I warm a plate of food and run up the stairs to my room. When I open the door, my fourteen year old pest of a brother, Tyler, is on my bed playing Xbox.
“Out.” He looks at me and smirks. Can I get no respect from anyone? “I said get out.”
“Geez, chill, bro.”
“I don’t get it. You have your own game system.”
“Yeah, a PS3. I don’t have the game GRID, so if I want to play it, I have to do it on the Xbox. How many times do I have to tell you this?” He passes me and stops at the doorway, so I sit down at my desk and look at him.
“What?” I ask.
“I also like to check out the dirty mags you hide under your mattress. Although, I have to be careful touching the things. Is that a once daily or—”
“Stay out of my room you little turd!” I launch a book at the door, but he’s already slamming it behind him. That’s OK. I’ll stick one of those mags under his mattress and tell Mom he’s hiding one there. Mine will be safely hidden elsewhere.
I wouldn’t need the damn things if I had a girlfriend that didn’t CHEAT. I can admit it still hurts, but I’m getting over it much faster than I expected. She’s shallow and not a nice person, so I’m better off.
I need to think of someone safe who won’t run their trap if I ask for Lucky Charm’s name. No, I said I wasn’t going there, but man is she smokin’ hot.
Making Friends
Leah
It’s lunchtime, and I’ve decided from the last four periods that school blows no matter which one you go to. It’s way too easy here, so I’m bored out of my mind. I do have to give props to my old school for keeping it a little more challenging.
I normally steer clear of the cafeteria, but I need to buy a water, so I make my way there. I’m standing in line when a very cute, in a metro sexual kind of way, guy gets behind me.
“Hi, you’re new this year.”
“Yep.”
“You got a name? I’m Parker.”
“I’m Leah, but I’m not interested.”
“Ha ha. Sweetheart, we probably bat for the same team.”
I guess metro sexual was putting it lightly. I can’t help but chuckle. “Well, then maybe you can direct me toward the non-losers.”
“You got it, girlfriend. Although, you’re pretty hot, so you might be competition.”
I snicker. “How about I promise not to go after any you think you have a chance with?”
“That’s fair. So, does that mean you’ll come eat with my friend Sierra and me?” He points to a round table that only two girls are sitting at.
“Sure, and just so you know, I’m not looking for a guy. I was joking.”
“You’re too cute not to have a boyfriend. I will so hook you up.” Parker is the cute one with his red hair stylin’ and his round, blue eyes. His clothes, however, remind me of something my old guy friends would wear.
He has on dress pants and a polo. I follow him to the table, getting a ton of stares along the way. I try to keep my focus on the seats ahead.
“Girlfriends, this is Leah. I asked her to join us.” Both girls look up, and after scanning me from head to toe, they smile.
“Hi, I’m Sierra, and this is my friend, Kayla.”
“Hi, nice to meet you both.”
Kayla stands. “I’m out of here, chicks.”
“Hey now, I’m still a guy.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Parker.” Kayla gives him a cheesy grin and walks away.
Parker waves his hand toward her.
“Ignore Kayla. I’m still trying to figure out what Sierra sees in her.”
Sierra acts as if Parker never spoke.
“So, Leah, where did you move here from?”
“Um, LA.”
“Hmm. You have cool hair, and I love your purple nails.” She picks up my fingers and studies the dark purple polish. “They’re done so perfectly.” I snatch my hand away.
I purchased a bunch of less expensive clothing to wear here, but I’ve been unable to give up my time at the salon. I’d attempt to do my nails and hair myself, so there’s no suspicion about how I afford it, but my cousin, Casey, would get her feelings hurt.
“Um, thanks. I think your name is really cool.”
Sierra is dressed like me but doesn’t look like she comes from money. Her clothes are not designer and her shoulder length, black hair is in pretty rough shape, desperately needing a trim.
Maybe Parker was drawn to me because of my style being similar to Sierra’s. Although, I can’t imagine how the two of them became friends since they seem so different. Regardless, it’s nice to have someone at this school speaking to me without insults.
I pull my peanut butter and jelly sandwich out and take a bite. It’s far from the gourmet lunch I was used to, but if Martha prepared my expensive sushi, I think the kids would notice.
“I told Leah here that I’d hook her up.”
Sierra huffs. “With who? There are no guys here worth dating.”
“You like a few.”
She rolls her eyes at him. I then watch her scan the cafeteria, so I bravely do the same, and that’s when I see him. The hottie that took up for me yesterday.
He and his large group are at a table across and about five down on the right from us. It’s closer to the main exit, which means I’ll pass it every time I sit here. He’s staring straight at me, so I turn my head swiftly but not before I feel my pulse pick up.
What is my deal? I wanted to get away from the snobby, football playing type. It’s his looks. That’s all it is, and I can get past that. There has to be other good looking guys here.
“I knew it. You’re looking for Gabe,” Parker says to Sierra.
“Shut up, Parker,” she says before continuing her scan of the room. After a few moments, she sighs. “There he is.”
I take a quick glance in the direction she’s pointing and see a few guys who look fairly cool. They’re dressed like us. Two of them have brown hair, and the other is blonde.
“Which one?” I ask.
“The blonde. Oh shit, they’re looking this way.” Sierra quickly blocks that side of her face with her hand.
“Well, isn’t that what you want?” I ask.
“I don’t know. He’s intimidating.”
I glance around the room again and see the football player eyeing me still. I mean, I’m pretty certain he plays. What the freak? Now, he’s going to think I’m checking him out. The three guys Sierra spoke of start walking our direction. Why did I agree to stay in the cafeteria?
“They’re walking over here,” I say.
“Oh my Gosh.”
“Just chill. You’ll do great,” I add.
“Hey, Sierra.” She moves her hand and peeks up at him, her face beet red.
“Hi, Gabe.”
“Who’s your new friend?”
“This is Leah. Leah, this is Gabe, Jarred and Troy,” Sierra says, pointing to each of them.
I smile. “Hi, guys.”
“Cool ass hair,” Jarred says.
“Ass hair as in ass hair?” I ask with a smirk.
“Funny, no.”
“I was just messing with you. Thanks. You’re in my calculus class, right?”
“Yep. You had every right to call Nicole a bitch yesterday. Did you get in much trouble?”
“No, and I didn’t know she had another name.” Everyone at the table laughs.
Parker’s eyes flash to me. “You had words with Nicole Reagan?”
“Yes. She made fun of my kicks.”
“You are one brave girl. She and her friends are vicious.”
“Leah held her own. You, Parker, on the other hand, might’ve got your ass kicked,” Jarred says.
“Those girls think they’re hot shit, but I could give them some lessons on fashion.” Parker’s pointing across the cafeteria.
“Now, that I believe,” Troy says. Everyone’s laughing again, including Parker. I’m getting the feeling he’s liked here but still made fun of.<
br />
I turn to look in the direction he’s pointing and see the football player sitting at the same long table as Nicole, and she’s only a few seats down from him. I figured he hung out with that crowd.
The sad thing is had I come here as my old self, I’d probably be sitting with them. It makes me feel crappy since those girls are mean.
“Do those guys sitting with them play football?” I ask.
“Yep, every one of them,” Sierra replies.
“Um, Sierra, you and Leah should come hang out with us at Scope Wednesday. There’s a concert.”
“That sounds awesome, don’t you think?” I ask, looking at Sierra. I have no idea what kind of place that is or what kind of music, but I’m trying to help the girl out. I can tell she needs a push.
“Yeah, totally.”
“Cool.” Gabe smiles at her and the bell rings, signaling lunch is over.
“Nice meeting you guys,” I say as I stand up. I throw my trash away in a garbage can and carry my water out. Sierra bumps my shoulder with hers.
“Thank you. I probably would’ve stared at him without answering, looking like a complete idiot. You’re really going, right?” she asks, panicking.
“Of course. Oh, but can I meet you there? I think I have something before.”
“Yeah, sure.”
“OK, talk to you later.”
Jarred is cute, and he’s obviously smart since he’s in my calculus class, but he’s not as cute as the hottie. Get him out of your head, Leeza. Leah. I have to get used to calling myself Leah. Gaining a new identity is much harder than I thought it would be.
Brandon
Guys are already hitting on her. Aside from Parker, those dudes look like guys she’d be into. I bet I have as much in common with her, but you’d never know from looking at me. I’m sitting in the cafeteria, trying to tune out the irritating shrieks from the girls at my table.
I keep staring at Lucky Charm, and I think she busted me doing it more than once. She probably wouldn’t like the nickname, but her hair definitely matches the cereal, and the name is cute like her.
Parker is in my English class. I should find out what her name is from him, but then the dude might hit on me, and that’s a scary thought.
***
I struggle through English like always. I don’t know how I’m going to keep from failing, and I have to pass first quarter if I want to play on the team. It doesn’t help that I keep thinking about her. This is bordering on obsessive behavior.
Unable to take the curiosity, I decide to ask Parker about her. Our moms have been good friends for years, so when we were young, we played together a lot, but as I got manlier and he got more girly that changed.
He’s still cool and funny, but my friends give him a hard way to go, so I don’t talk to him much. I guess that’s kinda shitty of me.
“Parker, wait up.”
He stops right outside the doorway and turns to me, looking with wide eyes.
“Brandon Jennings is speaking to me. What did I do to deserve this honor?”
“Whatever, man. I have a question.”
He crosses his arms. “What is it? Do you need to know if your shirt matches your pants? If so, that’s a negative.”
I glance around to see if anyone is listening.
“No, Parker. I don’t need your fashion advice.”
“I figured as much. I have to mess with you since you never give me the time of day. What is it?”
“Um, I was wondering about that girl you were sitting with at lunch. You know, the new girl. What’s her name?”
He smirks at me. “Why do you care?”
“Just answer the question.”
“She’s hot, isn’t she?”
“Yeah, whatever, but what’s her name?”
“It’s Leah, but you better not mess with her. She’s nice, and Nicole already gave her shit and got her sent to Mrs. Grove’s office yesterday.”
“What’s her story?”
“I don’t know much. She’s from LA, seems familiar for some reason. She’s going to Scope Wednesday night with Sierra, Gabe and his friends.”
“Like a date?” I ask anxiously.
Parker raises a brow. “Not exactly. Although, Jarred Bowling was talking to her and told her he liked her hair. I do remember that part. I guess they have a class together, and he saw the whole thing go down with Nicole. He might be interested.” He smirks at me. “You like her.”
“I’m curious. She’s … I don’t know, intriguing. See what else you can find out, but keep your mouth shut about me asking.”
“I don’t know why I should do that for you, but since we go way back, I guess I will.”
I pat his shoulder. “Thanks, man.”
Jarred Bowling would have to compliment her on her hair. At least I did first.
Friendly Outing
Brandon
My friend Anthony is a great guy. He’s a trip since he’s black but loves the same rock music I do. Everyone assumes he listens to rap, so to get him riled up, our friends quiz him on rappers every day. He gets so pissed.
It’s Wednesday, and he’s next to me in the locker room after practice. “Dude, do you want to go to Scope tonight? Some band called Circling Dundrum from Ireland is playing. Their sound is a little heavier than we normally listen to, but I heard them online, and it wasn’t bad,” I say.
“Sure, why not.”
“I’ll pick you up at eight.”
Cole pitches his nasty towel at me.
“When are you going to go to the cool clubs? You’re missing out. The girls actually grind on you there. They’re probably too busy getting thrown around the mosh pit at Scope.”
“I don’t need some skanky girl I don’t know grinding on me,” I say.
“You’re not right, Brandon. Hell, take one of the girls we hang out with to grind on.”
“None of them are going to date me this soon after Amber, especially when she’s still crying that she wants me back.”
“Screw, Amber. I’m still pissed at that girl. Don’t you dare take her back. I will personally whip your ass,” Cole says, pointing to me.
“For the millionth time, I’m not taking her back.” I slam my locker and leave the room. I’m so glad Cole and I are not attending the same college next year. Our friendship has run its course.
Leah
After school, I go to the salon. I decide to change my hair to something edgier, so I take the pastels out and get strands of a deep red put in. Sometimes I miss my dark hair, but colors stand out so much better on the blonde.
“How’s school going?” Casey asks.
“It sucks, but I did make a couple of friends this week so that’s a start.”
“Things are going to get nuts around here when someone finds out who you are.”
“I’m hoping that doesn’t happen.”
“Well, if it does, I hope it’s good for my business.”
“I’m sorry this could affect you.”
“I’m not. I get to look at that studly driver of yours every time he lets you out of the car. Mm, mm … he’s handsome, and I need to meet him soon.”
“You’re funny, Casey. I’m glad I have family here to talk to. It’s been good to finally get to know you.”
“Same here, sweetheart.”
After my time at the salon, Paul drives me home to get ready for my night out at Scope.
“I’m giving you a heads up, Leeza. Your mom said I have to stay at the club.”
“Why?” I ask, groaning.
“You might be trying to hide it, but you’re still the daughter of a billionaire. Do you want to be abducted and held for ransom?”
Unsure of what I want to do with my future, I’m traveling Europe after graduation, and there’ll be nothing my parents or Paul will be able to do to stop me. I’ll be legal, and I can hardly wait until that day.
“Will you not let anyone know you’re with me?”
“I’ll do my best, but I’m being paid to
keep you safe. Trust me, it’s the last place I want to be.”
I sigh, which I do a lot these days. Paul parks in front of our lavish home.
“Mom,” I yell as I trek through half the mansion trying to find her. She’s in the sunroom off the kitchen and eyes me above her evening paper.
“Red now, huh?”
“I like it.” I pull a silky strand around to my face, so I can look at it.
“I’m glad one of us is enjoying this identity change.”
“Mom, when are you going to get out and do something?”
“I joined the golf course and country club.”
“Excellent. You need to meet some people.”
“I’m going to. How was school?”
“I made a few friends this week. That’s who I’m going out with tonight. They’re not snobby like my old friends.”
“That’s nice, dear. Martha made dinner for you.”
“OK. I’m going to eat and get ready.” I kiss her on the cheek and go to the kitchen. Martha is our cook and housekeeper. She’s in her early sixties, has salt-n-pepper hair and is a little on the round side. I imagine it’s because she eats her awesome cooking.
She’s widowed, so it didn’t take much convincing to get her to move with us. Mom gave her a raise, and I think she likes the change of scenery. It makes me feel more at home to have her here. I throw my arms around her neck from behind.
“Martha, thank you for dinner.”
“You’re welcome, Ms. Leeza.”
“I’m going out tonight with some new friends.”
She gives me a warm smile as I take my plate from her.
“Good for you. I’m glad you’re making some. I like your hair, by the way.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s still an adjustment to see such a different look on you, but I’m glad you’re expressing yourself.”
“Thanks. It’s not as easy as I thought it would be. I was beginning to think I wouldn’t fit in anywhere. I hope that’s changing.”
I finish eating, get ready, and meet Paul at the door. He pulls our Mercedes-Benz S-Class around and lets me in. How cool it would be to drive myself right now. People stare at our car as we park, and I’m quickly realizing it’s not what we should be driving if I want to keep a low profile.
My Lucky Charm Page 2
