Post by Friday on May 29, 2008 14:28:22 GMT -5
I love soccer. Period. It is my all-time favorite pastime. I would rather play soccer than anything else. I mean, I've tried all the others, volleyball, basketball, softball, and none of them work for me. I'm just your super sexy soccer star.
Anyways enough about soccer, more about me. I'm 14 going on 15, and a freshman in high school. I have naturally straight, perfect blonde hair that my friends hate me for. And of course I have the blue eyes to go with it. As for my height, I level off at about 5' 5" now, hopefully I'll get taller later. I have a naturally athletic build that most girls would die for. I'm tan, and not just that weak little tan that some girls have. I have a tan that most girls can only get at tanning place and I have never set foot in one. Now my personality is a whole different story.
Warning to everyone, I have a temper. And not just a little one, I mean my temper is bad. I put shame to any red head, anytime of the month. Otherwise, I'm a pretty nice person. A lot of people think of me as sarcastic, and I have to say they are probably right. I'm not that smart either. All of my grades are high B's, occasionally low A's. Except biology. Biology is my best class, I have never got anything lower than a 97 in that class. It is my only Honors class. My friends would totally agree with everything too.
As for my friends, I'm really popular so I know a ton of people. It probably doesn't hurt that my boyfriend, Jake, happens to be the most popular guy in the school. But out of all the people I know, I only have a few good friends that I share everything with. And believe it or not, most of them aren't athletes. I consider them all my best friends, none of them are better then that others, and they're all different. Michelle is the romantic one of us out of the group, always thinking about the romance. She is in the band and plays the flute; your typical girly, romantic instrument. Roxy is the crazy one. There is really no other way to put it. She is in the colorguard, the way I see it, that is about as in insane as you get. But I still love her. Kristi is the smart one. I think she has read like over half the books in the entire library. She is the one we all go to for academic help (and probably the only reason I'm passing world geography). Kristi also plays the oboe. Now that is a weird instrument. Then there is Jenny. She is really creative and can think up stories in an instant. Thanks to her, we've all avoided a lot of trouble. Even if she does wear black all the time. She isn't a goth though, she just likes black. And like I said earlier, I'm the athletic one.
Now if you think my friends are weird, you need to look at my family. I have 3, yes that is right, 3 older brothers. Josh is my twin brother and is only like 13 minutes older than me, but he rubs that in my face all the time. He is like me and plays soccer, so that is what we do all the time. Blaine is my oldest brother, a senior in high school, and definitely the nicest to me. He is athletic, just like everyone else in my family. But unlike Josh and me, he plays baseball, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you haven't noticed, baseball players are hot. Since he is only three years older than I am, it works out perfect. I get to meet older, hot, athletic guys without much effort. My other brother is Nick. He is 2 years older than I am, and plays basketball. He is like Mr. String-bean though so him playing basketball is understandable. He is even taller than my Dad, and that is saying something. And for parents, my parents are pretty cool. I have no idea how they get the four of us to everything. Amongst the four of us, I don't think we have a free night any tome of the year. The stories I hear from some parents say they can hardly handle one teenager much less four. My mom's name is Melinda, but I usually refer to her as mom, mama, mommy, or occasionally mother when I am in a bad mood. My dad's name is Kevin, and I only ever call him dad. My mom works from home and is a fashion designer, how cool is that. My dad is a computer techy, he works for Dell. That pretty much describes my family in a nutshell.
So here I am now waiting for my friends to get to school. I always get to school before them, I ride an earlier bus. It is late September so it's still pretty hot outside, but I love this kind of temperature. I hate cold weather, it makes me feel gloomy. So I'm sitting outside on a bench that is outside the band hall. It is up against the wall so I'm leaning against the wall. I have on blue-jean shorts with a plain white tank top. I didn't feel like getting all fixed up today. It's a Friday, which explains it all. So I'm just sitting there with my mp3 player on listening to some songs when Jake comes up. He is so cute.
Jake is my boyfriend. I think I said that earlier, but I just like saying it. He has dark Brown hair that is really short, but I don't like it being really short. His eyes are a dreamy hazel color that I love. He's a Junior and he is on the Varsity football team. So we know what I do every Friday night. I like going to football games though. Roxy is in the colorguard and Michelle and Kristi are in the marching band, so they are always there. I occasionally talk Jenny into going, but she doesn't like sports. Incidentally I met Jake at a football game.
"Hey Kelly!" Jake shouted to me from across the courtyard. By the way, my name is Kelly.
"Hey you!" I hollered back. He started jogging over to me, his one strapped backpack bouncing all over the place. I love it when he does that. It's like he really wants to see me. I stood up to meet him and he grabbed me in a bear hug lifting me off the ground.
"You're coming to the game tonight, right?" He asked, setting me down but not letting go.
"Of course." I answered, still holding on to him, my arms wrapped around his neck.
"Good. Where do you want to go afterwards?" He asked, like he always does. We always go somewhere after the football game together. Usually I always pick, unless he wants to go somewhere special or some other people are going with. The only thing we ever get is dessert though. Neither one of us want to eat healthily after a game.
"We can go to that new ice cream shop, that we said we were going to go to last week and didn't."
"Good, that was what I was thinking." He kissed my forehead, and my heart did the little flippy thingy that it always does.
"Ok so we'll go there." I said looking into his dreamy eyes.
"Hey Kelly. I got to go but I will see you after school." He said, then he kissed me again and pulled away.
"Ok, I'll see you then" I replied, looking after him as he walked away.
I was so busy thinking about Jake I didn't notice Michelle coming up behind me.
"So, Lover-Girl, I see you and Mr. Romantic are still together." Michelle remarked, draping an arm over my shoulder. Michelle thought that Jake was the perfect guy. She said that he was just really sweet and romantic. I think she was just waiting for us to break up so she could have him.
"Nothing has changed in twenty-four hours Michelle." I replied laughing.
"Did one of you finish reading Book I of A Tale of Two Cities?" Kristi asked bustling up, juggling books in her arms.
"Well I didn't." Roxy answered dancing in from the other direction.
"Where's Jenny?" I asked.
"I'm right here." Jenny answered having come quietly up behind me.
All five of us were there. And this was how a typical morning played out. The five of us standing around and talking about, well, everything.
So now I'm sitting in my last class of the day, looking up at the ceiling trying to pay attention. Mr. Evans is droning on about some famine somewhere in Africa and it just isn't interesting. If he didn't talk in a monotone voice so much, I might find the information more interesting, and actually might not need Kristi to tell me everything that was said. It is just so boring. I started to close my eyes when Roxy, who sits in the seat behind me, thumped me on the head and threw a note into my lap. I jumped slightly but then I discreetly opened and started to read it.
Where are you and Jake going tonight? Cory and I are thinking about going with you.
I quickly wrote back that Jake and I were going to the new ice cream place. I glanced up to where Mr. Evans was still droning on, and slipped the note back to Roxy.
A few minutes later I got the note back with more writing on it.
Cool. lol. Thank goodness we only have ten minutes left of class.
I was starting to respond when the ruler that Mr. Evans always carried with him slapped down on to my desk. I jumped and I wasn't the only one.
"So, Miss James, What country experienced the worst famine?" He asked. I think he likes picking on me because he likes to make me look bad in front of the class. I had no idea what the answer was. So I said the first thing that came to my mind, "Umm... Somalia?"
"That is correct, surprisingly."
I sighed a breath of relief and waited till the end of class. Hoping he didn't ask me anymore questions.
When the bell rang I was the first one out of the classroom. World Geography just isn't interesting enough to keep my attention. Now Biology is actually cool and exciting, thinking at any moment the bacteria could break loose causing an epidemic. Well maybe not cause an epidemic, but it is a lot better than any other classes. So I shot out of the classroom and made a beeline for the athletic hall and Jake. I made it to the athletic without any problems, and was waiting for Jake. It was a home game tonight so he would have a little time to be with me before he had to go get ready for the game. I saw him and waved, "Jake!" He turned then saw me and smiled that charming smile of his. I smiled back and started walking towards him.
"Hi Kelly. Did you miss me?" He asked.
"I don't know, did you miss me?" I replied back smiling innocently.
"You have struck my heart." He said acting like I had stabbed him. Jake can be a dramatic sometimes. So then we both started laughing and the whole situation was lost to silliness.
"Ok lovebirds cut the dramatics." Brandon, Jake's best friend, said walking towards us. He didn't play football, he played baseball, and was my ride to all the away football games. I never missed a game.
"Your just jealous you don't have a girl like mine," Jake responded without missing a beat.
"Whatever," Brandon said punching Jake lightly on the arm, "Coach said you had 10 minutes, and not to be late this time."
"Ok, ok. I wasn't late last time though."
"Yeah but Kelly wasn't here last time. She was taking that math test."
"Oh... yeah," Jake replied a sheepish grin on his face.
"You don't get in trouble because of me, do you?" I asked turning to Jake curiously. I didn't want to be responsible for him having to run extra or something. I had run extra plenty and I did not like it. Especially when it wasn't my fault. I usually get really mad at whoever makes me run extra. I hate running about as much as I love soccer. I just don't get the concept of running around in the same circle over and over again. I think it is pointless.
"No, no of course not," Jake said quickly. A little too quickly. A good indication he was lying was the fact he wasn't meeting my eyes. It also didn't help that Brandon was turning red with his hand over his mouth trying not to laugh.
"Jake!"
Jake rubbed the back of his neck still avoiding my eyes. Finally his eyes rested on the ground and he said, "No, really," There was a pleading edge to his voice, "You have not got me into trouble."
I didn't like him acting like this. I was getting kind of frustrated to. I mean, all I wanted was a simple yes or no. It didn't help that Brandon was now leaning against the wall holding his side and laughing his head off like a hyena. I sighed, exasperated with both of them. "Well I can't get any sense out of either one of you, can I? I mean, all you have to do is say, 'Yes Kelly I have been doing some extra running'. Is that really that hard?" That was more of rhetorical question, and I did not want an answer. Right after I let loose on Jake I let Brandon have some too. "And all you can do is laugh your head off! You're the one that brought this up!" So I stood there, hands on hips, disapproving frown on my face, mad at both of them. I guess it looked kind of silly, me staring down, or more like up at, two older, and stronger guys. But I didn't care, I was going to get an answer one way or another.
Jerad, a baseball player who played with Blaine, had witnessed the whole thing. He was really hot, especially in baseball pants. Jerad could have been boyfriend material, except for the fact he treats me like a bratty little sister. Oh well, Jake made up for it. Most of the time. Anyways Jerad was standing there, arms crossed across his chest, leaning against the wall. "So," he said sneering at me like I was five, not fifteen, "You finally notic-"
"Shut up, Jerad!" I shouted at him, he always seemed to bring out the worst in me.
"I'm just sayin-"
"You've said enough!" I retaliated, not letting him get a word in. He always made me so mad. It was like I was his favorite person to pick on. I turned back to Jake and Brandon pointedly ignoring Jerad. "So?" I demanded, totally fed up with all males at this point.
Jake sighed and I knew he was going to give in, "Yes Kelly, I have been doing some extra running." he admitted, grabbing me around the waist and pulling me closer to him. "It's not your fault though. I'm the one who can't stay away from you."
I hugged him. I can never stay mad at him for very long. Especially when he says stuff like that. I forgot about Jerad and Brandon, who were now talking to each other about female emotions. They would just have to get over themselves.
"I'm sorry I got mad." I said feeling a little guilty for over reacting. He should have been mad at me but he wasn't. There were lots of times he should have been raging mad at me. But unlike me, who gets mad at the littlest of things, Jake has no temper what so ever. He was one of those guys you could punch in the face and never hear a word about it.
"No, no, it's ok. I should have just told you." Jake said, holding my head against his shoulder. "Anyways, are you doing anything tomorrow night? There is this party that Heather Jones is throwing and I wanted to know if you would come with me."
My eyes got wide as I pulled away from Jake, "Are you serious?" I asked shocked.
"Yeah."
"Of course I'll go with you." I said practically jumping with excitement. This would be my first high school party. I couldn't wait. My brothers, Brooks and Blaine, had both been invited. I remembered them asking our parents if they could go. When they had asked, it didn't even faze me that Jake had probably been invited too. This was going to be so cool.
"Good," he said. When he saw I was so excited he smiled, "I meant to ask you earlier but I forgot."
"That's ok, I don't mind. I'm just happy I get to go!" I amended. What was I going to wear? This would be important to my reputation. Well, pretty much everything is important to a reputation. But some people get more attention than others. And I am one of those people. Not only am I a freshman and probably going to be on the Varsity soccer team. I'm dating a Junior who has almost every girl, taken or not, swooning over him. One mishap could make or break me. Then again, that was high school. I was so busy thinking I didn't even realize Jake had been talking.
"Kelly?"
"Oh, What?"
"How does me picking you up at six sound?"
I blushed, I didn't mean to not listen. I just had zoned out. "Sounds great."
"Parker!" A voice shouted.
Jake jumped back, letting go of me. It was Coach Jones, the football coach. "Yes sir?" Jake responded automatically.
"I need to talk to you in my office." Coach Jones said, grabbing Jake's shoulder and leading him away. Jake turned around and mouthed the words 'I'm sorry' in my direction. I nodded sympathetically back. Then I left the athletic hall and went to mooch food off of my band friends, they were always fed before football games. My mind still thinking about the party.
There was an advantage to having band friends. And that was if you're willing to stick around after school long enough, the band booster feeds them. Most of the time my friends share too. So if we have a home game I always steal food from them. I'm not the only one either. Jenny does it too. But Jenny just stays for the food, she never stays for the game. Maybe I can talk her into staying today.
When I reached the band hall no one was in there. I knew they were either outside still practicing on the marching pad or they were in the cafeteria eating. I think they were getting Pizza today so that should be good. I was hungry now that I thought about. Maybe the band director, Mr. Leighton, would give me the left over food. He sometimes did, but not very often. Since no one was in the band hall I decided to check the marching pad first. It is closer to the band hall then the cafeteria is.
I walked outside and immediately saw from across the parking lot that they were still on the marching pad. I felt sympathy for them because it is hot outside. It's like 100 degrees outside and they were on that black asphalt too. You could not pay me to do that.
"Hey Kelly!"
I turned to look at the voice and saw that it was Jenny I replied, "What's up?"
"Nothing really. They should be done soon. Mr. Leighton said they would be done a 4:45." She said motioning to the marching pad.
I glanced down at my watch and sat down beside her. It was only 4:30. We would be waiting for a while. Mr. Leighton never released on time.
Jenny was wearing black as usual. And personally I thought she was crazy. I did mention it is like over 100 degrees outside, right? Black absorbs light while white reflects light. That is why I am wearing white. Jenny actually didn't do anything related to band or athletics. The only reason the rest of us knew Jenny was that we were all in the same science class. Jenny had also been in my English class. Jenny is in theater and she is a really good actress. That is what she wants to do when she is older. That has been really useful for us sometimes. She can look her own mother in the eye and tell a lie. And the sad part is her mother doesn't know.
Well I might as cut to the chase, "Jenny will you stay for the game tonight?" I asked thinking I knew what the answer would be.
Jenny looked at me like I was insane. Then she smiled and said, "What the hell, why not?"
I dropped my jaw in disbelief. I couldn't believe it she had agreed and I hadn't even given her the puppy dog eyes yet. I put a hand to her forehead, "Oh my gosh, are you sick Jenny?" I asked.
Jenny pushed my hand away and said, "I'm fine, Kelly. I just don't have anything better to do." She laughed.
I was amazed this was like a miracle. The others would die when I told them.
Wow. That is all I have to say. That was too easy to get Jenny to come. The other times I have gotten her to come, which have been few and far between, she came just so I would shut up. I was going to have to write this down and laminate it. This was like an important development. So Jenny and I were just sitting there talking when Kris Mann came up. I really don't like this guy and I try to avoid him at all costs. He's like had a crush on me since the 3rd grade and it has been annoying. You would think he would get the hint. I completely ignore him and I have a boyfriend. He just doesn't understand. It would be different if was cute, but he's not. He is like the nerdiest guy I know. Sometimes I almost feel sorry for him. Almost, but not quite.
"Hello Kelly," he said as he pushed his glasses up with his index finger. I looked away pretending I hadn't heard him. Why did he always have to bug me? Jenny had her fist in her mouth trying not to laugh her head of. She knew all about the Kris saga.
"Hello Kelly," he said again. I guess I should acknowledge him. But that doesn't mean I have to enjoy it.
"Oh hi Kris." I said really wishing he would just go away.
"I have a chess tournament tonight at my house. Do you want to come watch me play?"
"I can't," I said before he had even finished talking. What was wrong with this guy?
"Oh, ok. Why not?"
"Well you see-"
Jenny cut me off. "She has an important function to be at. She can't possibly be at your grand chess tournament." Jenny said not even a hint of laughter. I love Jenny sometimes.
"Oh. What is it? Maybe I can come too." when Kris said that he perked up a little. I almost choked.
"She has been asked to model for a nation wide magazine and no one is allowed there. I am only permitted to see her. She will need assistance." Jenny responded. I'm glad she can think fast.
Kris looked genuinely upset. "Well I have to go now," he said. Then he turned around and left. Jenny and I waited till he was gone then we glanced at each other. That was it, and we started laughing our heads off.
Jenny is like a godsend sometimes. I swear, I don't know what I would do without her. Five minutes later Kristi, Michelle, and Roxy were done with practice and had found us. Jenny and I were still laughing our heads off.
"Uh...What happened?" Kristi asked baffled at our laughing.
Jenny and I stopped laughing, looked at Kristi, then looked back at each other. We started laughing all over again. We eventually got the story out. They didn't think it was that funny. I don't know how much they understood though; Jenny and I never stopped laughing.
"Well we have to go put our stuff up, and when you guys get under control you can come join us." Michelle said nodding her head and edging toward the band hall door.
"Were coming," I said calming down some. I got up to my feet then pulled Jenny to hers. Then we went inside, trying to catch up with the others who had gone in before us. We found them and headed for the cafeteria. I was starving. We cut through the stage to get to the cafeteria.
Roxy tapped me on the shoulder and said, "You guys go get the table and we'll get our food."
I nodded back and pulled Jenny off to the table we always sat at. The table was shaped like an octagon. I think that is random. It's not a circle, it's an octagon. Whoever designed those must have been old and senile. Jenny and I sat down and waited for the others.
It didn't take long for the others to get back and soon they were happily munching on their pizza. I wanted some really bad and was impatient for the rest of the band kids to get theirs. Once all the band students got theirs, I could get mine.
"Geez, I hate you guys sometimes," Jenny said eying the pizza.
"Me too!" I said knowing she was as hungry as I was. I glanced up at the line and groaned when I saw it was still really long.
"Stop being such a baby!" Kristi said. I stuck my tongue out at her.
Then Roxy nudged me with her elbow and pointed at Michelle. I looked at her and she was staring across the cafeteria at something, or someone. I followed her eyes and noticed she was looking at Aaron. Aaron was the guy Michelle liked. They had done a fundraiser together and Michelle immediately had a crush on him. He was hot, too; she had picked well. Her only problem is she won't talk to him. She is afraid to. She has always been like that though. I, on the other hand, have never had problems talking to guys. I think she just needs to talk to him. I've tried to tell her that too, but she never listens. It's kind of funny that she is the romantic one and she doesn't have a boyfriend. She is in love with love.
The line slowly but surely got shorter and as soon as all the band people had went through it Jenny and I jumped up and went to go get food from Mr. Leighton. He saw us coming and intercepted us.
"Girls, I thought I told you to not to come anymore," he said with a smile on his face. He loved to mess around with us, and he never meant any of it. Jenny and I pretended to be upset and we gave him the puppy dog eyes. He threw his hands up in the, "Fine, it is over there."
Jenny and I grinned back and hurried off to get our pizza. It was the good kind too. It wasn't thin and it had just enough grease to make it taste good. My stomach growled. I was so hungry. Mr. Leighton had even purloined us drinks this time. My mouth started watering. We took the food back to table and dug in. Let me tell you, that pizza was delicious.
Then after we had all finished eating we sat around and talked mainly about the guys we liked. Roxy is going out with Cory and I'm going out with Jake so it is obvious who I like. Michelle likes Aaron, which is obvious so we always tease her about it. Kristi says she doesn't like anyone but I don't believe her. I will eventually get it out of her but until then it is a mystery. And then there is Jenny. She says she likes someone but she won't tell us who it is. That bugs me more than Kristi saying she doesn't like anyone. But then again, I did let it slip that Roxy liked Cory. Cory liked Roxy though so it was okay. I guess I can't really blame her.
Then, sadly, Roxy, Kristi and Michelle had to leave. Which left Jenny and I alone again. So like many times before I tried to figure out whom she liked. It's kind of like playing 20 questions, except I never get an answer. "DO I know him?" I asked. Question number one.
"Yes," she said smiling. She was used to this.
"Is he a freshmen?" Question number two.
"No"
"Sophomore?"
"Yes"
"Is he in band?" That is question number four.
"No"
And I never got to the other question because the cafeteria ladies were shooing us out. So we headed for the football stadium to get a good place to sit.
When we got to the stadium, which is located on campus, the bands were all ready set up and were warming up. The football team was warming up, too. Jake was number 26 and the first string quarterback. I really don't see why football players have to wear those pads and helmets. It really does impede the view of checking out guys. Soccer players don't wear pads, I don't see why football players have too. I've never really played football though so I guess I can't really determine weather they wear pads or not.
I flashed my athletic pass at the gate and they let me in. I love having an athletic pass. It allows me to get into any Ridge Falls High School, my high school, or any other schools athletic events in the district free of charge. Being an athlete had its advantages. All athletes get a pass at the beginning of the year. I waited for Jenny to pay and we started looking for a good place to sit. We were one of the first people there since there was like 45 minutes till game time. So we could sit just sit about anywhere we wanted.
We ended up choosing a spot that was in the very front and close to the band. That way we could see the game. Well, so I could see Jake anyways. I really don't think Jenny was interested in watching the game. We waved to the others and sat down. I started my little game of 20 Questions again. "Is he in Theatre?" Question number five.
"No," she snorted laughing at my attempts to figure out who it was. I thought that it had been a smart question. I mean she is in theatre so it would make sense if she liked someone in theatre.
"Is he in choir?" Question number six, and I was getting desperate. Who would I know that Jenny could possibly like?
"No," she answered again. This was getting kind of annoying. I wanted her to say something besides no.
I sighed in annoyance and stuck out my tongue at Jenny. Not very lady like, I know. It was the only resort I could think of though. Jenny just rolled her eyes and pointed out that I was being childish. Which I was, but she didn't tell me that. Just then someone sat down on the other side of Jenny. I couldn't tell who it was for a second. Then I realized it was Hunter. He is an athlete and is pretty good looking. Not as good looking as Jake though. The only thing about Hunter that bugs me is that he probably wears more black than Jenny does. At least Jenny gets some color in occasionally. I don't think Hunter owns anything brighter than a dark, charcoal gray. Pretty dull if you ask me.
Hunter flashed a smile then said, "Mind if I sit here ladies?" At least he has good manners. I'll give him that much.
"Go ahead," I replied. I really didn't mind him sitting with us. He was actually a friend of mine in a way.
"Thanks." He said leaning back against the bench behind ours.
Then I noticed Jenny who had remained silent the entire time. I pretty sure I don't have to play 20 Questions anymore.
And there are two reasons for my conclusion: a.) Jenny always has something to say to everyone, and she hadn't said a thing and b.) When you stare at someone like she was staring at Hunter, you have got to like. So the mysterious guy she liked was Hunter. Wait. Hunter. Hunter is an athlete, and Jenny's got the whole anti-athlete thing down pact. And Jenny liked Hunter? Did I miss something? So instead of staring at Jenny with my mouth open like a fish out of water, which I was doing mentally, I started conversation. "So Hunter, are you going to the party tomorrow?" I asked trying to get Jenny to stop staring at him. It was kind of embarrassing. The way she was staring I mean.
"Actually I wasn't planning on going. I don't have anyone to go with. I assume you are going with Jake." Hunter replied and I thought Jenny was going to have a seizure or something. She was looking at Hunter, still, and I think she was mentally sending him Take me, Take me.
"I can find someone to go with you, if you want me too." I don't think I have ever seen Jenny move that fast. Before the words were even out of my mouth Jenny had whipped around so fast that for a minute I thought she was going to hit. She just stared at me eyes wide, lips pressed together, shaking her head. She knew what I was going to do.
"Really? Would you?" Hunter asked perking up a little.
I ignored Jenny. I mean this was her chance I wasn't going to let her miss it. "Yeah, Of course I'll help you out Hunter." I replied, If looks could kill I would be dead because Jenny was giving me the deadliest stare I have ever seen.
"Cool, I like this." Hunter said laughing at me.
"Actually, you're not doing anything tomorrow night are you Jenny?" I asked grinning mischievously at her.
"No," she said through gritted teeth. And I had to spend the rest of the football game with her too. Oh well, one must do, what one must do.
"Well Hunter why don't you just go with Jenny?" I asked. Hunter looked mildly surprised and was looking at Jenny with a weird expression on his face. Whatever, I don't think I will ever understand guys. And Jenny. Well Jenny was about as red as the strips on the US flag that they were pulling up the pole down on the ground level.
"I guess, if that is ok with you of course?" he said now looking at Jenny. Like I said, at least he has good manners. Jenny had composed herself. A trait of hers I envied. I mean, I don't have the ability to hide my emotions. It's like it is always written all over my forehead.
Jenny replied, "Actually, that would be nice." I couldn't help but smirk behind her back. It was too perfect an opportunity to pass up.
The rest of the football game went like a normal football except for the fact that along with all my athlete friends, Jenny was there too. Jenny wasn't paying much attention to me though. She was too engrossed with Hunter, and I really didn't mind. I was proud of myself. I mean, getting them together when they hardly knew each other was pretty impressive. Hunter was a nice guy and I think that he and Jenny would get along fine. Hunter went to go get drinks at half time and he brought Jenny and me one. Not a bad deal if you ask me.
To make the night even better, we won 32 to 12. The Ridge Falls red, black, and white was everywhere. I walked with Kristi, Roxy and Michelle to the band hall so they could get out of uniform. Then Kristi and Michelle left, and Roxy and I went to wait for Cory and Jake. It wasn't long before Cory was there, but he didn't have to change clothes like Jake did. Like the good friends that they were, they waited with me until Jake came.
Sure enough, Jake came out a few minutes later with wet hair plastered to his skull. I love the way he takes a shower after a game. It makes me feel like he wants to look clean and good for me. He came up and grabbed me in hug lifting me off the ground. I could smell the shampoo he had used in his hair. "Hello, Kelly," he said, putting me down softly. I fixed my hair that had come out of place and smiled at him, "Hello, Jake."
"Hey man, how’s it going?" Cory asked giving Jake one of those weird guy hugs where they grip each other’s wrists and slap each other on the back.
"Pretty good." Jake answered.
"So we're going to that new ice cream place off Wood Street, right?" Cory asked.
"Yup that is it." Jake answered pulling out his keys. "We'll meet you there."
Cory nodded and pulled out his own keys walking towards his red ford focus. A cute car a must admit. But it doesn't compare to Jake's new yellow mustang. Jake unlocked the car and opened the passenger door for me, and then after I had slipped in, he went around to his side and climbed in revving up his engine. I was glad he could drive and my brothers didn't have to take me anywhere. Or my parents for that matter.
I'm now laying on my bed staring at the ceiling in the dark. Jake had dropped me off at my house about half an hour ago. Like usual my parents were asleep and Blaine, Nick and Josh were watching some horror movie. I think it was Freddy vs. Jason or something like that. The ice cream was pretty good, but just being with Jake made everything perfect. Being with Roxy just made it better. We had been sitting there talking and of course Heather's party came up.
"So," Jake said one arm draped over my shoulders, "are you guys going to Heather's party?"
"We weren't planning on it. Something about a bunch of jocks all in one place doesn't exactly sound appealing." Roxy said.
"But you guys aren't like that." Cory added. That got us all laughing.
"Well Jake and I are going, so we'll be there if you decide to come." I added taking a drink of the double chocolate shake Jake and I were sharing. Then after that we had finished our ice cream and Jake drove me home.
I wasn't counting on Roxy being at the party. But Jenny would be there so that was definitely a plus. Usually Roxy was the only one I could get to even consider going to a party. Roxy is just kind of out there. I couldn't wait for Heather's party tomorrow night. The only thing that might make the night go wrong was that Heather was Jake's ex-girlfriend.
I don't know how long it took me to get to sleep but eventually I did. Get to sleep that is. When I woke up the next morning the sun was already up and shining on a bright new day. I rolled out of bed and was up. I never had problems getting up in the morning. I looked down at my watch and saw that it was already ten. I pulled off my pjs and threw on my running clothes. I go running every morning so I don't get out of shape. I started running over the summer and now it is just a habit. I even get up early and run before school.
I ran for about 3 miles by the time I got home again. That is about what I usually run give or take a few yards. For me running felt like an escape from the rest of the world. I felt like no one could touch me. It was a time for me to be me, and not worry about anyone or anything else. My friends though I was crazy for running everyday. But I could probably run forever and never get winded. Well, maybe not forever but I could run for a really long time.
I went up stairs and took a shower. It felt good to relax and let the water run over my skin. After that I put on some comfortable clothes and started looking for the perfect outfit to wear for the party. It had to be perfect. Otherwise it could be bad at school Monday.
I don’t know how long it took me to find the perfect outfit, but by the time I was done my room was covered in clothes. Clothes were everywhere. There were shirts hanging off the doorknobs and pants on my bed frame. I sighed when I realized just how much of a mess I had made. I knew what I was going to be doing tomorrow. Cleaning my room. Oh well, it was worth it.
So my final pick was a baby blue halter-top with a cute blue jean skirt. I had just bought the shirt last week at the mall, so this would be the perfect opportunity to wear it. I went down stairs and grabbed a banana. I was starting to go upstairs when my mom stopped me.
"Kelly, dear, Blaine told me you are going to the party tonight. Is that true? She asked. I hate the fact that I have brothers that tell my mom everything. Now she was going to want to know everything about it.
"Yes, I'm going to the party."
"Who's hosting it?"
"Heather Jones."
"Where is it?"
"She lives in Valley Oaks."
"Who are you going with?"
"Jake, but Blaine and Nick are both going to be there."
"Well, I guess you can go. Next time tell me sooner, though"
"Ok, I will"
Interrogation was done. Finally. I ran up the stairs and grabbed my phone jumping on my bed and unceremoniously pushing the clothes off to the floor. I started to dial Michelle's number.
The phone rang once before Michelle picked it up.
"Hey Kell," she said.
"Hiya. I'm really nervous about the party tonight."
"Why?! You're pretty and popular. I don't see what you have to be worried about."
"It's Heather's party, and she was Jake's ex. I just have a bad feeling about it. That's all."
"Kelly. We are talking about Jake here. You two were like made for each other. I highly doubt that Heather is going to change that. He's already dumped her once."
"You're right, as always."
"Yeah, we know. So have you started the Geometry homework yet?"
I laughed at her. "Yes I have." I said reaching for my geometry book.
"Good. What did you get for 21?”
"587."
After that I forgot about Jake. Michelle was right. Jake wouldn't do anything like that to me.
At four o'clock I started getting ready for the party. I realize Jake wasn't going to be there till six but these things take time. I took a shower and blow-dried my hair. I love my hair. Especially when you can run your fingers through it and have it feel like silk. That is how my hair was. Once my hair was dry I changed clothes. Putting on my halter-top and skirt.
Looking at my self in the mirror I have to admit I looked really, really cute. Even without make-up. Which I still put on. I put on some mascara, eyeliner, and lip gloss. A lot less than most girls do. I just don't like the feeling of thick make-up pasted all over my face. After make-up came accessories.
I love accessorizing. It is just fun. I put on some silver hoop earrings, and a silver heart necklace. I also added my heart ring that matched the necklace. I grabbed my black purse that goes with anything and made sure I had everything I needed. Lip gloss and mascara for reapplication if needed. Feminine products, just in case. Cell phone, that I have separation anxiety from. And my house keys, because my brothers have a reputation of forgetting theirs. You can never be too careful.
By the time I was ready it was 5:45. I just had fifteen minutes before Jake came and picked me up. I was getting more excited about the party with every passing second.
Blaine and Nick were pulling out of the driveway to go to the party, when Jake pulled up. He got out and kissed me and a tingle ran along my spine.
"You look beautiful," he said brushing a piece of hair behind my ear.
I smiled and replied," You look really good, too." And he did. He was wearing blue jeans with a black button up shirt that was open with a white shirt underneath.
"Well, I don't know about that but you look good enough for the both of us," he said wrapping an arm around my waist and walking me over to his car. He opened the passenger door for me and shut it behind me. Then he walked over to driver's side and got in.
I really didn't know how to reply to that so I just said, "Thanks."
He leaned over and kissed my cheek then started backing out of the driveway. I love Jake so much. I don't know what I would do without him.
We were at Heather's house soon and I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. This was my first real party. I had no idea what it was going to be like. Some things you just don't know about how they are going to turn out. Would this be a fun party? I realized that parties in general could do a lot about your reputation. And I hope this one doesn't ruin mine.
As I got out of the car I took a look around for Hunter's truck. I didn't see it so that probably meant that Jenny and Hunter weren't there yet. We walked into the front door which was open and said hi to people we knew. The house seemed to be bursting at the seems with the pounding music and people. Heather spotted Jake and I, and waved us over. So far everything was going good.
Personally I didn't really want to talk to Heather. But it was her party and I guess I should be courteous, and at least tell her thank you. But something about girls that try to steal your boyfriend doesn’t really appeal to my nice side. Ever since Heather lost Jake she has been trying to get him back. I guess it just doesn't don on some people that when you lose something it's gone. And I highly doubt Heather will be getting Jake back any time soon. He is mine.
So Jake and I walked up to Heather and we both said hi. Heather placed a hand on Jake's arm, and I glared at her but didn't say anything. I put my arm around Jake's waist and he looked at me and smiled, draping his arm over my shoulders. Heather pulled her arm back glanced at me and then batted her eyelashes at Jake and said," I'm so happy you could come Jake." She didn't even make the pretense of talking to me.
"Well Kelly and I are happy to be here," Jake replies. I can tell he caught on too, because he added my name in there. He can be so cute sometimes.
Heather just flips her brown hair and then walks off obviously annoyed.
Jake turns to me and says," Hey Kelly, I'm going to get some drinks, I'll be right back." I nod to him and he turns to go. About that time I see Jenny and Hunter walk in together. I wave them at them and Jenny waves back and starts making her way towards me dragging Hunter behind her. Of course as usual both of them are wearing black.
"Hey Kelly," Jenny says.
"Hi guys," I reply smiling at both of them. I'm actually really glad that Jenny came to the party. I mean Jake is really sweet and nice and all, but he doesn't replace my girl friends. This is my first real party and it is nice to have someone to share it with.
"Well how are things going?" Hunter asks gesturing around at the party.
"Jake and I just got here," I explain.
"I don't think Jenny and I are going to stay long," Hunter says and then flashed a smile at her, "I think we came to the conclusion that this was not our cup of tea." Jenny doesn't say anything to correct him and I raise my eyebrows at her. Hunter just grouped them together and she didn't say anything about it. It is kind of surprising. They wander off to talk with more of Hunter's friends and Jake comes back. He has a beer in one hand and a coke in the other. I should've known that any party Heather threw would have alcohol at it. Jake hands me the coke and takes a drink of the beer. I'm really glad he didn't bring me one. But it is just one of the many thing Jake takes into consideration for me. Like I said earlier. He has got to be the perfect guy.
Placing a kiss on my forehead, Jake leaned closer to me and whispered in my ear, "I love you baby, don't ever forget that." He was looking down at me with that smile that melts my heart to pieces every time I see it.
"I love you too," I replied, a smile creeping up over my face. I couldn't remember a time I had ever liked anyone as much as I liked Jake. I mean, I truly loved him. Those weren't just words. Now I might not be in love with him, but I loved him all the same. Placing his free arm around my waist he started moving me through all the people.
"Now we have to make our appearance and go be social," Jake said with almost a touch of regret in his voice. I wondered what it was he was regretting when he answered that question without me even asking. "I almost wish it could be just us together."
Part of me was wishing the same thing.
Jake started making his social rounds and of course I was included in the antics. Jake knew everyone. No joke. And Jake was generally liked by everyone. I couldn't think of a single person that hated. Not even Heather hated Jake, and Jake dumped her for me. And since everyone liked Jake and all, and I mean all, the girls in the school had a huge crush on him, I got glares for across the room. No one was going to be mean to me while I was standing with Jake besides me, but that doesn't mean that I wasn't getting jealous thoughts thrown my way. But even with the evil glares and jealous thoughts I was having a good time.
After a couple of hours and a few more beers for Jake I could tell he was more than a little drunk. He was by no means wasted like some people who were passed out on the couch. It was only nine, too. Most people were more than a little tipsy. I have to say I was completely sober, and probably one of the only ones that was. Hunter and Jenny had disappeared to go do whatever. I had an inkling that they had gone back to Hunter's house, but I'm not sure.
Jake and I had been talking to two junior girls when, he stood up and said," I'll be right back, I have to go to the bathroom." I nodded and turned back to the two other girls, who immediately started talking.
"You are so lucky to have him as a boyfriend, he is so sweet." The shorter one, Christina I think her name was, said.
"And you are so much better for him than Heather ever was. You two are such a cute couple." Rachel, the brunette said.
I blushed. I heard this stuff all the time but every time I heard I still got warm tingly feelings. We started talking about guys in general and who was dateable and who wasn't, when I noticed that Jake had been gone for like 30 minutes. I hadn't been paying attention to him being gone caught up in the gossip of the older girls. I politely excused myself to go looking for my missing boyfriend.
Finally pushing through all the people, I stumbled into the front hall, eyes still scanning for Jake. When suddenly I didn't have to look for him anymore. Didn't want to look at him anymore. But my eyes couldn't move as they were riveted to him holding Heather in his arms, lips pressed against hers. I felt sick to my stomach, and my head was spinning. My thoughts couldn't seem to focus on anything. Except one.
I wanted to be away from here. Away from the party, the people, and the noise. But most of all I wanted to be away from Jake. To forget the image that seemed to be burned into my mind. I turned, tears already streaming down my face, and ran for the door. There was no way I was staying here a minute longer.
Blinded by my tears I ran into some guy but didn't pay attention to who it was. I just pushed past him, to set on getting as far away from Jake as possible to even apologize. Getting out the door I ran into the grass and sank down to my knees. Wrapping my arms around me, I gave into the hysteria that was threatening to overwhelm me.
Jake and Heather. Heather and Jake. Why?
I was so lost in my turmoil of emotion I didn't notice the person that came up behind me. I probably wasn't going to notice anything through my sobs. Even though I didn’t notice them immediately I did feel the hand on my shoulder and the other person kneeling down in the grass next to me. "Hey are you ok?" The person asked. I had no idea who it was. I couldn't see in the dark, and even if it was light I doubt I'd be able to see through my tears. But he had a deep voice that was soothing and seemed to resonate from his chest. All I knew in that moment was that someone and cared. They were a sympathetic hand in the void of emotion I'd seem to have fallen into.
"No," I blurted out not being able to control myself. The whole story seemed to rush out of my mouth, the words not able to escape fast enough. I told whoever it was I was telling this to how Jake was my boyfriend and how I loved him and when I finally got the point where he was making out with Heather, I started crying again. I couldn't help it.
Then I felt arms go around me and give me what I really needed. A friendly shoulder to cry on.
I don't know how long I stayed like that, just being held by whoever it was that was holding me. But about the time I started to come to my sense I really took notice of how I had no idea who I had just spilled my heart out to. Pulling myself away from him when I had finally stopped crying enough to think rationally, I wiped the tears from my eyes with the back of my hand. Then I looked up into the bluest eyes I have ever seen. His hair was blonde, that was longer and had that wind blown look to it. And I knew for a fact he wasn't a weakling. Even in my distraught state I had noticed the muscles of his broad chest and arms when I had been ungraciously crying all over him.
When a just ago I had plenty to say, I couldn’t seem to find the words now. Finally I managed an apology. "I'm really sorry, I mean...I didn't mean to be ...well...falling apart," I mumbled and a blush started to creep over my face. I was a mess. I started to climb to my feet and he was up in a flash, helping me get my footing.
"Hey, it's ok," he said in that same deep soothing voice. "It looked like you needed it. By the way, I'm Landon."
"Kelly, and I'm really sorry. I'm not usually like this...I don't know what came over me." I said looking down at the grass.
"Well I do," he said firmly, and a strange look came into his eyes. "It isn't right for your boyfriend to do that to you. You have every right to be upset."
"Thank you, for everything," I said quietly and looked back to door. I didn't want to go back inside, but I had to find my brother. He was going to take me home now. "I have to go find my brother," I said starting to excuse myself.
Landon grabbed my arm and stopped me, "Well, you can come with me if you want. I can take you home or we can go do something, then you wouldn't have to worry about messing with your brother." And going back inside. The unspoken words seemed to hang in the air between us.
Looking at him, and looking back at the door I said, "You don't mind?"
"No, of course not," he flashed my a dazzling smile," Would I have offered if I did?"
I couldn't help it, I smiled back. "No, I guess not."
He walked me to his red truck and opened the passenger door for making sure I got safely inside before going around and getting in himself. As he started up the engine and flipped on the radio he asked," So do you want to go home, or what?"
Looking down at the clock on the dashboard I saw it was 10. My parents didn't expect me home till one. "Actually not really, I don't want to go home yet," I replied.
"Ok, I wouldn't want to go home either. I would rather go do something, take my mind off things for a while. Anything special you want to do?" He asked as he pulled away from the curb he had parked along, and drove down the street.
"I don't really care," I said shaking my head. He seemed to have read my mind with his last remark. Going back to a house that was probably empty was just inviting myself to dwell on everything. Not something I really wanted to do considering I'd already lost it once.
"Ok in that case I know what we can do," he said and smiled at me from the driver's seat, "It's a surprise though. You'll have to wait to find out."
"Ok I'll wait, so I've never seen you before, what school do you go to?" I asked trying to find out more about him. Even though technically I was still out of the dating circuit that would change the next time I saw Jake. And I wasn't above noticing just how cute Landon was.
"I go to Ridge Falls," he replied and for a second I thought I saw a flash in his eyes.
"Really? I go there too. I've never seen you before," I said kind of getting excited. He was so sweet and not to mention cute. With my luck he probably had a girlfriend.
"I just started this year. I moved here from California."
"Wow. I don't think I could handle making a move like that, especially in the middle of high school. I wouldn't want to leave my friends, and have to make brand new ones."
"It's not that bad," he said and shrugged. "I had reasons for not staying." I looked over at him but couldn't see his face in the dark. I wondered what had happened to make him say that. I wanted desperately to ask, but I kept my mouth shut. "Besides," he added," I don't think you'd have a problem making friends."
And from there the conversation kinda of wandered, touching on neutral things. Each of us feeling out the other.
Part of mind drifted off toward Jake again. I felt guilt wash over me at first. Technically at least he was still my boyfriend, and I had just left with no explanation. Then my guilt was quickly replaced by anger and hurt. How could he do this to me?
No I wasn't going to think about him now. I could feel the tears coming back and took a deep breath to sooth my reeling emotions. I didn't want to think about him right now. I couldn't think about him right now.
Landon seemed to notice where my thoughts had turned and had kept silent for a little bit. At my intake of air he glanced over at me. "It's ok," he said. I hadn't even said anything. "Chances are he doesn't deserve your thoughts right now either."
I looked at him and smiled. He seemed to be saying the words out loud that were echoing in my head.
"How did you know I was thinking about Jake?"
"Well," he said glancing over at me again," You got really quiet, and you almost started to cry again."
"Oh," I could feel my self start to blush, and was thankful for the dark.
"Ok we're almost there," he said suddenly and he pulled into a parking lot.
Landon cut the engine and we both got out. "Where are we?" I asked, looking around at the surroundings.
"Well," Landon said walking towards the door of the building motioning me to follow," This is a mini-golf place." He gave me a goofy smile. "It also happens to be where one of my best friends works and I get free passes." I laughed. He held the door open for me and walked inside. It was colder inside than it was outside and I could feel goose bumps raise on my arms because of it. I rubbed them involuntarily.
"Hey Landon!" A guy called from behind the counter.
"Hey Chance, anyway you can hook me up with a couple of games." Landon replied leaning up against the counter. I came to stand at his elbow.
"Colors?" Chance asked grabbing two clubs off the shelf and handing them to Landon.
"Oh Chance this is Kelly, Kelly this is Chance." Landon said giving introductions.
"Hi, and I would like pink," I said shaking his hand.
"Alright pink for the lovely lady," Chance said tossing a pink ball to me and a green one to Landon.
"Thanks Chance," Landon said turning and leading me out a door on the opposite side of the building.
Once we were back outside, Landon handed me a club and I took it from him. "I haven't played in forever, and for the record I suck."
"You can't be too bad," Landon said with a smile and a wink.
"O yes I can, I suck at golf of any kind. That is the one sport I can't play."
"Everyone can play mini-golf. Besides Its all about having fun. It gets your mind off of everything." Too true. Too true.
We were about half way through the course when my phone rang. I glanced down at the number and I wanted to start crying again. Down on the screen lit up on the screen was Jake's name surrounded by the little red hearts I'd programmed in there forever ago. Landon saw me stop and he came over to me and took the phone out of my hands. "Just don't worry about it, you don't have to talk to him now." Without a thought he turned the ringer off and stuck the phone in his pocket. All I could do was watch him.
"So do you have any brothers or sisters?" Landon asked and I could tell he was trying to change the subject. I gladly took the opportunity and started talking about my brothers. I could talk forever about my crazy family and it gave me something else to think about.
As I knew it must we finally finished the round and he kicked my butt. I don’t know by how much but it was a lot. I made him stop keeping count after the 2nd hole. But that game had been fun and it had taken my mind off of everything. By the end of it I had given up using the club and had reverted to using my feet instead. We got a lot of laughs out of that. We headed back inside and Chance was sitting behind the counter a old superman comic in his hands. He looked up when we came in and smiled," Have fun?"
I nodded, "Yeah, it was great thanks."
"Well Chance I'm going to get her home but I'll see you tomorrow. We're still on right?"
"Of course, but Mark is whimping out on us and no going so we will be one person short."
I couldn't help myself I wanted to know what they were doing, "What’s going on?"
Landon turned to me and said, "Well Mark, Chance and I were going to go paintball but apparently Mark whimped out on us so we will have to play a man short."
"Oh, I see."
"Hey why don’t you go instead? That ok with you Chance if Kelly comes?"
"I don’t see why she can't," Chance said with a smile and a lifted eyebrow at Landon," Besides she's probably better than Mark."
"Could I really come?" I asked excitedly. I had never paintballed before and I had always wanted to do it.
"Yeah, sure why not?" Landon said casually.
"I'd love to come!"
"Ok that's settled, I'll pick you up around 8 tomorrow morning."
I grinned at him. I was still upset about Jake but Landon was being nothing but nice. He was helping me do stuff and get over him. I can't imagine ever meeting someone being this nice to me. Landon was being a good friend and right now that's really what I needed.
Chance glanced up at the clock on the wall and started to stand up. Following his glance I saw that it was just past eleven thirty. My mom didn't expect me home till 1. I still had another hour or so if I wanted to use them. I knew I should probably call Jake or at least my brother and tell him where I was. Remembering that Landon had my phone I saw that he was helping Chance close up. And then realized I didn't really want to call Jake or Blaine. If they were worried about me they could call me. Jake had already called, but at this point I didn’t want to talk to him anyways.
"Hey Kelly," Landon called from the door, "Come on, lets get out of here."
I looked up and walked out the door and Chance turned off the lights behind us.
"Hey Landon it's my turn to pay right? Or are you just going to get Kelly home?" Chance asked locking the door to the building.
"Ya,” he replied and then looked down at me. I didn’t know what Chance was paying for but I might as well join in and I nodded. Landon continued, “And that includes Kelly, I paid for Scott when he came."
"Ok smoothies on me it is," Chance said and grinned, "I'll meet you guys there."
Landon nodded and we both got back into his truck.
Anyways enough about soccer, more about me. I'm 14 going on 15, and a freshman in high school. I have naturally straight, perfect blonde hair that my friends hate me for. And of course I have the blue eyes to go with it. As for my height, I level off at about 5' 5" now, hopefully I'll get taller later. I have a naturally athletic build that most girls would die for. I'm tan, and not just that weak little tan that some girls have. I have a tan that most girls can only get at tanning place and I have never set foot in one. Now my personality is a whole different story.
Warning to everyone, I have a temper. And not just a little one, I mean my temper is bad. I put shame to any red head, anytime of the month. Otherwise, I'm a pretty nice person. A lot of people think of me as sarcastic, and I have to say they are probably right. I'm not that smart either. All of my grades are high B's, occasionally low A's. Except biology. Biology is my best class, I have never got anything lower than a 97 in that class. It is my only Honors class. My friends would totally agree with everything too.
As for my friends, I'm really popular so I know a ton of people. It probably doesn't hurt that my boyfriend, Jake, happens to be the most popular guy in the school. But out of all the people I know, I only have a few good friends that I share everything with. And believe it or not, most of them aren't athletes. I consider them all my best friends, none of them are better then that others, and they're all different. Michelle is the romantic one of us out of the group, always thinking about the romance. She is in the band and plays the flute; your typical girly, romantic instrument. Roxy is the crazy one. There is really no other way to put it. She is in the colorguard, the way I see it, that is about as in insane as you get. But I still love her. Kristi is the smart one. I think she has read like over half the books in the entire library. She is the one we all go to for academic help (and probably the only reason I'm passing world geography). Kristi also plays the oboe. Now that is a weird instrument. Then there is Jenny. She is really creative and can think up stories in an instant. Thanks to her, we've all avoided a lot of trouble. Even if she does wear black all the time. She isn't a goth though, she just likes black. And like I said earlier, I'm the athletic one.
Now if you think my friends are weird, you need to look at my family. I have 3, yes that is right, 3 older brothers. Josh is my twin brother and is only like 13 minutes older than me, but he rubs that in my face all the time. He is like me and plays soccer, so that is what we do all the time. Blaine is my oldest brother, a senior in high school, and definitely the nicest to me. He is athletic, just like everyone else in my family. But unlike Josh and me, he plays baseball, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you haven't noticed, baseball players are hot. Since he is only three years older than I am, it works out perfect. I get to meet older, hot, athletic guys without much effort. My other brother is Nick. He is 2 years older than I am, and plays basketball. He is like Mr. String-bean though so him playing basketball is understandable. He is even taller than my Dad, and that is saying something. And for parents, my parents are pretty cool. I have no idea how they get the four of us to everything. Amongst the four of us, I don't think we have a free night any tome of the year. The stories I hear from some parents say they can hardly handle one teenager much less four. My mom's name is Melinda, but I usually refer to her as mom, mama, mommy, or occasionally mother when I am in a bad mood. My dad's name is Kevin, and I only ever call him dad. My mom works from home and is a fashion designer, how cool is that. My dad is a computer techy, he works for Dell. That pretty much describes my family in a nutshell.
So here I am now waiting for my friends to get to school. I always get to school before them, I ride an earlier bus. It is late September so it's still pretty hot outside, but I love this kind of temperature. I hate cold weather, it makes me feel gloomy. So I'm sitting outside on a bench that is outside the band hall. It is up against the wall so I'm leaning against the wall. I have on blue-jean shorts with a plain white tank top. I didn't feel like getting all fixed up today. It's a Friday, which explains it all. So I'm just sitting there with my mp3 player on listening to some songs when Jake comes up. He is so cute.
Jake is my boyfriend. I think I said that earlier, but I just like saying it. He has dark Brown hair that is really short, but I don't like it being really short. His eyes are a dreamy hazel color that I love. He's a Junior and he is on the Varsity football team. So we know what I do every Friday night. I like going to football games though. Roxy is in the colorguard and Michelle and Kristi are in the marching band, so they are always there. I occasionally talk Jenny into going, but she doesn't like sports. Incidentally I met Jake at a football game.
"Hey Kelly!" Jake shouted to me from across the courtyard. By the way, my name is Kelly.
"Hey you!" I hollered back. He started jogging over to me, his one strapped backpack bouncing all over the place. I love it when he does that. It's like he really wants to see me. I stood up to meet him and he grabbed me in a bear hug lifting me off the ground.
"You're coming to the game tonight, right?" He asked, setting me down but not letting go.
"Of course." I answered, still holding on to him, my arms wrapped around his neck.
"Good. Where do you want to go afterwards?" He asked, like he always does. We always go somewhere after the football game together. Usually I always pick, unless he wants to go somewhere special or some other people are going with. The only thing we ever get is dessert though. Neither one of us want to eat healthily after a game.
"We can go to that new ice cream shop, that we said we were going to go to last week and didn't."
"Good, that was what I was thinking." He kissed my forehead, and my heart did the little flippy thingy that it always does.
"Ok so we'll go there." I said looking into his dreamy eyes.
"Hey Kelly. I got to go but I will see you after school." He said, then he kissed me again and pulled away.
"Ok, I'll see you then" I replied, looking after him as he walked away.
I was so busy thinking about Jake I didn't notice Michelle coming up behind me.
"So, Lover-Girl, I see you and Mr. Romantic are still together." Michelle remarked, draping an arm over my shoulder. Michelle thought that Jake was the perfect guy. She said that he was just really sweet and romantic. I think she was just waiting for us to break up so she could have him.
"Nothing has changed in twenty-four hours Michelle." I replied laughing.
"Did one of you finish reading Book I of A Tale of Two Cities?" Kristi asked bustling up, juggling books in her arms.
"Well I didn't." Roxy answered dancing in from the other direction.
"Where's Jenny?" I asked.
"I'm right here." Jenny answered having come quietly up behind me.
All five of us were there. And this was how a typical morning played out. The five of us standing around and talking about, well, everything.
So now I'm sitting in my last class of the day, looking up at the ceiling trying to pay attention. Mr. Evans is droning on about some famine somewhere in Africa and it just isn't interesting. If he didn't talk in a monotone voice so much, I might find the information more interesting, and actually might not need Kristi to tell me everything that was said. It is just so boring. I started to close my eyes when Roxy, who sits in the seat behind me, thumped me on the head and threw a note into my lap. I jumped slightly but then I discreetly opened and started to read it.
Where are you and Jake going tonight? Cory and I are thinking about going with you.
I quickly wrote back that Jake and I were going to the new ice cream place. I glanced up to where Mr. Evans was still droning on, and slipped the note back to Roxy.
A few minutes later I got the note back with more writing on it.
Cool. lol. Thank goodness we only have ten minutes left of class.
I was starting to respond when the ruler that Mr. Evans always carried with him slapped down on to my desk. I jumped and I wasn't the only one.
"So, Miss James, What country experienced the worst famine?" He asked. I think he likes picking on me because he likes to make me look bad in front of the class. I had no idea what the answer was. So I said the first thing that came to my mind, "Umm... Somalia?"
"That is correct, surprisingly."
I sighed a breath of relief and waited till the end of class. Hoping he didn't ask me anymore questions.
When the bell rang I was the first one out of the classroom. World Geography just isn't interesting enough to keep my attention. Now Biology is actually cool and exciting, thinking at any moment the bacteria could break loose causing an epidemic. Well maybe not cause an epidemic, but it is a lot better than any other classes. So I shot out of the classroom and made a beeline for the athletic hall and Jake. I made it to the athletic without any problems, and was waiting for Jake. It was a home game tonight so he would have a little time to be with me before he had to go get ready for the game. I saw him and waved, "Jake!" He turned then saw me and smiled that charming smile of his. I smiled back and started walking towards him.
"Hi Kelly. Did you miss me?" He asked.
"I don't know, did you miss me?" I replied back smiling innocently.
"You have struck my heart." He said acting like I had stabbed him. Jake can be a dramatic sometimes. So then we both started laughing and the whole situation was lost to silliness.
"Ok lovebirds cut the dramatics." Brandon, Jake's best friend, said walking towards us. He didn't play football, he played baseball, and was my ride to all the away football games. I never missed a game.
"Your just jealous you don't have a girl like mine," Jake responded without missing a beat.
"Whatever," Brandon said punching Jake lightly on the arm, "Coach said you had 10 minutes, and not to be late this time."
"Ok, ok. I wasn't late last time though."
"Yeah but Kelly wasn't here last time. She was taking that math test."
"Oh... yeah," Jake replied a sheepish grin on his face.
"You don't get in trouble because of me, do you?" I asked turning to Jake curiously. I didn't want to be responsible for him having to run extra or something. I had run extra plenty and I did not like it. Especially when it wasn't my fault. I usually get really mad at whoever makes me run extra. I hate running about as much as I love soccer. I just don't get the concept of running around in the same circle over and over again. I think it is pointless.
"No, no of course not," Jake said quickly. A little too quickly. A good indication he was lying was the fact he wasn't meeting my eyes. It also didn't help that Brandon was turning red with his hand over his mouth trying not to laugh.
"Jake!"
Jake rubbed the back of his neck still avoiding my eyes. Finally his eyes rested on the ground and he said, "No, really," There was a pleading edge to his voice, "You have not got me into trouble."
I didn't like him acting like this. I was getting kind of frustrated to. I mean, all I wanted was a simple yes or no. It didn't help that Brandon was now leaning against the wall holding his side and laughing his head off like a hyena. I sighed, exasperated with both of them. "Well I can't get any sense out of either one of you, can I? I mean, all you have to do is say, 'Yes Kelly I have been doing some extra running'. Is that really that hard?" That was more of rhetorical question, and I did not want an answer. Right after I let loose on Jake I let Brandon have some too. "And all you can do is laugh your head off! You're the one that brought this up!" So I stood there, hands on hips, disapproving frown on my face, mad at both of them. I guess it looked kind of silly, me staring down, or more like up at, two older, and stronger guys. But I didn't care, I was going to get an answer one way or another.
Jerad, a baseball player who played with Blaine, had witnessed the whole thing. He was really hot, especially in baseball pants. Jerad could have been boyfriend material, except for the fact he treats me like a bratty little sister. Oh well, Jake made up for it. Most of the time. Anyways Jerad was standing there, arms crossed across his chest, leaning against the wall. "So," he said sneering at me like I was five, not fifteen, "You finally notic-"
"Shut up, Jerad!" I shouted at him, he always seemed to bring out the worst in me.
"I'm just sayin-"
"You've said enough!" I retaliated, not letting him get a word in. He always made me so mad. It was like I was his favorite person to pick on. I turned back to Jake and Brandon pointedly ignoring Jerad. "So?" I demanded, totally fed up with all males at this point.
Jake sighed and I knew he was going to give in, "Yes Kelly, I have been doing some extra running." he admitted, grabbing me around the waist and pulling me closer to him. "It's not your fault though. I'm the one who can't stay away from you."
I hugged him. I can never stay mad at him for very long. Especially when he says stuff like that. I forgot about Jerad and Brandon, who were now talking to each other about female emotions. They would just have to get over themselves.
"I'm sorry I got mad." I said feeling a little guilty for over reacting. He should have been mad at me but he wasn't. There were lots of times he should have been raging mad at me. But unlike me, who gets mad at the littlest of things, Jake has no temper what so ever. He was one of those guys you could punch in the face and never hear a word about it.
"No, no, it's ok. I should have just told you." Jake said, holding my head against his shoulder. "Anyways, are you doing anything tomorrow night? There is this party that Heather Jones is throwing and I wanted to know if you would come with me."
My eyes got wide as I pulled away from Jake, "Are you serious?" I asked shocked.
"Yeah."
"Of course I'll go with you." I said practically jumping with excitement. This would be my first high school party. I couldn't wait. My brothers, Brooks and Blaine, had both been invited. I remembered them asking our parents if they could go. When they had asked, it didn't even faze me that Jake had probably been invited too. This was going to be so cool.
"Good," he said. When he saw I was so excited he smiled, "I meant to ask you earlier but I forgot."
"That's ok, I don't mind. I'm just happy I get to go!" I amended. What was I going to wear? This would be important to my reputation. Well, pretty much everything is important to a reputation. But some people get more attention than others. And I am one of those people. Not only am I a freshman and probably going to be on the Varsity soccer team. I'm dating a Junior who has almost every girl, taken or not, swooning over him. One mishap could make or break me. Then again, that was high school. I was so busy thinking I didn't even realize Jake had been talking.
"Kelly?"
"Oh, What?"
"How does me picking you up at six sound?"
I blushed, I didn't mean to not listen. I just had zoned out. "Sounds great."
"Parker!" A voice shouted.
Jake jumped back, letting go of me. It was Coach Jones, the football coach. "Yes sir?" Jake responded automatically.
"I need to talk to you in my office." Coach Jones said, grabbing Jake's shoulder and leading him away. Jake turned around and mouthed the words 'I'm sorry' in my direction. I nodded sympathetically back. Then I left the athletic hall and went to mooch food off of my band friends, they were always fed before football games. My mind still thinking about the party.
There was an advantage to having band friends. And that was if you're willing to stick around after school long enough, the band booster feeds them. Most of the time my friends share too. So if we have a home game I always steal food from them. I'm not the only one either. Jenny does it too. But Jenny just stays for the food, she never stays for the game. Maybe I can talk her into staying today.
When I reached the band hall no one was in there. I knew they were either outside still practicing on the marching pad or they were in the cafeteria eating. I think they were getting Pizza today so that should be good. I was hungry now that I thought about. Maybe the band director, Mr. Leighton, would give me the left over food. He sometimes did, but not very often. Since no one was in the band hall I decided to check the marching pad first. It is closer to the band hall then the cafeteria is.
I walked outside and immediately saw from across the parking lot that they were still on the marching pad. I felt sympathy for them because it is hot outside. It's like 100 degrees outside and they were on that black asphalt too. You could not pay me to do that.
"Hey Kelly!"
I turned to look at the voice and saw that it was Jenny I replied, "What's up?"
"Nothing really. They should be done soon. Mr. Leighton said they would be done a 4:45." She said motioning to the marching pad.
I glanced down at my watch and sat down beside her. It was only 4:30. We would be waiting for a while. Mr. Leighton never released on time.
Jenny was wearing black as usual. And personally I thought she was crazy. I did mention it is like over 100 degrees outside, right? Black absorbs light while white reflects light. That is why I am wearing white. Jenny actually didn't do anything related to band or athletics. The only reason the rest of us knew Jenny was that we were all in the same science class. Jenny had also been in my English class. Jenny is in theater and she is a really good actress. That is what she wants to do when she is older. That has been really useful for us sometimes. She can look her own mother in the eye and tell a lie. And the sad part is her mother doesn't know.
Well I might as cut to the chase, "Jenny will you stay for the game tonight?" I asked thinking I knew what the answer would be.
Jenny looked at me like I was insane. Then she smiled and said, "What the hell, why not?"
I dropped my jaw in disbelief. I couldn't believe it she had agreed and I hadn't even given her the puppy dog eyes yet. I put a hand to her forehead, "Oh my gosh, are you sick Jenny?" I asked.
Jenny pushed my hand away and said, "I'm fine, Kelly. I just don't have anything better to do." She laughed.
I was amazed this was like a miracle. The others would die when I told them.
Wow. That is all I have to say. That was too easy to get Jenny to come. The other times I have gotten her to come, which have been few and far between, she came just so I would shut up. I was going to have to write this down and laminate it. This was like an important development. So Jenny and I were just sitting there talking when Kris Mann came up. I really don't like this guy and I try to avoid him at all costs. He's like had a crush on me since the 3rd grade and it has been annoying. You would think he would get the hint. I completely ignore him and I have a boyfriend. He just doesn't understand. It would be different if was cute, but he's not. He is like the nerdiest guy I know. Sometimes I almost feel sorry for him. Almost, but not quite.
"Hello Kelly," he said as he pushed his glasses up with his index finger. I looked away pretending I hadn't heard him. Why did he always have to bug me? Jenny had her fist in her mouth trying not to laugh her head of. She knew all about the Kris saga.
"Hello Kelly," he said again. I guess I should acknowledge him. But that doesn't mean I have to enjoy it.
"Oh hi Kris." I said really wishing he would just go away.
"I have a chess tournament tonight at my house. Do you want to come watch me play?"
"I can't," I said before he had even finished talking. What was wrong with this guy?
"Oh, ok. Why not?"
"Well you see-"
Jenny cut me off. "She has an important function to be at. She can't possibly be at your grand chess tournament." Jenny said not even a hint of laughter. I love Jenny sometimes.
"Oh. What is it? Maybe I can come too." when Kris said that he perked up a little. I almost choked.
"She has been asked to model for a nation wide magazine and no one is allowed there. I am only permitted to see her. She will need assistance." Jenny responded. I'm glad she can think fast.
Kris looked genuinely upset. "Well I have to go now," he said. Then he turned around and left. Jenny and I waited till he was gone then we glanced at each other. That was it, and we started laughing our heads off.
Jenny is like a godsend sometimes. I swear, I don't know what I would do without her. Five minutes later Kristi, Michelle, and Roxy were done with practice and had found us. Jenny and I were still laughing our heads off.
"Uh...What happened?" Kristi asked baffled at our laughing.
Jenny and I stopped laughing, looked at Kristi, then looked back at each other. We started laughing all over again. We eventually got the story out. They didn't think it was that funny. I don't know how much they understood though; Jenny and I never stopped laughing.
"Well we have to go put our stuff up, and when you guys get under control you can come join us." Michelle said nodding her head and edging toward the band hall door.
"Were coming," I said calming down some. I got up to my feet then pulled Jenny to hers. Then we went inside, trying to catch up with the others who had gone in before us. We found them and headed for the cafeteria. I was starving. We cut through the stage to get to the cafeteria.
Roxy tapped me on the shoulder and said, "You guys go get the table and we'll get our food."
I nodded back and pulled Jenny off to the table we always sat at. The table was shaped like an octagon. I think that is random. It's not a circle, it's an octagon. Whoever designed those must have been old and senile. Jenny and I sat down and waited for the others.
It didn't take long for the others to get back and soon they were happily munching on their pizza. I wanted some really bad and was impatient for the rest of the band kids to get theirs. Once all the band students got theirs, I could get mine.
"Geez, I hate you guys sometimes," Jenny said eying the pizza.
"Me too!" I said knowing she was as hungry as I was. I glanced up at the line and groaned when I saw it was still really long.
"Stop being such a baby!" Kristi said. I stuck my tongue out at her.
Then Roxy nudged me with her elbow and pointed at Michelle. I looked at her and she was staring across the cafeteria at something, or someone. I followed her eyes and noticed she was looking at Aaron. Aaron was the guy Michelle liked. They had done a fundraiser together and Michelle immediately had a crush on him. He was hot, too; she had picked well. Her only problem is she won't talk to him. She is afraid to. She has always been like that though. I, on the other hand, have never had problems talking to guys. I think she just needs to talk to him. I've tried to tell her that too, but she never listens. It's kind of funny that she is the romantic one and she doesn't have a boyfriend. She is in love with love.
The line slowly but surely got shorter and as soon as all the band people had went through it Jenny and I jumped up and went to go get food from Mr. Leighton. He saw us coming and intercepted us.
"Girls, I thought I told you to not to come anymore," he said with a smile on his face. He loved to mess around with us, and he never meant any of it. Jenny and I pretended to be upset and we gave him the puppy dog eyes. He threw his hands up in the, "Fine, it is over there."
Jenny and I grinned back and hurried off to get our pizza. It was the good kind too. It wasn't thin and it had just enough grease to make it taste good. My stomach growled. I was so hungry. Mr. Leighton had even purloined us drinks this time. My mouth started watering. We took the food back to table and dug in. Let me tell you, that pizza was delicious.
Then after we had all finished eating we sat around and talked mainly about the guys we liked. Roxy is going out with Cory and I'm going out with Jake so it is obvious who I like. Michelle likes Aaron, which is obvious so we always tease her about it. Kristi says she doesn't like anyone but I don't believe her. I will eventually get it out of her but until then it is a mystery. And then there is Jenny. She says she likes someone but she won't tell us who it is. That bugs me more than Kristi saying she doesn't like anyone. But then again, I did let it slip that Roxy liked Cory. Cory liked Roxy though so it was okay. I guess I can't really blame her.
Then, sadly, Roxy, Kristi and Michelle had to leave. Which left Jenny and I alone again. So like many times before I tried to figure out whom she liked. It's kind of like playing 20 questions, except I never get an answer. "DO I know him?" I asked. Question number one.
"Yes," she said smiling. She was used to this.
"Is he a freshmen?" Question number two.
"No"
"Sophomore?"
"Yes"
"Is he in band?" That is question number four.
"No"
And I never got to the other question because the cafeteria ladies were shooing us out. So we headed for the football stadium to get a good place to sit.
When we got to the stadium, which is located on campus, the bands were all ready set up and were warming up. The football team was warming up, too. Jake was number 26 and the first string quarterback. I really don't see why football players have to wear those pads and helmets. It really does impede the view of checking out guys. Soccer players don't wear pads, I don't see why football players have too. I've never really played football though so I guess I can't really determine weather they wear pads or not.
I flashed my athletic pass at the gate and they let me in. I love having an athletic pass. It allows me to get into any Ridge Falls High School, my high school, or any other schools athletic events in the district free of charge. Being an athlete had its advantages. All athletes get a pass at the beginning of the year. I waited for Jenny to pay and we started looking for a good place to sit. We were one of the first people there since there was like 45 minutes till game time. So we could sit just sit about anywhere we wanted.
We ended up choosing a spot that was in the very front and close to the band. That way we could see the game. Well, so I could see Jake anyways. I really don't think Jenny was interested in watching the game. We waved to the others and sat down. I started my little game of 20 Questions again. "Is he in Theatre?" Question number five.
"No," she snorted laughing at my attempts to figure out who it was. I thought that it had been a smart question. I mean she is in theatre so it would make sense if she liked someone in theatre.
"Is he in choir?" Question number six, and I was getting desperate. Who would I know that Jenny could possibly like?
"No," she answered again. This was getting kind of annoying. I wanted her to say something besides no.
I sighed in annoyance and stuck out my tongue at Jenny. Not very lady like, I know. It was the only resort I could think of though. Jenny just rolled her eyes and pointed out that I was being childish. Which I was, but she didn't tell me that. Just then someone sat down on the other side of Jenny. I couldn't tell who it was for a second. Then I realized it was Hunter. He is an athlete and is pretty good looking. Not as good looking as Jake though. The only thing about Hunter that bugs me is that he probably wears more black than Jenny does. At least Jenny gets some color in occasionally. I don't think Hunter owns anything brighter than a dark, charcoal gray. Pretty dull if you ask me.
Hunter flashed a smile then said, "Mind if I sit here ladies?" At least he has good manners. I'll give him that much.
"Go ahead," I replied. I really didn't mind him sitting with us. He was actually a friend of mine in a way.
"Thanks." He said leaning back against the bench behind ours.
Then I noticed Jenny who had remained silent the entire time. I pretty sure I don't have to play 20 Questions anymore.
And there are two reasons for my conclusion: a.) Jenny always has something to say to everyone, and she hadn't said a thing and b.) When you stare at someone like she was staring at Hunter, you have got to like. So the mysterious guy she liked was Hunter. Wait. Hunter. Hunter is an athlete, and Jenny's got the whole anti-athlete thing down pact. And Jenny liked Hunter? Did I miss something? So instead of staring at Jenny with my mouth open like a fish out of water, which I was doing mentally, I started conversation. "So Hunter, are you going to the party tomorrow?" I asked trying to get Jenny to stop staring at him. It was kind of embarrassing. The way she was staring I mean.
"Actually I wasn't planning on going. I don't have anyone to go with. I assume you are going with Jake." Hunter replied and I thought Jenny was going to have a seizure or something. She was looking at Hunter, still, and I think she was mentally sending him Take me, Take me.
"I can find someone to go with you, if you want me too." I don't think I have ever seen Jenny move that fast. Before the words were even out of my mouth Jenny had whipped around so fast that for a minute I thought she was going to hit. She just stared at me eyes wide, lips pressed together, shaking her head. She knew what I was going to do.
"Really? Would you?" Hunter asked perking up a little.
I ignored Jenny. I mean this was her chance I wasn't going to let her miss it. "Yeah, Of course I'll help you out Hunter." I replied, If looks could kill I would be dead because Jenny was giving me the deadliest stare I have ever seen.
"Cool, I like this." Hunter said laughing at me.
"Actually, you're not doing anything tomorrow night are you Jenny?" I asked grinning mischievously at her.
"No," she said through gritted teeth. And I had to spend the rest of the football game with her too. Oh well, one must do, what one must do.
"Well Hunter why don't you just go with Jenny?" I asked. Hunter looked mildly surprised and was looking at Jenny with a weird expression on his face. Whatever, I don't think I will ever understand guys. And Jenny. Well Jenny was about as red as the strips on the US flag that they were pulling up the pole down on the ground level.
"I guess, if that is ok with you of course?" he said now looking at Jenny. Like I said, at least he has good manners. Jenny had composed herself. A trait of hers I envied. I mean, I don't have the ability to hide my emotions. It's like it is always written all over my forehead.
Jenny replied, "Actually, that would be nice." I couldn't help but smirk behind her back. It was too perfect an opportunity to pass up.
The rest of the football game went like a normal football except for the fact that along with all my athlete friends, Jenny was there too. Jenny wasn't paying much attention to me though. She was too engrossed with Hunter, and I really didn't mind. I was proud of myself. I mean, getting them together when they hardly knew each other was pretty impressive. Hunter was a nice guy and I think that he and Jenny would get along fine. Hunter went to go get drinks at half time and he brought Jenny and me one. Not a bad deal if you ask me.
To make the night even better, we won 32 to 12. The Ridge Falls red, black, and white was everywhere. I walked with Kristi, Roxy and Michelle to the band hall so they could get out of uniform. Then Kristi and Michelle left, and Roxy and I went to wait for Cory and Jake. It wasn't long before Cory was there, but he didn't have to change clothes like Jake did. Like the good friends that they were, they waited with me until Jake came.
Sure enough, Jake came out a few minutes later with wet hair plastered to his skull. I love the way he takes a shower after a game. It makes me feel like he wants to look clean and good for me. He came up and grabbed me in hug lifting me off the ground. I could smell the shampoo he had used in his hair. "Hello, Kelly," he said, putting me down softly. I fixed my hair that had come out of place and smiled at him, "Hello, Jake."
"Hey man, how’s it going?" Cory asked giving Jake one of those weird guy hugs where they grip each other’s wrists and slap each other on the back.
"Pretty good." Jake answered.
"So we're going to that new ice cream place off Wood Street, right?" Cory asked.
"Yup that is it." Jake answered pulling out his keys. "We'll meet you there."
Cory nodded and pulled out his own keys walking towards his red ford focus. A cute car a must admit. But it doesn't compare to Jake's new yellow mustang. Jake unlocked the car and opened the passenger door for me, and then after I had slipped in, he went around to his side and climbed in revving up his engine. I was glad he could drive and my brothers didn't have to take me anywhere. Or my parents for that matter.
I'm now laying on my bed staring at the ceiling in the dark. Jake had dropped me off at my house about half an hour ago. Like usual my parents were asleep and Blaine, Nick and Josh were watching some horror movie. I think it was Freddy vs. Jason or something like that. The ice cream was pretty good, but just being with Jake made everything perfect. Being with Roxy just made it better. We had been sitting there talking and of course Heather's party came up.
"So," Jake said one arm draped over my shoulders, "are you guys going to Heather's party?"
"We weren't planning on it. Something about a bunch of jocks all in one place doesn't exactly sound appealing." Roxy said.
"But you guys aren't like that." Cory added. That got us all laughing.
"Well Jake and I are going, so we'll be there if you decide to come." I added taking a drink of the double chocolate shake Jake and I were sharing. Then after that we had finished our ice cream and Jake drove me home.
I wasn't counting on Roxy being at the party. But Jenny would be there so that was definitely a plus. Usually Roxy was the only one I could get to even consider going to a party. Roxy is just kind of out there. I couldn't wait for Heather's party tomorrow night. The only thing that might make the night go wrong was that Heather was Jake's ex-girlfriend.
I don't know how long it took me to get to sleep but eventually I did. Get to sleep that is. When I woke up the next morning the sun was already up and shining on a bright new day. I rolled out of bed and was up. I never had problems getting up in the morning. I looked down at my watch and saw that it was already ten. I pulled off my pjs and threw on my running clothes. I go running every morning so I don't get out of shape. I started running over the summer and now it is just a habit. I even get up early and run before school.
I ran for about 3 miles by the time I got home again. That is about what I usually run give or take a few yards. For me running felt like an escape from the rest of the world. I felt like no one could touch me. It was a time for me to be me, and not worry about anyone or anything else. My friends though I was crazy for running everyday. But I could probably run forever and never get winded. Well, maybe not forever but I could run for a really long time.
I went up stairs and took a shower. It felt good to relax and let the water run over my skin. After that I put on some comfortable clothes and started looking for the perfect outfit to wear for the party. It had to be perfect. Otherwise it could be bad at school Monday.
I don’t know how long it took me to find the perfect outfit, but by the time I was done my room was covered in clothes. Clothes were everywhere. There were shirts hanging off the doorknobs and pants on my bed frame. I sighed when I realized just how much of a mess I had made. I knew what I was going to be doing tomorrow. Cleaning my room. Oh well, it was worth it.
So my final pick was a baby blue halter-top with a cute blue jean skirt. I had just bought the shirt last week at the mall, so this would be the perfect opportunity to wear it. I went down stairs and grabbed a banana. I was starting to go upstairs when my mom stopped me.
"Kelly, dear, Blaine told me you are going to the party tonight. Is that true? She asked. I hate the fact that I have brothers that tell my mom everything. Now she was going to want to know everything about it.
"Yes, I'm going to the party."
"Who's hosting it?"
"Heather Jones."
"Where is it?"
"She lives in Valley Oaks."
"Who are you going with?"
"Jake, but Blaine and Nick are both going to be there."
"Well, I guess you can go. Next time tell me sooner, though"
"Ok, I will"
Interrogation was done. Finally. I ran up the stairs and grabbed my phone jumping on my bed and unceremoniously pushing the clothes off to the floor. I started to dial Michelle's number.
The phone rang once before Michelle picked it up.
"Hey Kell," she said.
"Hiya. I'm really nervous about the party tonight."
"Why?! You're pretty and popular. I don't see what you have to be worried about."
"It's Heather's party, and she was Jake's ex. I just have a bad feeling about it. That's all."
"Kelly. We are talking about Jake here. You two were like made for each other. I highly doubt that Heather is going to change that. He's already dumped her once."
"You're right, as always."
"Yeah, we know. So have you started the Geometry homework yet?"
I laughed at her. "Yes I have." I said reaching for my geometry book.
"Good. What did you get for 21?”
"587."
After that I forgot about Jake. Michelle was right. Jake wouldn't do anything like that to me.
At four o'clock I started getting ready for the party. I realize Jake wasn't going to be there till six but these things take time. I took a shower and blow-dried my hair. I love my hair. Especially when you can run your fingers through it and have it feel like silk. That is how my hair was. Once my hair was dry I changed clothes. Putting on my halter-top and skirt.
Looking at my self in the mirror I have to admit I looked really, really cute. Even without make-up. Which I still put on. I put on some mascara, eyeliner, and lip gloss. A lot less than most girls do. I just don't like the feeling of thick make-up pasted all over my face. After make-up came accessories.
I love accessorizing. It is just fun. I put on some silver hoop earrings, and a silver heart necklace. I also added my heart ring that matched the necklace. I grabbed my black purse that goes with anything and made sure I had everything I needed. Lip gloss and mascara for reapplication if needed. Feminine products, just in case. Cell phone, that I have separation anxiety from. And my house keys, because my brothers have a reputation of forgetting theirs. You can never be too careful.
By the time I was ready it was 5:45. I just had fifteen minutes before Jake came and picked me up. I was getting more excited about the party with every passing second.
Blaine and Nick were pulling out of the driveway to go to the party, when Jake pulled up. He got out and kissed me and a tingle ran along my spine.
"You look beautiful," he said brushing a piece of hair behind my ear.
I smiled and replied," You look really good, too." And he did. He was wearing blue jeans with a black button up shirt that was open with a white shirt underneath.
"Well, I don't know about that but you look good enough for the both of us," he said wrapping an arm around my waist and walking me over to his car. He opened the passenger door for me and shut it behind me. Then he walked over to driver's side and got in.
I really didn't know how to reply to that so I just said, "Thanks."
He leaned over and kissed my cheek then started backing out of the driveway. I love Jake so much. I don't know what I would do without him.
We were at Heather's house soon and I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. This was my first real party. I had no idea what it was going to be like. Some things you just don't know about how they are going to turn out. Would this be a fun party? I realized that parties in general could do a lot about your reputation. And I hope this one doesn't ruin mine.
As I got out of the car I took a look around for Hunter's truck. I didn't see it so that probably meant that Jenny and Hunter weren't there yet. We walked into the front door which was open and said hi to people we knew. The house seemed to be bursting at the seems with the pounding music and people. Heather spotted Jake and I, and waved us over. So far everything was going good.
Personally I didn't really want to talk to Heather. But it was her party and I guess I should be courteous, and at least tell her thank you. But something about girls that try to steal your boyfriend doesn’t really appeal to my nice side. Ever since Heather lost Jake she has been trying to get him back. I guess it just doesn't don on some people that when you lose something it's gone. And I highly doubt Heather will be getting Jake back any time soon. He is mine.
So Jake and I walked up to Heather and we both said hi. Heather placed a hand on Jake's arm, and I glared at her but didn't say anything. I put my arm around Jake's waist and he looked at me and smiled, draping his arm over my shoulders. Heather pulled her arm back glanced at me and then batted her eyelashes at Jake and said," I'm so happy you could come Jake." She didn't even make the pretense of talking to me.
"Well Kelly and I are happy to be here," Jake replies. I can tell he caught on too, because he added my name in there. He can be so cute sometimes.
Heather just flips her brown hair and then walks off obviously annoyed.
Jake turns to me and says," Hey Kelly, I'm going to get some drinks, I'll be right back." I nod to him and he turns to go. About that time I see Jenny and Hunter walk in together. I wave them at them and Jenny waves back and starts making her way towards me dragging Hunter behind her. Of course as usual both of them are wearing black.
"Hey Kelly," Jenny says.
"Hi guys," I reply smiling at both of them. I'm actually really glad that Jenny came to the party. I mean Jake is really sweet and nice and all, but he doesn't replace my girl friends. This is my first real party and it is nice to have someone to share it with.
"Well how are things going?" Hunter asks gesturing around at the party.
"Jake and I just got here," I explain.
"I don't think Jenny and I are going to stay long," Hunter says and then flashed a smile at her, "I think we came to the conclusion that this was not our cup of tea." Jenny doesn't say anything to correct him and I raise my eyebrows at her. Hunter just grouped them together and she didn't say anything about it. It is kind of surprising. They wander off to talk with more of Hunter's friends and Jake comes back. He has a beer in one hand and a coke in the other. I should've known that any party Heather threw would have alcohol at it. Jake hands me the coke and takes a drink of the beer. I'm really glad he didn't bring me one. But it is just one of the many thing Jake takes into consideration for me. Like I said earlier. He has got to be the perfect guy.
Placing a kiss on my forehead, Jake leaned closer to me and whispered in my ear, "I love you baby, don't ever forget that." He was looking down at me with that smile that melts my heart to pieces every time I see it.
"I love you too," I replied, a smile creeping up over my face. I couldn't remember a time I had ever liked anyone as much as I liked Jake. I mean, I truly loved him. Those weren't just words. Now I might not be in love with him, but I loved him all the same. Placing his free arm around my waist he started moving me through all the people.
"Now we have to make our appearance and go be social," Jake said with almost a touch of regret in his voice. I wondered what it was he was regretting when he answered that question without me even asking. "I almost wish it could be just us together."
Part of me was wishing the same thing.
Jake started making his social rounds and of course I was included in the antics. Jake knew everyone. No joke. And Jake was generally liked by everyone. I couldn't think of a single person that hated. Not even Heather hated Jake, and Jake dumped her for me. And since everyone liked Jake and all, and I mean all, the girls in the school had a huge crush on him, I got glares for across the room. No one was going to be mean to me while I was standing with Jake besides me, but that doesn't mean that I wasn't getting jealous thoughts thrown my way. But even with the evil glares and jealous thoughts I was having a good time.
After a couple of hours and a few more beers for Jake I could tell he was more than a little drunk. He was by no means wasted like some people who were passed out on the couch. It was only nine, too. Most people were more than a little tipsy. I have to say I was completely sober, and probably one of the only ones that was. Hunter and Jenny had disappeared to go do whatever. I had an inkling that they had gone back to Hunter's house, but I'm not sure.
Jake and I had been talking to two junior girls when, he stood up and said," I'll be right back, I have to go to the bathroom." I nodded and turned back to the two other girls, who immediately started talking.
"You are so lucky to have him as a boyfriend, he is so sweet." The shorter one, Christina I think her name was, said.
"And you are so much better for him than Heather ever was. You two are such a cute couple." Rachel, the brunette said.
I blushed. I heard this stuff all the time but every time I heard I still got warm tingly feelings. We started talking about guys in general and who was dateable and who wasn't, when I noticed that Jake had been gone for like 30 minutes. I hadn't been paying attention to him being gone caught up in the gossip of the older girls. I politely excused myself to go looking for my missing boyfriend.
Finally pushing through all the people, I stumbled into the front hall, eyes still scanning for Jake. When suddenly I didn't have to look for him anymore. Didn't want to look at him anymore. But my eyes couldn't move as they were riveted to him holding Heather in his arms, lips pressed against hers. I felt sick to my stomach, and my head was spinning. My thoughts couldn't seem to focus on anything. Except one.
I wanted to be away from here. Away from the party, the people, and the noise. But most of all I wanted to be away from Jake. To forget the image that seemed to be burned into my mind. I turned, tears already streaming down my face, and ran for the door. There was no way I was staying here a minute longer.
Blinded by my tears I ran into some guy but didn't pay attention to who it was. I just pushed past him, to set on getting as far away from Jake as possible to even apologize. Getting out the door I ran into the grass and sank down to my knees. Wrapping my arms around me, I gave into the hysteria that was threatening to overwhelm me.
Jake and Heather. Heather and Jake. Why?
I was so lost in my turmoil of emotion I didn't notice the person that came up behind me. I probably wasn't going to notice anything through my sobs. Even though I didn’t notice them immediately I did feel the hand on my shoulder and the other person kneeling down in the grass next to me. "Hey are you ok?" The person asked. I had no idea who it was. I couldn't see in the dark, and even if it was light I doubt I'd be able to see through my tears. But he had a deep voice that was soothing and seemed to resonate from his chest. All I knew in that moment was that someone and cared. They were a sympathetic hand in the void of emotion I'd seem to have fallen into.
"No," I blurted out not being able to control myself. The whole story seemed to rush out of my mouth, the words not able to escape fast enough. I told whoever it was I was telling this to how Jake was my boyfriend and how I loved him and when I finally got the point where he was making out with Heather, I started crying again. I couldn't help it.
Then I felt arms go around me and give me what I really needed. A friendly shoulder to cry on.
I don't know how long I stayed like that, just being held by whoever it was that was holding me. But about the time I started to come to my sense I really took notice of how I had no idea who I had just spilled my heart out to. Pulling myself away from him when I had finally stopped crying enough to think rationally, I wiped the tears from my eyes with the back of my hand. Then I looked up into the bluest eyes I have ever seen. His hair was blonde, that was longer and had that wind blown look to it. And I knew for a fact he wasn't a weakling. Even in my distraught state I had noticed the muscles of his broad chest and arms when I had been ungraciously crying all over him.
When a just ago I had plenty to say, I couldn’t seem to find the words now. Finally I managed an apology. "I'm really sorry, I mean...I didn't mean to be ...well...falling apart," I mumbled and a blush started to creep over my face. I was a mess. I started to climb to my feet and he was up in a flash, helping me get my footing.
"Hey, it's ok," he said in that same deep soothing voice. "It looked like you needed it. By the way, I'm Landon."
"Kelly, and I'm really sorry. I'm not usually like this...I don't know what came over me." I said looking down at the grass.
"Well I do," he said firmly, and a strange look came into his eyes. "It isn't right for your boyfriend to do that to you. You have every right to be upset."
"Thank you, for everything," I said quietly and looked back to door. I didn't want to go back inside, but I had to find my brother. He was going to take me home now. "I have to go find my brother," I said starting to excuse myself.
Landon grabbed my arm and stopped me, "Well, you can come with me if you want. I can take you home or we can go do something, then you wouldn't have to worry about messing with your brother." And going back inside. The unspoken words seemed to hang in the air between us.
Looking at him, and looking back at the door I said, "You don't mind?"
"No, of course not," he flashed my a dazzling smile," Would I have offered if I did?"
I couldn't help it, I smiled back. "No, I guess not."
He walked me to his red truck and opened the passenger door for making sure I got safely inside before going around and getting in himself. As he started up the engine and flipped on the radio he asked," So do you want to go home, or what?"
Looking down at the clock on the dashboard I saw it was 10. My parents didn't expect me home till one. "Actually not really, I don't want to go home yet," I replied.
"Ok, I wouldn't want to go home either. I would rather go do something, take my mind off things for a while. Anything special you want to do?" He asked as he pulled away from the curb he had parked along, and drove down the street.
"I don't really care," I said shaking my head. He seemed to have read my mind with his last remark. Going back to a house that was probably empty was just inviting myself to dwell on everything. Not something I really wanted to do considering I'd already lost it once.
"Ok in that case I know what we can do," he said and smiled at me from the driver's seat, "It's a surprise though. You'll have to wait to find out."
"Ok I'll wait, so I've never seen you before, what school do you go to?" I asked trying to find out more about him. Even though technically I was still out of the dating circuit that would change the next time I saw Jake. And I wasn't above noticing just how cute Landon was.
"I go to Ridge Falls," he replied and for a second I thought I saw a flash in his eyes.
"Really? I go there too. I've never seen you before," I said kind of getting excited. He was so sweet and not to mention cute. With my luck he probably had a girlfriend.
"I just started this year. I moved here from California."
"Wow. I don't think I could handle making a move like that, especially in the middle of high school. I wouldn't want to leave my friends, and have to make brand new ones."
"It's not that bad," he said and shrugged. "I had reasons for not staying." I looked over at him but couldn't see his face in the dark. I wondered what had happened to make him say that. I wanted desperately to ask, but I kept my mouth shut. "Besides," he added," I don't think you'd have a problem making friends."
And from there the conversation kinda of wandered, touching on neutral things. Each of us feeling out the other.
Part of mind drifted off toward Jake again. I felt guilt wash over me at first. Technically at least he was still my boyfriend, and I had just left with no explanation. Then my guilt was quickly replaced by anger and hurt. How could he do this to me?
No I wasn't going to think about him now. I could feel the tears coming back and took a deep breath to sooth my reeling emotions. I didn't want to think about him right now. I couldn't think about him right now.
Landon seemed to notice where my thoughts had turned and had kept silent for a little bit. At my intake of air he glanced over at me. "It's ok," he said. I hadn't even said anything. "Chances are he doesn't deserve your thoughts right now either."
I looked at him and smiled. He seemed to be saying the words out loud that were echoing in my head.
"How did you know I was thinking about Jake?"
"Well," he said glancing over at me again," You got really quiet, and you almost started to cry again."
"Oh," I could feel my self start to blush, and was thankful for the dark.
"Ok we're almost there," he said suddenly and he pulled into a parking lot.
Landon cut the engine and we both got out. "Where are we?" I asked, looking around at the surroundings.
"Well," Landon said walking towards the door of the building motioning me to follow," This is a mini-golf place." He gave me a goofy smile. "It also happens to be where one of my best friends works and I get free passes." I laughed. He held the door open for me and walked inside. It was colder inside than it was outside and I could feel goose bumps raise on my arms because of it. I rubbed them involuntarily.
"Hey Landon!" A guy called from behind the counter.
"Hey Chance, anyway you can hook me up with a couple of games." Landon replied leaning up against the counter. I came to stand at his elbow.
"Colors?" Chance asked grabbing two clubs off the shelf and handing them to Landon.
"Oh Chance this is Kelly, Kelly this is Chance." Landon said giving introductions.
"Hi, and I would like pink," I said shaking his hand.
"Alright pink for the lovely lady," Chance said tossing a pink ball to me and a green one to Landon.
"Thanks Chance," Landon said turning and leading me out a door on the opposite side of the building.
Once we were back outside, Landon handed me a club and I took it from him. "I haven't played in forever, and for the record I suck."
"You can't be too bad," Landon said with a smile and a wink.
"O yes I can, I suck at golf of any kind. That is the one sport I can't play."
"Everyone can play mini-golf. Besides Its all about having fun. It gets your mind off of everything." Too true. Too true.
We were about half way through the course when my phone rang. I glanced down at the number and I wanted to start crying again. Down on the screen lit up on the screen was Jake's name surrounded by the little red hearts I'd programmed in there forever ago. Landon saw me stop and he came over to me and took the phone out of my hands. "Just don't worry about it, you don't have to talk to him now." Without a thought he turned the ringer off and stuck the phone in his pocket. All I could do was watch him.
"So do you have any brothers or sisters?" Landon asked and I could tell he was trying to change the subject. I gladly took the opportunity and started talking about my brothers. I could talk forever about my crazy family and it gave me something else to think about.
As I knew it must we finally finished the round and he kicked my butt. I don’t know by how much but it was a lot. I made him stop keeping count after the 2nd hole. But that game had been fun and it had taken my mind off of everything. By the end of it I had given up using the club and had reverted to using my feet instead. We got a lot of laughs out of that. We headed back inside and Chance was sitting behind the counter a old superman comic in his hands. He looked up when we came in and smiled," Have fun?"
I nodded, "Yeah, it was great thanks."
"Well Chance I'm going to get her home but I'll see you tomorrow. We're still on right?"
"Of course, but Mark is whimping out on us and no going so we will be one person short."
I couldn't help myself I wanted to know what they were doing, "What’s going on?"
Landon turned to me and said, "Well Mark, Chance and I were going to go paintball but apparently Mark whimped out on us so we will have to play a man short."
"Oh, I see."
"Hey why don’t you go instead? That ok with you Chance if Kelly comes?"
"I don’t see why she can't," Chance said with a smile and a lifted eyebrow at Landon," Besides she's probably better than Mark."
"Could I really come?" I asked excitedly. I had never paintballed before and I had always wanted to do it.
"Yeah, sure why not?" Landon said casually.
"I'd love to come!"
"Ok that's settled, I'll pick you up around 8 tomorrow morning."
I grinned at him. I was still upset about Jake but Landon was being nothing but nice. He was helping me do stuff and get over him. I can't imagine ever meeting someone being this nice to me. Landon was being a good friend and right now that's really what I needed.
Chance glanced up at the clock on the wall and started to stand up. Following his glance I saw that it was just past eleven thirty. My mom didn't expect me home till 1. I still had another hour or so if I wanted to use them. I knew I should probably call Jake or at least my brother and tell him where I was. Remembering that Landon had my phone I saw that he was helping Chance close up. And then realized I didn't really want to call Jake or Blaine. If they were worried about me they could call me. Jake had already called, but at this point I didn’t want to talk to him anyways.
"Hey Kelly," Landon called from the door, "Come on, lets get out of here."
I looked up and walked out the door and Chance turned off the lights behind us.
"Hey Landon it's my turn to pay right? Or are you just going to get Kelly home?" Chance asked locking the door to the building.
"Ya,” he replied and then looked down at me. I didn’t know what Chance was paying for but I might as well join in and I nodded. Landon continued, “And that includes Kelly, I paid for Scott when he came."
"Ok smoothies on me it is," Chance said and grinned, "I'll meet you guys there."
Landon nodded and we both got back into his truck.
