Begin Again

by Mulliner, Brittney

  Compared to my other teachers Mr. Copland—AP US History—is a drill sergeant. He handed out the class syllabus along with an assignment due by the end of class. It took me a few minutes to figure out he was serious. I stared down at the prompt ‘Explain one of the causes of the Progressive Era during the early twentieth century’ wondering how I had forgotten everything I was studying before Christmas break.

  All I could see were flashes of the party and the life I left behind as I started panicking. Before I entered into a full-fledged nervous breakdown a note slid onto my desk. Looking around I tried to figure out who put it there but everyone was rigorously writing. I opened the note and read, “Just talk about women’s suffrage, Mr. C is a total feminist.”

  I looked around again trying to figure out who helped me but again everyone was looking down. Luckily the note was enough to trigger what we had been discussing before I left and I was able to finish the assignment just as the bell rang. I stood up and rushed out of the class thankful I survived. Halfway down the hall someone lightly bumped into me, turning I saw a cute guy wearing a short sleeve button-up shirt and slim-fit slacks with disheveled brown hair. His thick brows were furrowed as he looked down at me.

  “Did that note help? I figured you’re smart enough to be in the class you just needed a reminder after break.”

  “Yes, thanks so much! I totally blanked until I read that. I’m Aubrey Tate.” I held out my hand and he smiled as he shook it.

  “Sean Elliot. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Do you know where you’re headed for lunch?”

  “Not really, my friends mentioned meeting at the quad but I don’t know what that means.”

  “That’s just the front section of the courtyard by the entrance. I’ll walk you there.”

  I smiled up at him unable to get enough of his puppy dog eyes. He was completely adorable and appeared completely oblivious to that. He dressed in hipster clothes (including the suede ankle boots), but it seemed to actually be his style rather than an attempt to be trendy.

  He guided me through the crowd until I saw the girls, who waved when they saw me.

  “You know them?” I couldn’t tell if he was amazed or scared.

  “Mckayla’s my cousin and I just met Alexis and Talia but yeah I guess we’re friends. Do you know them?”

  He mumbled something so low I barely caught it. “I wish.” Then he turned to me and smiled like everything was alright. “I’ll see you tomorrow Aubrey!”

  I watched him hurry away before walking to our table. I noticed Mckayla gazing at him as I approached. “Are you friends with Sean, Mac?”

  “Not really, we were partners for a project last year but we haven’t talked since. He’s really nice though. So . . . no more drama right?” She laughed as I sat down shaking my head.

  “I swear I don’t know what’s going on with people. I barely say anything and I now have all the numbers of the guys in my math class and I can feel the death stares of Sydney and her little minions following me around.”

  Talia bumped my shoulder as they laughed at me. “Don’t worry about her. She hasn’t had to compete for attention since elementary school so she’s just thrown off. Nobody pays attention to her anymore but she doesn’t see that. It was all a happy balance ’til you showed up.”

  Alexis was back to her happy self, bouncing and smiling in her chair. “Just give everyone a few days and they’ll get used to you . . . maybe.” She nodded behind us and we turned and saw a crowd of guys grinning like animals stalking towards our table. Mike was leading the pack and he slid onto my bench without a ‘hello.’

  “You haven’t called me.”

  “I’ve been in class, when was I supposed to get to that?”

  By this time the rest of the guys were crowded around us some sitting on the empty portions of the benches while others stood. Mike turned to his posse and introduced everyone.

  “Guys, this is Aubrey or the future Mrs. Thomas if you prefer. Aubrey these are the guys, most of them are from the football team but some are from lacrosse and rugby. If anyone gives you a hard time—or even tries to talk to you they will be around to help.”

  “Perfect.” I rolled my eyes trying to configure a plan to escape. No such luck.

  “Is there anyone we need to take care of yet?”

  I was about to say no but Mckayla sat up and put her elbows on the table looking directly at him. “Gage Vance knows her and doesn’t like her.”

  “How have you already gotten on Vance’s hit list, Aubrey?” Mike seemed more angry than shocked which didn’t make much sense.

  “I met him at the bon fire, kind of, I was just trying to introduce myself.”

  “It doesn’t matter. We’ll make it clear that he is to stay away from you, deal? Well enjoy your lunch ladies.” He stood and bowed as he walked away with his pack following.

  I whispered to Talia, “Is Gage a criminal or something?”

  “Not exactly. He’s just the type that causes trouble, especially for good girls like you.”

  I looked at Talia, I didn’t know what she meant but they didn’t seem like they were going to give answers anytime soon. I guess I’ll just have to figure it out myself.

  ☀☀☀

  Yearbook is more of an excuse to walk around than it is a class. I saw why Mckayla was so excited about me being in there with her. We were able to go anywhere on campus for fifty minutes every day as long as we had one of the school cameras with us. She told me that she would usually get one or two people called out of class so she could ‘interview’ them for one of the pages. It would easily be my favorite class this semester. Once we checked in with the teacher, Ms. Gonzalez, we were free to go. Mckayla was giving me the grand tour, snapping a few random photos so we seemed legitimate, when we ran into Tucker.

  “Ladies! No need to sneak around to find me. I’ll come whenever you call.”

  “Gross Tuck. We’re just taking photos for yearbook actually.”

  “Well why don’t come in and watch the basketball team practice? I’m sure you could always use more pictures of me.”

  Narrowing her eyes at him I thought Mckayla was going to start a fight. “False. We have everything we need. We’re going to the science labs, come on Aubrey.”

  I followed after her as she gave Tucker another glare just for good measure, but he just laughed. I didn’t know if Mckayla was joking or not about the science labs, but I was hoping she was. I did not want to spend this free period smelling weird chemicals or watching people dissect animals.

  She was serious. We were walking through the science hall when I suddenly realized why. We were stopped outside a chemistry lab where Sean Elliot happened to be the teacher’s aide. I gave her a side glace smiling as she knocked on the door to get his attention. Sean looked up and had a comical look on his face when he saw Mckayla trying to get him to come over. She wouldn’t look at me as he made his way to the door, so I just observed.

  “Hey Sean, we have a question for the yearbook we were hoping you could answer.” We do? “We want to get some cool shots of experiments and projects that are happening so I, I mean we were wondering if you knew when the dates are that we should come for those.” Did she just stutter? Who was she?

  “Sure Mckayla, just wait for a minute and I’ll go get a syllabus for you.”

  As he hurried back in I turned to her without speaking just waiting for her to explain. She didn’t. She shot me one glance and turned back to the door bouncing on her feet a little. I have never in our lives seen her do this. Was she actually nervous? Before I could ask Sean came back in and explained when the best days would be before excusing himself back to the class. We started back to our room since the class period was almost over.

  “Want to explain that to me?”

  She flipped her hair and pretended nothing freaky had happened two seconds ago. “What do you mean?”

  “Oh please! Mckayla you were practically drooling at his feet! You like him! Wait, no you love him!” I was s
miling like a loon as I figured it out. But she was serious when she looked at me.

  “I do not love him Aubrey. I was simply partners with him once upon a time. He is from a different world. He’s super smart and cultured. He would never be interested in me.”

  I knew I shouldn’t have, but I burst out laughing. It was the most absurd thing I had ever heard. Mckayla was self-conscious and insecure because of Sean! He loved her. I saw that after one glance between the two. I should have mentioned this but Mckayla saw me laughing and stomped off before I could tell her. I ran to catch up to her before she hated me for mocking her.

  “Mac, I’m sorry! I wasn’t laughing at you for liking Sean. It’s just so ironic because I know he likes you too! You should have seen the way he looked at you during lunch. You should really consider asking him out or something. I heard winter formal is coming up and its lady’s choice. That’s the perfect opportunity for you guys!”

  She stopped and spun around. “You don’t think it’s ridiculous that I like him? You don’t think he’s out of my league? Oh Aubrey! I’ve been so nervous to tell anyone because I thought they would laugh at me, like you just did, but I really do like him! Do you think he would say yes to me?”

  She looked so sad and hopeful I just had to hug her. We laughed as I promised her he would. “Now you just have to decide who you’re going to ask! And you better be quick. It’s only like three weeks away and some guys already have dates.”

  Chapter 9

  This had been the weirdest first day of my school life. I sat down in my last class, Chemistry. Mckayla had me worried. If she was nervous about finding a date I should just give up now. Who would go with the new girl to the first formal event of the year? I was considering asking Mike or Bear when he walked in.

  He was tall, well over six feet, and bronzed. What’s up with people here and being tan year round? His longish, light brown hair looked blonde from sun and chlorine, but it wasn’t his hair or skin or height that caught my eye. It was his big boyish smile that seemed to light up the room. He was wearing shorts and flip flops and some surf brand t-shirt which isn’t my normal type but nothing seemed to matter after seeing that smile. I shook my head trying to get rid of the thoughts. There was no way I was going to get swept up in a cute boy again.

  Before I could stand and run over to him, Mr. Steen stood and greeted the class. I should have been grateful for the interruption that stopped me from behaving like a manic but I was frustrated I couldn’t get closer to him.

  Mr. Steen is a saint. Or a mind reader, whichever is more likely. After going over the course for the semester, he had us stand to play a get-to-know-you game. We stood in a circle and he held a ball explaining that whoever had the ball told one fact about themself and anyone that had that same fact would step forward then the ball would get tossed again, basically the opposite of Never Have I Ever. He asked us to keep it G-rated which of course got a laugh. It was actually pretty fun, especially since no one in the class knew me so they couldn’t target me like other kids seemed to do. The man of my dreams caught the ball and stepped forward.

  “I swam with dolphins in the Caribbean.”

  I was the only one that stepped forward getting the attention of the class and Mr. Steen. “Well it looks like you have something in common with Ms. Tate, Mr. Keller. Such a unique fact too! I’m quite jealous! Okay pass the ball again.”

  Mr. Keller? I had a last name! I could find out so much about him with that, but his first would be so much more helpful. A few rounds later I caught the ball. I didn’t know what to say that would make me unique so I guessed most of the other students had done this.

  “I’ve never surfed.”

  “Wow, Ms. Tate you have gone swimming with dolphins but you have never been on a surf board? That is a shame.” I laughed at Mr. Steen’s mock disbelief. Mr. Keller’s was serious though.

  “You mean you have never once been out there? To surf, I mean?”

  I froze realizing he was actually speaking to me.

  “Umm no there’s not much opportunity to surf in Chicago and I was on a cruise when I swam with dolphins, so I was at the mercy of what they let us do.”

  “That seriously needs to be fixed. Like right now.”

  I laughed not knowing how to reply. I shifted uncomfortably trying to come up with a response as the bell rang and class was dismissed. Saved by the bell. I grabbed my bag and headed out the hall to the parking lot. Mr. Keller caught up with me as I entered the courtyard.

  “You can’t live here and not try surfing at least once. If you hate it or suck, you don’t have to keep going, but try at least once!”

  “I’ll ask my cousin to show me sometime then.” I smiled trying to remain calm and not make a fool of myself.

  “Who’s your cousin?”

  “Mckayla Page.”

  “Sweet, she’s on the surf team with me. I’m sure she can teach you but if you want some extra help let me know.”

  We kept walking toward the lot and I was trying to remember where I had parked, but I was trying really hard to keep cool. “Thanks I may take you up on that, but I don’t know your name. Unless you want me to call you Mr. Keller.”

  He laughed. He laughed at what I said! I made that amazing smile appear and I never wanted it to disappear.

  “I’m Luke. I’ll give you my number so you can give me a call sometime. I go everyday so whenever you want to try just let me know.”

  We magically made it to my car so I sat my purse on the trunk and pulled out my phone to give to him. When he handed it back he smiled and nodded at the car. “I was wondering who’s this was. It’s beautiful. You’re a very lucky girl.”

  Before he could walk away I grabbed his shoulder, and then quickly dropped my hand before I let it linger there. “Thanks. I mean for offering to teach me. I’ll take you up on it.”

  I got one more mind-blowing smile before he turned and I got in my car. I was watching the rear view mirror when Mckayla got in.

  “Was that Luke I saw you talking to?”

  “Yeah it was.”

  “Don’t tell me he got you too. I swear every girl at this school is in love with him and he doesn’t notice. All he cares about is surfing and the ocean.”

  This was by far the worst news of the day. If no other girl in the school could get his attention what chance did I have?

  ☀☀☀

  I was still thinking about Luke and what Mckayla had told me later that night while I was trying to find something to make for dinner. One downside to living with a guy: there is never any food. It really makes no sense considering how much they eat. I finally gave up and began searching the drawers for to-go menus when Brandon walked in. “Hey Aubrey. What are you looking for?”

  “I was going to make dinner but gave up when all I could find was protein powder and a box of mac and cheese. We really need to make a trip to a grocery store before we starve to death.”

  “Why would you do that when there are so many options at our fingertips?” He pulled out the drawer next to me and handed me a stack of menus. “They’re categorized first by cuisine then by how late they’re open.”

  “You should really focus that energy on something more productive. Like grocery shopping.” I began shuffling through the stack looking for something appetizing. “Does anything sound good to you?”

  “I haven’t had curry for a few weeks, and there’s a pretty good place a few blocks away that delivers. Let’s do that and we can watch a movie or something.”

  He picked up the right menu and began dialing. While he took care of ordering I opened the dishwasher and started putting the dishes away. Finishing, I sat down at the island with a bottle of water and waited for him to hang up.

  “You survived your first day! How was it?” He seemed to have just remembered and was suddenly an attentive parent.

  “It was pretty good. I made some new friends. My phone got passed around my math class so I now have every guy’s number although most of them
saved theirs under weird names so I don’t really know whose talking to me whenever I get a text. My classes are alright, I’m on the yearbook staff with Mckayla which should be entertaining.”

  “Sounds like a standard first day.” He smirked as he walked to the fridge to get us drinks. “Any cute boys?” He imitated a girl’s voice a little too well, especially with his hands on his popped out hips.

  “There were a few. One that may or may not be my future husband, but Mac told me every other girl in the world loves him so I have no chance.” I sulked looking down at my bottle.

  “You’re kidding me right? You have the best chance right now as the new girl! You’re the mysterious one. All the guys are going to be interested in you but I would hold off choosing just one. Play the field while you can.”

  “I don’t plan on dating anyone for a long time. I need some time after everything that happened. I just want to get to know him. He told me he would teach me to surf, but I don’t know how serious he was.”

  “If a guy suggests something like that he definitely wants you to take him up on it.” His confidence was encouraging, but only slightly.

  “Maybe. Plus winter formal is coming up and its girl’s choice. I know the girls will find dates so I don’t want to go alone in their group. I should try hanging out with him and maybe we could go together as friends.”

  “I’m sure he would love it if you asked him. But don’t let the other girls pressure you into anything, even if it’s unintentional. With everything that’s happened it’s probably a good idea to take your time and enjoy being with your friends.”

  I just nodded thinking back to everything that happened before I came here.

  “You never finished telling me what went down there. Do you want to talk about it?”

  “I guess.” I thought back to the outdoor café where we started this conversation. Hopefully I could keep my composure this time.

  “You don’t have to, Bree. I just think it might help to get it all out.”

  “You’re probably right. I told you about the party and what happened, I just didn’t tell you who it was right?” He gave one nod again remaining silent allowing me to tell him at my own pace.