Short Story: Your Loss

It was an ordinary day in Sydney’s life; or so she thought. Soon, though, she would discover that today would be the worst day of her life.
Sydney had just finished eating breakfast, and she was walking to school. She always tried to get to school early in case she had forgotten anything. She was checking at her locker when her friend Alice came up to her. “Hi, Sydney!” “Gaaah! You scared me, Alice. Wait. If you just got here and the hallways are empty… I’m late!” Sydney slammed her locker shut and began running to her Trigonometry II class. Alice shouted after her, “Wait! You’re not late! I got here extra early because I really need to talk to you.”
Sydney stopped running and looked back to Alice. “Are you sure?” “Yes!” “OK,” Sydney said as she slowly walked back to her locker, “What do you want to talk about?” “I’ve been doing terrible in my Algebra I class.” “Yeah, I know that.” “But my parents want to transfer me to Algebra II!” “What? Are you serious?” Sydney was shocked that Alice’s parents would do that. “I’m very serious,” Alice replied solemnly, “I don’t know what to do about it!” “Well, I could always try to teach you Algebra I so you’ll understand Algebra II easier.” “I appreciate it, Sydney. But do you remember in 4th grade when you tried to teach me the cake method?” The memory returned to Sydney. Just as she was going to respond, the bell rang. “Let’s talk about it on the way to class.” She started to walk to class, but Alice stayed behind. “Why aren’t you coming?” Sydney asked, “Our classes are in the same direction.” Alice responded, “I can’t be on time for class!” Sydney and Alice laughed as Sydney walked to class.
When Sydney got to class, Miranda, her enemy, was just getting there, too. Sydney just walked past ...

... middle of paper ...

...interrupted, “I don’t want to hear whatever excuse you have for me. I won’t listen. Give me that note, Sydney.” Miranda snickered at Syndey. “Miranda!” Mr. Palinski said. “Sorry,” Miranda said. Sydney looked at Mr. Palinski once more.
She slowly put her hand out, giving him the note. Mr. Palinski walked to the front of the classroom once again. He asked the class, “Who would like to hear what this note says?” Everyone nodded and agreed except for Sydney, who looked down. “Alright,” Mr. Palinski said, “Let’s hear it. It says, ‘Miranda, that is not true. I don’t think I’m better than you. I wish you could see that. Everybody is equal to each other. From Sydney.’” The class laughed. One boy, Matt, shouted, “Sydney has issues! Sydney has issues!” Matt made the class chant with him: “Sydney has issues! Sydney has issues! Sydney has issues!” “Enough!” Mr. Palinski shouted.