The clock alarm rang. I opened my eyes to see someone peering down on me with a twisted face. “Hey!” my younger sister exclaimed. “I need you to make me breakfast since I’m leaving early for school.” “Move,” I grunted, still half asleep. I reached for the clock and turned the ringing alarm off. Oh no, I thought. I didn’t type that essay for English yet and it’s 7 A.M.

I got out of bed and quickly turned on the computer, getting prepared for school as the machine was starting up. I thought to myself, I wouldn’t be able to eat any breakfast if I want to make it before the bus comes.

I finally finished typing my essay and shoved it in my backpack. I glanced at the time – it was 7:24 A.M. and this bus usually comes at 7:20! I flung myself down the stairs and raced out of the house, hearing my stomach growl at me.

I stood by the STOP sign at the end of our block, where the bus usually came. I was awfully worried since I wasn’t sure if the bus came yet, since my parents said they were sick of driving me to school. Soon, a friend from school saw me standing there from his house and came outside. He jogged over to the bus stop, smiling.

“Stephen, didn’t you remember; it’s a Late Start day!” he laughed.

I was in shock, but I eventually thanked him and went back home. I rang the doorbell to out house and my father opened the door.

“I’m not taking you to school” were the first words he said, sounding somewhat angry.

“B-but I didn’t miss the bu-…” I stammered. He interrupted, “you need to find a ride to school because I have things to do.”

I tried to explain, but he seemed too mad to listen to what I was saying. I just went to my room and made sure I would be at the bus stop early since it would come at 8:55 A.M. I later explained what happened at dinner, and he apologized.

I rubbed my face, half asleep. I thought, I need more rest or I’m a goner. Just a few more minutes until Stephanie asks me to take her to school again… “Daddy, can you take me to school?” Stephanie asked from the doorway.

“Go downstairs and get ready, I’m coming,” I replied.

I slowly got out of bed and got the keys. Stephanie was already in the truck and I picked up something to eat on the drive to her school.

“Bye,” she said as she left the truck to go inside the school building.

I drove back home and was back in bed in no time. Suddenly, the doorbell rang and I was up again, becoming frustrated.

I opened the door to see Stephen just standing there. If he missed the bus, I’ll kill him. He just stood there.

“Get inside, I’m not taking you to school.” I told him.

He said something I didn’t understand. Teenagers these days can’t speak proper English; I’d fix them up if I were their father.

Stephen ran upstairs to his room, as if he was ignoring me. I was too tired to argue with him and went back to the bedroom to catch up on sleep. I didn’t want to look like a mess for the business meeting in just a few hours.

After coming home, everyone was seated at the dinner table. Stephen explained what happened and I was surprised, but skeptical if he just made up that story. He showed me the calendar and I apologized, before telling him he needs to know these things ahead of time.