The ticking of the clock was the only thing you can hear in the room. Looking out the window, it was perfectly sunny outside and the birds were chirping a melodic tune.
Well, I think they were but how would I know since I'm stuck in the guidance office.
And no, I'm not in trouble.
I kept my gaze floating around the room to avoid awkward eye contact with Ms. Richard, who was sitting on her desk across me. I don't know why the school thought this was a crucial thing for us to meet with her to discuss our future or whatever that means.
I have been in here for ten minutes already and I was already missing half my class. I have Philosophy right now and I hate that class so much, but I would do anything to get out of here.
"Cambria Mayes, you're in your junior year, right?" Ms. Richard began. "That's a pretty big thing."
I nodded meekly. "Yeah, I guess so."
Junior year in high school is a very big thing. Or at least that's what everyone keeps saying around here. But they do have a point. Somehow a few days back from Christmas break, our workload has doubled and I've been on edge trying to catch up with the deadlines and there's also the tests and my AP classes has been kicking me in the butt hard.
"What are the extra-curricular activities you are doing outside school? I know that you are part of the foreign language club and tutoring middle school students with Spanish." She said, flicking through a stack of paper. "That's a great idea to write in your essay when you'll be applying for college."
"I don't have any other extra-curricular activities outside school."
"Have you thought of joining other clubs other than the ones you're already joining?"
I furrowed my eyebrows. Is she really suggesting that I join another club? Jesus, I'm already overworked with school and she's telling me this. I don't need anything on my plate anymore. I'm stressed enough about studying for the SAT next spring.
"I'm not saying that you aren't doing enough because I know what's it like being a student like you all those years ago," She went on, clasping her hands together. "But what I am saying is you should do more different things to get more experience. I say this with concern. Nowadays, it's really tough to get accepted into good universities and colleges and-"
A knock on the door interrupt her. I turned in my seat to look at the door and a student was peeking out.
"Good morning, Ms. Robert." He started. "Sorry to interrupt, but Coach Ford is absent and Jake accidentally twisted his ankle and can't be the mascot for the game next week."
My face scrunched remembering the time I twisted my ankle. It was not a pretty feeling. It hurt like a bitch.
I sat back properly in my chair and found Ms. Richard looking back at me with a weird smile. "Don't worry, Tommy. I think I found you the perfect replacement."
Dios mio.
° ° °
The inside of the mascot was horrendous and hot and smelly. I was trying so hard not to gag every five seconds. My friends were really the other people I told about this thing. I called them crying once third period was over and half pitied me while also obnoxiously laughing at me.
I have such amazing friends.
Ms. Richard will pay for her crimes in hell one day.
The only good thing about this situation is Coach Ford giving me extra credits for PE which I definitely needed since I suck at that class. Sadly, I had to stay after school to practice.
During the night of the basketball game, I was sweating in places I didn't even I could sweat being in that mascot costume. I don't know how anybody could to this because it was so hot, and the smell inside didn't help. The good news is the juniors won the game against the seniors. Bad news is I have to stay during the whole thing until the end because apparently that's what mascots do. People kept pushing and pulling me in different directions because they want to take a picture with the school mascot.
Worst night of my life this year.
When I was finally allowed to leave and changed, I dashed out of the gym and I haven't even reached the locker room when I ripped of the head the heavy costume, sighing in relief as I feel the cool air hit my skin.
I scrambled my way out of the rest of the costume by the entrance of the locker room because I could not take it any more. If anyone walks in on me, I don't care.
"Thank goodness!" I exclaimed as I got my left foot out of the mascot costume.
As I was gathering the pieces of the mascot costume, I noticed that someone was right behind me watching. I turned around to face the person and it was one of the basketball players, the number fourteen on his jersey.
My eyes widened.
"I didn't know the mascot was a girl," He began, his gaze blazing into me. "Or pretty."
My cheeks flushed scarlet.
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Not Edited.