Rain Delay

Rain Delay


Jimmy listened to the rain pound on the carport's corrugated tin roof with an almost hail-like intensity.  This was great!  Rain like this could flood the intersection at County Road 24 and Elder Creek Drive, maybe even take out the bridge over the creek itself.  That would mean no school for at least two days!

No school meant no History exam--at least, not right away--and he'd have a chance to finally read all those chapters he'd skipped and have a shot at a C-, maybe even a C.  He'd listened in class--sort of--and even taken some notes, but he'd been a fool to ignore his older brother's advice: "Mister Sepple watches to see if kids are paying attention in class, but he really loves basing his tests on the assigned reading.  If you don't keep up with it, you're gonna have a real tough time passing."

Not reading had already earned him two Ds and a C- on earlier quizzes, so he really needed a decent grade on the upcoming test.  Well, a little more sleep and then he'd get up and start reading.  No way, there was school today...


"Jimmy?  Jimmy!"

Jimmy peered out from under his pillow.  What happened to all the rain?

"Jimmy!  Are you up yet?"

"Sorta."

"Well, you'd better quit your dreaming and get moving, or you're going to miss the bus.  Randy just finished his shower, so get in there and get washed up."

Dreaming?  Shower?  No pounding rain?

"Breakfast will be ready soon," his mom continued, "and, Jimmy?"

"Yes, Mom?"

"Don't forget to take your raincoat or poncho.  The forecast calls for a chance of rain later today."

[276 words]