Gilded

by Renita Pizzitola

  “Kylie? You okay?” Lexie’s large brown eyes looked at me with concern. “Do you feel okay? Your face is flushed.”

  I took a deep breath, willing myself to snap out of it. “I’m fine. I felt a little dizzy for a minute there. I skipped breakfast and it probably just caught up with me.” I attempted a convincing smile.

  She studied me a second longer and conceded. “Walk me to class. I’m trying to avoid you-know-who.” She rolled her eyes and looped her arm through mine, dragging me alongside her.

  “You and Dylan still not speaking, I suppose?” Dylan was Lexie’s on-again, off-again boyfriend. Currently they were off, but by tomorrow it would not surprise me if they were blissfully happy again. Personally, I found it insane. When I fell in love, I wanted the real thing, not just some flighty romance.

  The halls of Brentwood Preparatory School were already clearing as we made our way to third period English Literature. There were a few bangs as lockers were hurriedly shut and several squeaks on the linoleum as the remaining students hastily made their way to class. Lexie and I were in no rush. As seniors, we knew tardiness was frowned upon but we had long since stopped caring. As we reached the classroom, I reluctantly pulled my maroon blazer over my tailored white shirt and adjusted my navy blue skirt. Mr. Lewis was a stickler for the dress code.

  Just as we stepped through the door, the tardy bell rang. Mr. Lewis gave us a chastising look, making the tiny part of me, which always wanted to do what was right, feel a little guilty for being late. I scurried to my seat avoiding his gaze, while Lexie, who obviously wasn’t waging any internal battles with guilt, gave him a cloying smile. I slid into my chair and flipped open my book. The second Mr. Lewis began to speak, I began to daydream.

  Immediately my mind jumped back to the stranger in the hallway. I slowly envisioned every detail of him. Mentally, I let my eyes wander his body, from head to toe. I saw the slightly messy, brown hair and perfectly cut jaw line. Sensual lips tinged red and those eyes. Those amazing blue eyes, crystal clear and framed with dark lashes. His body was lean and muscular. And tall, well over six feet with broad shoulders. What would it be like to be his girlfriend, pressed intimately against him as he kissed me?

  My body tingled as my mind created an excellent visual, but before I had a chance to pat myself on the back for creating such fantastic imagery, I heard my name.

  “Miss Ashbury, I hate to disturb your daydreaming but please pass your book report forward.” My face reddened at the sound of Mr. Lewis’ disdainful voice, as if he could hear my private thoughts. I quickly pulled my report out, handing it to the girl sitting in front of me.

  Lexie spoke up in my defense. “Hey Mr. L cut her some slack. She’s been sick.”

  I gave her a small smile. Mr. Lewis eyed me, seemingly unconvinced, but dismissed it either way. “Sorry to hear that, Miss Ashbury, but while you are in my class I expect your full attention.”

  “Yes sir.” I gave him a respectful nod.

  Lexie turned around, mimicked our teacher’s stern facial expression, then rolled her eyes.

  I stifled a laugh. As soon as I was satisfied Mr. Lewis was no longer paying me any attention, my mind went back to the mystery boy. What was he doing at Brentwood? He must be new because I would definitely remember someone like him.

  He was clearly attractive enough to fit in with Brentwood’s elite student body, but he didn’t have that normal superciliousness about him most prep school kids did. Which, made him that much more fascinating to me. I might have gone to Brentwood Prep, and I might have lived in a large house in Brentwood Estates, but I was, by no means, an elitist like most of the kids there.

  I thought my family lived an ironically humble lifestyle. Our house was large, my parents drove nice cars, but my dad, a community college professor, and my mom, a fund-raising coordinator for a non-profit, weren’t exactly banking like most of the other parents around here.

  Brentwood was home to the children of doctors–most of which were plastic surgeons, go figure–CEOs, politicians and even a few local celebrities. Their children had been raised with a silver spoon, did not know the meaning of the word no and didn’t have a care in the world.

  My parents, on the other hand, were sort of book nerds. I know to some kids it might seem super lame, but I actually really liked that about them, although sometimes it did drive me crazy. My dad loved talking about American History and Literature, the two subjects he taught at the local community college, and my mom tended to become overly emotional working for an organization which provided help for children requiring extensive medical treatment. All around though, my parents were good people and we got along well.

  My best friend Lexie didn’t have much of a relationship with her parents. Her dad was a cardiologist and her mom was a professional shopper–yes, that’s really a job–so it left them little time to raise their daughter. Lexie was their only child and often felt invisible, but instead of becoming self destructive, like most kids here, she just brushed it off. I think in some ways, it even made her a better person. She was sweet, fun and forever had my back.

  Her flimsy relationship with her parents made her seek out a constant in her life, and that constant was me. I provided the roots anchoring her unpredictable life firmly in place, and I needed her just as much as she needed me.

  Often, I felt like I just couldn’t find my niche. I wasn’t a star student, but I made good grades. I didn’t date too many boys, but wasn’t completely ignored by them either. I had lots of friends, but wasn’t part of the It crowd. I just coasted somewhere in the middle of life. Sometimes though, I felt that if Lexie, bursting with all that vitality and spontaneity, hadn’t been a part of my life, I might have teetered just enough to fall into the nobody category.

  My thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of the bell. I jerked my head up; today’s class had flown by. I honestly couldn’t say one thing Mr. Lewis talked about. I gathered my stuff and left with Lexie.

  The moment we stepped outside the classroom she eyed me again. “Okay spill. What’s up with you?”

  “What do you mean?” I headed for my locker. “I’m fine. I told you, I just need to eat.” I opened my locker, tossing in my books and binder. Lexie’s locker was further away so she stuffed her books in as well.

  Her eyes glinted with suspicion. “Fine, let’s go eat.” She banged the door shut and we headed to fourth period lunch. “You know I will get it out of you, one way or another.” Lexie gave me a sly smile. I just laughed and walked to the lunch line.

  * * * *

  After grabbing my salad, bottled water and some sort of yummy chocolate pudding and whipped cream concoction, we made our way to the table. As we sat, Lexie stared at my lunch.

  “Seriously, Kylie, what’s the point of choking down salad if you are just going to follow it up with death by chocolate?” Her last few words were slightly mumbled as she took a bite of her cheeseburger.

  “I figure they cross cancel each other,” I joked.

  I took the plastic lid off my salad and stabbed a tomato with my fork. I laughed and noticed, over Lexie’s shoulder, the boy from the hall standing with another guy I didn’t recognize. This guy was just as tall, but had an olive complexion, dark hair and dark eyes. The guy’s friend was definitely good-looking, but paled in comparison next to the gorgeous mystery boy. I wondered what the odds were to get, not one, but two new hot guys in one day.

  Staring at the boys while the chorus line to It’s Raining Men played through my mind, I noticed they seemed to be having an intense discussion. Out of nowhere, Cerise, the resident slut, sauntered by them. She waved, giving them a flirty glance through her lashes.

  “Hi, Grant,” she purred, locking eyes with my gorgeous mystery boy while her greeting had been loud enough to ensure half the cafeteria took notice.

  No surprise she was on a first name basis with the hot new guy. He immediately broke off his discussion and smiled politely at her, which apparently she took as an open invitation
to strike up a conversation.

  Instantly, I was annoyed. She didn’t deserve even the slightest bit of his attention. I was positive her uniform skirt was a good three inches shorter than allowed. I wouldn’t be surprised if she hiked it up just for his sake. Why not just put a flashing sign on your shirt? I glared at her.

  “Ah ha! It’s the boy.” Lexie’s outburst caused me to jump. I realized I had been clenching my jaw. After relaxing, I gave her a puzzled look. “You have a thing for that guy over there,” she continued. “Can’t say I blame you though. Damn, that is gorgeous wrapped in hotness.”

  We looked back at Grant, as if we needed any confirmation.

  I quickly returned my gaze to Lexie. “Um no, I don’t. I just noticed him earlier today and wondered who he was. He must be new or something.” The words tumbled out of my mouth way too fast. I was sure she could read right through me.

  “Yeah, and that’s why you were attempting telekinesis to blast our little welcoming committee out of existence, because she said hi to the new guy?” She gave me a knowing smile. “Well then,” she said and shrugged casually, letting her gaze drift back to Grant. “If you aren’t interested...and I’m clearly available, maybe–”

  “Okay, okay! I have a thing for him.” I glanced over her shoulder.

  Lexie laughed. “Ha! I knew it!”

  I watched as Cerise laughed loudly, tossed her silky, blond hair over her shoulder, then placed her hand on his chest in a flirty manner. I gritted my teeth. Dammit, why did she have to pick him?

  When it came down to it, guys didn’t refuse Cerise, and not just because she was easy–which she was–but because she was beautiful. Her bright sapphire blue eyes complemented her creamy, smooth complexion. Long, soft waves of golden hair framed her high cheekbones and a perfect nose–which if rumors were true, her dad may have helped with. Finishing it all off was a petite frame with the perfect combination of feminine curves and athleticism. She never had a hair out of place and always remained perfectly polished.

  She was, of course, very popular, but it was pretty superficial. I didn’t think she had any true friends, but I wasn’t sure if that was by choice. Maybe she worried they would realize she was all hype or maybe no one liked Cerise enough to want to get to know her. Honestly, I hadn’t really paid much attention, never having reason to, but at this moment I seriously disliked her.

  My eyes went back to gorgeous Grant. I longingly wished I stood in Cerise’s place right now, just inches apart, with my hand on his chest.

  Suddenly, as if sensing my attention, his gaze lifted to meet mine. His friendly smile slowly faded and that intensity from earlier returned. The room seemed to crackle with it. It pulled me back in and once again the tingling warmth ran through my arms as it trickled its way through my body. We locked eyes for probably only a few seconds, but time stood still for me.

  Cerise’s flirtatious, and obnoxious, laugh unexpectedly broke the connection. Grant looked down at her, probably to make sure she wasn’t seizing. Overdo it much? Still laughing she tossed her hair again, casually throwing a glance over her shoulder as her gaze searched for whom or what had been his focus. Realizing it was me, she shot me a fierce glare with a clear warning to back off, then returned her attention to Grant with a perfectly charming smile on her face. My mouth fell open.

  “What the hell?” Lexie looked from me to Cerise, then at me. “Damn, what’s up with the ice queen over there? But more importantly what’s up with you and that guy?” She stared curiously over at him.

  I wondered if she could feel the heart-stopping current of electricity that ran through us. Goosebumps spread down my arms just thinking about it. I shrugged in reply.

  “Really? That’s all you’re going to give me?”

  Laughing, I tried to cover my real feelings. “What is there to say? He caught me checking him out.” I shrugged again, hoping I sounded casual.

  “Oh please, even Cerise knew sparks were flying between the two of you. Didn’t you notice her eat-shit-and-die look? Or were you and the new guy too busy eye f–?”

  “Lexie!” I cut her off, staring at her in disbelief. “Someone is going to hear you!”

  Leaning forward, she whispered, “What does it matter if they hear? I’m pretty sure they saw.” She grinned.

  Heat rose into my cheeks. “Was it that bad?”

  “Bad? Are you kidding me? Maybe if Dylan looked at me like that we wouldn’t be broken up right now.”

  Giggling, I glanced back over in Grant’s direction. Cerise turned to walk away. Her ridiculously short navy blue, pleated skirt swayed back and forth with each step. Where was Mr. Lewis and his strict adherence to the dress code when he was needed? Completely disgusted, my gaze drifted back to Grant. Admiring his perfect profile as he began speaking with his friend again, I noticed him gesture in what I could have sworn was my direction. His friend spotted me, briefly made eye contact then gave Grant a slight, almost indistinguishable, nod. They both walked out of the cafeteria. What was that about?

  * * * *

  A haze settled upon the rest of my day, a Grant-filled haze. Every time I thought about him, I experienced the fluttering of butterflies in my stomach. My infatuation with him grew exponentially by the second, which I was fully aware seemed to be a delicate mix of psychotic and pathetic. After all, I didn’t even know the guy.

  When school finally let out, I pushed through the large double doors and was instantly blinded by the sun. I shielded my eyes, looking up. It might be spring, but the cloudless sky left us victims to the hot Texas sun. Perspiration formed on the back of my neck. I pulled off my blazer and unbuttoned the collar of my tailored white blouse. Taking the steps two at a time, I headed for the parking lot.

  I found Lexie, my ride home, leaning against the side of her sleek black car in a heavy lip lock with Dylan. Guess they were back together. Slinging my bag into her convertible, it slapped the leather seats. I hoped the thump would break them apart. Unfortunately, that was just wishful thinking because they didn’t even flinch.

  Frustrated, I dug my iPod out of my messenger bag. I couldn’t just sit in the car waiting it out. That would be awkward and creepy. I turned from the engrossed couple, leaned against the passenger door and shuffled through my playlist.

  “Kyla?” I looked up questioningly. My friends never called me by my given name. I sucked in a sharp breath at a complete loss for words. “I believe we are in the same Calculus class?” I stared into the brown eyes of Grant’s cafeteria friend as he awaited my response.

  I stood there awkwardly. Was he in my class? That was seventh period. An alien invasion could have happened in class and I wouldn’t have noticed. My mind had been on nothing but Grant.

  “Um yeah, seventh period.” It was a shot in the dark. I hoped he actually was in that class with me.

  “Yes, that’s the one.” He smiled, seemingly happy that I remembered him. “I’m sorry to bother you.” His gaze flicked over my shoulders, then back to me. “But I missed the self-study assignment. I saw you standing here and wondered if you, by chance, had it?” He looked hopeful.

  Good question, did I write down the assignment? I felt bad; it probably sucked being the new kid. Brentwood didn’t get many new students and the current ones rarely left unless they went to “study abroad” which was code for rehab or reform school. I really wanted to help the guy since he was new.

  Who was I kidding? He was Grant’s friend. He could have asked me to do his homework, standing on one foot, juggling fire and I would have jumped at the opportunity. I quickly thought back to class, vaguely remembering scribbling the assignment in my notebook.

  “Sure, let me find it.” I snatched my messenger bag out of the car and dug around in it.

  “Thank you so much. You’re a real life-saver. I already feel behind and would hate to fall even further back.” I nodded with compassion. Brentwood’s course load was pretty intense.

  “I’m Conor. My cousin and I just transferred from Crestview.”<
br />
  That got my attention. Was Grant his cousin? They sure didn’t resemble one another, but I guess that didn’t mean they couldn’t be related. He seemed to notice my piqued interest.

  “Have you met my cousin? Grant?”

  Conor’s tone remained casual but he seemed to have a hint of a smile playing around his lips. I couldn’t decide if it was friendly or amused. Maybe he’d noticed me staring at Grant in the cafeteria. Heat flooded my cheeks.

  Attempting to keep my cool, I pretended to be trying to put a face to the name, and after unsuccessfully doing so, shook my head. “No, I don’t believe I have.” He seemed to see right through my charade, but his face remained masked in politeness.

  “I will have to introduce you some time.”

  Thankfully, I finally found the notebook. I tore out the page with the info and handed it to Conor.

  “Here, you can take it. I can just get the assignment from Lexie.” I motioned in her direction.

  “Okay, well, if you are sure.” He paused expectantly, and I urged him to keep the paper. “I will let you get going. Looks like your friends are ready.”

  I glanced back, surprised by this information. Dylan and Lexie watched us. She raised one eyebrow as she grinned at me. Hoping Conor hadn’t noticed her intrigued expression, I turned back to him. “Well, it was nice meeting you. I guess I will see you in class tomorrow.”

  “Thank you, Kyla. I will definitely see you around.”

  With that he turned, walking toward the breezeway. It was then I noticed Grant leaning against a pillar, his hands stuffed casually in his pockets. Had he been watching the entire time?

  As Conor approached Grant, they exchanged a few words. Before leaving, Grant looked in my direction. His gaze seemed thoughtful but he was too far away to really tell.

  “Who’s your new friend, Kylie?” I turned to find Dylan giving me a sly smile.

  “Oh, that was Conor. We have Calculus together.” I twisted a lock of my dark hair. “He’s Grant’s cousin.” The last part just slipped out, having nothing really to do with the question. After all, he probably had no idea who Grant was, but I just liked saying his name. Dylan rolled his eyes.