I wasn’t even positive that Vincent knew I was a girl at times. He was handsome enough in a pale, short kind of way. He was kind of short, but cute. Actually, he wasn’t that short. He was only about an inch or two shorter than I was if I wore my three-inch heels, which didn’t exactly work for me. He was a really good friend though. We thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company. He’d been gone all summer and hadn’t seen the new me yet. I hadn’t seen him in a couple of months either. I did like his new haircut though it looked spikey from here. It was a good look for him. He also looked a lot bulkier than his usual pencil-thin, scientist-type physique self. You know, he had the kind of body that spent too much time on bookwork and not much in the exercise or sports department.
I’d figured that I’d probably see Vince at lunch. I usually did. I’d check him out a little more then. He’d join the rest of my circle of friends at our corner table. There was Tori, Sara, Anne, Mark, Vince, and me at our usual table in the lunchroom. It had been that way for a long time. It hadn’t changed much since we came to the high school.
We did have a lot of fun together. I liked all of them. They were great friends. I just wanted something more exciting. I wanted a special boyfriend that didn’t need me under his microscope to see me as girlfriend material. Vince had considered us boyfriend and girlfriend, but it hadn’t felt that way to me. I was still fantasizing about a real boyfriend like Raven, as the teacher spoke.
The teacher was droning on about our activity schedule for the year. I wasn’t focusing, but good old Mrs. Pitts would have it on paper anyway. I wondered when the old crab was going to retire. She never ceased to amaze any of us. She just kept coming back, year after year. The old broad had to be at least eighty by now. Well, probably not, but she was darned crabby, annoying and looked like a fossil. She had the uncanny ability to embarrass everyone at one time or another with her rudimentary remarks said at the most inopportune times. After today’s comments, she couldn’t retire soon enough for me.
I was right, she’d wasted half of the class time going over the schedule, which she was now passing out. Tori grinned at me and motioned over towards Alex again. “Can you introduce me, unless you’ve changed your mind and are interested in him? Really who wouldn’t be? He’s hotter than a stick of dynamite on the fourth of July.” She had taken the teacher’s earlier comments with a grain of salt as they say. Nothing much ever seemed to embarrass her. She had that “whatever” attitude even when she’d been in her “frumpy” mode with her baggy clothes and thick glasses. Some things it seemed never changed.
I started to whisper a reply when Mrs. Pitts looked in our direction again. I instantly stilled. I wished Tori would stop looking at Alex. If he saw Tori looking, he’d think I said something about him and that she was checking him out. On the other hand, something worse might happen and the teacher might notice. That’s all I needed was another broadcasted comment from her.
I’d be glad when this class ended. Actually, I’d be glad when the day ended. I remembered hoping the class wasn’t an omen of things to come this year. Although I was pleased with all the nice compliments that I’d gotten, it might be a long year. I hadn’t minded the catcalls either. It was nice to be noticed for a change. However, it’s nice to be overlooked by certain teachers. I was finding out that acceptance comes with a price.
Chapter Two
We were choosing teams for dodgeball, which was one of my least favorite activities. I was chosen last, which was normal for me. Physical education, as I mentioned, is not one of my stellar classes. I’d do my best to stay out of the way of the ball and off the floor.
I wondered if the “bitch” sisters would target Tori and me as they usually did. Sure enough, they were all on the opposing team, which was no coincidence. They always seemed to make sure some of the worst players like Tori and me were on the opposing team. I guess they figured it would be an easy win, which is what usually happened.
Normally, I made an easy target, but that didn’t seem to be the case that day. I was dodging all the darn balls that sailed towards me, no matter how hard and fast they were thrown. I didn’t realize I’d become quite the star player until I noticed the frowns on the faces of my three adversaries. I was just happy that I wasn’t being hit with the stupid ball, which stung like heck. I was also upright, which was a big plus. The day was starting to look up.
The “bitch” sisters were glaring at me and whispering their strategies for winning or some crap.
I’d even managed to jump above a ball that was directed at my ankles. It was getting interesting. I liked beating them at their own game. In this case, that meant dodging balls deliberately aimed at the slower players like me. If the gym teacher noticed, she didn’t care enough to mention it. It was a known fact that the woman favored her better, more enthusiast athletes.
When the game was over, I walked towards the bleachers to get a towel. The unit I was usually stuck with had won for the first time ever. It was always more or less the same teams because Brittany always managed to be a team captain and choose her friends. The opposing captain was usually hesitant of crossing the “head” cheerleader, so they allowed her to choose the best players and salt her team with her friends.
I got pats on the back from several of my team members. Even the gym teacher said I played a good game. That was the first nice thing I’d ever heard from the likes of her. I don’t know what her problem was with me, but normally she seemed to have one, or she just flat out ignored me. It was probably because I wasn’t coordinated, but today I’d proved her wrong. It’s amazing what losing a few pounds and working out does for one’s agility.
Tori was beaming as she glanced towards the other end of the gym.
She whispered, “Look who’s been watching you. Alex has been watching you as often as possible. Every time I glanced over at him, he was looking at you. He wasn’t the only one watching you, Emma. I thought Raven was going to trip over his tongue watching you, when you bent over to retrieve that last ball. Vince seemed interested, too, and you weren’t even under his microscope.” We both laughed at that last comment, having discussed the whole non-existent boyfriend-girlfriend thing between Vince and me.
“Maybe they were looking at someone else.”
“They were looking at you.”
“How can you be so certain? You were playing too, and better than usual. I don’t think the boys were paying that much attention to me even with my newfound athletic abilities. Maybe they were just watching the game or the tight tops on some of the girls.”
“I was watching the boys as much as I could. Every time I turned around those three, and a few others, were watching you. You were great, Emma, and you look incredible in your gym shorts. Get used to getting devotion from the more perceptive males in this school. You’re going to be getting a lot of it if today’s gym class is any indication of their reaction to the new Emma Stephens. I didn’t know you were a star kickball player, either.” She laughed and waved at the guys before I could stop her, then whispered to me, “I still don’t believe you didn’t notice how the new guy, Vince, and Raven were all looking at you.”
“His name is Alex and I’m pretty sure I’m not his type. He’s not my type, either. Alex is too good looking for his own good. He’s probably rich, too.”
“It’s a bad thing to be rich and incredibly handsome now?”
“Well, no, I’m just not that good looking, nor do we have money, which makes me not his type. Besides, I’m not sure I should even be interested in someone like Raven. Brittany and the bitch sisters are more both their types and you know it. The sisters are welcome to Alex. Anyway, how do I know Raven won’t start dating Brittany again and just crush my hopes once more?”
“You don’t, but if he is too stupid to notice how beautiful and smart you are, now that you aren’t hiding in oversized, frumpy clothes, then he doesn’t deserve you. Besides, I wouldn’t call those bitches anyone’s type. In any case, you don’t even know this Alex. The guy is even
hotter than Raven, in a California surfer kind of way, and he sat by you. I’m sure that even the bitch sisters are jealous of the attention the guy is giving you.”
I didn’t make any comment about her calling my clothes oversized and frumpy. She had been the queen of frump, after all. I did say, “I doubt that they are that jealous of me. Alex and I only talked a few minutes and they don’t give a crap about Raven.”
“I would say that Brittany was definitely not the center of attention today. You know she hates that shit. The new guy wasn’t watching her at all. Alex, Raven, Vincent and half the boys were watching you. I know you like Raven. You have been crushing on him for eons and we both know it.”
“I think you’re exaggerating about the guys watching me. It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m not sure I’m interested in Raven or Alex, even if they are the hottest jocks around. You know I don’t date jocks.” As if I’d ever have a chance with either of them or any hot jock, I thought. Who was I kidding? I hadn’t dated anyone. I didn’t even normally acknowledge that I had crushed on Raven for the last couple of years. He’d dated Brittany. I wasn’t in his league; facts are facts.
Alex had surprised me again with his stealth. I was sure I blushed again as his eyes seemed to linger overlong on my long legs. I prayed he hadn’t heard me refer to him as being hot. The fire ignited in those amber eyes as they finally met mine after sweeping down my entire body.
When he spoke, I knew I was busted. I’d been caught talking about him again, as he said, “Sorry to disappoint you, Emma, but I’m not a jock. If you’d have been watching, you’d have seen I’m not much of an athlete, but I’m glad you think we’re some of the hottest. I noticed that you certainly are a female, jock that is. I’d mention you’re hot too, but I don’t want to cause you to blush more than you already are. Raven mentioned you must have become some kind of hot, female jock over the summer.” He was daring me to tell him I was not an athlete. I wished he’d just go away, as his fire eyes seemed to see into my soul.
“No, I’m not any kind of sports person, Alex. It was just a lucky game. You’re right about one thing. I wasn’t watching you guys. I was too busy dodging that stupid ball. I just assumed you were a, um, jock. Sorry, you just look like an athlete. I’ve got to go. I’m meeting some friends for lunch.”
He smirked at me as if he knew I’d been caught again at a disadvantage. At that moment, Tori, who was standing there gawking at Alex as if she’d never seen a handsome guy before, cleared her throat.
“Oh, Alex, I’d like you to meet my friend, Tori Miller.”
“Hello, Tori. It’s nice to meet any friend of Emma’s. I’m sure I’ll be seeing more of both of you.” Then he looked back at me. “So, Emma, you think I look like a jock, that’s interesting. We just met, but you seem to have already formed an opinion about me. I wonder if you form quick opinions of everyone, or is it just me? We’ll have to discuss your opinion of me sometime. I’m not all bad you know, or obvious. I believe I might even change your mind about a few things when you get to know me better. Perhaps then we can talk about my opinion of you.”
“I said I’m sorry, Alex. I didn’t mean to sound... However, you do look, well you look...” okay, so how did I finish that? I couldn’t just say you’re hot. Lamely, I finished with the only thing I could think of to say, “You know that you look more like an athlete than a Math major.”
“Oh, I believe you consider that I look and think like a jock. It may interest you to know that I’m normally academically at the top of the class. My grade point average is always four point. Maybe I’ll see you this afternoon, Emma. We can discuss what a Math major is supposed to look like. I think this year will prove to be most interesting for both of us.” As he made that last remark, he gave me a crooked grin that made his dimple show. It made him almost irresistible, for a minute at least, until I heard him mumble under his breath just loud enough for me to hear, “Maybe I am a bit of an athlete. I just love a challenge don’t you, Emma?”
I didn’t have a chance to say anything before he bid Tori goodbye and was gone. How did someone that big manage to be so quick and graceful, I wondered as I watched him walk to the door. He was elegant male magnificence in motion. He did have a nice butt, too. Tori was right about that one. I couldn’t help looking, just like most of the girls were doing. I tried not to think about his last comment. Alex made me nervous and he always seemed to catch me at a disadvantage. I knew it would be best to avoid him, just as I’d thought earlier. He was too handsome and confident for his own good and any girl fortunate to catch his eye.
The minute he was out of earshot, Tori sprung on me, “Why didn’t you invite him to lunch? Gods, he’s hot and he doesn’t know anyone yet. You could’ve been nicer to him for my sake at least, since you claim you’re not interested. We both know he’s not interested in me, but I would’ve enjoyed just looking at those dreamy amber eyes and that dimple. Ahh, but it’s sooo obvious he’s interested in you, Emma. Wouldn’t it have been worth sitting with him, even if you’re not interested, just to watch Brittany’s face?”
“I don’t care what Brittany thinks about anything. I’m sure he’s planning to sit with someone at lunch. He seems to make friends easily. All the girls are crushing on him already, as you’ve obviously noticed. I don’t think he’d be interested in having lunch with me anyway. He keeps sneaking up on me when I’m saying things that aren’t particularly nice. He’s heard a couple of things already that he shouldn’t have heard. I think he just enjoys sneaking up during a conversation and embarrassing me. I don’t need someone like that in my life. Anyway, I apologized; that ends it between us.”
“Oh, I don’t think you’ve seen the last of Alex. You didn’t see how he was looking at you. I did. Those eyes of his seemed to ignite when he was watching you. It doesn’t matter what he heard you say, he’s definitely attracted to you. You’re an idiot if you don’t encourage his attention. If you don’t pursue him, I plan to go after him. Those eyes of his are dreamy and that butt.” Back to his butt again, I thought. Will I have to hear about Alex and his back end all year, I wondered?
“I think I'm an anomaly to him. That’s all it is. He’s not used to any girl that doesn’t fall all over him because of his amazing looks. I obviously represent a challenge to him, that’s all. Maybe he likes red cheeks. Who knows? I really don’t want to discuss him anymore. Let’s go, or everyone will wonder why we aren’t in the cafeteria. Look, I’m sorry I didn’t invite him just for you,” I said a little sarcastically, getting bored with the subject of Alex. However, you’ll see. He’ll be sitting with one of the bitch sisters by the time we get to the cafeteria. Brittany has been eyeing him, as you know.”
“She eyes all the hot guys, but unlike the others, he wasn’t paying any attention to her. You’re right about the time though. It’s getting late. Let’s go. If Alex is alone, promise me you’ll go over and invite him to sit with us,” Tori said as she looked at her new designer watch. The one her mother had gotten her for being on the honor roll last year. It had been a first for her. Her parents were elated and rewarded her hard work with a Michael Kors watch. I wouldn’t know what to do if I got a gift like that, but she wore it well.
“If you stop talking about him, I promise to invite him to sit with us if he is alone. I’ll even leave early so you two can be alone. You’re welcome to him.” Slim chance of him being alone, I thought. It would be a moot point. At that point, I’d have said anything to get her to shut up about Alex. I loved Tori, but if she got on a certain subject, she was determined and as obvious as a bull in a china shop. Unfortunately for me, her subject for the moment was Alex.
We got a quick shower amidst more comments by Tori about Alex and my lack of good sense. Of course, most of the girls were talking about him. The new student at Graham was the main topic in the girls’ locker room, based on the snippets of conversation I’d heard. I knew that most of the girls in school would be doing everything they could to get his attention.
&nb
sp; Alex was like a bronzed Greek god or something, to hear them tell it. True, he was incredible looking, but he was already too popular for my taste. Anyway, he seemed to like to irritate me. Who needed that? I didn’t need my heart broken either, especially by someone who probably had a string of ex-girlfriends back in California. Even with my improved looks, I was just not in his class of super-hot, nor did I want to be.
Tori was mistaken. I knew he wasn’t interested in me. I think he just liked catching me saying things about him, or perhaps he took some perverse pleasure in pursuing conversation with a girl that obviously didn’t care much for him. Drat his stealthy approaches anyway.
Chapter Three
We walked into the lunchroom late, as I’d predicted. I hated it, because everyone seemed to watch you when you were late. Tori nudged me and said more loudly than necessary, “See, I told you. Alex is by himself.”
“Can you talk a little softer? I don’t want the whole cafeteria to know what we’re talking about.”
“Okay, but why don’t you stop acting like a witch with a “b” and ask him to sit with us. You know you don’t hate the guy. He just called you out on your rude remarks. Remember, you promised to ask him for my sake so I can drool a little. You owe me.”
I had no idea what I owed her this time, but let it go and said, “I know I promised. I can’t believe he’s eating alone. He’s not my type, but you’re right, I wasn’t exactly nice to the guy. I’m not trying to be a witch. Alex seems okay, I guess. Let me say hello to everyone first. Then I’ll go invite him to sit with us.”
Secretly, I hoped that someone would sit with him before I had to go ask him if he wanted to join us. I didn’t like my reaction to him, though I’d never admit that to Tori. He made me more than just nervous. There was some kind of an attraction there. The worst part was the way he set my stomach aflutter when he looked at me with those fire eyes of his.
Dark Hearts Page 4
