Falling by Design (6 page)

I turn away from the window and focus on my sketches. I have to finish the two I started the other day, before I can work on anything else. I was wrong about needing to take my mind off my work. It's much safer to think about fashion, than it is about Grayson. I'm just going to have to keep my mind centered and away from him.

I need to focus on my future.

NINE

I've never let my school interfere with my education. - Mark Twain

I thought being a senior would feel different, but school is still school.

We're in our third week of the semester and I'm already stressing to get all my papers written. Yes, I'm one of those good students that likes to have her homework done way before it is actually due. I feel that being organized will keep me from being stressed, but in reality, that's not exactly true.

Dakota and I are just settling in our English class when the principle makes an announcement for the seniors to make their way into the gymnasium for a meeting. I completely forgot they scheduled an assembly for today. Everybody jumps to their feet, the excitement of getting out of class evident on their faces.

As we make our way into gymnasium, my gaze skims over my fellow students.

"Looking for someone particular?" Dakota asks with a smug look on her face.

"No," I reply glaring, and she shrugs in return. She knows I'm lying to her, and to myself. I'm looking for Grayson.

He's been distant the last two weeks, barely acknowledging me with a nod when I sit down in my seat. I was the one to push him away and now that I've succeeded I wanted him back. Scowling, I plop myself next to Dakota, determined to keep my attention at the front podium instead of scanning the crowd.

"Now that you've all settled into your classes and received your syllabi, it is time to talk about important aspects of school, like extracurricular activities." A cheer goes through the room, and Dakota and I grin at each other. Our school is not like the others. Seeing as we all had to test to get in, we actually have some serious love for our administration. The academics here are excellent and the teachers take the time to speak with their students, because they really care. Extracurricular activities are a huge part of the way they run the school. Principle Harris always goes on to remind us how important it is keeping your body, as well as mind, active in order to make our resumes look impressive for admissions.

"For our senior class, I've decided to put together a few volunteer opportunities to start the year off. We'll have plenty of dances, but with the end of your high school career coming closer and closer every day I want this school to give you the best opportunities for success. Colleges look for applicants who give back to their communities, so that's what we're going to do. The administration put together a few lists for you to choose from. You'll have some time to meet with your guidance counselors and decide which volunteer position you'd like to take. Once that is finished, you'll do an evaluation at the end of your time with the organization or business. The administration and the people you help will write a recommendation letter which will be placed in your file for college admissions. As usual, this is not mandatory, but if you can fit it in your schedule, it will help you in the future."

The announcement is met by another cheer and some clapping. I love this aspect of my school. While we have our typical kids, most want to have a successful life and therefore, chose to participate in these types of activities.

"On the other hand," Principle Harris continues, "there is Homecoming." This time the cheer shakes the room with its excitement. While we might be ambitious kids, we still love a good party. "This year we have decided on an off campus pep rally during the week," —more cheers—  "And then game and dance at the end of the week. This way, you will have something to look forward to while you're working at your various volunteer positions.” Another teacher takes his place at the podium to go over some of the regulation aspects for this year, but his voice is more of a background noise as I sit, fidgeting in my seat. I’m not sure where all this nervous energy is coming from, but I can’t stay still or focus. It’s as if I’m channeling Dakota.

“That is all." Principle Harris announces after another twenty minutes of torturous administration talk.

We've been dismissed and we all stand in one accord to trickle out of the room. As we head out of the gymnasium, Dakota and I are discussing various options for volunteering when I hear a familiar voice from behind me.

"I'm thinking—the puppies need us again," Chance says draping his arm around my shoulders as he materializes out of the crowd. I squeal, launching myself fully into his arms.

Chance and I have been friends for ages. I haven't seen him all summer because he was out traveling with his dad, who's some top secret scientist who’s official name I can never pronounce. I guess today is his first day back. He neglected to mention that part when he emailed two days ago.

Chance is the kind of a guy that makes everything seem okay. While my family doesn't do well with hugs, his hugs always make me feel better. People have mistaken us for a couple more than once, but Chance is like a brother to me. That, and he's secretly in love with Dakota. Not that I would ever tell her that.

"You gotta stop getting so gorgeous or I'll have to beat boys away with a stick come college." This is a standard greeting every time he’s been away for any length of time and it makes me warm all over as I snuggle into his side. I've been missing his simple teasing all summer.

"Glad to have you back!" I say, letting my arm come around his middle as we walk to class. I glance over at Dakota just in time to see her roll her eyes. I'm not sure why, but Dakota doesn't exactly have a soft spot for Chance. They can’t speak to each other without sarcasm dripping puddles between them.

"Dakota," he says looking over my head at my best friend walking beside me, "I see you're just as lovely as ever."

"Chance, you're back. Yay." I have to suppress a laugh at her dry tone, but Chance doesn't.

"And as pleasant as I remember."

I elbow him in the ribs because it's easier than dodging the wrath of Dakota. He beams, knowing exactly how much he annoys her. I'm not sure what the deal between these two really is, but I sure am happy to have Chance back.

"I'm glad you finally decided to grace us with your presence," I say, tucked safely under his arm, "I thought I'd have to send out National Guard to bring you back."

"Dad thought it'd be nice for us to spend some quality time together, once we finished with his research trip. In the desert of all places. As if I don't get enough of that scenery living here." I shake my head a little, thinking of Chance's dad. He's the most easy going person I know. However, after years of being friends with Chance, I still have no distinct idea about what his father does, but I know he’s wonderful and that’s enough.

"So about the volunteer positions, I'm definitely up for—" I don't get to finish my sentence because there is a body blocking our walkway and we jerk to a stop. I glance up from under Chance's arm to meet Grayson's scowl.

"Grayson!" Chance exclaims before anyone could figure out what to say. He drops his arm from my shoulder and grabs Grayson in a man hug.

A genuine smile lights up Grayson's face and he slams a hand on Chance’s back. “Good to see you!”

"I can't believe no one told me you were back," Chance says turning his eyes on me. "Way to keep important information from me, Cosmopolitan." I cringe at the use of the nickname at the same time I see Grayson's eyebrow raise in response. Great, let's add more fuel to Grayson's never ending supply of things to humiliate me about. Chance is still watching me, so I put on what I hope is a sheepish smile.

"Well, I know how much you love surprises." He’s satisfied with that response and turns his attention back to other boy. I might've forgotten for a second that Grayson and Chance used to be close. Maybe close is a little bit of a mediocre word for them two. They were more like inseparable, joined at the hip, Siamese twins. I never understood that, especially considering my own history with Grayson. But after Chance and I became friends, I realized how different Grayson was when it came to his friends. He was, and still is, a contradiction of personalities. Chance always saw the good, while I got all the bad. After Grayson disappeared, Chance told me keeping in touch wouldn’t be easy but I didn’t press for details.

"Man, we got to catch up!" Chance is all smiles. Seriously, his mouth has officially taken over his face. I have to give it to him, he sure knows how to be excited about stuff.

"We do." Grayson replies, and his eyes flicker to mine.

"We all need to go out after school. We can head over to that diner you like," Chance says looking back at me. He’s as hyper as a kid who just won first place at a science fair, throwing his arm around my shoulders once more. "It'll be fun."

"Sorry Charlie," I reply, trying to look sorrier than I feel, "But in your absence, some of us got a job."

"Well it can't be Dakota." I ram my elbow into his side again as I turn to glance at my best friend. Her reaction is simple, a roll of the eyes and a frustrated puff of air. She opens her mouth to reply, but I cut her off.

"I have to work, so we can—"

"You don't go to work till five." All three of us turn to gape at Grayson's soft words. I'm not exactly sure how to react to the fact that he knows that. Dakota is grinning beside me, while Chance wears an expression I can't decipher.

"Fine. After school, Johnny Rockets. Now, we have to get to class." Without another second to spare, I grab Dakota, ducking from under Chance's arm and head toward our class. I can feel both of the boys eyes on my retreating back, but there is no way I'm giving them the satisfaction of a look. Dakota tries to keep up with me as I march down the hall.

"Well, things are just keep getting better and better," she says, smugly, as we reach our destination.

TEN

I never make stupid mistakes, only very very clever ones... - Author Unknown

By the time school lets out, I'm a nervous wreck.

Grayson continued to ignore me throughout the day and I have to give him points for knowing when to not talk to me. I think he knew that if he said anything, I'd bail on our little after school adventure.

I'm not exactly sure why I'm so nervous. It's not like I'm going on a date with him. Plus, Dakota and Chance are going to be there, so I don't really have to say anything, which means I have to calm myself down. Way down. Not that any sort of pep talk is actually working on me right now.

"So are you excited?" Dakota asks skipping up to me as we head toward the parking lot. She has already asked me this question three times during the day. I'm ready to strangle her and her excitement. I throw a glare her way and ignore the question.

"Brooklynn and Grayson sitting in a tree—"

"Stop!" I exclaim, cutting off her singing and earning a few weird looks. "Would you just knock it off?" I hiss, trying to keep my voice down.

“Sorry, you know how much I love drama.”

“At the expense of your best friend?” I cross my arms, letting her know just how annoyed I am at her antics. She has the decency to look apologetic, before throwing her arms around me for a quick hug.

“You’re right. I’m being inconsiderate. I think Chance’s presence is making the air full of toxic fumes. It’s messing with my mind.” It’s her way of apologizing, and while I know I can make a bunch of remarks about the boy in question, I let it go. For now.

"Brooklynn," Chance calls out from across the lot. He and Grayson are standing in front of Chance's 1970 black Ford Mustang. It's his baby. Cassandra. He's a weird one, that boy. Dakota and I stop in front of her 2011 blue Toyota Corolla and glance at the boys. I keep my eyes trained exclusively on Chance, so I catch his mocking once over of Dakota's car. These two have been in rivalry over their cars for years. Before Dakota's Toyota, she drove her dad's Suburban to school and that received a lot of hassle from Chance as well. I think hassle is his middle name.

"You sure you want to ride in that?" he asks pointing to Dakota's car. "I know you love Cassandra. My baby missed you." He pets the top. I make a face at his facial expression as Dakota grumbles something under her breath next to me. I wave at the boys and duck into the car. Dakota follows.

"That arrogant piece of male annoyance, I'd like to—"

"Be nice," I interrupt before she can start on one of her rants about him. She has a tendency to be very expressive when it comes to Chance. "Technically, you're the one dragging me to this thing so you better be more than nice."

"Fine, but only because I want to see what Grayson has to say," she replies with a wink. What did I do to deserve this kind of a torture? I almost whimper and turn to stare out the window. Dakota turns the radio on and starts singing along to the recently overplayed song. My best friend actually has a great voice, but she doesn't usually use it when she's singing to the radio.

We pull up to the Johnny Rocket's diner in the next few minutes, the boys already waiting in the parking lot. I get out, keeping my eyes strictly on Chance. I'm not sure how long that's going to work, but I'm willing to give it a try.

We come up to the door, and Chance wraps his arm around me leading me inside. Grayson and Dakota follow close behind.