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The morning sky was dark with ebony clouds. Harsh winds blew leaves of red and gold in a swirling funnel. Branches whipped against one another, unsettling cracks ringing out. The houses of Ringworth Way appeared ominous, casting intimidating shadows onto the ground. No animals lingered about, all having fled for shelter. A few stragglers struggled to reach the bus stop located at the corner of Ringworth. Each holding up hoods, or holding down hats. All irritatingly complaining about the gloomy weather. This was forgotten however, as a dark orange bus turned the corner and opened it’s doors.
“Come on, get in the bus.” A grey haired man hollered over the wind. He wore a royal blue smock and his brown eyes sparkled warmly. “Don’t want any of you catching a cold.” His withered hands strummed on the faded steering wheel. “Good morning Miss. Hale.” The driver greeted a brunette in a dark grey raincoat and black boots. Her hair was pulled into a neat bun, and she wore a green sweater and black jeans.
“You should say bad morning, Jack. It’s horrid out there.” Carter Hale replied, getting a laugh out of Jack. “I swear if this weather doesn’t let up soon I’ll go crazy.” She began to move to the back of the bus, careful not to trip over any of the scattered bags.
The occupants of the bus were all dressed variously. Some wore raincoats of different colors; green, blue, pink and red. Other’s wore thick wooly sweaters or simple hoodies. Some wore yoga pants, tights, or jogging pants. Carter and a few others wore jeans, while the more daft of the girls wore skirts. The teenagers on the bus were extremely loud and each seemed to want to be more rambunctious than the other.
As Carter progressed down the bus, she caught sight of a messy haired boy waving at her. Wes continued to beckon his friend until she sat beside him with an angry sigh. Carter’s brown eyes closed as she leaned her head against the soft dark brown seats. Trying to ignore the chorus of voices around her she started to massage her temples.
“Let me guess, The Highness got to you again?” Wes questioned, bringing a hand up to pat down his hair. “What was it this time? Breaking your hair dryer? Stealing your study notes and losing them?” The boy began to list various scenarios, and Carter let out a dry laugh. Opening her eyes, they drifted to the window behind Carter.
The Highness was the nickname Carter and Wes had come up for Carter’s prissy step-sister, Stephanie. It had started when Stephanie first moved in with Carter’s mother and her during the fourth grade. Stephanie had expected Carter to adore her every move. When Wes first met her he than referred to her as The Highness. The name had stuck since.
“I wish.” Carter hissed as she felt the bus stop at a light. “She was supposed to drive me today. Instead the princess ditches me and leaves me to take the bus.” Clenching her fists she gritted her teeth. “I need to get to school early today. I have to set up McMillan’s presentation.”
Wes smiled sympathetically before patting her head. Carter glared at him before leaning down and picking up her bag.
Wes and Carter had met during a kindergarden class where Carter punched him when he made fun of her hair. Since than the two had been inseparable.
“Tell Rob.” Wes answered and Carter threw her hands up in defeat. She dropped her bag as she did so.
“If only it was that easy, Stephanie has her dad wrapped around her finger. Plus my mom won’t even listen to me. She thinks I’m jealous of Stephanie.” Carter huffed in frustration and frowned. “They never catch her, she acts so innocent.”
Wes raised an eyebrow at Carter. “We can’t all be smart asses like you.” He retorted before ducking as she went to punch him.



“You know what I don’t understand?” Wes poked Carter as they made their way up the cobblestone steps of Alamos Collegiate Institute. “Why you don’t do anything to get her back? Here’s an idea, shave her head.” Carter gave him a shocked look as he continued. “Come on, imagine how hilarious that would be.”
“I don’t want to stoop down to her level.” Carter said as she glanced around. The hallway was filled with a rush of students, each shouldering past her. The faded light blue walls and black lockers both had many students leaning against them. Doors opened and closed in the commotion of running students. “Though shaving her head. Brilliant.” Wes beamed at that.
“I know, I’m a genius right?” Wes dramatically brought a hand up to his chest. “Sadly I have yet to be discovered.” Carter began to laugh uncontrollably at that. “What! I am!” Wes protested indignantly.
Stopping in front of a beige door Carter hastily began to reach for the handle. “Here’s my stop Wes. I’ll catch you later.” Wes nodded before he made off to his first class.
Pushing open the door Carter was met with the blue eyed gaze of McMillan. His usual cargo pants were on and he wore a button up grey shirt. His blonde hair was combed back, while he wore a frown on his face. Carter attempted to smile at him, but he gave her a steely look. Marching to the computer desk she began to set up the presentation. McMillan studied Carter as she grabbed different wires and stuck them into plugs. Clicking his tongue he cleared his throat. Glancing up Carter found him holding his chin thoughtfully. His eyes were narrowed and he seemed to be deep in thought.
“Is something wrong, sir?” Carter questioned beginning to get irritated. “I’m almost done setting up if that’s whats bothering you.” Crouching down she grabbed the remote beneath the smart board.
McMillan chuckled at her catty tone before replying. “Your an A student in this class isn’t that right?” Nodding Carter began to wipe her hands on her pants. “You also came to me before about extra credit, isn’t that right?”
The sixteen year old sighed. “I did.” She remembered how a week ago she came to McMillan for extra credit in his class. It was based on the subject of how she wanted to be a journalist, and wanted the path to be as smooth as possible.
“Well it seems as if I’ve found a way you can get extra credit.” McMillan gestured for the student to come to his desk. “See one of my students, they have the potential to get good grades in this class. However they just don’t have the dedication.”
“Who’s the kid?” Carter questioned, cutting to the chase. Her fingers tapped the desk rhythmically.
Rob McMillan acknowledged her impatience and began. “Here’s the thing Carter. This student isn’t in your peer group and I’m not sure you two fall into the same cliche.”
Carter smirked and muttered. “Well I do only have one friend.”
Ignoring her comment, he continued. “I’m also not entirely sure they’d be okay with you tutoring them. However they don’t have a choice if they do want to pass this class.” The blue eyed man coughed and rubbed the back of his head. “I think you would also bend him into a good student and maybe deflate his ego.” The last thing was spluttered. Carter started to laugh at the last statement. “The student is Xavier Woods.”