It Was Raining

I jolted awake as my ancient alarm clock went off. As I heard the faint pitter-patter of water fall on the windows and roof, I turned over and gave my evil alarm clock the death-stare. An anguished moan that came from my belly erupted in a bubble grief when I read 5:50 am. My half-awake ears then heard the oh-so familiar, repetitive knocking on my door; and the deep muffled voice of my father said’ “Get up! Or we’re gonna be late for the bus again.”

I rolled out of bed, prayed that we would have a Mud-Day and sauntered over to the almost finished shower.

*****

I made my way slowly to the awaiting First Student Bus. The droplets of water beating down on my head, as if they were saying, “Come on. Move faster! The bus is waiting.”

I got on and walked steadily toward my usual seat, right behind the second emergency exit. I sat alone, miserable and wet; with nothing to do but stare out the window. The fogged glass seemed to mirror my insides, the water splashed against my reflection which made it look like I was crying. I pulled out my MP3 player and began to listen to music to see if it would lighten my mood, but it didn’t make a difference. All around me I could see the clear snakes slithering along the windows. It was then that I knew that today was going to be a very long and lugubrious day.