Impenetrable darkness

I was looking outside the window, as usual the sky was grey, dark clouds coming towards our city ready to release all of their anger. It was common for storms to rage in San Jose during the winter, a little city in California. It's not winter yet, school has began in a few weeks but the cold is already approaching, i can feel it in my skin. I'm a senior student in the Evergreen Valley High School, and my name is Anastasia. Another day was quickly passing by and the only thing I could think about was what I was going to do in my upcoming future. Am I going to college? It's not like I didn't want to, it's just that I wouldn't even know which college to choose.. should I go far away from this city? But in that case I would have greeted my mother and my best friend... 'Mrs Cooper are you with us?' asked the history teacher referring to me. I focused my attention on the board, trying to figure out what she was talking about just few minutes ago. 'Yes Mrs Evergreen, I was just thinking about how the English popolation must have felt, considering that they were obligated to donate almost all of their belongings and salary in the after war..' 'Very good Mrs Cooper. Let's see how you will do during next week's test. You all must study very hard, it won't be easy this time, I expect the best from you. Have a nice weekend!' She told the class as the bell was ringing, everyone rushing out of the door, looking forward to go home as soon as possible and start enjoying their friday. As i heard footsteeps behind my seat stopping by, I already knew who it was. 'You didn't listen to a single word she said all hour long, did you?' asked Cheryl Jackson, my best friend for life.  'Hey Cher, you got me, I hope she didn't notice but I couldn't wait for this exhaustive day to end' I said while grabbing all of my books and putting them in my black backpack. 'I don't think she did, don't worry, you always manage to get by, one way or another.. Anyway, are you ready for this weekend? What are we going to do? Do you want to watch a movie and eat pizza and popcorns at your house? Oh no wait, I forgot I heard that Luna is having a party at her house tomorrow night, and Nicholas will be there too! WE MUST GO!' Nicholas was the boy she had a crush on. He is part of the football team and few weeks ago during one match, he greeted Cheryl before going home, from that moment she fell in love with him, trying to grab me to every place she thought he could have been. 'Do we really have to go? I don't think she will let us in her house..' 'Yes An, we really have to go, don't worry I will find a way, just find a cute dress to wear so we can find a boy for you too! You can come at my house before 9 pm, so I can put at least some make up on that pale face of yours..' I agreed even thought I was not sure of how things may have turned out.  Cheryl is the exact opposite of me, tall and thin with straight black hair, her eyes are one of the deepest blue you could ever see, and her flawless skin and red lips make her look like Snow White. On the contrary, my hair are curly and blonde, or at least they once were blonde, they have now become a faded light brown and I can swear that I've seen red locks on several occasions, but I prefer ignoring them. My height is average, my eyes are grey and unfortunately I've got pinky cheeks and a pale skin color. I'm nothing special, and sometimes I'm a little bit envious of how beautiful Cheryl always is. I'm too lazy to put on some makeup, that's why when we go out during the weekend, she usually tries to convince me to be presentable. 'Are you trying to say that my normal look is not good enough?' I teased her while pretending to hold a grudge. 'Oh no my dear, don't get me wrong, but with some make up you could be even more beautiful. Please, listen to me for once! I even have a perfect pair of high heels for you. Everything must be perfect, if all go as planned, Nicholas will ask me out soon.' she said already thinking of their first and still non existent kiss. 'I don't know, I'm not able to walk smoothly with heels, and why do you want us to put high heels when you already are taller of most of the guys and girls here? I asked with hope of making her change her mind.. 'Don't worry, I'm not sure if I will be wearing them, but you surely will so that you can at least be as tall as I am. I'll text you after lunch, my father is waiting outside so I have to run, bye my little An!' She shouted at me while running out from class. 'Ok' I said giving a resigned sigh before walking home, even thought I knew that she could not hear me anymore. My house is not far away from school, just 20 minutes by feet, that's why I prefer going by feet instead of using my car, at least I can breathe some fresh air. I live with my mom, but she often sleeps out because of work, so most of the times I'm alone, with Cheryl coming by to keep me company, and few days a week there also is the cleaning lady, Claire, who loves preparing my favorite dishes for dinner.  I love my freedom, but sometimes a feel a bit lonely, I would love to spend more time with my mom but I know it's difficult to take care for a daughter alone. My father passed away when I was little, I don't remember much of him since I was 4 years old and now I'm 17, but since then she has worked very hard to keep paying the bills for our house.  We are situated in a isolated area, the nearest house is 5 minutes away, and the fog that constantly surrounds the house, makes her perfect for a horror movie, but I got used to it. As I was walking home, I felt as someone was staring at me. I looked back trying to convince myself that I must not be afraid, and to confirm my theory there was none beside me, just my shadow and a light breeze that gently shook the  leaves of the surrounding trees. I kept walking and when I arrived home, I made a fast shower and prepared my lunch, a salad with fresh tomatoes and eggs was more than enough. I sat on the sofa and started eating, imagining the various scenarios that could have happened the next evening.