I hurriedly awoke Monday morning and went downstairs to cook our breakfast and lunch. My older brother, Atticus, came downstairs holding his Science project while I was making our breakfast and lunch.

As I was ready to lay the third plate on the table, he added, "Papa's not home, he texted me yesterday; he'll be gone for around 3 weeks on his business trip."

"What? Did he text you? He might have texted me as well, not only you!" I murmured, cautiously embracing the third plate.

"Hey, listen, because I'm the oldest, it's only natural that papa texted me first. You're too busy focusing on fairytales than focusing on your studies, Ally. You're 16 and you still believe in the stories mama told you?" he said, bending and adjusting his Science project and making it clean and presentable.

I let out a sigh as I gave him a dismissive look. "Those stories mama told me, I know they're true you know! Just admit it, Atty, you believe in them too!" I try to reason with my older brother, who believes in Science.

"I'm not 7 years old anymore, Ally, and you're not 5 years old either; shouldn't you have grown out of that phase by the time you're 12?"

I shouldn't have tried to reason with him in the first place. He always knows how to use his words to attack in any way possible. Stupid older brother who is a Science buff!

In any case, I usually lose in this type of debate. What's the purpose of dining together if it's just me and Atty? I went to the kitchen and started packing our breakfast and lunch in a container. I aggressively hand him his food packet after putting mine in my backpack (For breakfast and lunch). Before leaving the house, I walked to Mama's photo frame by the couch and said my goodbyes to her before heading to school.

-

Fantastic, simply fantastic! Mathematics is the subject in which I have the least interest. While Ms. Worcester is debating the merits of this or that formula or solution. I was just pretending to be paying attention by getting a pen and paper and doodling on it. When Ms. Worcester noticed it, she took the paper away from me and asked why I wasn't paying attention.

"Alexia, you're supposed to be listening to what I'm saying, not drawing such nonsense."

It's not necessary to display it in front of the entire class. I chuckle cynically and hide my face in my math book. I'll confess that my art isn't particularly good, but art is art. Isn't that what makes art, art? do you get it?

"Why, Alexia Ilagaria, are you different from your older brother Atticus Ilagaria, who is an exceptional student."

That's enough to make my blood boil. Why would you compare me to my brother when we have nothing in common? Ugh! I'd love to respond to Ms. Worcester right now, but I'm trying to keep my sanity in order to prevent such disputes.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Worcester," I said as I rose up. "It won't happen again."

When she handed me the paperback, She then goes on to teach the rest of the class. I sat down and crumbled the paper before asking a classmate who was sitting near the bin to toss it away.

-

The bell rang, signaling the end of our Math class and the start of our Physical Education class. Before I could even take a step, I stood up and grabbed my belongings. Ms. Worcester sent me to Ms. Heisse. I was ready to make an excuse when she said, "Don't make me an excuse, young lady!" and I realized I had no choice but to visit Ms. Heisse.

I was going to leave the room after Ms. Worcester had departed when my name was called. Please, please, please, As a result, I answer with an annoyed tone. When I turned around, I was surprised to see Nicholas Reuben, the drama club's president, calling me.

"Please accept my heartfelt apologies."

"The theater club would love to welcome new members if you are interested, you can drop by," he quietly chuckles as he announces his reason for calling me.

I suddenly realized that I haven't joined any clubs since that time. After all, drama club isn't all horrible. Given Nicholas's request, I suppose I should give it a shot...?

"Thanks," I responded, gazing at the flyer he had given me. "I'll drop by after class is over."

"Also, I believe this is yours; you have such fantastic artistic abilities, Alexia; such a lovely abstract of a fairy."

He handed me the shredded paper with my sketch on it, which I begged to be thrown away because I was flushing from humiliation. When he rested his hand on my shoulder and smiled at me, I was about to burst.

"Alexia, I'll see you after school," he said as he walked out of the room.

Was he taunting me or was that a compliment? AAAH! I was unable to think clearly! This is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence that hasn't happened in my 16 years of existence!

I need to take a deep breath and remind myself that I still need to visit Ms. Heisse before moving on to the next subject. I folded the flyer and stuffed it into my pocket before exiting the classroom and heading to Ms. Heisse's office.

-

I'd arrived at Ms. Heisse's office door and was debating whether or not I should see her today. The door opened on its own before I even had a chance to knock. Maybe it's only the wind, but it's creepy. Before entering her office, I had a look around and noticed Ms. Heisse was busy with some paperwork.

As soon as I entered her office, I walked over to her desk and sat in the chair in front of her. I put my backpack down and began looking about as if I hadn't been here before.

"Ms. Worcester informed me you weren't listening or engaging in her subject, but instead you started scribbling sketches," she said, laying her pen down, gently removing her spectacles, and locking her gaze on mine.

"I Ummm..." I'm out of excuses.

To avoid making eye contact with Ms. Heisse, I look in another direction. I started shifting the subject so I wouldn't have to answer her.

"I had no idea you had a chest, Ms. Heisse," I said as I stood up and walked over to the chessboard, picking up a pawn and twirling it between my fingers.

Ms. Heisse sighed heavily, and I heard her. She got out of her chair and walked over to me, tapping my shoulder. I continue to twist the pawn while lowering my head.

"I know it's been difficult since your mother died, especially for your father, who is raising such exceptional children."

Outstanding? That's correct, I'm nothing more than...Alexia Ilagaria. I even felt like I was a letdown in our family.

"There's no need to sugarcoat the words, Ms. Heisse. I can accept the fact that I'm different from everyone, that I'm a freak, that I still believe in fairytales, but... it's the last memory I have of my mama," I said, clutching the pawn and fighting back tears.

"Fairytales are more than true," Ms. Heisse rubbed my head, "not because they tell us that such magical creatures exist, but because they tell us that they ended up preserving the world of people and mystical creatures."

I turned to face Ms. Heisse and smiled at her. She gives me a sincere grin before softly brushing my hair.

"Now that we've finished here, you can go; don't worry about Ms. Worcester; I'll take care of her. You don't want to miss your next subject with Coach Naruaez," she said softly.

As I was about to leave the room, Ms. Heisse remarked, "You may see me anytime, Alexia. You can tell me everything." I just nodded and walked out.

-

I walked past Atty's classroom as I walked down the hall. I came to a halt to observe him being so focused on his studies and academics. I kept my grasp on the sling of my bag and continued walking down the corridor.

I'm almost to the locker room when I run into someone. Penny, my best friend, had called. She was prepared to fling her hands at me because she had brought my exercise gear with her.

"It took you long enough! Coach Naruaez was looking for you, and he asked me where on earth you were, and I was going to give an excuse until Nicholas, Nicholas Reuben covered you," she said angrily as she handled my exercise gear.

Before entering the locker area, I shrug and give her an uneasy smile.

"Since when did you and Nicholas, should we say, become acquainted?"

"After the math subject, he spoke with me and handed me a flyer for their drama club, telling me that if I was interested, I may come by their club." I put on my white shirt and adjusted my jogging pants.

"You should join the drama club, they only have a few members there," she said, pinching her chin and leaning against the wall.

"I'm still debating whether or not to join the drama club—stupid shoe!" muttered as I furiously removed and replaced my shoe.

Penny sighed and said, "I'll see you at the gym, Alex. You better be there or else we'll be in trouble and Coach Naruaez will get upset at us." before exiting the locker area.

-

Her full name is Penelope Yara Esa. I know, I know. It's stunning. Penny and I met in middle school and have been friends ever since. Her parents left her when she was five years old, leaving her in the care of her grandmother. Penny's parents were both too preoccupied to care for her.

When I asked her to be my buddy, our friendship began. She gladly accepted it because no one else wanted me to be a member of their social circle. I introduced her to papa and Atty after school that day. Penny invited me to her house the next day to enjoy cookies that her grandmother had baked and introduced me to Grandma Alice.

-

I'm prepared and have gone to the gym. I apologize for being late to Coach Naruaez.

"Alexia Ilagaria, give me 10 running laps," he wrote on his clipboard while blowing his whistle forcefully.

Before I could perform my 10 running laps, I sighed and walked to the side to stretch. From afar, I could hear Coach Naruaez yelling at someone for being lousy.

This day couldn't possibly get much worse...as soon as I finished stretching, I started running laps. Penny was climbing the rope and waving at me, so I raised my brows in response.

I didn't realize my shoelace was untied until I slid, dropped on the gym floor, and landed on my chin while jogging laps (for about 3 already). Internally, I scream, biting the inside of my lower lip and fighting back tears. Penny rushes up to me and asks Coach to drive me to the clinic.

Sometimes I praise these kinds of mishaps for allowing me to make excuses, such as avoiding punishment.

-

-

Sir Smith was our teacher for the last subject of the day, history. All of the lights were turned off, and the only source of light was the projector.

In my notebook, I scribbled everything for today's lessons, and when some gum landed on my notebook, I scribbled softly. Gross! It even had saliva on it, as well as small bubbles.

I swivel my head towards the direction of the terrible gum's owner, but I can't see very well because it's dark. I returned to my notebook, shook my head, and ripped the paper from my notebook, crumpling it and tossing it aside. I revised everything after dropping my pen by accident. When I bent down to pick it up, I noticed that the underside of my desk was covered in gums.

Before picking up my pen, my eye twitched. I bit my lower lip and inhaled deeply before returning to my task of rewriting everything.

I swear I'm praying and trying to maintain my sanity.

When something landed on my hair, I flinched and hesitated to touch it. Finally, I touched it, and it turned out to be another gum! How revolting!!! I'm about to go insane.

Even though the room is dark, I can hear a distant giggle. I slammed my history book shut and tossed it in the direction of the chuckle.

BULLSEYE!

It was none other than Jaxon who smacked him in the face. Mr. Smith became enraged when he sighed and I interrupted our class. He then instructed me to meet him after class with Jaxon.

What's the matter with me today? I mean, I always make mistakes on a daily basis, but this is not one of those days.

Sir Smith made me and Jaxon stay in the classroom after the History lesson. Sir Smith stood beside the desk, his arm crossed, while Jaxon sat in his chair, picking his tooth, yuck. And I'm sitting in my chair, collecting my belongings without looking away from Jaxon.

Sir Smith clears his throat and continues to talk while I clutch my Science book and prepare to throw another book at Jaxon.

If Sir Smith wasn't here, you'd be in big trouble. I'd be the one punishing you, Jaxon Wesley Landon, in the manner in which Asian moms discipline their children.

"I warned you many times that bubble gums are not allowed at our school," Sir Smith remarked, squeezing his nose bridge. "You never listen, and the worst part is that you all stick them under Alexia's desks, notebooks, and on her hair earlier."

No matter how much you tell or chastise Jaxon, he never pays attention to everything you say. He needs a good thrashing till he apologizes again and again.

"Also, Alexia, you can't just throw a book in someone's face; you could at least address him instead of tossing a flying book in his face." Facing me.

Sorry, but violence is sometimes the only option. When you maintain your environment clean all the time yet someone messes with it, who doesn't become angry? My rationality has vanished, but my rage problem has not! I tell you, I'm not sure I can handle it!

Even I am astonished by what I have just done. When it's dark, I throw a book across the room and listen to where the sound comes from. That's odd without hitting someone who doesn't produce that noise.

Sir Smith continued to chastise us and teach us many lessons. Ugh, this is going to take an hour and a half. I leaned my head against my palm and sighed deeply.

-

I eventually got out of that room after that torturous scolding and instruction. Jaxon deliberately collided with me and gave me an odd look.

Jerk!

Penny was sitting in the corridor when I turned to my right. "Alex, you're finally done, I've been waiting for you; let's go to the ice cream shop before returning home," she said, brushing the dust off her skirt.

"It appears that someone is pleased to see me," teases and elbows her.

She chuckles and firmly pats my back. Her patting makes me believe my lungs are about to fall out. Penny despises it when I tease her, but I can't stop myself. I have a lot of fun teasing her because she is like a sister to me.

Two of us walked down the corridor, chatting about our day. "We were all in the middle of an activity, and I had this one obnoxious classmate, who I couldn't bear anymore, so I slapped him," she continued, "Sir Antone and all of my classmates were stunned that I slapped Otis Reed, but I was the one who was surprised because Otis Reed requested another slap."

"Man, he looks like he's reawakened his demeaning kink," I exclaim, choking on my own spit.

While strolling down the corridor, we resume our talk. I dug into my pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. It was the drama club's flyer and my sketch that I took from my pocket. Making me come to a complete stop.

"Ah...Alex, you coming?" she asked, taking a step back.

"We should stop by the drama club," I said, staring at the flyer. "I want to check it out for a while."

Penny gave me a mocking look and seized my arm, saying, "Whatever the woman wishes," before dragging me to the theatrical club.

-

We arrived at the theatrical club's door, which has a small aperture. Penny and I heard noises and peered through the door's little gap.

"Wow, it appears that everyone is working, and the members have also been numbered," Penny said as she clutched her light wavy brunette hair.

When someone accidentally bumped me with their hips while lugging a box of costumes, I couldn't even complete my speech.

In the drama club, I made this stupid noise that drew everyone's attention. I got up, gave them an uneasy smile, and waved. Penny's face was already flushed with embarrassment.

"Are there any other new members expected today?" inquired the blonde with green eyes, who was carrying a clipboard.

"I ya..." To be honest, I only came here to pay a visit or take a quick look around the club without being accosted.

Penny came in and stood by me, holding my hand, knowing how much I dislike being the center of attention. "Actually, Nicholas gave my friend here a flier and asked if she could stop over; I just tagged along to accompany her."

I gave a childlike smile and nodded when asked whether they wanted candy. Nicholas emerged from the shadows and walked straight towards us.

"I'm delighted you came by, Alexia, and you brought a buddy with you," Penny smiled at him as he hands the piece of paper to one of his members.

Is it true that this guy was counting on me to show up at his club? Waiting for someone you just spoke to earlier in the day is something new.

"I'll show you around and let your friend tag along with us," Nicholas said as he turned away and started walking.

Penny and I walked alongside Nicholas, keeping up with his pace. He was chatting with various people, including members of the acting team, props crew, and blah blah blah.

-

Nicholas came to a halt and turned to face us after a few moments. He asks if we'd like to join their group. Penny and I exchange a brief glance before returning our attention to Nicholas.

Drama club isn't that horrible after all; in fact, I've grown to enjoy it. Nicholas just gave us a few minutes of his time, but I quickly became enamored with their establishment.

I'm going to utilize this club as an excuse to stay out late... Because home, no longer feels like home.

My reaction was, "I'd want to join the drama club, Nicholas."

Nicholas bowed his head and grinned. Penny interrupts him as he gets a clipboard and a pen and is about to ask a question.

"I'd like to join the drama club as well; wherever Alex goes, I'll go," she said, her wrist lying on my shoulder.

"I'd like to know your entire name, please," Nicholas says with a sincere smile.

"Penelope Yara Esa," she says.

"Alexia Zenevieva Ilagaria,"

"Welcome to the Drama Club, Penelope Esa, and Alexia Ilagaria," Nicholas scribbled on the page.

-

-

At 7:10 p.m., I arrived home to find Atty still not home. I shrug and return to my room. After dropping my suitcase, I went downstairs and into the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Naturally, this was after Nicholas had welcomed us to the drama club. When I told him that I wanted to be on the props team with Penny, he was about to put me on the acting team. He then gave his approval without hesitation to my request. Following that, Penny and I went to an ice cream shop when we got out of school.

When the doorbell rang, I was peacefully carving the meat. It has already knocked five times. "Did Atty finish his meeting with his groupmates for their group projects?"

I stepped cautiously to the front door and slowly raised the meat-slicing knife. "I don't expect any guests today!" she exclaimed, taking a long breath.

When I eventually unlocked it, I took my time twisting the knob. Penny was standing there with a folder in her hand and a puzzled expression on her face.

Penny and I supposedly discuss the things we'll be buying for the drama club, which I completely forgot about. The vice-president had already assigned us a task after Nicholas had welcomed us. Penny and I are the ones that purchase the necessary supplies for the acts.

I smiled at her, lowered the knife, and invited her in. Before entering the home, she gave me an eye twitch. I know, I know, I need to explain myself to her before she makes a mistake.

"Penny, this is not what you think. I was slicing the meat when the bell rang. I didn't expect to have a guest until I opened the door and saw you. That's when I realized you were coming over. In short, I forgot about you."

"You were giving me a minor heart attack there for a second. You look like a maniac," she sighed as she plopped down on the couch.

"Let me finish my work, then maybe you could join us for dinner...I mean, if Atty isn't home when dinner's done, you can join me, and then we can start discussing our tasks in getting the materials," I said, adjusting my apron and hair tie.

"Sure, I'd love to; I'll assist you; having four arms would be fun and easy," she says, jazzing her hands. We laughed together and headed to the kitchen.

-

Penny was arranging the table while I flipped the meat with the tongs. Atty eventually arrived, accompanied by a friend. Atty is actually bringing a friend home for the first time. He doesn't really interact with anyone unless it's for school.

"Welcome home, sweetheart," I teasingly said.

Attys furrowed his brow and sought to process anything while Penny tried to hold back her giggles.

No, truly, I have the appearance of a single mother! Raising a spoiled adolescent who is too preoccupied and selfish to achieve.

"Enough with the nonsense, Ally; this is Nicholas Reuben, my friend," he said, gesturing to him with his hand.

"How dare you speak to your mother in such manner, and your friend—" I exclaim dramatically and point the tongs at him.

NICHOLAS REUBEN??? IS HE A FRIEND OF NICHOLAS REUBEN? WHEN, WHERE, AND FOR WHAT PURPOSE?!! AAAAAHHH!

"It's great to meet you, Atticus' mother," he said, raising both brows and smiling.

Is it possible that he merely went with the flow?! Who'd have guessed that Atty is Nicholas' friend? It's a small world...

-

-

Penny and I walked straight to my room after supper to check the items that were stated on the page as being required for the acting team and the backgrounds. While Atty and Nicholas work on theirs in the living room.

"These materials are a little difficult to come by," I grumble, but I continue to read them all.

"I found an antique store just a few blocks away," Penny said, tapping her pen on her cheeks. "Perhaps they have the goods we need."

What is this, an antique store? However, those items are valuable enough to be used as props in a play.

"We could go there tomorrow, before school, and check it out; we might find something that's on this list," Penny said, leaning her head on the tabletop.

"Sure, buy it and bring it to school," I said, moving back and forth on my bed. "Slowly buying the materials so that we won't be in a panic when there's a performance."

While lying in my bed, staring at the ceiling, I stretched my arm. Why is today's day so exhausting and off-putting to me?

-

Nicholas and Penny were preparing to leave around 9:00 p.m.

"I'll meet you here at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow," she says, pointing to a rolled piece of paper.

I gave a nod.

Penny was waiting for Nicholas outdoors. Nicholas persisted in walking Penny home, despite the fact that it was already late. Penny took a picture of me while I yawned while holding the door frame.

Even after Atty and Nicholas had arrived at the door, they continued to converse. When are you going to stop chatting to each other? You can't make the lady wait much longer, ugh! My eyes are ready to close, so hurry up, boys!!!

Nicholas and Penny are finally outside the door, and he has said his goodbyes to Atty.

"I nearly forgot, Alexia, I'll see you tomorrow," he added, smiling and waving at me.

Atty shook his hand after I gave him a smile.

As I stood there watching Nicholas and Penny walk away, I shut the door and told Atty to clean the dishes.

I dash to my room and collapsed onto my bed, swaddled in my blanket and pillows. With a sad sigh, I hoped that tomorrow would be better than today.

Everything appears to be antique and lovely. Penny had the list, so I wandered throughout the store, perusing the shelves. I was enthralled by the beauty of the goods on display. As I became engrossed, I came across a book, picked it up, and opened it. When I saw what was in the book, I gasped. I sat down and flipped over the pages from left to right.

The book was chock-full of many supernatural creatures. When I heard Penny calling for me, I was enjoying reading them all. I shut the book and carried it with me. As I rose from my seat, I noticed a brilliant light shining from the drawers near the other books. Curiosity got the best of me, so I walked to it, opened the drawer, and saw only a pen.

A pen with ancient runes carved onto it. As I circle it all over, I think to myself, "Pretty."

Then there was this voice, "Alexia Zenevieva Ilagaria," calling out to me. I turned around, but no one was there. It sounds like a man's voice, and it makes me uncomfortable.

When the pen illuminates, I put it back down and was going to close the drawer. It has a gold tint to it, and the ancient letters glowed as well. It repeats my name, "Alexia Zenevieva Ilagaria." All I can hear is a ringing in my ear, and I nervously stare at it while my surroundings blur.

Hearing Penny's voice helped me regain my composure. Cold sweats continue to flow as I close the drawer and stare at the floor. When someone spoke, I flinched. "Are you all right?" questioned a boy who was a year older than me and was wielding a broomstick.

I laughed nervously and wiped my sweats. Awkwardly went away, clutching the book in a frenzied search for Penny. I'm getting dizzy and look like I'm going in circles. I was having trouble breathing and tightening my chest.

Penny, who had been looking for me, asked, "Where have you been? I've been looking for you for about 5 minutes, and it's only 12 minutes till class starts."

I was relieved, and I couldn't resist hugging her. I can now relax and breathe normally. She asks, worriedly, as she pulls away from the embrace. Of course, I smiled and said, "Of course, I am OK; there are no issues!" I then lied and gave her a thumbs-up, telling her that we needed to pay for the items before we were late for class.

After the items are paid, which Penny and I had gathered, I bought the book that I had come across. Someone gently pulled me by my shirt as we were about to leave the store. It was the boy from a bit ago when I turned around. He handed me the pen and said, "I believe this belongs to you."

Penny peered over my back and remarked, "Oooh, that's lively."

My eye twitched as if rejecting it. When I answered, "I don't think-" I was interrupted by a girl who is a year older than me and Penny speaking.

"It genuinely belongs to you, miss," she says, her arm resting on the boy's shoulder.

How could I possibly own a mystical and magical pen that can say a person's name?!

"I had no idea you had such a rudimentary pen, Alex," she said, adjusting her glasses.

That's because I don't own a pen-like that!

As I stare at the pen, it begins to shine once more. Slowly, my hand moved closer to embracing it on its own. Penny then starts fretting because it's only 6 minutes until classes begin, which makes me tremble.

I snatched it from the boy's grip and stuffed it into my backpack. Penny and I started running as soon as we exited the antique store. I clutched the sling of my purse and recalled the events that transpired at the antique store.

Weird.

-

-

Our Science teacher, Ms. Heisse, started a new topic today called Gas Laws. The Boyle's Law, Charle's Law, Gay-Law, Lussac's Combined Gas Law, Avogadro's Law, and Ideal Gas Law are the six gas laws now in use.

Boyle's Law is the first Gas Law she mentions. "An Irish natural philosopher, Robert Boyle, experimented with Boyle's Law," she said as she walked around the room.

Ms. Heisse says, "Boyle's Law asserts that the volume of a fixed quantity of gas at constant temperature is inversely proportionate to its pressure."

I didn't pay attention in class because I was still processing what had happened at the antique shop earlier. I'm physically present, yet mentally gone, as my head rests on the palm of my hand.

Penny uses her finger to nudge my back in an attempt to grab my attention. It doesn't pique my interest, but Ms. Heisse did. She swallows and clears her throat.

"At a constant temperature, helium in balloons occupies a volume of 3L at a pressure of 1 atm; what is the pressure of the gas if the volume is increased to 12 L?" she wondered.

Penny had a frightened expression scribbled on her face after biting the tip of her pen. As I gulped hard, the entire class turned to face me.

"The answer is P2\= 0.25 atm, and if you're wondering why, here's why," I said as I rose up and walked to the front. Select a whiteboard marker and begin writing.

"P1 \= 1 atm, where P1 is the initial pressure, V1 \= 3 L, where V1 is the initial volume, V2 \= 12L, where V2 is the final volume, and now we must find the final pressure, which is P2. We will use the formula P2\= P1V1/ V2 to find the final pressure, and in the solution, we will replace P1 with 1atm, V1 with 3L, and V2 with 12L. As a result, P2\= (1atm) (3L)/12L. We're searching for the final pressure, not the initial or final volume, therefore crossing out the L's of the 3 and 12. After crossing them out, multiplying (1atm) by (3) equals (3atm). Now that we have 3atm/12, we will divide 3atm/12 to get P2\=0.25atm."

The room fell silent, and as I turned to face them, they were all too stunned to speak; they just stared at me, including Penny.

Too much?

Ms. Heisse startled me by clapping her hands and praising me, which caused me to squeak.

Who'd have guessed that Atty's advanced lessons from the weekend before would come in handy? I'll be grateful to him for giving me an advanced lesson; it's saved my life!

I return the whiteboard marker to its original location. I returned to my seat and sat down, amusedly facing Penny.

When the bell rang, everyone got up and headed outside for the final subject of the day.

"I'll go ahead Alex, I'll see you in History class," Penny remarked as she packed her belongings. "I still need to present my math homework to Ms. Worcester before she gives me a low score," she said.

I responded with a nod, and she walked away. Ms. Heisse was heading in my direction as soon as I noticed her. I immediately packed the items that I had carelessly let go of and were strewn about my apartment.

I stoop down and quickly gather it all up. Ms. Heisse also bends down to help, handing me my Spanish book and saying, "You seem quite off today, Alex. Did something happen?"

I couldn't even look her in the eyes as I shook my head. Since then, Ms. Heisse has been very kind to me, and I don't want to be a burden to her. When I'm not paying attention in class, she's always concerned about me, like good teachers are. She also has a keen sense of when something is bothering me.

The pen shone again, and I grabbed it and stuffed it inside my bag. It's a good thing Ms. Heisse didn't notice. I stood up and thanked her and said my goodbyes as I finished gathering my belongings and stuffing them into my bag.

I went to the restroom and shut the door after walking down the hall. I take the pen from my bag, circle it, and stare at it for a few seconds. "Weird, it shone a while ago." I dumped it in a trash can, wiped my hands, and went to the last subject.

-

-

Because Sir Smith was not present, we were instructed to report to our clubs because he had not left any chores or assignments. Penny and I went to our lockers to retrieve the goods and materials we purchased at the antique store and brought them to the theater club.

When we got to the drama club, we distributed the materials to the other teams. Everyone appears to be preoccupied with the forthcoming event, which is a major day for the club.

"Alexia, since you are good at designs, I would like you to do the sketches for the patterns," Nicholas says as he offers me the bond papers.

He recently saw my fairy sketch and has decided to give me a major part in the club. "Sure..." I chuckle as I accept the bond paperwork and request a clipboard.

I look for a quiet spot to begin sketching. I sat in the corner, opened my bag, and took a pen from inside. When I finally felt the pen, I took it out, and to my amazement, it was the pen that I had thrown in the bin.

I became terrified and screamed, startling the entire group. They locked their gaze on me, and I laughed nervously, "There was a rat that ran over my feet and it just surprised me, that's all."

They returned to their jobs after that.

I swear I dumped this pen in the bin before History class, so how did it get up inside my bag? Things are becoming increasingly strange.

"I'll deal with you later," I told myself, "but first, I'll start sketching the patterns." I stow the pen in my bag and get to work on the outline.

-

I finished the sketches about 5:00 p.m. and gave them over to Nicholas. He complimented me on my wonderful designs, which made me flush. Except for mama, papa, Atty, and Penny, no one congratulated me for doing what I enjoy, which is the arts.

He said, scratching the back of his neck, "I Ummm...want to walk home together?"

When he inquired, I was taken aback and rolled my eyes to the side. I don't want to upset his feelings, so I politely decline his offer. I answered, "Some other time, Nicholas."

He smiled and answered, "Sure, some other time."

I waved at him and rushed over to Penny to assist her with her belongings.

-

Grandma Alice greeted Penny and me as soon as we arrived at her house. Grandma Alice invites me to supper with her and her family. Well, Penny is the only family that Grandma Alice has, the same goes for Alice as well. I politely decline. I don't want Atticus to poison himself by eating his own food.

"I should leave now since I still have to make our dinner; see you tomorrow, Penny, and grandma Alice, I'll make it up to you next time; I'll eat all the cookies you'll bake," she said, smiling.

I gave them a wave and began running away.

Today has been much creepier and strange than yesterday. What is going on in my life?!

I pulled over to the side of the road and reached into my backpack for the pen. This object simply sparkled in the antique store, and now it's glistening in Science class...It appears like a conventional pen with a design of inscriptions on it.

I groan and tuck it into my pocket before continuing on my way down the street.

-

-

When I arrived home and stepped inside, I discovered Atty working on his project in the living room. "Welcome home," he said, his focus fixed on his project. "You seem a little late; I assumed you were with Nicholas."

Why does he know about Nicholas' offer—they're buddies, after all.

"I decline his offer," I said.

To tell you the truth, I have no idea how to hold a decent conversation with other men. It makes me feel uneasy whenever I have a talk with them.

"Enough with Nicholas!" I grumbled as I walked upstairs to my room.

When I entered my room, I immediately dropped my bag. I took the book and the pen that I bought at the antique store.