Matter Point

by GG Shalton

  “I think he’s hot!’ She smiled sheepishly.

  I snapped my eyes to her. I couldn’t believe anyone would say that about my father!

  She quickly covered her mouth. “Sorry. I guess I shouldn’t have said that.”

  Gross! This girl seemed a little too open with her opinions. I chose to ignore her comment though.

  She ran her fingers through her hair and seemed to shrug off the awkward moment. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

  Wow, the girl had no filter. I cleared my throat, trying to mask my discomfort. “No, I went to an all-girls’ school. We didn’t have much opportunity to date.”

  “What? Surely there was an all-boys’ school close by?”

  “There may have been, but we didn’t socialize.”

  “Sounds horrible. No boys? I couldn’t survive.”

  I shrugged. “I didn’t mind. My father was very strict, and I was used to it.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “He is? I mean, I didn’t realize. All I know is that before he married Amanda, many of my mother’s friends asked for an introduction. Not only is he nice looking, but he’s probably the wealthiest inhabitant on the point, or at least one of them.”

  I looked down, not wanting to speak of my father or his money.

  She glanced at me, biting her bottom lip. “You must forgive my big mouth. I knew you were coming today and was excited to meet you. Amanda spoke of it with my mother. She was nervous to make a good impression.”

  Really? Amanda was nervous about meeting me? She seemed so confident, and honestly, I thought she may resent me. But nervous had never entered my mind.

  “Anyway. About that party? I know you’re probably tired from traveling all day, but if you want to come by just for a few minutes, I can introduce you to some of my group. It will give you a chance to make a few friends.” Raising her brow, Paisley waited for an answer.

  “I… um…”

  Paisley looked down and gasped. “My nail is cracked!” Holding up her hand, she showed me her nail, which looked perfectly fine. “I really need a manicure. My usual girl was out last week on vacation, so I let someone new do it. Should have known she wouldn’t be as good. Is it obvious?”

  I looked at her hands. “Um. No. I can’t tell.”

  “Thank God. I hate having chipped nail polish.” She held up her hands and tilted her head, trying to decipher it if was noticeable or not.

  I looked at my own nails and tried to hide them. I didn’t want to say anything, but I had never been to a manicurist and was sure I had cracked nails.

  Paisley finally stopped stressing and looked back at me. “Anyway, I think most of the cheerleaders are coming, and they’re cool. Except there could be some drama with Stephanie.”

  “Stephanie?”

  “Yes, remember that name.” Her tone held warning, and I tried to make a mental note of the name Stephanie. She gasped and covered her mouth as she looked around to make sure no one was listening. Leaning a little closer, she lowered her voice. “Before you hook up with anyone, let me warn you who is acceptable or not. Some people have baggage, and you’ll want to know about it before you make a mistake. You’re lucky you have me to keep you straight.” She smiled widely and nudged me.

  I smiled back, a little unsure how to take her. I knew about hookups, and stereotypes surrounding them, but had never actually experienced any.

  She wrapped a lock of hair around her finger and glanced at the lake. “This is one of the best views on Matter Point.”

  I followed her eyes and looked over the lake. “It is beautiful.”

  She took a deep breath. “I hope Bailey is there tonight. I only have one rule in our new friendship—Bailey Bradford is mine. Other than that, I think we’re going to become the best of friends. I just know they’ll all be falling over themselves trying to make an impression on you. Most of the football players just want an easy conquest—not really boyfriend material. Be careful though. They like to brag.”

  The girl could talk fast, and I only registered a little of what she said. “Is Bailey your boyfriend?”

  Her face turned a slight shade of pink. “Not exactly. But hopefully someday soon. Oh! Don’t take any drinks from Howie.” She looked me up and down and whispered while eyeing the patio door, “We aren’t sure if he does anything to them, but we steer clear of him just in case.”

  I nodded as I tried to soak in everything she was telling me. I had to stay clear of Bailey, not trust Stephanie, and drinks from Howie could lead to utter disaster.

  I glanced up as Amanda came through the patio doors. “Hey, girls.” Jess was holding a wine glass, taking a sip.

  Paisley perked up and smiled widely. “Mrs. Burns, I invited Ariel to a party tonight. Do you mind if she goes with me?” Paisley pleaded with her eyes as she stuck out her bottom lip, waiting for an answer.

  “Oh. Um…” Amanda looked at me.

  I shrugged, not really knowing what stance to take. I had never been to a party on a beach—mostly only adult parties that Isabel’s parents threw for fundraising or an occasional birthday celebration at a local restaurant.

  Paisley said, “I can pick her up in about an hour, or she can come to my house and we can get ready together.”

  Amanda looked at me inquisitively. “Do you want to go?”

  I noticed all eyes were on me, and I didn’t know how to answer. Admittedly, I was a little curious, but what if Paisley left me? I wasn’t sure I wanted to fly solo at an American teenage party. I knew nothing about Paisley or the people she hung out with. Besides, I was tired and had no idea what I would even wear. Most of my clothes were uniforms. I had hoped for a few days to settle in before socializing. “I, um… “

  Paisley looked at me with anticipation. “Just for about an hour, then we can leave. I promise!”

  Mrs. Tyler smiled. “I think you should go and have a good time.”

  I looked at Amanda. “Are you okay with it?”

  She shrugged. “I have no objections if you feel up to it.”

  Great. There was no way to get out of it even if I wanted to. I looked at Paisley. “What should I wear?”

  “Bring your bathing suit and just some shorts and a shirt. Nothing fancy.”

  Amanda looked at me. “Do you have any shorts? I was going to take you shopping tomorrow.”

  “I have some uniform shorts we used for gym class.”

  “You can borrow an outfit of mine. I think I have just the thing!” Paisley said as she clapped.

  “I guess I could go for an hour,” I said, trying to convince myself more than anyone.

  Her mother sighed. “Oh, I wish we could be young again. “

  Amanda smiled. “I’ll get my purse and give you some spending money.”

  She walked back inside and came out with a few bills. I wasn’t used to American money, but I put it in my pocket.

  I turned to Paisley. “I’ll be back in a minute. I have to get my purse.”

  Paisley’s house wasn’t on the point, but near the shore. It was outside of the gates, but still considered a sought-after area, from what her mother said on our way to their house. Apparently, she felt the need to justify living outside of the gates. I knew my father was wealthy, but money and status really didn’t mean much to me.

  Paisley drove her mom’s car with ease along the shore. The lake reflected lights from the homes, making it look like stars across the water. I could understand why people would want to live here—there was a certain peacefulness. Paisley’s mom had insisted on sitting in the back, and she told me about the history of some of the homes we passed. Seemingly, a lot of famous people had summer homes on the lake. I was a little nervous as we pulled up to their house.

  Mrs. Tyler smiled. “We live in the shore community; it’s an extension of Matter Point. There are a few other communities a few miles out that are par
t of Matter Point as well—Dockland and Roosevelt. Four communities actually make up Matter Point, and we share the same high school.”

  Paisley smirked. “We love our isolation, but shopping is better in Creston. It’s the closest city to us that has a mall.”

  Mrs. Tyler shrugged. “Matter Point has many boutiques that I adore. The mall just seems unsavory.”

  “But I like the mall. Plus, they have a few restaurants we don’t have here. I drive out there a few times a month.”

  Mrs. Tyler clicked her tongue. “Hmm. There are a lot of questionable people in that town. The crime has gotten worse over the years. I don’t like you going there alone.”

  I nodded politely, but I wasn’t sure if I would remember everything they were telling me.

  We walked up the pathway to their front door, which Paisley unlocked. As soon as she opened it, I was taken back by the size of the front entrance. There was a huge statue displayed in the middle of the room with two staircases on the walls. It would be a kid’s dream to slide down that bannister. The house was gorgeous and modern looking. I noticed artwork displayed throughout the house as I followed Paisley to her room. They even had a glass elevator. I loved it.

  Paisley’s closet was bigger than my whole dorm room back at school, and it was stocked with more clothes and shoes than I had ever seen in my life. She ended up dressing me in some white jean shorts that were frayed, and I felt a little exposed. She gave me a blue halter top and some white sandals, then finished the outfit with hoop earrings and a bracelet. I kept my cross necklace on, and she sprayed me with some type of floral perfume. She acted as if I was one of her Barbie dolls that she was giving a makeover to.

  “Perfect.” She studied my face. “Now for your hair.”

  “My hair?”

  “Yes, I love the dark blond color and natural wave. However, I think it’s hiding your face. Let’s put the sides up in a barrette for tonight.”

  I shrugged and let her go to work. She seemed to enjoy dressing me up, and I had no real objections. After she put some makeup on me, she claimed she was finished and turned me to the mirror.

  “Say hello to the new you!” She giggled as she admired her work.

  I looked in the mirror and had to do a double take. I almost didn’t recognize myself. I had dressed up on occasion in the past, but I didn’t regularly wear makeup.

  “Do you like it?” She seemed almost anxious, waiting for my reaction.

  “I do. It’s just different.” I turned sideways, looking at the shorts. “Do you think these shorts show too much of my body?”

  “Of course, they do!” She chuckled and shook her head. “That’s the idea.” Taking her brush, she ran it through her hair and put it up in a messy bun. She pulled out her lip gloss and dabbed her lips. “Ready?” Turning around she grabbed her purse and cell phone off the dresser, “Let’s go.”

  I followed her outside, and we hopped in her car. I felt my nerves twist in my stomach, as I had no idea what to expect. Paisley drove her BMW quickly through a few side streets, and we arrived in front of a house that looked more like an office building than a home. The front was made of windows, and the lighting gave the illusion the home was built of mirrored glass.

  Paisley pulled me away from the front door, and we walked around the house instead. “Everyone will be outside. If we go through the front, we’ll get bombarded with questions from her mom.”

  I nodded and followed her. The first thing I noticed was a roaring fire on the beach in the backyard.

  Paisley looked at me. “Maci lives in the shore community like me. She’s my co-captain, but I don’t trust her, and neither should you. Just be warned to keep any boyfriends away from her. She’ll pretend to be your friend but will probably be plotting against you. Gretchen is my best friend, but her cousin Stephanie is the one I told you about earlier. Don’t trust her either.”

  There was a lot for me to remember in this circle. Perhaps it would be better if I stayed on my guard with everyone, as it seemed Paisley has something to say about them all.

  I noticed some kids dancing on the patio to loud music. A few others were in the pool, playing volleyball, and many were standing around with red cups. At least twenty to thirty teens were there. It didn’t seem like that small of a gathering. A few boys came up to us and eyed me curiously.

  Paisley hugged them and hooked my arm with hers. “Guys, please meet my new friend, Ariel.”

  A smile crept across the face of the big one in the middle. “Well, well… any friend of Paisley is a friend of mine.”

  That was original. He stuck out his hand. I gently shook it, and he gave it a squeeze before I pulled it away.

  The other people around him groaned. “Seriously?” He was bumped out of the way by another guy who took my hand. “I’m John.”

  “Hi, John,” I whispered as I shifted uncomfortably from the attention.

  He didn’t let go of my hand and stared at me. “Where did you come from?”

  Paisley took my hand from his grip. “Settle down, boys.” A few others had gathered around us, both girls and boys, and Paisley rolled her eyes. “Ariel just moved here.”

  One of the girls crossed her arms looking at me curiously. “Oh? You moved to Matter Point?”

  Paisley smirked. “She lives on the point, behind the gates.”

  I didn’t like how she spoke about my new home. I didn’t want to be judged from my father’s status in the community.

  But the girl’s eyes widened as she looked me over. “That’s impressive. Where did you go to school?”

  I looked at the group growing around us. Everyone was staring at me, waiting for me to answer.

  I softly said, “Tarragon Academy.”

  Their curious glances at each other didn’t go unnoticed.

  Paisley smiled and put her arm around me. “Poor girl went to an all-girls’ school in Europe. She’s back Stateside for her senior year. She’s starting school with us in the fall.”

  “Europe?” A huge guy came from behind us and smiled. “Their loss.” He winked as the crowd slapped him on the back.

  “’Bout time you got here, Trace.”

  I heard the familiarity and guessed he was popular among the crowd. A few of the girls got out of the pool and stood beside him.

  Trace barely acknowledged them as he looked at me. “Trace Jenkins.” He dipped his chin and gave me a cocky smile.

  Paisley nudged me. “This is Ariel Burns.”

  “Nice to meet you, Ariel. Welcome to Matter Point. Care for a drink?”

  “I’m fine. Thank you.”

  He shrugged and took a bottle of beer out of a barrel. He twisted off the top and slung it back for a drink. The man was solid muscle with a fan club apparently, as girls seemed to flock around him. I looked away, trying not to add to the group of his admirers.

  Paisley gave me a slight grin. “Let’s take a walk.”

  I nodded and followed her from the pool area to the lake shore. A few groups were dancing by the fire, and a couple more lay on towels. We took a seat on a blanket and she looked around.

  “Bailey isn’t here yet. I’ve been trying to get him to talk to me more, but he’s slow to text me back. There are only so many mundane subjects I can talk about without just asking him if we can hook up. It’s like he either doesn’t get the hint or isn’t interested.”

  “Maybe you should just be honest,” I offered, not knowing what kind of advice to give.

  She snorted and looked at me as if I was an alien. “Yeah right. He just broke up with Charlotte last week, and I’ve crushed on him since freshman year.”

  “Dillon is in the house!”

  A roar of cheers erupted, and I looked at the pool area. About eight big guys came running down the hill and joined the group by the fire. They were all fist-bumping and laughing. The music was turned up
even louder as more people danced around the fire. A few girls came over to sit by us.

  “Hey, Paisley.” A small girl with short blond hair plopped down beside Paisley. “Did you hear that we have over twenty freshmen trying out for cheerleading this year?”

  “Wow, that’s way more than we had our freshman year.”

  Another girl came over and sat down. She had curly red hair and wore a bikini that barely covered anything. “We only need around seven girls for freshman. JV is full of sophomores. I doubt any of them will make varsity.”

  “Competition will be fierce.” Paisley twisted around and put her arm around me. “Girls, I want you to meet Ariel.”

  “Nice to meet you, Ariel. I’m Stephanie and this is Gretchen.” So, the blond was Stephanie. Good to know.

  I smiled and looked at the other girl, studying her. I remembered Paisley told me she was her best friend.

  “Ariel is new in town. She’ll be going to Matter Point.”

  Gretchen clapped. “That should be fun. Are you trying out for cheerleading?”

  “Um…” I looked between them. “Probably not.”

  Paisley frowned at me. “You should. I heard you use to be a gymnast.”

  I lifted a dismissive hand. “That was a long time ago.”

  Stephanie peeked around us. “Don’t look now, but Trace and some of his buddies are staring at us. I think they’re coming this way.”

  Gretchen rolled her eyes. “Don’t be so obvious. He isn’t coming to see you. Probably curious about the new girl.”

  “What about last weekend?” Stephanie said defensively.

  Gretchen snorted. “He used you last weekend and you know it.”

  Stephanie huffed. “I already told him that I wouldn’t be his conquest anymore. Don’t let me leave with him tonight.”

  “Sup.” Trace looked around our group. A few other guys stood behind him.

  Stephanie smiled. “Hi, Trace.”

  I didn’t know how to answer, so I remained quiet. After hearing about him using Stephanie, I wasn’t for sure if I wanted to know this guy.