by GG Shalton
“Joseph, it’s only for one semester. There will be plenty of measures in place. I think Dean Conway is blowing this out of proportion.”
“He thinks it could bring down the property values if we share a school.”
“It’s not a private school.” Amanda’s voice was soothing.
He let out a frustrated breath. “I realize that, but he’s adamant that the property taxes raised in Matter Point should stay in Matter Point. They want me to go to a board meeting tomorrow night.”
She shrugged. “I don’t think it will matter. Northside High School burned to the ground and we’re the closest school to them. The state has to send the kids somewhere. It’s only until their new school is built.”
My father picked up his glass and took a drink. “I don’t want any trouble. Both Ariel and Robbie will be attending this year.”
“Is something wrong with the high school?” I asked.
My father shook his head. “I wish there was a private school close by.” He looked at Amanda as though I wasn’t in the room. “The whole reason I agreed to let Ariel come here was because I thought she would still receive a top-notch education.”
What? He agreed to let me come? He didn’t want me here.
“Joseph! Matter Point is still Matter Point. Ariel will be fine. The state is out of options. Our school has plenty of room to house their juniors and seniors. I heard the freshmen and sophomores are attending a different school.”
“Is the high school too small?” My voice cracked as I tried to understand why my father was so upset.
He snorted. “The size of our school isn’t the issue. We have a new state-of-the-art building that was just built last year. With the old part of the school lying almost empty, the state felt bussing in kids from Northside High was the perfect solution. The problem is the crime rate at that school is off the charts, the graduation rate is one of the lowest in the state, and most the students are at a remedial level. They’ll drain our resources and our teachers’ time. It will take away the educational experience of our own students. I want you to feel safe at school. This could cause a disruption we don’t need in Matter Point.”
“Joseph, it’s true that Northside students struggle, but I’m sure Dean is exaggerating. You know what a snob he can be,” Amanda said.
He looked a little flustered. “You just want to see the best in every situation.”
“What’s wrong with that?”
I tried not to laugh. I had never seen anyone stand up to my father.
My dad closed his laptop, sighing, and stood. “I’m going to take a shower and get ready for bed.”
“When does school start?” I asked, trying to anticipate the first day of school. Especially now.
“In a of couple weeks. They’re starting a week earlier this year.” My father walked past me. “You’ll need to go to orientation this week. I spoke to the principal at the country club, and he has received your transcripts. You need to participate in an extracurricular activity. It’ll help you with your college applications.”
“Extracurricular?”
“Yes, Ariel,” he said, sounding exhausted. “Do you want to play any sports?”
“Sports aren’t really my thing.”
“What about academics? Your grades are good.”
I shrugged. “I’ll join an academic club if you want me to.”
Amanda smiled. “What about cheerleading? I’m sure Paisley can help you with the tryouts. They’re next week, before school starts.”
“I know nothing about cheerleading.”
My father smiled. “You were a gymnast for years, and I think it would be good to get out of your comfort zone. I think you should try out. Amanda can help. She cheered in college.”
My heart sank. I didn’t want to be a cheerleader. “I’ll think about it.”
Amanda slapped her hands together. “I have a few of my old cheerleading outfits that you can try on if you would like.”
My father smirked. “Really?”
“I’ll have you know, Mr. Burns, that after I have this baby, I will fit into them again.”
“I have no doubt, my dear.”
I watched their banter and my chest squeezed. Had my father been like this with my mother?
Chapter 7
Jaxon
“Finish patching those tires and then you can go.” My brother Jake inspected a few of the old cars near the entrance. He still had two brake jobs left to do before he could call it a night.
I glanced at him, noticing how tired he looked. “I can stay longer if you need me.”
He had worked all day on that old Chevy’s paint job, spending hours trying to get the dents out and the color to match. He was behind on the daily tickets.
He lifted his hand. “Nah, I know you have art class tonight.”
I shrugged and finished the tire while we listened to music. I was tired and had been helping him since eight this morning, but I felt guilty leaving him. A few of his mechanics had been out of the shop this week. He needed to get more help before school started. I worked cheap for him, but I would be a senior in the fall.
“Can you take Marcy to camp tomorrow morning? Mom took on another shift at the factory for some extra money.”
“I can’t. I have a meeting with my probation officer.”
He let out a long sigh. “When is that finally over?”
“October. I have to stay clean for a few more months.” I laughed at the look on my brother’s face. “And my probation officer said I have to stay in school.”
“With the fire, JC said they were scrambling to find a place for the high school students. I heard they’re bussing you to Matter Point.”
“Right… to be their school janitor?” I snorted. “The only way they would let me in Matter Point is if I was part of the landscaping crew.”
“Not everyone in that town lives on the Point.”
“Doesn’t matter. Everyone in that community is rich.”
“Sup?” I turned to see my brother’s friend Leo come into the shop. “Are you talking about the school?”
I nodded my head. “Unfortunately.”
“Yea. I can’t believe Northside burned down,” Jake said as he tightened the brakes on one of the cars on the lift.
“Was it arson?” Leo took a seat on the shelf, leaning back. “That old school was about to crumble down anyways. It flooded every time it rained, and half the kids never showed up.”
“Did you hear they’re bussing some of the kids to Matter Point?”
Leo shook his head. “I thought they were talking smack. But Kevin Burleson’s dad is a teacher and he said it’s true.”
My brother grinned. “Look out, Matter Point. Jaxon Martin will be high class now.”
“Stop.” I groaned. “I’m not going to school with a bunch of overprivileged preppy douchebags.”
Leo grinned. “Perhaps they’ll share their caviar with you during lunch.”
“The last thing I need is for one of those guys to say something and I get in a fight and lose my probation. I can’t handle jail again.”
Leo tilted his head, studying me. “Did you paint that?”
I turned toward the graffiti on the wall. I was proud of how it had turned out. I’d worked on that piece for the last few weeks. I was running out of space to display my artwork—the bridge in the back woods was covered in my work—so my brother had suggested painting murals on the walls around the shop.
“Nice.” Leo whistled as he checked it out. “I want you to design a tat for my leg.” He looked at my brother and smiled mischievously. “One day, I’m going to steal you from your brother, and you can work for me. People will pay a lot for an artist like you.”
“Nah, you know how I feel about using needles on people.” Leo had begged me for a while to come work for him at
his tattoo shop, but I didn’t do needles for other people. I had tattoos going across my arms, but I couldn’t see another person’s blood.
“Just saying. You could make some loot.”
I threw the rag on the table. “I got to go take a shower. I have class tonight.”
I left the shop and went up the stairs in the back. I lived above the garage with my brother. We were a little out of the way from Creston, but the rent was cheap, and the owner didn’t mind all the mess or our array of cars in the back that we tried to flip for extra cash. Probably because one of my brother’s oldest friends was our landlord. My oldest brother, Johnny, used to work with us, but he moved to Florida last year with a few of his friends. It was sad to see him go, but I enjoyed taking over his room.
Being seventeen and living with my mom a few streets away had been tough, since she tried to be both mother and father. She’d sweated me all the time when I lived at home, trying to give me a curfew. My brother Jake had convinced her to let me move in with him, and I’ve been practically living on my own the last year.
Walking inside, I noticed leftover pizza on the table. The house was a mess and my mom would throw a fit when she came by later. She helped us clean it a few times a week and did her share of yelling. She may work hard in the factories, but her house was spotless. Her secondhand furniture was always clean, and I’d never gone to school with dirty clothes. Dishes were done and food was in our pantry.
I threw away the box and opened the fridge. It was full of mostly beer and a few packets of ham and cheese. I took some bread and made myself a quick sandwich while I grabbed a Coke from the bottom of the fridge.
I didn’t want to be late for art class. It was one of my favorite times of the week. I paid for the class myself and liked my teacher. He thought I had a lot of potential and that I should major in art in college. I’d never thought about college prior to a few months ago. All of my family were mechanics, and that was what I’d expected to be.
My grades were always decent, but I got in some trouble last year and it cost me. I ended up in a school for delinquents for the second quarter, but I was allowed back to my regular high school for the remainder of the year. Apparently, the delinquent school was overcrowded, and since I had no infractions while I was there, I could go.
However, the state had pressed charges against me as an adult since I was seventeen, and I spent a few days in jail. I pleaded down for probation, and if I kept clean for a year, I would have it stripped from my record.
Staying in school kept me in the Second Chance program, so I couldn’t drop out and get a GED. As much as I despised those rich kids, I would have to go to Matter Point High School. I just hoped they left me alone and didn’t talk smack. I wouldn’t hesitate to put them in their place.
Chapter 8
Ariel
I was roped into cheerleading tryouts with Paisley. She practically forced me to go and called in reinforcements with Amanda. Even my father told me he thought it was a good idea. I guessed the creative writing class I’d signed up for didn’t count as an extracurricular to him. Amanda was also not above bribery apparently. She convinced my dad that I would need to stay after school for cheerleading practice and would need a car. So, my father bought me a brand-new white Range Rover and Amanda took me to get my license. They made me retake the driving test, but I passed without many problems. I’d taken driving lessons while in school in Europe and driven occasionally when I visited Isabel’s parents. Driving in the States was slightly challenging, but Matter Point High wasn’t too far away.
Trace had texted me earlier, and I’d agreed to go to dinner with him tonight. I’d half expected my father to deny me, but he seemed to encourage my date and told me to have fun.
Looking into the bleachers, I spotted Amanda watching the tryouts. She’d cheered in college and was probably itching to relive her experience through me.
Watching the other girls cheer, I mentally prepared all the moves Paisley had taught me last week. I had been a gymnast for years, so the flips I could handle, but the dancing had me a little on edge. I knew basic moves, but some of the choreography had me second-guessing my ability. Not to mention being the center of attention. I didn’t enjoy people staring at me, and I had already received a little too much attention since coming to Matter Point.
“Ariel Burns.”
I looked up as Paisley seemed unaffected by calling my name. She tried to appear all business, as if she didn’t know me. I stood up, watching the girls eye me. I felt my hands moisten with sweat due to my nerves. I wiped them on my shorts, trying to prepare myself.
“Proceed with the spirit ‘Cheer,’” Paisley said with little emotion.
I nodded slightly and used my shoulders to capture the moves and cheer while locking my arms. After the signature cheer, I jumped into a perfect backhand spring and back tuck. Landing on my feet, I remembered to smile as I clapped.
The girls at the table glanced at each other as they scribbled on their note pads. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Trace with a huge grin, a few of his friends standing behind him. I rejoined the rest of the girls, and we waited as each girl did a routine.
When the last girl had finished, the panel excused themselves, and we waited for them to return. After about fifteen minutes, I heard some of the girls huffing in annoyance about the waiting time. We waited another few minutes before Paisley returned with a smile.
She went through the list of freshmen who would be on the freshman team, then she chose a few for the JV team. Taking a breath, she turned over a card. “We only have two spots available for varsity. If you didn’t make it this year, then I invite you to sign up for our cheer clinic in the spring to help you prepare for the next year’s tryouts.”
One of the girls beside me complained, “I don’t think it’s fair that people try out who didn’t go to cheer clinic.”
Paisley held up her hand. “It’s not required, only suggested.” She looked back at the panel and nodded. “Now without further delay, I would like Felton Meyer to come join us.”
The group clapped as Felton hopped up to stand beside Paisley.
“With Felton being only a sophomore, we were impressed by her cheer and enthusiasm.” Paisley hugged Felton, and the panel came over to hug her too. Paisley stepped to the side and cleared her throat. “Our last spot will go to Ariel Burns; a new transfer student whose back handspring was the best we’ve seen.”
I stood up, a little shocked, as I heard Amanda cheer from the stands. I joined Paisley and the other girls. Each hugged me, welcoming me to the squad.
Trace jogged over and lifted me off my feet as he spun me around. “Great job.”
I noticed that some of the girls’ jaws dropped, but I ignored them. I couldn’t help but smile as I slid my arms around him and hugged him back. “Thanks!”
As I felt my cheeks burn, he placed me back on the ground and kissed me on the cheek.
Gretchen rolled her eyes. “Get a room, Trace.”
“Jealous, Gretch?” he yelled.
“Hardly.” She huffed and walked away.
Trace looked at me. “I’ll pick you up around seven tonight. I made reservations at Mario’s.”
I nodded and looked at Amanda, who was talking with some of the other moms. I motioned to her, and she said her goodbyes and walked over to me.
“Congratulations! I’m so proud of you.” Amanda hugged me and smiled widely. “Are you hungry?”
“Not too much. Trace is taking me to dinner later.”
Her grin was obviously her approval. “Hmm, maybe we can stop by Jane’s Boutique and see if we can get you a new outfit for tonight.”
I grinned as I shook my head. “I’m good. I have clothes I haven’t even worn yet.”
“Don’t deny me. It makes me happy.” I laughed at her and followed her to the car.
Trace picked me up pro
mptly at seven, and he didn’t miss a beat. He had two bouquets of flowers. He handed one to me and one to Amanda. My father laughed as he shook his hand.
“I am taking her to Mario’s,” Trace said.
My father patted him on the shoulder. “Good choice.” He looked at me then back at Trace. “Have her home early.”
“Of course, sir.” He winked at me when my father turned toward Amanda. “We may stop by my friend’s house afterward, but I’ll make sure Ariel is well taken care of.”
My father nodded and walked us to the door. Trace walked me to his car and opened the door for me. I slid inside and waited for him to come around.
As soon as he sat down, he smirked. “Told you he loves me.” He leaned over and gave me a quick kiss on my mouth. I pulled back, a little shocked. “Let’s have some fun.”
Trace’s car was fast, and I had to hold on as he rounded the curves on the way to the restaurant. Luckily it wasn’t too far away, and we got there without incident. The valet took the keys, and Trace walked me to the front door, where a guy smiled and welcomed us. He seemed to know Trace and took us to our seats without waiting.
The restaurant was crowded, and Trace waved to a few people as he held my hand. We were seated in a private area near the back. The tables were beautifully decorated with a white tablecloth and candles. The wine glasses were filled with wine, and I looked at Trace. After all, we were both seventeen.
He raised his brow, silently asking me not to say anything. As soon as the waiter left, Trace smiled. “The waiter thinks I’m twenty-one. He gets me and my brother confused.”
The pasta was delicious, and the bread was so soft it melted in my mouth. I loved the restaurant, and Trace’s company wasn’t half bad. I enjoyed our banter, and when he let down the shield he had up around his friends, he could be quite charming. After dinner, he decided to skip the friend’s house, and we went to the boardwalk to have ice cream.
The ice cream place was out of the way. Apparently, they made their own ice cream and the strawberry milkshakes were famous. We drank them and walked along the lake, talking about movies. We finally sat in chairs outside of the ice cream shop. Trace scooted his next to mine and took my hand. “Thank you for going out with me tonight.”
