock enters my ears. I quickly reach over and hit it – it stops. I sat up. I’m still wearing my clothes from yesterday. I must’ve fallen asleep.

I get up and take my jeans off. I walk out of my room and down the hall to the bathroom. I lock the door, strip down, step into the shower and turn on the water.
As the water runs down my body, I slowly wake up. My eyes are closed, and even though I wake up I’m still off in my own little world. A world where no one can disturb me. A world filled with silence.

I have no idea how long I’ve been standing there, but I slowly drift back into the real world and turn off the water. The entire bathroom is filled with steam. When I step out, it feels like my feet are twice as heavy. When I look down, I realize I’m still wearing socks. Brilliant. Great. Just the way I always want to start my day.

I take off my socks and hang them on the shower door, before I dry myself with a towel. I rub it thoroughly through my hair, before I wrap it around my waist and walk out of the bathroom.
I meet my mom on my way back to my room.

“Morning Frankie.” I smile back and continue walking.
“You feeling rested? You must’ve slept for over 12 hours. I couldn’t even wake you up for dinner.” I turn around to walk backwards. I shrug at my mom, before I turn and enter my room.
“Better hurry,” my mom yells after me. I look over at my alarm clock. 8.47. Fuck!
I quickly throw some clothes on and grab my backpack. I know I haven’t done any of my homework.

I run down the stairs knowing I’ve forgotten some book or a note or a paper, but it’s better to turn in a paper late then to have detention for being late.

I run down the street and turn the corner. I might not live very far from the school, but even though walking there only takes 7,5 minutes – from the time I leave my house ‘til I’m in a chair in my first class – then I still only have…

I dig my phone out of my pocket as I run – hard task, but I manage.

I’ve got 2 minutes! I need to hurry!

I speed up my running. I can barely even feel my body as I race down the street. I can’t even feel the wind against my face. I’m sweating. Oh, great! Now I’ll stink all the way through first period! Luckily I’ve got a deodorant in my locker in gym. I’ll just race in there after first period.
I turn and run into the school. The halls are already empty. Please let the teacher be late. Please let the teacher be late.

I run to the door of my first class and stop. I take a deep breath before I open the door quietly.

“You’re late, Mr. Iero.” Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!
The teacher holds a yellow note towards me as I walk pass her table. Fuck!!
I walk to the back and take my seat. I spent the first half of the lesson focusing on regaining my breath.