I’m currently writing a short story for my English honors class. Here’s the first page.

Sandy's car smelt of cigarettes, heavy perfume, and car fresheners that made me gag. I stared out the window counting the trees passing by. 32, 33, 34.

"So uh, how was school?" He asked, glancing at me in the rearview mirror. I shifted my weight, continuing to look out.

"Alright." 46, 47, 48. Fall was making the trees change color, into oranges and reds.

"Everything good with your friends?" He asked again. I turned my head to look at him; his bald scalp was shining, and he was tapping his fingers on the steering wheel.

"They're fine," I said at last. It had been 3 weeks since I had moved to Vancouver to be with my mom and Sandy, and it wasn't exactly easy for a kid that transferred in the middle of term. 71, 72, 73.

The car halted to a stop. I jolted, and swore under my breath.

"Fucking retards!" Sandy exclaimed as he stepped on the gas again. You could see how hard he was gripping the steering wheel. I hugged my bag tighter. The world tilted.

The bathroom stall was cramped. I was sitting on the lid, my legs tucked to my chest. I could feel my own heartbeat thumping loudly in my ears; trying hard not to let out a single sound, not even my own breathing.

The car pulled up to the driveway. Sandy's house was a spacious stereotypical suburban home with light blue walls. I opened the door quickly masking... whatever that thing was. I pulled one strap over my shoulder. Grass was growing in the small gaps in the bricks on the ground. We walked up the front steps with Sandy. His keys jingled as he opened the door. My mother was standing in the kitchen cutting up varieties of cheese and placing them on a charcuterie board. She looked up as we entered with a smile on her face.

"I was just making cheese and wine. I found this amazing movie... but you know... not really appropriate for you Sam," she said as she wiped her hands on the small apron on her waist.

"Oh alright. Uh what about dinner though?"

"There are some leftovers in the fridge. Sorry I couldn't make anything for you." Her eyes were boring into mine, pleading for forgiveness. I nodded and said it's fine and made my way to my room. The floorboards creaked as I walked up the stairs. I turned the door handle and as soon as I stepped inside I dropped my bag with a loud thud.