The Failing
Enid was a mess. A giant burnt-out depressed mess. She was lost and confused and if she was being honest? She didn't know what to do or where to go or where she was even going.
She's currently up in her room laying in her bed with her violin next to her. She knew she should be doing something more productive—something to raise her grades—but her mind would just not obey her.
"Enid? Are you still there?!" A voice from her phone yelled out.
"Yes mom!"
"What are you doing that's more important than talking to your mother?" Her mom replied in a patronizing tone.
"I'm doing my homework." She lied. "And it's not more important. It's just half my final grade."
"Tsch. All that studying and for what? Failing?"
"Y'know what, mom?!" It took every ounce for her to get herself up. "I have to go. I have a project to get to."
Enid picked up the phone and hung up without waiting for a goodbye—dropping it carelessly on her desk—before flopping back to her bed.
With an annoyed sigh that sounded suspiciously like a growl, Enid sat up on the edge of her bed.
"Stupid grades, stupid mom, stupid stupid stupid." She muttered angrily as she brought her violin up to its playing position. She took a deep and calming breath as her bow glided across her violin, producing music that only few could rival.
Hours passed as she played piece after piece. Only the sunlight streaming past her window shades alerted her to how long she had been playing. A quick check on her phone told her that she was definitely going to be late to her first class.
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She snuck as quietly as she could into the classroom but even then, it was a futile attempt. She knew that the teacher would be able to immediately tell.
She sat down at the nearest empty seat—which so happens to be right by the door—and resignedly awaited her fate.
She saw the teacher walking toward her and braced herself for one of those talks.
"Sinclair," The teacher said in a sickly sweet tone. "Late again?"
"Sorry," Enid murmured in reply. "It won't happen again."
"You've said that the last five times… Enid, is there something going on?"
"No!" She replied a little too quickly. "I just woke up late this morning. I promise."
"Here," The teacher slid a slip of paper across her desk. "Take this to the office when you have the time." She then walked back to her desk like nothing happened.
Enid took a glance at the slip of paper and her blood ran cold. It was going to be another mark on her record. She cannot not have another one of those. What is she going to do? What is going to happen to her?
Only time will tell…
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Classes ended a few minutes ago and she was on her way to the office. Her heart was racing as she thought of what might happen to her. She was already thinking of what she might say to get her out of this situation.
She stopped right in front of the office door, debating on whether she should go or just abandon the request and feign to have forgotten about it.
Unfortunately for her, she was a bad liar. Ever since she was little, it was obvious when she would lie.
With a deep breath, she opened the door and walked in.
"Oh, Enid! The principal is expecting you." The administrative assistant said.
Enid merely nodded before making a beeline to the principal's office. The door was already open so she walked in and shut it behind her. She had a feeling that this was going to be a long, exhausting, and a very personal meeting.
"Ah, Enid! How are you?" The principal asked jovially. "Come, sit."
Enid let out a quiet "I'm okay" before silently sitting in one of the plush looking chairs in front of the principal's desk.
"Good." The principal shuffled a stack of papers on her desk before continuing. "I understand that you were late to class again?"
Enid nodded meekly at the mention of her failures.
"Looking at your academics, your grades are barely acceptable as they are." The principal said gently. "But you know the rules, Enid. I'm afraid I have no choice but to expel you from Nevermore."
"Is there anything else I can do?" Enid begged, now stood up. "Please! My mom would kill me! What if I get my grades up? Would that stop the expulsion? Please! Anything!"
"I'm sorry Enid. There's nothing more I could do." The principal stood up and escorted a numb Enid to the door. "Please pack up your stuff and come here to my office once you're done."
Enid nodded despite her mind not registering anything that was said to her. She walked numbly to her dorm, uncaring of everything. This will be the last time she walked these halls after all.
Despite her situation, there was only one thing that Enid dreaded more than anything. She did not want to go back there. She has to do something. But what?! She's exhausted all her options. All she could do now was follow what she's been told..
TBC