FERAL GLOW

AMELIA'S POV

"Do you have a ride?" The office secretary asked.

My mom was at work, so that meant I would have to walk home. Drenched to the bone in pool water. I smiled at her and nodded.

"My mom's outside right now." I lied straight through my teeth.

"Alright, have a good day then. Get warmed up!"

"Thanks."

I quickly left the school, in my damp shoes and soaked school bag. I wiped away the tears that were forming in my eyes and trudged along the path to my home.............

It all started in swimming class. I failed the last test I took, making my grade plummet to a C-. I talked to my gym coach after class to sort it out.

A huge mistake.

"Mr. Richards, is there any way I can retake this test? I believe I could have done better than this." I explained.

Mr. Richards sighed.

"I'm sorry, Amelia. It can't be changed. Just come in for help when you need it... hopefully you'll do better on the next test."

I sighed. "Alright. I'll try to do my best next time."

Just as I turned to leave, I lost my balance and slipped on the side of the pool, causing me to land head first into the water. I gasped as I went down in the water and nearly failed to swim up to the surface. I coughed, trying to catch my breath while the pool water entered my system once again.

Suddenly, I heard Mr. Richards shouting. My nerves settled a little, knowing he had seen me fall into the pool. I tried to remove my bag from my shoulder, but the weight of my binders wouldn't allow me to lift it.

"Hold on, kiddo. It'll be okay!" He immediately threw the life saver ring, which conveniently landed over my head. I noticed the hordes of students surrounding the pool, which made me curse myself for being so clumsy.

Right here was everyone I knew watching me struggle.

I was so thankful that the school allowed me to go home early. I wouldn't be able to face anyone after the embarrassment of being pulled out of a pool, let alone walk into class with my mascara running down my face.

The whole thing was mortifying, and I promised myself never to go near a pool again.

As I was walking home, I turned the corner of my street to go straight home. As I turned onto what

I thought was my street; I furrowed my eyebrows, expecting to see my house, but there was an unfamiliar street with people scurrying everywhere. I slowly walked down the sidewalk, and eyes began focusing on my figure.

My heart leaped through my chest as almost everyone on the street was staring at me. It's okay, just keep walking, Amelia. Just keep walking. There's got to be a familiar road ahead.

Just before reaching the end of the street, a girl stopped me in my tracks. She looked