Collection of Words An Eclectic - Burnaby School District

AlienAn Eclectic Collection of WordsMarina Smirnova, Byrne Creek Secondary, Grade 9-10 ProseThe sound of my alarm clock pierces the silence of early morning at precisely six am everyday. I slip out of bed, dress quickly, and tiptoe downstairs. My school bag waits for me at thedoor like a old, faithful friend. Picking it up, I stop by the mirror. The next five minutes arespent scrutinizing my reflection. My curly black hair that has a mind of its own. The sprinkle offreckles across the bridge of my nose. My fair skin and almond shaped eyes. Everythingseems to give away my identity, my past. Too Asian, yet somehow not Asian enough. I sigh,and part with the comfort and safety of home for yet another day. Then I lock the door behindme.I had never truly enjoyed school since my only friend moved away. Now, I walk down thefrosty alleyways alone, sit in a desk at the front of the classroom. Alone. I can feel the judgingstares of my classmates boring holes in my back. Today is particularly miserable. Usually, myteacher and I have a kind of agreement. She leaves me alone, doesn't call on me for answers.She understands what it's like, being disliked because of your past. Today is different. Asubstitute, an elderly woman, stands at the front of the room, peering down at each one of usfrom behind her glasses with their scratched up frames. During attendance, she reads out myfull name. Elizabeth Johnson. She pauses, confused, then goes on. What am I supposed totell her? How do I explain to her that when mother married she took on her husband's name?That by marrying a Canadian then having a child was the only way she could avoid deportationback to a country where she was not welcome. One more person knowing doesn't make adifference. The whole class knows. It slipped out one day, then spread through the school."Did you hear, Lizzie is an alien? She's not supposed to be living here." I sigh, slumping downin my seat, trying to become as inconspicuous as possible. I shiver. For no other reason butthat people are cold.I didn't think my mother's actions would influence what my classmates think of me. I wasproved wrong when I forgot my money at home one day. I hesitantly approached one of thegirls."May I please borrow a dollar for bus fare?" I ask. All I got in return was a disdainful stare."Why should I waste money on an alien? You can't live off of us hard working people all thetime." She got up to join her friends.I stood in the biting cold, suddenly feeling unwelcome. I take in a deep breath, the air feelingstrange and foreign to my lungs. This would not be the last time I suffer because of mymother's decisions. I brace myself against the wind, and start making my way back to thesafety and comfort of home.WORDS Writing Project 2008/09 41