• The banquet hall was closed so I decided to sit on the empty bar for a relaxing moment. The stage was clear and the sun shone through the church looking windows. With thoughts racing I danced around the empty hall and hummed the tune of the cricket's lullaby.
    "Having fun there?" A boys voice called and echoed through the room.
    "Who's there?" I asked.
    "Mike Crock, from 5th period English." He smirked.
    Mike and I sat on the edge of the stage as I drank from my bottle and kicked my feet against the foundation. "Mike, why are you here anyway, Isn't everyone out of school?" I asked.
    "Well, almost. I always come here for cleaning duties after school." He blabbered on. Later he waved goodbye and I continued to gaze at the spotless room. My hair was up in a ponytail tied with a red ribbon that I found by my dresser. Ever since mom died, I've found all sorts of things to find and do with my hair as well.
    The next day in school I sat at my desk looking out the window to the birds.
    "Ms. Raine? Ms. Raine!" Mr. Hall shouted.
    "Would you like to tell us what you were fantasizing about this time?" He said.
    "In fact, I would." I smiled.
    "So, as I looked out at the birds, I thought of being one of them and flying into heaven to see my mother. Of course I wouldn't be a bird but I'd have wings like an angel does. Then I heard yelling so I assumed it was my mother telling me to get to school. But unfortunately for me, it was just you. So there you have it." I said out of breath.
    "Well you've managed to waste enough time, stand in the hall!"

    I waited for the giggling to calm down before I left. I sat in the hall with my head tucked between my knees and shirt. A calming hand laid down on my shoulder as they whispered in my ear, "Are you OK?"



    -TUNE IN NEXT TIME TO FIND OUT WHO IT WAS...COULD IT BE HER DEAD MOTHER, THE RANDOM CLEANING DUTY GUY, OR A FRIEND? LET'S FIND OUT NEXT TIME ON CHIPPER PART 2-.