9:00

He missed, I marvel to myself. I'm shaking and my breaths are ragged. Cold sweat covers my body as I lay limply on the floor. The image of the scrawny boy pointing the gun at my face is engraved in my head. He shot.. And missed. The hole where the bullet entered the wall next to my ear still mocks me. The bullet went so fast by my ear, that it made a force burn.

I acted like the blood from the burn was a headshot and I played dead. I haven't moved since.

I almost just died, I think. I would have missed Skye's birthday.

I should be thinking about my family or thanking God that I'm alive or something. But all I can think about is how mad Skye would be if I missed her birthday. I haven't even given her her present yet.

I feel the small box in my pocket. In that box contains a ring on a silver chain; the ring is engraved with the words "pinky swear," a word we have been saying since sixth grade. I was going to give it to her tonight during dinner, but now I don't even know if she's alive.

A small chirp rings from my phone. The sound makes me jump.

I exhale in relief. Skye. She's asking me if I'm alone and to meet her in the dance room.

Yes.

Pinky swear.