--This is the work of MiddleEarthGal, and may not be reproduced, or used in any form or fashion without permission.--
As she walked down the small, busy hallway of Lincoln High school on her way to history class, Wynter wondered what she was going to do over summer vacation. I guess I’ll just get a job, and see what happens after that.
As she took her usual seat, she watched the rest of the class file in, chatting with one another.
A petite girl with short, strawberry blonde hair sat next to her. “Hey Wynter, what’s up?”
Wynter shrugged. “Not much, Sherry. Just wondering about what I’m going to do with my life as usual.”
Sherry giggled, and her gray eyes twinkled. “You know you’ll have something come up, you’re such a great gal, I bet you’ll find something to do soon.”
“I hope so.”
The teacher entered, and the classroom fell silent. Mrs. Lillian Berkley was Wynter’s favorite teacher. She was in her mid-fifties, had blonde hair and soft blue eyes, and although she seemed rough and callous, she had a lot in common with Wynter. Both had been orphaned when they were small children, and they liked a lot of the same things, History being the main one.
Wynter had been busy with finals all week, and she had saved the best for last.
As Mrs. Berkley handed out the tests, Wynter let her mind wander. The last day of school. Wow.
Mrs. Berkley handed Wynter her test, and smiled at her. “Good luck, Miss Lereaux.” She said with a slight southern drawl.
“Thanks, Mrs. Berkley.”
Mrs. Berkley simply nodded, and returned to her desk. “Alright, class. You may begin your test.”
Wynter opened her test, and read the first question. Who said “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”?
Wynter immediately wrote the answer. George Washington.
She was done before the rest of the class, so she sat in her chair, and drew in her notepad.
When the bell rang, Mrs. Berkley stood. "If any of you would like, you may sit and wait for me to grade your tests, otherwise I will let you know what you scored tomorrow." She announced.
Most of the students left as early as possible, but Wynter and Sherry walked to and from school every day, so they decided to wait, along with one other boy.
Mrs. Berkley called for the boy in the back, and handed him his test. “Good job, Jim, you successfully reversed the roles of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. I’m sorry, but you have failed this test. I’ll see you for summer school.”
Jim sighed, took his paper, and walked out, leaving the three women to themselves.
Sherry gulped. “I hope I didn’t do too bad, I really studied hard for this test.” She whispered to Wynter.
“You did just fine, Miss Parker. You made a ninety.” Mrs. Berkley said with a small smile.
Sherry whooped, and grinned at Mrs. Berkley. “Thanks Mrs. Berkley! I’ll be waiting outside for you, Wynter.” She went out to her locker with a skip in her step, barely containing her joy.
Mrs. Berkley looked up at Wynter. “How are you today, Wynter?”
Wynter smiled at her. “I’m doing fine, I guess.” She said without making eye contact with Berkley.
“You guess? There’s something bothering you, Wynter.” Mrs. Berkley prodded.
Wynter sighed. “It’s just that I’ll be turning sixteen in two days and…”
Mrs. Berkley’s eyes filled with compassion, and she gave Wynter a hug. “Your mother and father aren’t here to share it with you.”
Wynter nodded, and felt her eyes filling with tears. She bit them back, and said, “It’s just that I wonder sometimes if what I’m doing would have pleased them. I wonder if they would be happy with the fifteen year old I am.”
Mrs. Berkley looked Wynter in the eye. ”Wynter Lereaux, I can promise you they would be happy. I know what you feel like; I’ve felt the same way. Just be pleased with who you are, and you’ll find life a happier place.”
Wynter smiled at her teacher. “Thanks, Mrs. Berkley that means a lot to me.” She looked at her watch. ”I’d better be going, or I’ll be late for supper.”
Mrs. Berkley nodded. “Alright. Happy early birthday, Wynter, I hope you have a wonderful summer.”
“Thanks, same to you, Mrs. Berkley.”
“Oh, and Wynter? You passed with flying colors, as usual.”
Wynter gave Mrs. Berkley another small smile. “Well, that’s a nice thing to hear. See you next year, Mrs. Berkley.” She walked out of the classroom, and went to her locker.
As she was getting the last of her things put into her backpack, Sherry walked up. “Almost done, Sherry.”
“I’m in no rush, I’m only going home to be greeted by George, who will no doubt be ready with another lesson on how to be the perfect daughter.” She twirled her hair behind her head and put on her best smile, then made a gagging noise, and stuck her tongue out at the thought of another one of George's lessons.
It was no secret that Sherry Parker was one of the richest kids in the state, her dad was a plastic surgeon, and her mom was usually travelling the world, hosting a show for the Travel Channel. They owned a huge mansion, that was just a couple blocks away from Wynter’s house, and Sherry was over almost every day to play video games or sometimes just to get away from everything, not that her parents ever noticed.
“Well, you can come over for supper if you want, I’m sure Uncle Greg and Aunt Donna don’t mind.” Wynter offered.
Sherry perked up immediately. ”Thanks, Wyn, you’re the best!” She opened her cell phone, and called George, the family butler, informing him that she wouldn’t be home for supper.
Wynter laughed. “Anytime.”
The two girls walked out of the school into the warm sunshine. Wynter rolled the sleeves up on her T-shirt, and put her sunglasses on, concealing her bright emerald green eyes. They started walking towards Wynter’s house, which was about four blocks away.
They passed Sherry’s mansion, and then they came upon a different mansion. This mansion would have been better described as a palace, with its huge towers on the east and west ends, and the thousands of acres of land that spread far behind it into the country side. “I wonder who lives there.” Wynter muttered.
Sherry glanced at the stone mansion again. “I don’t know, but it has to be a huge family or something. I’m always seeing tons of vehicles coming in and out. I’ve seen Lamborghini’s come out, and I’ve seen just a regular old cars come out, but I’ve never seen anybody outside.” She jumped out of the way as a Dodge Challenger went speeding out of the driveway, spinning gravel under its tires as it sped out onto the street. “Watch it!” She yelled, even though the car was long gone.
He almost blew it, that idiot! Sherry thought.
“Are you ok? That car seemed to come out of nowhere!” Wynter asked.
Sherry nodded. ”Yeah, I’m fine. Let’s just get home, I’m hungry.”
They finally arrived at Wynter’s house, and her aunt called from the kitchen “In here, girls! I’ve got supper almost ready if you don’t mind to help set the table.”
“And I’m on the back porch grilling, but you two probably don’t want any.” They heard Wynter’s Uncle Greg yell.
They laughed and went into the kitchen, and found Donna covered in flour, pulling a cake out of the oven. “How was the last day of school for you two?”
Sherry answered before Wynter could get the chance. “It went great! I made a ninety on our History test, and Wynter made a one hundred, of course.” She started putting plates on the table while Wynter set glasses of ice next to them.
“That’s wonderful, Sherry! And congratulations to you as well, Wynter!” Donna said.
Greg walked in, set the burgers on the table, then took his seat. “Alright, let’s eat before it gets cold!”
After supper was done, and the table was cleared, Wynter and Sherry announced that they would be in Wynter’s room playing video games if they needed them. The two all but ran up to Wynter's room, where they took their seats on two oversized bean bags.
“So, what do you want to play tonight? Something with lots of action, or a happier theme?” Wynter asked.
Sherry was looking outside the bedroom window at an old, mangled oak tree across the road, and didn’t answer.
“What are you looking so intently at?”
Sherry frowned at the sight outside, but snapped back to attention quickly. “Oh, um, you know Wyn; I think I’d better go home, I’m not feeling too great.”
“Do you need a ride home? It’s getting dark.”
“No, I’ll make it home before dark, and besides, if I need to, George will come pick me up. He’s always looking for something to do.” She laughed.
“Ok, maybe tomorrow we can do something together.” Wynter said hopefully.
Sherry glanced back outside at the oak tree, then back to Wynter. “Yeah, maybe. See ya later, Wyn.”
She walked downstairs, past Greg and Donna, who were now sipping on some coffee. “Headed home so soon, Sherry?” Donna inquired.
Sherry nodded, and looked up the stairway to see if Wynter had followed her, but, seeing that the coast was clear, she said, “Yeah, I’m not feeling too spiffy.” In a whisper, she added. “Mr. and Mrs. Lereaux, get ready.”
Greg and Donna nodded knowingly, and looked upstairs towards Wynter’s room. “Be safe, dear.” Donna said in a concerned tone.
Sherry smiled at them, and went outside. When she passed the tree, she heard it make an odd creaking sound. “Not yet! She’s probably watching me walk away! Wait until I’m around the corner.” She told it as she walked by.
Wynter, oblivious to the conversation that had taken place, watched her friend disappear around the corner, then went back downstairs for a snack.
“Are you feeling okay, Wyn?” She heard Greg ask.
She turned to him with a puzzled look on her face. “Yeah, I feel great. Why wouldn’t I?”
Greg shrugged, and went back to reading his book. “Just checking.”
The names were adorable and the story line was cool. Continue with your writing.
