Waiting for Something (3 page)

             
“Thanks. I’ll text you sometime to set up my first lesson this weekend,” I grabbed my phone back and put it away.

             
“You’re serious about this, aren’t you?” he chuckled.

             
“Of course I am. Once I commit to something I put my whole heart into it. I’m not a half-ass type of gal,” I blushed when I cursed and he held back a laugh.

             
“Well, alright. Sounds good to me, Ali. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he whispered in my ear and lingered for a little too long, letting goose bumps rise on my skin.

             
After seeing Jake yet again, I decided to go back to the house and wash up before supper time. I was sitting in my room talking to my friends back home on Facebook when there was a slight knock on the door.

             
“Alice, sweetie, you have a visitor,” my mom peeked her head in.

             
“Who is it?” I turned around on my stomach.

             
“Marlie, your neighbor. Thanks, Marsha,” she let herself by.

             
“No problem, sweetie,” my mom smiled. I knew she liked her.

             
“Marlie, what are you doing here?” I was a little surprised to see her.

             
“I saw you at the beach today,” she walked around my bedroom, messing with my knick knacks.

             
“Yeah, so?” I sat up in my bed.

             
“With Jake,” she eyed me.

             
“Marlie, what do you have against Jake?” I cut to the core of it all.

             
“I don’t trust him. I know what he’s like. I’ve seen him. Different girls all the time, always partying. He’s a jerk.” She crossed her arms.

             
“So what? You’re not interested in him, are you?” I gauged her reaction.

             
“Oh God no! Disgusting! Wait, sorry. I know you kind of have a thing for him. I like blonde guys,” she was obviously referring to Justin.

             
“Then what? What are you trying to keep from me?” She sat on the bed.

             
“I just, you’re new here and I think we could be good friends. I just don’t want him to hurt you,” she looked genuine.

             
“He won’t hurt me. If it makes you feel any better, I’m not even interested.” I really wasn’t anymore. He was sort of a pig.

             
“But last night at the party I could have sworn you were crushing,” she looked embarrassed.

             
“I guess I kind of was at first. I mean he’s hot, incredibly hot, but he is kind of a pig. He’s teaching me to surf, okay. It’s nothing more than that and he made it pretty clear. Don’t worry. I’m fine. I actually kind of am interested in Carter.” I blushed.

             
“Chelsea will kill you,” Marlie grinned.

             
“Maybe we can have ourselves a little bit of a challenge?” I raised an eyebrow, grinning.

             
“Ali Burns, you are trouble. I like you,” she laughed.

             
“I can tell we are going to be great friends,” I smiled in return.

             
“Me too. So I should get going. I think you’re having supper soon,” she got off the bed.

             
“Wait, do you want to stay for dinner? I’d like to have you. We’re just having burgers,” I got up with her.

             
“Are you sure that’s okay?” She was definitely a really sweet girl with good intentions.

             
“Yeah, of course, we’d like to have you. Plus you can help me pick out what to wear to school tomorrow. I’m a little nervous,” I smiled sheepishly.

             
“Don’t worry, you’ll fit right in,” she hooked my arm with hers and we went downstairs.

After dinner, she helped clean up even though I insisted millions of times she didn’t have to.

              “So Justin and I will pick you up tomorrow for school?” I walked her to the door.

             
“Sounds good, are you should I wear that outfit? What if it’s too much?” She opened the door.

             
“Don’t worry, you’ll look perfect. Carter will take a double look, in fact, every guy will. Keep in mind this is just a junior and senior high school. But I guess there are about 300 kids, so I guess you will make an impression or blend in. Well, there I go babbling again like an idiot making you nervous! Sorry, I’ll see you tomorrow! Sleep tight!” She gave me a hug and skipped off to her house which was only three houses away.

             
“Marlie seems like a nice girl,” my dad came into the kitchen while I helped my mom finish cleaning up from supper.

             
“Yeah, I like her,” I smiled.

             
“Just what you needed, a friend.” My mom kissed the top of my head.

             
“I don’t need friends mom. I chose to be friends with Marlie. She’s genuine and really funny.” I looked up at her.

             
“She’s hot, too,” Dillon came in with his packed back pack.

             
“You are so gross.” I tossed soap bubbles on him.

             
“What? She is,” he tried to seem innocent.

             
“Dillon, enough. Go get ready for bed. You can play video games until 9:30 but lights out then,” my mom ushered him up the stairs.

             
“9:30! What am I, seven?” He looked incredulous.

             
“No, but you are starting at a new school that’s about ten minutes away. If you want me to give you a ride, you have to be up earlier than usual,” she instructed.

             
“How about ten?” Dillon pushed.

             
“9:45, that’s as far as I’ll budge. Now go,” she finished the discussion and went back to putting away the dishes.

             
“Alice, are you nervous for tomorrow?” My mom was the only person to ever call me Alice.

             
“What do you think, Marsha?” My dad came over and wrapped his arms around her waist.

             
“Yeah, Mom, of course I’m nervous,” I tried to avoid eye contact because my nerves were really starting to sink in.

             
“You’ll be fine, sweetheart. You’ll fit right in.” She squeezed my hand.

             
“Thanks. Well, I’m going to call it a night. I love you.” I kissed my parents cheeks and headed upstairs to get ready for bed.

             
You know something awesome about this house is that there are two master bedrooms and I got one. So that means I get an entire bathroom all to myself. I got ready for bed and laid out my outfit for tomorrow. Then I grabbed my book and snuggled into bed with my phone sitting on my night stand. I set the alarm just in case I fell asleep reading and started in on my book.

I’m glad I set the alarm because before I knew it, it was going off at 6 in the morning and my ass was dragging.

              I crawled out of bed and shuffled to the bathroom for a shower. I dried my hair, straightened it, put my makeup on and then got dressed. I put on a medium-length, white-laced skirt, a light blue cotton tank, a brown skinny belt around the waist and then a pleather black ¾-sleeved jacket. For shoes I decided on my black wedges. I looked in the mirror and questioned if the outfit was the right choice. But I was running out of time so I was stuck with it now. I went downstairs. Justin and Marlie would be coming in about 15 minutes, so I sat down while the rest of my family hustled and bustled around. My dad set two pancakes on my plate and gave me a glass milk.

             
“Happy first day of school, kiddo. Have fun today.” He kissed my forehead.

             
“Thanks, Dad,” I blushed a little.

             
“Oh, Alice Burns, you look stunning,” my mom came walking in all dressed and ready for the day carrying a pair of Dillon’s sneakers.

             
“Thanks, Mom.” I quickly ate my breakfast and before I knew it, I heard Justin honk in my driveway.

             
“That’s my ride. See you all later. Good luck today, twerp.” I lightly punched Dillon’s arm.

             
“Thanks, you too.” He looked a little nervous for today. I grabbed my bag by the door and headed out to Justin’s car.

             
“Dang! Look what the cat dragged in.” Marlie whistled as I hopped in the back seat.

             
“It’s not too much, is it?” I felt uncomfortable.

             
“Are you kidding? No. I’m dressed up too.” She smiled.

             
“Don’t worry, Ali. Everyone dresses up at our school, and almost every day, too,” Justin concurred.

             
“You’ll fit right in,” Marlie turned back around.

             
Everyone was saying how I’d fit in. But what if I didn’t want to fit in?

Two

              I walked through the doors of the high school and my stomach wound tight. There were so many kids and teachers running around getting ready for the assembly. I looked around a little for Carter or Jake but didn’t find them. One moment I was standing next to Marlie and Justin and the next they lost me or I lost them. Somehow I managed to find my table with a planner and some paperwork for my parents and then I headed into the gym where everyone was sitting. I looked around for Marlie and didn’t see her from the hundreds of people already sitting down. So I took a seat by a girl who seemed nice enough.

             
“Is it alright if I sit here?” I asked before sitting down.

             
“Go ahead.” She scooted over to give me more room.

             
“Thanks, I’m Ali by the way,” I tried to make small talk.

             
“MacKenna, but you can just call me Mac if you want,” she smiled.

             
“So are you a junior or senior?” I continued with the banter.

             
“A senior. Let me guess, you’re new here?” She giggled a little.

             
“Yeah, why? Is it that obvious?” My face turned red.

             
“No, it’s just that everyone knows that I’m a senior. I’m the popular one I guess. I don’t know if you’ve met Jake Thomas yet but we’ve been dating since last year. His family is the richest family at this school and both brothers are popular,” she liked the fact that he had money. I could tell. She also seemed like a total airhead.

             
“Oh, yeah, I’ve heard of him.” I really didn’t feel the need to tell her how I knew him.

             
“He’s actually coming now so he’s sitting with us,” she flipped her curled brown hair.

             
“Oh, cool. So do you know Marlie and Justin?” Maybe she’d tell me something I didn’t know.

             
“Those two? They should date already. They’re super cute. They’re with our crowd and you are too, now.” She acted as if it was some sort of privilege.

             
“Awesome,” was all I said.

             
“Oh, there he is! Jake, sweetie, over here,” she rose her voice a little.

             
“Hey, babe. Who’s this?” I couldn’t believe I was stupid enough to think he wanted anything to do with me. 

             
“This is Ali. She’s new, so be nice.” They kissed before sitting down.

             
“Well if you don’t mind, I’ll take the middle seat.” He squeezed between us annoyingly.

             
“So, you don’t know me?” I scoffed.

             
“Sorry about that,” he whispered.

             
“I didn’t think you had a girlfriend,” I pointed.

             
“I don’t. She’s just my longest on-going thing. We know that it’s not serious,” he winked.

             
“No, don’t even try. I’m holding up to our deal.” I crossed my arms.

             
“Maybe that deal can change. I didn’t know you’d look like this all the time,” he gave me a once over.

             
“No way. You know, you’re kind of a pig,” I rolled my eyes.

             
“You’re right. I kind of am a pig but we call that a player in San Diego,” he winked.

             
“I’m not falling for your act, Jake.” I turned my head and ended the conversation.

             
I sat through the assembly listening to a boring speech about the handbook and then at the very end, embarrassingly enough, the principal decided to point me out. How I was the only new one was shocking but of course it would be me.

             
“Now if you’d all please pay attention to this next part. Alice Burns, please stand up.” His voice echoed through the gym and I sat there mortified for a minute.

             
“Alice Burns, please stand up,” he commanded again and finally, my knees wobbly, I stood up.

             
“Everyone, this is Alice Burns. She’s new here. Please help her out and be of service to her. Carter Thomas will be taking you class to class these next two weeks. You’ll have the same schedule. Any questions?”  Could this be any worse?

             
“Alright. Well then, you’re all dismissed. Head to first period,” he announced.

             
“Well, looks like you’re stuck with my little brother. Good luck.” Jake laughed.

             
“Have fun, Ali. Don’t worry about Mr. Loofe. He’s dumber than a box of rocks.” Mac grabbed Jake’s hand and they left.

             
I sat around waiting until almost everyone cleared out. Marlie and Justin found me and talked to me for a minute but then had to go.

             
“So you’re stuck with me this year,” I heard a voice from behind me.

             
“I guess so.” I turned my head almost kissing him.

             
“Whoa, slow up. I’m not my brother,” he winked and I blushed.

             
“As if this day couldn’t get any worse I’m stuck with another Thomas,” I sighed.

             
“We’re not all that bad. Give me some time. I’ll convince you otherwise. You ready to go?” He grinned.

             
“As I’ll ever be,” I grabbed my bag and stood up.

             
“You look good by the way,” he commented on my outfit.

             
“Thanks. I guess this is how girls dress here every day,” I shrugged.

             
“You got that right.” We walked toward the lockers.

             
“Where’s my locker?” I looked at the numbers.

             
“You’ll be right by me since they designated me helper of the newbie.” He stopped in front of his locker and pointed to the one next to him.

             
“Thanks, I just love being labeled ‘the newbie,’” I rolled my eyes.

             
“You’re not labeled ‘the newbie.’ So far this morning I’ve heard ‘sexy,’ ‘hot,’ ‘a good ride,’ let me think, ‘fresh meat,’ ‘new and improved Chelsea,’ and the best:  ‘the Thomas’ next target,’” He laughed.

             
“Oh good Lord.” I sighed heavily.

             
“Don’t worry. It gets easier,” he nudged me playfully.

             
“You’re nothing like your brother,” I noticed.

             
“You got that right. But he’s still my best friend.” He acted thankful that he wasn’t like Jake.

             
“So, off to first hour?” I asked.

             
“Ladies first,” he let me walk ahead a little.

             
“Did I mention another name for you was ‘legs for days and an ass that makes boys clap,’” he chuckled.

             
“Shut up,” I slapped him and made sure to walk side by side with him. 

             
First hour was easy enough. It was advanced English 11. Second was Math 11 good thing too because I’m horrid at math. Third hour was psychology and fourth hour was a dumb one, sports science. Who takes a class like that? Fifth was split between a study hall and lunch. At lunch Carter kind of unintentionally ditched me. He really was fun to hang out with. He’s so playful and laid back. I wondered why Jake was so different. I went through the lunch line and let me tell you, the food here is better than in Colorado. I walked up to the sitting area and had no idea where to sit. A couple of guys invited me to sit with them but I dutifully declined. Finally I just sat by this kid Ryan who’s in my sports science class.

             
“Seat taken?” I smiled.

             
“Be my guest,” he offered me the seat next to him.

             
“So you’re in my sports science class, right?” I acted like I didn’t remember.

             
“Sure am. Why are you taking the class? You’re the only girl in there,” he smirked.

             
“Kind of didn’t have a say in my classes. Most of them are alright, except that one and math,” I made small talk again.

             
“Well I’m Ryan in case you forgot,” he took a bite of his sandwich.

             
“Ali,” I commenced.

             
“Oh, trust me. I know who you are. So far you’ve kissed three guys here and one girl. Impressive,” he winked and nudged me.

             
“Which one was the best?” I laughed.

             
“Probably the girl. Girls know what girls like,” he joked.

             
“You’re right. So why are you sitting over here by yourself?” I noticed we were stuck at a small table away from the crowd.

             
“Lunch is my alone time. Being friends with Jake and the ’in’ crowd gets tiring. Sometimes you just need a break,” he sighed.

             
“Wow, deep. If you want me to leave, I will,” I felt bad and started to get up.

             
“No, stay. You’re a good kind of disturbance,” he pulled my arm down.

             
“Well, gee, thanks. So why are you just a follower?” I noticed he was way more built than Jake.

             
“What do you mean?” his face looked perplexed.

             
“You’re more built than Jake. Usually the stronger and more ripped guy is the leader,” I shrugged, thinking of my old school.

             
“First of all, popularity isn’t shit here and second of all, I’m not a douche like Jake.” I obviously upset him.

             
“You just said something about the ‘in’ crowd and so I just assumed that popularity was a big deal here,” I backed up.

             
“Sorry. I just get sick and tired of girls always thinking that popularity actually exists at this school. Do you see any cliques? No. Everyone sits where they want,” he motioned around to some of the tables.

             
“I’m not like most girls,” I rolled my eyes, of course he thought I was just like every other girl here.

             
“Look, I’m sorry I pissed you off. I didn’t mean for it to come out like that.” He looked apologetic.

             
“It’s fine,” I messed with some grapes on my tray.

             
“You’re cute when you’re upset.” He took a drink of his milk.

             
“I’ve heard it all today. Please. I’m so not in the mood,” I sighed thinking of all the guys that have groped me and flirted with me today.

             
“There’s no mood to be set. I was just commenting. A girl like you is going to get attention around here,” he shrugged.

             
“Thanks,” I growled.

             
“You don’t like me, do you?” I heard him smile.

             
“No, I do. I think. You’re cute and funny. Maybe a little crazy but then again, who isn’t?” I commented.

             
“Crazy? Nah, I’m not crazy. Cute, funny, and charming? Yes. But crazy? No,” he nudged me again.

             
“Here’s my number. Call me,” he handed me a folded up piece of paper.

“Really?
This wasn’t a one- time deal?” I asked.

“Sure.  Why not?
You, me Friday night. Let me take you to dinner,” he grinned.

“Yeah, sure, of course,” I felt myself blush.

“I’ll see you later.” He went off down the hall.

Soon I was walking to my locker in a haste hoping not to lose Carter. I got to my locker and there he was with Chelsea hanging on his hip.

“Ew,” Chelsea snarled.

“Chelsea, stop,” Carter groaned.

“No, forget it, Carter. We need to get to the next class.” I grabbed my books from my locker.

“You’re right. I’ll talk to you later, babe.” They kissed and she walked off in a different direction.

“I’m sorry about that. She’s just jealous.” We walked to our next class.

“She shouldn’t be jealous. But it’s okay, honestly,” I looked at the ground.

“Well, she shouldn’t have done that,” he shrugged.

“Hey, what do you know about Ryan Mitchel?” I got off topic.

“He’s cool, why?” he looked at me.

“Just wondering,” I shook it off.