Next time, I'll just endure and sleep at the right time, even if I feel drowsy. Time to reset the body clock once again.

I could say ever since the start of classes, my days were pretty much the usual; routinary, if you ask me. And there's also my awkward dilemma with Takashi. We only have short talks, nothing more -- fortunately it's nothing less. Anyway, I wish it would change when November shows up in my calendar.

Asaba dropped by. He was asking for advice on the perfect extra- curricular program fit for him. Apparently, he has been cutting class for the past weeks. He was called by the prinicipal and the principal told him to get his act together -- or else, he'll repeat. Talk about Asaba.

I envy Yukino's little sister, Tsukino. She has a beautiful hair. I wonder what shampoo she's using. Mine's getting frizzy; not to mention looser ends. Fortunately, I don't have dandruff -- yet.

I need to get a grip of myself. I don't want to flunk anymore! Everytime I lie on the bed, my mind goes crazy thinking of my past exams and what my future tests would look like. I'm so academically conscious, it's almost a crime. How can I ease myself at a time like this? If my parents find out that I'm failing, I'm dead.

"Maho! You have some friends looking for you!"

"Coming, Mom!" in the middle of my sorrow, who could it be? "Yukino? Asaba? Arima? What are you doing here?"

"We came to pick you up. Why aren't you dressed up? Did you forget that we are going to the amusement park?" Yukino said.

Eeeek! I totally forgot! "Su- sumi masen. I don't think I'll be able to go with you. I have chores... and stuff... to do." Mou, I can't tell them I'm flunking. I'm surrounded by walking intellects. It would be embarrassing. "Maybe next time."

"Oh, okay. Sorry to hear that. Ano... where's your mom? We have to tell them that we're going now." and Tonami's with them too? I guess there's going to be a huge crowd in the amusement.

"No don't worry. I'll tell her." 

"Yeah well... Better luck next time." buzzed Yukino.

"Yeah."

"With your exams, I mean."

"Eeek!"

I've studied so much - so hard that I slept at FOUR in the morning. I didn't care if it's late. We were told that the exam will be rough because it'll have essays, analysis and identification written all over it. 

It was raining cats and dogs yesterday morning. In fact, there were heavy rains accompanied by strong winds *I feel sooo channel seven right now* while I was bent on studying. Fortunately, I overcame all the disturbance outside and was able to concentrate on my reading. The air, my room, the floor... all cold.

I remember my early morning.

"Mmmm... Maho left her light open." I heard oka-san outside coming towards my room. Then she knocked, "Maho? Dear, are you still up?"

"Hai." then she opened the door. 

"Dear, it's 4 in the morning. You should go to bed and let your mind rest."

Together with my dark eyebags, I faced oka-san, "Mom, I have a long exam tomorrow... err this morning. I haven't been able to study because of the heavy rain. Not to mention, helping dad pack a bunch of sandbags remember?"

"Whatever. Go to sleep and... You look so cute, Maho. You're like a panda in your cave." Panda? Where did she get.... "With all that dark patch around your eyes... Awww, wait here! I'll get the camera!"

"MOM! I'm studying! I need to concentrate! ... and pandas don't live on caves!"

"Oh I don't know about that. Anyway, why are you still studying? Didn't you hear the news? Classes are suspended tomorrow... err.. today... and... since you're..."

Everything turned black and white. Mom kept talking but I didn't know what she was telling me anymore. I froze. I didn't know if I should feel happy or angry about it. I've learned a new lesson.