The Year Shakespeare Ruined My Life by Dani Jansen

Author:Dani Jansen
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Second Story Press
Published: 2020-05-11T15:30:27+00:00

CHAPTER 22

I woke up smiling. Things were looking up for ol’ Alison. I hummed as I brushed my teeth and even let Annie use the toaster before me. I wasn’t usually a morning person, but this day was different. Becca was talking to me again, Charlotte was flirting with me, and I knew the essay I’d written on King Lear was good enough to reassure Ms. Merriam that I was back to my old self. Yes, things were looking up.

I practically floated through all my Friday classes. I multitasked at lunch, eating my sandwich while I prepped a review sheet for a history test the next week. I’d been sitting alone at lunch since the Fake Date Incident, but today was different. I knew Becca had an appointment with the guidance counselor at lunch to go over some university application stuff. How did I know this? Because she’d texted me to say so. She’d added that she’d give me a drive home after school. Communication had progressed to texts.

The drive home was mostly silent again, but the music wasn’t quite as aggressively loud today, and after I asked, Becca told me her meeting with the guidance counselor went well. Things weren’t normal, but the silence didn’t feel as oppressive today. When she stopped to drop me off, Becca put Harvey in park instead of just braking long enough for me to get out the door. I took this as a sign and sat still after I unbuckled my seatbelt.

“Want to come over tomorrow to watch a scary movie?” Becca asked. She was a horror movie aficionado. I wasn’t into scary movies, but I recognized the peace offering for what it was.

“Sounds great. I’ll bring some kettle corn.” I grinned at Becca, and she gave me a half smile. More progress.

Walking in the front door, I felt so good, so on top of things that I decided this was the weekend I was going to tackle some of the scholarship essays I’d been putting off. I was like an athlete on a winning streak: There was no stopping me now!

At supper, Annie talked about an open mic night she was planning to play next Saturday. She was thinking about performing one of her own songs, something she’d never done in public before. Our parents were both appropriately supportive and made a point of taking out their phones and marking the date and time in their calendars. Annie then turned to me. “Are you going to come?” I was surprised Annie wanted us there, but if that’s what she wanted, I was happy to oblige.

“Count me in!” I said, and Annie rolled her eyes at my enthusiasm, but I could tell she was pleased we were all making a fuss.

Before bed, I organized myself so I’d be ready to start writing the essays the next morning. I printed out all the instructions and arranged the applications according to due date. Pleased with myself, I was about to head to bed early when a sudden urge stopped me.

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