In the morning the events of last night kept replaying in my head. Was I not seeing something? Was I not seeing the obvious? I decided to check the forest over. I reached the log which the snow was melting off and sighed watching the fog of my breath escape my mouth. Maybe I should just leave it alone, what happened though. I walked back to my car knowing I was going to be late if I stayed any longer. Once I reached the school the bell rung. I hurriedly walked across the parking lot avoiding clear spots of ice and felt like I deserved a gold medal when I reached the school for not even slipping once. Everyone was quickly running to there classes as I speed walked to mine. I debated on stopping at my locker and decide to just do it. Of course, when I walked into class Mr. Ritter gave me a mean glare. I swear if I flirted with him he probably wouldn't be so damn grumpy. But then again that's kinda awkward and weird. And the last thing I need is to actually put myself in a situation like that. "Thank You for joining my class Ms. Carter" I sighed walking to my seat. "Alright everyone I expect your homework complete I'm grading them today, pull out your books" Homework? Shit, I totally forgot. I felt like banging my head against my desk. As everyone stood to turn in their homework Mr. Ritter walked up to me. "What seems to be the trouble, Mrs. Carter? If you want I'd be honored to turn your homework in" I frowned. Wouldn't a teacher give a whole speech about how our homework isn't their responsibility? "No thanks, and it turns out I was caught up yesterday. I didn't have time to work on it, I'll have to turn it in tomorrow" he smiles "Such a shame it's due today huh" my mouth dropped "You could be actually fair and give me an extra day like normal teachers, no wonder most people are probably failing your class.."
"Cock sucker.." I Whipped my head around "What was that Mr. Anderson?!" a small smile played on Justin's lips. "Ahem sorry, what?" Mr. Ritters face turned red with anger as some kids tried to hold back smiles. "Mr. Anderson to the principal office!" he turned and looked dead straight at me. "Why don't you join him" I blinked, Everyone stared at me except for Justin who was already at the door. I stood and left the classroom. "Some nerves he's got" I say practically doing lunges to keep up with him. Although I was beyond irritated and what would Saria say? I'm to good of a student for this, then I guess I had it coming. I always get in some trouble, doesn't matter what school I go to. He shrugged "He's always like that, he just assumes things, doesn't even give us the time of day" he says with disgust. "I don't appreciate people like that" I say quickly. He cracked a smile "Well I'm glad" we walked into the office and the lady looked up once then again staring at me. "Mr. Anderson go ahead into Mr. Martin's office" Justin Glanced at me and walked around the corner. "look, Mrs. Carter, I don't think it's good to be hanging out with Justin he's a bad influence if- look, I don't know who you think you are but how can you say that? Don't tell me not to hang around him just from rumors you've heard or some files you looked over ok? I'm not stupid enough to know that you haven't actually gotten to know him I'm mean you barely looked away from your damn computer before when I walked in here"
"Excuse me?! Amanda Carter, I will not-Go ahead and do something!" I walked off in the direction Justin had. I'm doing this all for Justin something good better come out of it. When I walked into the office the Principle smiled at me. "Mrs. Carter, nice for you to join us. Mr. Ritter tells me you two were talking back and a distraction to the class but I understand Mr. Ritter can be so,so..but before I do anything I want your take on it" So I told him everything and we were let go to walk to the second period. I didn't think it was gonna as well as it did...but it did. At lunch, I told Amber what happened. "Gosh, I thought I was having a bad day! Well not really me, Isabell. Stacy made her run out of biology this morning" I sip my coke. "And whos Isabell?"
"Oh! She's Robbie's sister. Younger sister" she adds taking a big bite of her pizza. You wonder what's going through her head. Isabell, not Amber. "Maybe we should invite her somewhere" says Amber her eyes full of hope like I was her mother. "Right..invite her to where?" Amber was quiet for a minute before popping back to life. "We could have a sleepover!" I blink fully awake. "We're going to your house then" I say with a frown. She frowns. "Why my house?" she whines. "Your idea your house I don't even know her" Amber pouted."If we stay at your house I'll pay for the snacks"
"Deal"
The plan was to get out of 7th period early and find her. Of course Amber being innocent as she is, I was the one to get out and it wasn't hard as everyone was up and talking. I walked out of Spanish on a mission making my way to art. I had art 4th period and I loved it. Not just that it was art but I liked the teacher Mr. O'malley and I loved him, even more, cause his last name to remind me of the movie 'Aristocats'. I waited outside the door as the bell rung and watched people walk out and finally spotted her. She had everything of Ambers description. Black hair freckles head down. I speed walked over to her side. "Isabel right?" I Ask keeping up with her quick steps. She stopped as if I just asked where she lived. "Yea…"
"OK so I was wondering, in fact, I wasn't my friend Amber came up with the idea that we invite you to my house for a sleepover. Only if you're up for it." she glared at me. "Look, I don't need your help ok? What do you even care I've never even seen you before" I crossed my arms. "Look I'm not here to make it up to you knowing what you've been through cause I dont I'm new. Amber said we should invite you and I thought ok why not. Either you can come and have some fun get your mind off things and maybe make new friends or you can keep walking with your head down" I guess I didn't mean to be that honest but looks like she could use it. She sighed looking around. "I-I don't know if I can…"
"We'll wait for you to talk to your parents or whatever if you can't spend the night just say you're coming over to work on homework..will take it from there" she nodded walking on. I followed her to the office. Isabell was dialing as Amber showed up. "This is gonna be fun!" I sighed there should be a mute button on this child. After Isabell had left an awkward voicemail she walked with us to get our stuff out of our lockers. "So you guys have like..a car?"
"Yep we'll take hers" says Amber all smiles. I grabbed my bag and slammed my locker shut. "Let's go to the store, will buy a bunch of shit"
"Nothing like gaining calories on purpose" I look back at Isabelle. "Ok will buy you a container of strawberries" I turned back before I could see the reaction in her face and continued walking. Once outside I looked up at the white sky, it was snowing again. You could hear a few people complaining. "Amanda!" Nick ran up to me as I walked down the steps. "Hey" I say glancing at Amber who made a face and grabbed Isabelle's hand pulling her to my car. "So..guessing you're not free?" I smile. Glancing at the snow that stuck to his blondish hair."It was Ambers great idea that we have a sleepover" he smiled glancing over at them. "With...Isabel?" my smile faded. "Yes. what's wrong with that?" he shrugged "Nothing. I just wanted to know if you wanted to go get a treat or something but seems like you have plans. So I'll see you tomorrow" I nodded and he smiled before walking away. I sighed and walked in the direction of my car wondering where things would have gone if I wasn't going to a sleepover. At a local store, we all grabbed a baskets. All as in Me and Amber. Isabell Glanced around with her hands in her pockets. "Come on" I say handing her the basket. She grabbed it slowly and followed me as I made my way around. We grabbed what we wanted and went through the list of how much this would cost. "Ok, Chocolate bars, Root Beer, Pepsi, Gummy worms, doritos, hot cheetos, Cookie Dough ice cream, vanilla ice cream, m&ms, popcorn…." Amber snaps her head up to look at me. I shrug. "Just toss them a fifty" I say. Amber nods pushing the cart towards the register. Once everything's paid for we all take some bags and carry them to the car. "This is gonna be so fun!" Amber yells from the back seat. Me and Isabel share a weird glance as we shake our heads. "Hey, I got clothes for you guys to change into" I say turning onto our road. Amber voice changed "I totally forgot about clothes...at least we bought a bunch of food. Hey is Sara ok with this?" I shrugged "She should be fine"
"Whos Sara?..." it was actually the first time Isabelle had talked before we left the store. I opened my mouth but Amber beat me. "Saras Amanda's Grandma. Don't worry she's totally cool!" I sigh turning into our gravel driveway. Once parked we grabbed our share of bags and walked into the house. Sara was watching T.V "Are we having a party?" she asks with an amused look. "Yup we're gonna get drunk off sugar!" says Amber. "This is Isabelle, Isabelle Grams" I say my fingers slowly dying. " Nice to meet you, Isabelle" Sara says with a warm smile.
"You to.." I speed walk to the kitchen finally and dump everything on the counter. We put the ice cream away and bring the candy and drinks upstairs telling Sara she can help her self to the ice cream on the way up. Amber shuts the door and looks around. "Wow nice room"
"Thanks" I set everything on the corner of my bed and gesture to my closet. "You guys can pick something out" I say kicking off my shoes. Amber wasted no time scanning the clothes while Isabelle was looking at a painting of a ballerina. "Here I think these will fit you" Amber skips to giving her the option between three shirts a pair of shorts and a pair of sweatpants. She takes the pair of sweatpants and a red shirt with the word 'Coca Cola' on it in white letters. "I'm gonna go get cups you guys can change where ever" I leave them and run downstairs. "What's the sudden change?" I stop as Sara keeps looking at the T.V "Isabelle or me coming down here?"
"Isabel..you know she's been through a lot. It's nice that you invited her" I nod. I wanted to say that it wasn't exactly my idea but I walked in the kitchen instead. I grabbed three cups and went back upstairs. We spend pretty much the whole time eating our stuff and watching movies. Me and Isabelle wanted to watch a scary movie but Amber hates them. Sara being the cool grandma she is, ordered us pizza and we shared our soda with her. When we got upstairs we sat on my bed with pillows cause Amber ordered a "Meeting"
"Ok!" she says with a serious look. "I think we should go around and say something about ourselves. It can be anything that the other person might find interesting, I'll start" she takes a deep breath and clears her throat. "My full name is Amber moon Presley. I've lived here all my life. My dad left when I was 8 so it's just me and my mom. Oh! I love cats..dogs to and I like ice cream" she nods looking at Isabelle. "Oh uh...names Isabel..obviously. I've moved a lot over my life. My dad left us and yea Robbie's my brother.." she looks down like she says something wrong and Amber quickly pats her shoulder. "Ok, my name is Amanda Carter my mom died when I was eight I've moved 18 times I've lived in 5 states this being my 6th"
"Wow so you've never had any time to...settle down" says Isabelle. "No, not really. Sara's the only one I've always liked except for my mom"
"Wow having to say goodbye to all your friends"I glance at Amber. "Not really your my only real friend...I've made so far" I say that last part looking at Isabelle. "Aw well I've gone to this school since kindergarten" says Amber stuffing chips in her face. The night went like that. We talked, Watched more movies, Listen to music fighting over which ones were better and slowly you could see Isabelle talking more and even smiling. I thought the time would never come when Amber fell asleep on a blanket on the floor. Isabelle chose a horror movie as I got our snacks together and pillows. I put a pillow under Ambers' head and a blanket over her. "What about the first Insidious?"
I crawl on the bed and flop down by her. "Sure" I say sipping on my cup of root beer which sat on a nearby stool. We fished the second insidious before we finally went to bed.
I was dreaming. Only the stupid thing about it is it was a beeping noise. I opened my eyes and realized it was my alarm clock. Isabell groaned turning her arm flung and slapped me right in the face. I burst out laughing "Ow!" Isabelle's eyes opened. "Did I hit you?" she asks smiling then she looked annoyed. "What's beeping?" she sat up and grabbed my Alarm turning it off. "You think your Grandma will let us stay here?" she asks looking at me. "Maybe a late start but I doubt she'd let us stay here" I say rubbing my nose.
"Late start then" she slid off my bed and poked Amber with her foot. I sat up and ran my hand through my pony tail and finally pulled out my hair tie. I slid off my bed as Amber was Whining pushing her face into her pillow. I grabbed my brush and yanked it through my hair. "We're leaving around 9 so get dressed!" yells Isabelle ripping the pillow from Ambers grasp. "At least be ready then go back to sleep" I say running my fingers through my hair successfully. Amber sat up and her hair was a mess. I tossed her my brush with a smile as it hit her knee. "Ow.." she mutters taking the brush with a sigh and pulling it through her hair. I took a shower first then Isabell then Amber who complained about having no hot water. Isabelle chose a navy green tank top and a pair of black ripped skinny jeans. Amber was still staring at the closet with a towel wrapped around her. I wore a pair of black legging a gray crop top. "You've been staring at her closet for 5 minutes" says Isabelle pulling on her shoes. " Shhh!" she flicked her hand shoo-ing Isabelle as if she was waiting for the clothes to speak. I rolled my eyes. "Amber you have 5 minutes before we leave you here alone" I say putting my hair in a messy bun. "Ok, ok" she grabbed a dark green shirt that went well with her hair and pulled a pair of black leggings. Once she was changed and we were all ready we grabbed our stuff and walked to my car. Sara was still asleep. Isabell sat in the passenger seat and Isabel sat in the back again. We ended up going to an old coffee shop which smelled like coffee and bacon. "Food.." Isabell moaned as she glanced at all the pastries. I smile as we walk to a table Amber and Isabel sitting across from me. When a waitress came I ordered a cup of coffee Amber ordered an orange juice and Isabel ordered one too. A few guys were to the back of the cafe and looked like they were looking at us. "College guys?" I asked glancing at Amber. She shrugged her shoulders. "Yea. you know Nick? His older brother is the one with dark brown hair" says Isabel sipping her orange juice. I Nod. "I think he likes you, he's staring at you" says Amber. I shrugged "I don't want a guy I just want food" the Waitress finally came back to take our orders. Me and Amber ordered Biscuits and Gravy and Isabelle ordered Cinnamon rolls. "What if a teacher came in here?" asks Amber leaning forward "Just say I'm going through a really hard time and you guys wanted to take me out" I say. Amber kicked me and I inhaled a scream. "Don't look stupid a guy is coming over here" she whispers. "Fuck you!" I growl. She ignored me and pretended to get a text message. "Hey girls" I turned to see a guy with black hair and brown eyes #SexyJock. "Hey" we all say. I wondered if he came over for me but then he glanced at Isabell for a second too long. "Why dont you pull up a chair" I say gesturing to the empty seat beside Isabelle. He smiled at me doing just that. "I'm Ethan" he offers. "Amanda" I say shaking his hand. "Isabelle.." she didn't look at him and he looked slightly hurt. "Amber" says Amber happily. This made him smile. "So shouldn't you guys be at school?" he asks raising an eyebrow. "We're making it a late start" says Amber. He smiles. "Don't you guys have school or at least some football practice to get to?" I asked glancing at his buddies who were glancing at us. "Honestly I don't even remember if we have school today" this caused us to laugh. "We were talking about Aidan" says Isabelle. She looked like she was trying to be a part of the conversation which was a big plus for her. A vibe rolled off Ethan and I felt it hit my stomach. "Oh you know Aidan?" his voice sounded 5 notches less happy than it was. Was I the only one noticing this? Isabelle nodded. " I don't know him personally but I know he's Nicks older brother. Nicks in our grade and kinda has a thing for her" she says glancing at me. He looked at me to. "Isn't she cute" says Amber. I looked at her and kicked her under the table. "Owmm.." she cleared her voice. "I have to go to the bathroom" says Amber jumping out of her seat. "Oh! Sorry I totally forgot I have to go to" I pushed out of mine and speed walked after her. Glancing back at Isabelle she glared at me. We speed walked around the front counter and crouched. "Aren't they cute? He totally likes her!" yells Amber "Shut up I was the first to even notice" I peeked around the corner with her as Ethan looked like he was talking. "I Wish guys looked at me like that" I rolled my eyes. "The right guy just hasn't seen you" I say. We waited about 5 more minutes then walked back to our table. Isabelle's cheeks were pink and Ethan looked like he was waiting for a response. "She says yes" I say he smiles as she snaps her head up. "Great Thomas's parties tomorrow night you guys should come. If I had one of your phone numbers I could give you the address" he turned his head and smiled at Isabelle who looked helpless. Ethan gave her a pen and stuck out his arm. She stared at it for a moment and finally took it and slowly wrote her number over his arm. "Great! Nice meeting you ladies and your bills on me" before I could object he was out of his seat and already walking back to his friends who were standing. We both smiled at Isabelle. "He's cute...how red are my cheeks? And you guys left!" she whines. "We wanted him to talk to you personally, how awkward would it be, him talking to you and us just starring" says Amber finishing her food. "Yes honestly Is, he LIKES you..did any of you even noticed his change of mood when you brought up Aidan" Amber shook her head chewing. "No.." Says Isabelle. I sigh " I can't eat anymore, let's go" they both nodded. In the car, it was quiet thanks to our big delicious breakfast. I didn't mind the silence and it didn't look like anyone else did. When we got to the school I parked and we crawled out. "It's 10:38" says Amber. I nod "When are you gonna get a phone?" Asks Is. I shrugged. "Soon though" When we walked in we sighed as we walked into the office. Mrs. Piers raised her eyebrows at us. "Well don't we look terribly sick" she says. "We just need three late slips.." says Amber her voice dull. Mrs. Piers pulled the slips out and started writing. "I'll make sure to let Mr. Martin know this" we grabbed are slips and left without a word. "Why does she act like she's the worst cop ever" says Amber "I'll see you guys later?"
"Yea" we both say quickly. Isabel left and walked off to health. "It's nice to see her opening up" I say as we enter the gym. "I'll say I think we've done something right" People were running around the track again. We got changed first and I felt stupid for forgetting clothes...Again. I borrowed Ambers clothes again and gave my slip to Mr. Blake as we walked out. "Thank you for joining us ladies, I liked to see you after school" Does he mean class or actually school? I wanted to ask but just nodded following Amber onto the track. "Go get um" says Amber. I watched as Nick ran past me. I smiled at her and pushed forward. Stomping my feet and driving my arms I ran right beside him. "Hey where have you been?" he asks slowing into a jog. "We went out for breakfast" his face changed into something I couldn't pick up. "We as in..?"
"Me Amber and Isabel" he nodded. "So your friends with Isabel now" it wasn't a question. "Yea what about it?" he sighed walking now and I was glad because running after all the food didn't feel so well. "I don't want you to think I'm judging hard or something it's your choice whether to hang out with her I think it's nice" my eyes brightened as I remembered this morning "Oh I saw you brother this morning and some of his pals. His friend Ethan totally has it for her and he paid for our bill" Nick cocked his head. "You know my brother?"
" I know his name..thanks to Amber. Ethan Invited us to Thomas's house tomorrow" He smiled. "His party..right..and are you going?" I nod " So what should I expect? is there a pool?" Nick smiled. "Nah his house is on a private beach. His parents are out for the weekend in Florida, they leave him for weeks at a time. As an only child I don't think that's right" I nodded. "Does he ever talk about it or show it on his face?" he sighs thinking. "You can just tell. We as in me my brother and our pals all know he doesn't like to be in the house alone so we invite him to go everywhere and stay with us. Not like its a sin either he's practically another brother to me" I smile "I'm an only child to"
"Huh, where'd you move from?"
"Texas. I've moved a lot ever since my mom died" he stared at me. "Amanda I'm sorry.." I smile. "No, its fine I don't mind talking about it I just...people suck. I've moved so many times to people I thought gave a crap. You know from Washington to California to Oregon to Montana to Nebraska to Texas and finally..here" he listened. "Wow..and what about now? Do you like it here..with Sara?" I smile at him and nod. "I have good memories of Sara. I have some hope with her" he nods. "Well, I hope you don't go anywhere" I smile. We reached the starting line again and I walked to Amber who was sitting on a bench with a water bottle. She handed it to me and I drank. "Your buddy has been watching you" she says glancing to my right. I glanced at Justin who was leaning against a bench with his knees to his chest. "Hm" I took the water bottle and walked over to him sitting a foot away. I opened my mouth but he beat me to it "Where have you been?"
"Amber and Isabel spent the night at my house and then we got breakfast this morning together" he stared at me as if not believing me. "Did you get in trouble with Mr. Ritter? I'm sorry about the other day" he looked confused "What for?" I was quiet for a minute. "For not have done something when he sent you to the office" he shrugged. "It's fine Mr. Martin doesn't even do anything he just lets me watch T.V in his office" I smile with a little laugh. "That sounds fun" he nodded slowly. Silence took over and I broke it. "Do you know Thomas? I don't know him personally but I got invited with Amber and Isabel to go" Justin's eyes seemed to take a darker blue color. "Who invited you?"
"I met a guy at breakfast who likes Isabelle" I say. He nodded slowly and it came to me that he was barely blinking. Not that it was creepy but I wondered how he managed to barely do it. "So are you going?" I ask slowly. He glared slightly. "Yes I'm going, half the school is going" he seemed angry so I didn't want to push it. He sat up and criss crossed his legs. "Thomas lives on this big beach so it's basically a big barbecue and there's gonna be s'mores and obviously you can go swimming" I nodded with a smile. "Carter keep walking!" I groaned standing. "I'll see you later" He gave me a nod. When we got back out from the locker room I waited for the bell to ring before walking to Mr. Blake. "Amanda I wanted to talk to you about joining track" he says glancing at his clipboard. "Oh Right um, I'm not really interested in track I guess. I've already done track for two years and I'm kinda over it" he nodded with a chuckle. "Well that's a shame your pretty fast and I'd love to have you on my team. If you're... still interested in a sport there's basketball, volleyball, soccer and cheerleading sign-ups in the office" "Thanks" I say "No problem" with that I left and went to class. On my way to the cafeteria, Amber appeared at my side. "Hey, are you interested in cheerleading?" I ask. Her eyes brightened and I felt like laughing, "OH MY GOD YES!" Isabelle appeared on my right. "Whos dying?"
Amber ran around wrapping her arms around her "Would you do cheer with us?! Say you will!" she begs. "Cheerleading?" asks Isabelle looking at me. I can't help but laugh. "I don't know but it sounds kinda like a good idea I mean I can do a flip" I say with a shrug. "I can do a cartwheel!" yells Amber proudly. "Fine" we stopped at the office to get the forms and headed to lunch.
If I was to murder someone in the school I think it would be my Spanish teacher. She speaks in spanish 95% of the time and just yells at people. I had wished that me and Amber shared this class but now I was happy we didn't..she didn't have to suffer. Besides english is more her thing. When school ended I met Isabelle and Amber at Amber's locker. "I'll see you guys tomorrow K"
"We're going shopping for clothes for tomorrow, your not coming?"
I sigh "I'm coming whos car are we taking?"
"Mine" says Amber pulling her bag out of her locker. "I dont have one" says Isabelle raising her hand. I smile. We didn't make it out the door before I smelled the scent of No.19 and yes, I know what it smells like. "Oh look it's the new Trio! Amanda, I didn't know you'd hang with...them" says Stacy looking Amber and Isabell up and down. "There's a lot you don't know about me Stacy but I'm not interested in you knowing anything more" she sighed her "friends" behind her. "Honestly I could care less about you, what I do care about is you flirting with Nick!" this girl needs to get a life. "She's not flirting with Nick there just friends" Says Amber. Stacy glanced at Amber. "Thanks, Lez... I didn't ask for your opinion" Ambers cheeks grew pink. So Ambers gay, why hadn't I noticed that before? I grabbed her hand just to show that I didn't care. "You know what Stacy? We'll see you at the party tomorrow why don't you talk to Nick about it, he invited us" Isabelle's voice had a whole new meaning she grabbed Ambers free hand and dragged us out. "Jesus Isabelle who knew you had dominance" I say running down the steps. Amber sniffed and I frowned. "Aw Amber we love you" I say joining the group hug. "She's so mean!" she cries. "She's just jealous" says Isabel. "No she's just a fucking snake spitting out her venom of people's personal business" I smile glancing at Is. I didn't even know if she could curse. "I barely know you guys but you guys are great!" she sobs and we hug her tighter. I drive Ambers car as she sits in the back with Isabel. I get directions from Is which lead us to a Target. In the store cold air hit us. "So what are we looking for?" I ask looking at Amber. She had stopped crying but her eyes were still slightly red. "Think beach..you have a pretty big closet So you should get a new swimsuit. Isabelle, we need to find you something like your wearing yet not" we glance at Amber as she stomps forward like a mom with a mission on Christmas. We stop first to get swimsuits complaining how all the smaller ones are so cute. " I think you should wear a black bikini but Blue might be your thing" Amber held the black bikini top and bottom against me switching to the dark blue and back to the black. "I think blue, it matches her eyes" says Isabel. "Done" says Amber tossing the blue one into the cart. "Red?" Amber asks me holding a red bikini top and bottom to Is. "Well she'll certainly get Ethan's attention" I say "She reminds me of a sexy vampire what do you think?" Amber says looking at Is. she nods. " " she says. Amber tosses it in the cart. Next we help her decide on an orange or dark green which we choose dark green. When we finally go for outfits I ended up with a Black crop top and jean shorts. Amber instructed that I wear my hair in a ponytail. Isabell settled on a black tank and aware of black Jean shorts. Amber settled on a pair of jean shorts and a lavender crop top. Amber decided she would bring a pair of shoes for Is as we brought everything plus sodas. I sat in the back, Isabell in the passenger and Amber in the driver seat. They dropped me off first and I hugged them bye. "Thanks for the shop Am, I'll see you guys tomorrow. "Oh well I would call you but YOU DON'T HAVE A PHONE!" I slam the door shut. I glanced back with a smile as they pulled out of the driveway. Having to search for the extra key told me that Sara wasn't home. She'd let me go to the party, wouldn't she? She's cool that way. I closed the door and kicked off my shoes just to hear an engine. I glanced out the window to see Saras truck pull in. "Guess I'm on time.." I dropped my Bag by the basket of shoes and walked into the kitchen. The door opened. The door shut. I grabbed a water bottle and a beer pushing the fridge shut with my foot. "Hey Sara I literally just got in the door when you pulled up" she gave me a suspicious look as she took the beer out of my hands. "I went shopping with Amber and Isabel...for the party...tomorrow night" I bounced on the balls of my feet as she twisted the cap of the beer.Ow. "What party? Where is it?" I Smile. This is the most concern this woman has given me not that that was a bad thing. "It's at a guy Thomas's house he lives on a beach. Anyway, a lot of people are going to be there" I say sitting with her on the couch. "Like?" I opened my water bottle. "Well, Isabelle and Amber are going with me. Nick will be there, his brother Aidan and a bunch of his friends..Justin's going to, he said that half of the school would be there" she nods taking a swig of her beer. "Right so where were you this morning?" I sucked in my cheeks. How many times am I gonna have to explain where I was? I told her the whole thing of us going to breakfast and Ethan and blah blah. "Alright I don't want you skipping you know" I nod quickly and she smiled. " I got you a gift" she stood and I felt guilty that I didn't have one. I'll paint her something tomorrow. She brought a bag back with her and gave it to me as she crossed her legs sitting up. I pulled the blue tissue paper out and smiled pulling out a XR phone, a case and a Nikon Coolpix a900 camera. Definitely getting her a present. "I love it!" I say. I threw myself at her and she hugged me. A hug that was tight and said I'm never letting you go. For dinner Sara made chicken. We sat on the sofa and watched the news if when I was younger the news just bored me but now it was actually kind of interesting. When I was done I went upstairs changed into sweats and a tank and joined Sara back downstairs. When I went to bed I crawled under the covers and had my camera and phone charge on my nightstand. I then groaned running back downstairs I grabbed the slip for cheerleading and handed it to Sara. "Can you sign this" she glanced at it and looked up. "I never expected this from you"
Neither did I, but Mr. Blake brought it up. I thought it was funny and Amber and Isabelle said they do it with me" she smiled shaking her head. "Go to bed ,I'll sign it" I hugged her and ran back upstairs. I glanced at my window and it was snowing. Only if my camera was already charged. I sighed crawling under the covers I rolled onto my stomach and smiled as the nearby howls grew louder.
"Do you have a 4?"
"Go fish" Amber sighed as she drew a card from the stack. I stayed seated on the stool dipping my paintbrush in the water again. "Do you have a King?"
"Go fish" Isabelle drew a card from the stack rolling on her side to reach the stack and back on her stomach. I sighed signing my name at the bottom right corner with a smaller bristled brush. "Finished," I say. They stood and walked over bending their backs backward. "Wow that's something!" says Amber. "Its perfect" says Is. It was a painting of my point of view of my first night when blue had climbed up the steps and his blue eyes
staring at me. Everything was just as I remembered the door the house the flower pot the snow the woods the moon, the wolves to the right running that were running across the snow and of course Saras truck. This was just the second one though. The first painting I painted of memory. It was me or anyone I guess looking at Sarah's house straight on her truck in view. The sky a light blue fresh snow and snowing of course on top. I wrote in a darker blue "Home Sweet Home" on the top of the canvas. Mr O'malley walked back into the room but we just call him Paris. "Let me have a look huh" he walked over and stood by me. "You know Amanda you should really look into an art school when you graduate, exquisite work." I smile. Paris is my favorite teacher, besides his name. Another reason is he never seems to have an agenda for his classes, he just does what comes to mind. "Your grandma will love it, Amber dont touch your clothes with that" I glanced at Amber who had chalk like powder on her fingers. The bell rung and I rushed to but my supplies away as Is picked up the cards. "You can let the painting dry and come back after school I'll keep them behind my desk so no one touches them. He walked away from his desk and to my painting grabbing it. "Thanks Paris" I say grabbing my bag "See ya 4th period"
"And I have to get something ready for it" he sighs "Have a good day girls" I speed walked to first period as Amber and Isabel headed to their own. I speed walked into first period and the room wasn't even full yet. Woohoo. I put my bag by my feet and and tried to catch my breath pushing hair out of my face. "You have paint on your pants.." I jumped glancing at Justin next to me. "I didn't….notice you" I say searching for the right word. He just stared at me. I glanced at my hand which had black white and blue smudges on them. "Oh I was painting in Mr O'malley class just now. Saras gift. She got me a phone and a camera last night" he nodded "That's cool" he said it but he looked like he was really bored. I felt saved as the door slammed and Mr Ritter walked in. "Alright turn in your home work please" I sucked in my cheeks as people stood. Why doesn't he just stamp a big fat red F on my for head. On my way to second period I turned in my slip for cheer and sat by Amber and Is for second. "I've barely been here and I'm already tired.." says Amber. I nod. She's referring to how Mr Nox just talks..and talks…and…..talks. When lunch came I felt good and bad. Bad because 1. I was leaving my favorite class but happy cause 2. Paris let me and Amber eat so we could go to Cheer practice and 3. We get to spend time with Isabelle. As soon as we walked in the locker room I felt like I was walking into Macy's perfume department. We changed into our uniforms like we were told by Mrs Kemp and walked back out. The outfits were long sleeve shirts half white half a glittery blue (the school colors) and a white skirt. "These are pretty cute" says Amber. I shrugged pulling my hair into a tight ponytail. "Oh god look whos captain" I glanced at Isabell who had a irritated look on her face. Stacy sat behind the table along with a girl named Jessica. "You said you can do a flip right?" asks Is "yea" I say she nods "Save the best for last..no offense Amber"
"None taken." Isabell steps up to the table ready to take on the heat. Stacy and Jessica laugh. "Are you kidding me?"
"Why don't you start up some song that you think is hip and let me do my thing" she says. Jessica rolled her eyes and pressed play on the stereo. Anaconda by Nicki minaj played and Isabel head jerked in annoyance. Isabell danced to it and it surprised me. It made me think of river tale dance. I smiled as Stacy crossed her arms. "She's totally jealous" says Amber. I glanced at Mrs Kemp who scribbled something on her clipboard. The song ended and Is painted glancing at us. Despite it Amber clapped and I smiled. Next, Amber went on. "Damn Is who knew you had it in you" I say she brushed it off staring at Amber. "Amber better do good were a trio" she murmures. I nod and the music starts. I have to say Amber is good at shaking her hips at least. I watched Mrs Kemp studying her as she scribbled something. The song ended and it was quiet. "Well that was...interesting" says Jessica. I burst out in applause and Is whistled. Amber smiles shuffling her feet to us. "Your on wow them!" says Amber "like you guys haven't already.." I say walking forward. I stepped up and music started playing how is anyone supposed to do cheer to this? I know Im doing something right because Stacy crosses her arms and sucks the inside of her cheeks. Hey Mickey comes on and I sigh finally something cheer like.. I think?. I turn,run and break out in front flips. Whats my high score? 12? I don't even remember. I do a twist at the end roll and land on my feet. The music's still playing but Mrs Kemp turns in off. That's when I finally notice Nick sitting on the table. Great . Mrs Kemp whispered to Stacy and Jessica and they seemed to be arguing. Mrs Kemps voice was a harsh whisper and she turned away from Stacy. Stacy's nostrils glared and her eyes narrowed at me. She looked like she was about to scream. I walked back to Isabell and Amber as Mrs Kemp stood in front of us. "Good job girls. Isabel as long as I've known you I never saw it in you. Amber remember this isn't your bedroom when you have the house to to yourself but I know you will ace the upcoming routines" her eyes stopped on me and she loses her smile. "What's your name again?"
"Amanda" I say, she nods. "Amanda I would like to offer the position of cheer captain" she says and smiles. My eyes widen as Amber shrieks. I glance at Stacy who has a look as to say don't.you.dare. "I'd love to" I say Amber screams and hugs me and so does Is. I hug them back. "This isn't fair! She gets cheer captain from ONE try out!" Mrs Kemp ignored Stacy. "Nick I Want my pen back" she says walking past him. "Yes ma'am" he calls hopping off the table. Stacy grabs his sleeve. "Baby let's go, she's such a bitch!" Nick pulled away. "Don't talk about her like that" he glared at her and made his way to us. "Congrats ladies and of course to you the team could use it" he says glancing at me. I smile. In the locker room the girls cheered. By the end of the day I really debated on skipping spanish. I stood outside the door and whined at myself. As the bell rung I turned and decided to walk to Pairs classroom. He had a class of course but I don't care. I walked in and let the 20 pair of eyes watch me as I walked over. Pairs was busy staring at an empty canvas to notice me climb onto his desk. "Why dont you paint yourself thinking of what to paint" He turned as if finally noticing me. "What? And why aren't you in class"
"You never no what to do right? You never have an agenda you just let it come to mind. Same thing when you try to try and paint so paint yourself trying to paint or paint something you like, like an animal. And I have spanish but I don't wanna go" he cracks a smile. "I'll draw a snowy landscape...yea" he dipped the brush in white and started painting. The bell rung and everyone left glancing at me. I wanted to yell Were not together but that would be awkward. I turned my feet on the other side of the desk and grabbed one of my paintings. "Need help?" he asks glancing at me. I smile "Nah I'll send Amber over, thanks though" I let myself out and walked down the hall, Isabel found me first. We went to my house to get ready and hung around till it hit 5 o'clock. I managed to follow Isabells instructions and I didn't even get honked at once! We all gasped. The street was pretty much packed. Cars filled the driveway and a few on the lawn. Music blared that I'd never heard before but I liked it. We walked across the lawn and into the house where a wagging black lab met us. "Puppy!" Amber practically dove for the dog. Isabell stepped over her and I followed. "Most of these girls look so down to get laid already" Isabel says in disgust. I smirk. Ethan jumped out of nowhere right in front of Is who yelped. "Did I scare you?" he asks two inches away from her face. Her face was turning pink. "Have fun Is, nice seeing you Ethan" I say walking "You to Am" I kept walking and followed the music outside. The water looked so sparkly it was beautiful the beach was almost already covered in bodies as people were swimming making sand castles sitting at the fire or playing fetch with dogs. "Hey" I turned and saw Nick. he wore a black shirt and grey shorts. "Hey, looks like Thomas is gonna need a bigger house" I say sitting on a log. "Nah bigger the house bigger the mess. Your friends abandon you?"
I smile "No Amber is busy petting the black lab and Isabel is getting hit on by Ethan" he laughs. "Ethan wouldn't stop talking about her. Drink?" I finally
oticed he was holding two beers. I grabbed one and twisted the cap off. "Cheers to new friends and new possibilities"
"Cheers" I took a long sip wondering exactly what he meant by new possibilities. We stayed on the log facing each other talking about random things. I liked that he wasn't hard to talk to. We were laughing when a piercing noise went through the air followed by everyone groaning. "Sorry ladies and gentlemen" ran the speakers "Welcome newcomers or whoever you are to my home! Towels are in side so is the bathroom there are 4 bedrooms each one has a lock and..things" they were a few laughters. "Other then that enjoy the party!" the music was cranked up louder followed by woohoos. "He seems charming!" I yell over the music. Nick laughed. "Come on" he grabs my hand and pulls me up leading me down the beach. "So how long have you lived her ?" I asked once I could hear myself think. He sighed "Sense I was born, small town everyone knows everyone you know. Hey I'm sorry about Stacy..she's complicated"
I nod not getting over the fact that he was still holding my hand. "You've been everywhere right? What's it like living in Texas and living here? quite the temperature change Im guessing" I smile "Texas is ..warm,dry..here.. I dont no what do expect. I mean you can actually see the sun today and the snows melting. I wish Sara could have given me this camera earlier, I would have gotten great shots of the woods with the snow" he watched me. "Don't worry the sun's not gonna be there for long, it'll start snowing before you no it" I nod feeling a shiver. "Hey can you swim?" I ask dropping my stuff. He smiles "I thought you'd be scared of the water?"
"Should I feel offended?" I ask pulling off my shirt. "Uh..You can...." I can't help but laugh as I kick off my shorts pushing them to my pile. I walk to the water and I know he's following. The water made my toes numb instantly. I was shocked when Nick just jumped in. I let myself adjust to the water and pushed off the ground. The Salt water didn't sting my eyes as much as I remembered. I felt something touch my legs and Nick appeared in front of me. I felt my teeth chatter. "Your not cold?" I ask. He smiled a toothy grin "No, come on let's get out before you freeze" I didn't argue as I followed after him. My legs were so numb as I crawled out my teeth chattered more. Well that was a dumb swim, it barely lasted. Nick tossed me my towel and I wrapped it around me drying my hair. Nick sat on the sandy ground and gestured for me to come. I walked over and awkwardly sat on his lap he wrapped his arms around me and I sighed. He was so warm like fire warm. "Nick, are you ok?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"You feel like you have a severe fever" I don't know why but this made him laugh. His voice echoed in his chest and canceled out the rhythm of his heart. "Im serious" I say looking up I realized his face was only an inch from mine. "Your cute when your serious…" I looked down from his eyes and at his soft looking lips. Before I could he kissed me. And even though I wanted to push him away I just couldn't, his lips were so warm he was warm. It was like sitting in the pile of clothes your mom just pulled out of the dryer. So I guess this is another thing to add on the list. The list of things I never expected. I never expected my third day here to be making out with a guy on a beach