A/N: I decided to write something a little different, so I started writing a story with an original character and it being in their P.O.V. I may add another P.O.V into the mix later. Also, I want to say that I hope you guys give this story a chance and like the character I created. I am open to any suggestions or ideas and as always please leave a review letting me know what you thought. :-) Jarrad
I'm woken by a knock on my bedroom door, "Alexis, it's time to wake up. I made your favourite, blueberry pancakes, so head downstairs before they get cold."
Yawning I open my eyes, "Thanks Gran. I'll be down in a minute." I call out as I pull back the covers, stretching as I stumble into my en-suite bathroom. After splashing some cold water on my face, I feel more alert and less like a zombie, jet lag still has me a little messed up. Leaning against the sink I take a moment to think how much my life has changed in the last week, packing up my life, leaving my school and friends to move halfway around the globe to live with my grandparents. I always loved it when Mum, Dad and I would visit for three to four weeks every year at Christmas time when I was growing up, so when Gran and Gramps offered for me to stay with them and finish my education in Rosewood I jumped at the opportunity. Normally I would stay with my aunt and uncle back in Australia when my parents go away for work but with twins on the way it just seemed better for everyone involved for me to go to the U.S. So now I get to live in Rosewood with my grandparents while my parents are in Peru on an archaeological dig for at least eighteen months.
Making my way downstairs I see Gramps walking out of his den with his golf clubs over his shoulder. For a retired postal worker in his late sixties he is in pretty good shape, he's of slim build with a full head of salt and pepper hair. He is always telling me he feels physically fitter now than he did thirty years ago. Seeing me reaching the bottom of the stairs he greets me with a smile, "Oh hey there Luthor, Gran made your favourite."
"Morning Gramps. Gran already called me for breakfast, I'm on my way to hook in now. Are you off to the club?"
"As a matter of fact, I am. If you like I could wait and you can come to the country club with me, I can show you around."
We both enter the kitchen to find it empty, "I'm in here." Calls my grandmother. We walk through the kitchen into the dining room to see Gran sitting at the table.
"I was just going to hang around here again today, maybe help Gran with her gardening if she wants it."
I look to my grandmother, who smiles at me warmly, "I was just going to do a little reading in the garden, then I was going to drive into the city to see Mavis, poor thing fell in the shower and broke her arm a few weeks ago, so she's staying with Tara and Drew until she's able to look after herself again. I thought it would be nice for her to have a day out in the city."
"That's a great idea Gran, could you tell her I said hello?"
Gran takes a sip of her tea before speaking, "Of course I will Pumpkin. She was so excited when I told her you were coming to live with us while Julia and Trent are in Peru."
"Personally, I think she was more excited about what is currently sitting in the garage." Mutters Gramps.
"Arthur!"
"What? I'm only joking Sophie, you know I was only kidding, don't you Luthor?" Gramps wraps his arm around my shoulder and pulls me into his side causing me to chuckle.
"Yeah Mavis has always been a bit of a car enthusiast Gran, I'll have to take her for a spin in Sally when she's back home and feeling better."
"You named your car Sally?" Gran inquires as Gramps and I both take a seat at the table.
"You guys bought me a brand-new mustang, so it was pretty obvious it had to be named Sally." Gran just shakes her head and laughs as Gramps and I start singing the chorus to 'Mustang Sally'. Gramps grabs himself a bagel and smears on some cream cheese while I dig into my pancakes, "Dad could never make blueberry pancakes quite like these Gran, these are the best."
"Thank you sweetheart, I just hope it makes up for not being able to have your usual Vegemite on toast?"
"How can you even eat that crap?" Asks Gramps as he screws up his face, obviously remembering the time when I was seven and tricked him into eating a spoonful of Vegemite when they came to visit us on one of their many holidays to Australia and New Zealand.
I feign shock and thicken my accent, "Mate, what are you talking about? It's practically a staple in every Aussie household. Vegemite on toast is the breakfast of legends, that or Weet-bix, washed down with a big glass of Milo."
"You Aussies are a weird bunch. I'm just glad I don't have to see or smell that stuff." He chuckles as he takes a bite of his bagel.
"Well…Aunty Chloe told me about a great website here in the States that sells heaps of Aussie foods, so I will be buying a couple of jars of Vegemite, packs of tim tams and blocks of plain Cadbury chocolate."
"The first two I understand because you can't buy them here, but chocolate Pumpkin?" Gran asks.
"It tastes totally different than what I'm used to, it's why I never really ate it while I was here. I will even buy extra Vegemite if you would like some on your bagels in the morning Gramps." I smirk as I take another bite of my pancakes. Gramps' eyes grow wide as he nearly chokes on his bagel causing Gran and I to laugh. "It tastes even better with cheese melted on it." I tease.
Gramps drops his half-eaten bagel onto his plate and grumbled, "Well there goes my appetite."
I chuckle and pat him on the back, "Hey! Don't knock it 'til you've tried it."
"Really Lex? Cheese? Your Gramps is right, you are a weird lot, you Australians."
"We prefer the term Aussies, and we even put cheese and tomato on it, or avo."
"Avocado?" Gramps pretends to gag, "I'm off, have you changed your mind about joining me Luthor?"
"Rain check? I might go for a drive and check out my new home, but when I do come to the club we could play a game of tennis if you want."
"Sounds wonderful but would I be correct in assuming you didn't bring your racquet over with you?" I nod my head, "Well you will just have to go buy yourself another racquet then."
"Yeah I might go check out the sports store when I go to the mall or otherwise I will buy one in Philadelphia when I go do some shopping there."
"Well you have your credit card, buy whatever you need. This is your home now, so you let us know if there is anything big you need, otherwise you just buy it kiddo." Patting me on the shoulder as he stands, "Nothing is too good for our only grandchild, isn't that right Soph?"
Gran reaches across the table and rests her hand on my forearm tracing her fingers across my jellyfish tattoo, "Of course, just remember to drive on the right side of the road and be careful."
"I will Gran. Well, I might go have a shower and take Sally out for a spin."
"You're just dying to put the top down, aren't you?" Gramps gives me a knowing look and we both chuckle.
"Bloody oath. It's the first sunny day since I got here."
"Just don't be hooting and hollering at girls please Pumpkin." Gran looks to Gramps who winks.
My cheeks start to burn but I quickly regain my composure, "So no pickin' up sheilas then?"
"That's a definite no young lady." Gran tries to sound stern but fails when she breaks out into a smile.
Gramps cups his mouth like a megaphone, "Parents of Rosewood, lock up your daughters, my granddaughter is here to stay, so no one is safe." Gran just shakes her head.
"You're such a dag sometimes Gramps." I laugh, thinking how great it is that my grandparents are so open and accepting of most things. Not once have they ever disapproved of me being gay and they don't care that I have a tattoo, well Gran does, she loves my tattoo. When we were visiting one year, Gramps was asking me about school, my friends and stuff like that and I told him all about Hayley, a girl in my class that I had a crush on. He didn't judge, he just sat and listened.
"Way to make me out to be a womaniser Gramps." I chuckle.
"Well Luthor, if you're anything like your father was when he was your age you are or soon will be." He winks and bends down to give me a hug and a kiss on the top of my head, normally I hate physical contact, but I can never turn down my grandparents when they want a hug, so I just roll with it, "I love you Lex."
"I love you too Gramps."
He then moves around the table and does the same with Gran, "I will see you lovely ladies tonight. Have fun with Mavis and Sally."
"Bye Gramps," I call as he walks into the foyer. After draining the last of my orange juice, I stand up and grab my plate and glass, "Can I help you clean up Gran?"
Gran waves her hands at me as she begins to gather plates and cutlery, "It's fine Pumpkin, now you run along and enjoy the day. It's the first day of summer break so you will see a lot of kids about, you never know, you might even make some friends."
"No pressure then." I sigh as we walk into the kitchen, "Did you need me to pick up anything while I'm out?"
"Now that you mention it, I was going to make spaghetti bolognese for dinner, so could you grab two tins of whole tomatoes please Pumpkin?" She asks as she places the dishes in the sink.
"You beauty, I love spag bol, I'll try to be back before four, if not five."
"Don't worry Pumpkin, you just go exploring and enjoy yourself. Just stay out of trouble."
"I can't promise that, but I can promise I'll try." I chuckle as I leave Gran to it and make my way back to my room.
After an hour I'm finally ready to leave, wearing a pair of jean shorts, a printed AC/DC shirt, a flat hat and my favourite pair of Vans high tops. Not finding Gran anywhere inside I wander outside and find her sitting on the edge of the pool, dipping her feet in, "I'm off now Gran. You drive carefully and call me when you get to Tara's house, so I know you're there safe."
"Excuse me? Isn't that the kind of thing I'm meant to say to you as your guardian and grandmother?" I shrug, "Oh I get it, you just want me to call so you can tell Mavis all about Sally. Am I right?" I shake my head but when I crack into a smile I know I've given myself away. Gran chuckles, "I knew it. But of course, I will Pumpkin, I'm sure Mavis will love to hear all about her. Drive carefully and don't worry about buying the tinned tomatoes for dinner. I found some tucked away in the cupboard. So, dinner will be at seven, or just let us know if you won't be home for dinner. I love you Pumpkin."
I lean down and give my Gran a hug, "I love you too Gran."
Walking into the garage I'm still blown away by my grandparents' generosity. Parked before me is my 'welcome to your new home' and early birthday present, a 2016 Ford Mustang GT Premium convertible, deep impact blue in colour with leather seats. Gramps knew I had always wanted a mustang, and he used to tell me when I turned eighteen he and Gran would give me the car of my dreams as a birthday present, no matter what it was. When Gramps and I were first discussing me moving to Rosewood he asked me if I still wanted a Mustang for my eighteenth birthday, so we began discussing my dream car, something we often did. Little did I know that he was asking so he and Gran could buy me my dream car as a gift.
~~Flashback~~
I had just arrived at the Philadelphia airport. Gran and Gramps were both waiting to pick me up at arrivals and I was so excited to see them. On the way home to Rosewood, Gramps told me that he had a surprise for me the following day. When we got home I ate dinner and crashed early, jet lag had me pretty good.
I wake up just before lunch and Gramps tells me to get dressed if I want my surprise. I'm intrigued so of course I get myself ready. No matter how many times I asked he wouldn't tell me where we were going, just that we were going to Philadelphia. We chat away about the move and Rosewood until we pull into a Ford dealership. Gramps then says, "We are going to take your dream car for a test drive." I was so excited just to see a Mustang GT, let alone sit in one. Gramps tells me to go check out the car out while he talked to someone about the test drive he had booked and I happily inspect the car. Soon Gramps is walking across the dealership floor with a grin on his face holding a key, when he was close enough he throws me the key telling me to jump in the driver's seat. We drive out of the lot and drive around Philadelphia for an hour before we drive back to the dealership, pulling in the lot Gramps asks, "So Luthor, is this still your dream car?"
"Bloody oath, now more than ever." Smiling we both get out, Gramps takes the key and says "I will be back in a minute. I just have to give the salesperson the key back."
I nod and lean up against Gramps' Ford Expedition just staring at the Mustang, it is even the same colour that I wanted. Soon Gramps is walking out the door with a saleswoman who looks to be in her early twenties with long legs, blonde hair and a pretty face. When they reach me, the woman extends out her hand to shake mine, "So you must be Alexis," I nod, "It's nice to meet you, I'm Angelica. Your grandfather has told me so much about you. You're from Australia, is that right?" She smiles genuinely.
"G'day. It's nice to meet you too and yeah I'm from Australia, near Sydney."
"I have always wanted to visit Australia, I find the accent so sexy." Her smile turns into a cheeky grin and then she bites her bottom lip. Is she seriously trying to flirt with me while Gramps is right next to her?
"Umm, thanks I guess." I feel a little nervous.
"I just wanted to come out and witness this for myself." The blonde gives me a smile.
"Witness what exactly?" I turn to face Gramps, "What is going on?"
"Luthor?"
"Yeah Gramps?" I raise an eyebrow, utterly confused.
Pulling a small box out of his blazer pocket he hands it to me, "Here. It's your welcome to your new home and early birthday present." Still baffled I take the box and slowly open it.
"OH MY GOD! Does this mean what I think it means?" I exclaim as I pull out the key fob.
Gramps chuckles and pats me on the back then points to the car we just took for a test drive, "It's all yours kiddo."
"Deadset?" Gramps laughs and nods. "Nah, you're trying to take the piss aren't ya?"
"No, I'm not." He chuckles, "We came to pick it up. Angelica here was there every step of the way."
Angelica smiles and nods, "Could I ask a quick question?"
"Go ahead."
"Well a couple actually. What does deadset and taking the piss mean?"
"Me saying deadset was like asking if it's true. And taking the piss is like saying, you're joking aren't you or you're pulling my leg."
This causes her to laugh, "One more, but it's a little personal so neither of you have to answer." she turns to Gramps, "But why did you call Alexis, Luthor?"
"Oh, everyone back home calls me Lex, so Gramps here started calling me Luthor as in Lex Luthor, the villain in Superman comics, but I'm more partial to Batman so it's our little joke." Gramps and I chuckle.
"That's cool, I like Batman too, Catwoman is more my type but when Christian Bale says, 'I am Batman', it sends shivers down my spine every time. Anyway, I had better let you two go, now I have been educated in some Australian terminology." Shaking mine and Gramps' hands she smiles, "It was nice to meet you both and I hope you enjoy your new car Alexis." She winks before turning and walking back towards the dealerships doors.
"Thanks Angelica, I will be hooning around in no time, don't you worry about that." She turns around, confused and Gramps gives me a stern look.
"Sorry Gramps, I'm only kiddin', you know that. It means to drive fast or reckless."
Angelica chuckles and continues back inside.
"I've signed all the necessary paperwork, so your dream car is no longer a dream."
"Not for one second am I complaining, but why now? I thought I had to wait until my eighteenth birthday."
"Your Gran and I talked, and we decided you need a car now, so we brought your present forward, by a few months. Don't worry you will still get something for your actual birthday too."
"But Gramps,you and Gran literally just bought me a brand new forty-thousand-dollar car. I don't expect anything for the rest of my life, like ever."
"It was more like fifty, we had to get all the extras and make it as safe as possible for our one and only grandchild. But it's not like we are struggling Luthor, your Gran and I have been very fortunate since we invested in Mavis and David's start up business all those years ago. We have more money than we need, so why can't we spend some of that money on you?"
"Well I'm not complaining. It's just a huge surprise, because you and Gran kept telling me that I was going to use Gran's car until my birthday, so I was definitely not expecting this." I wave my hand toward the car, "Thanks Gramps!" I wrap my arms around Gramps and pull him into a hug causing him to chuckle.
"We had to say that, so you wouldn't catch onto our plan and it worked. Are you ready to go kiddo? You want to drive your brand-new car home?"
"For sure. Race ya home?" I chuckle as Gramps shakes his head, "I'm just playing with ya Gramps, but yeah I'm ready, I can't wait to take Gran for a ride in Sally."
"Gran is at home waiting for you, and I'm assuming Sally after the song Mustang Sally?"
"Yeah totally." I run my hand along the hood, a wide smile on my face, "I think it suits her, don't you?"
Gramps chuckles, "Couldn't have named her better myself. Now go on, I know you're itching to get back in and take it for a spin now you know it's all yours." I give Gramps another big hug, "Thanks Gramps, you and Gran are the best grandparents a kid could ever ask for. I love you Gramps."
"I love you too Lex and I know you don't like physical contact, but two hugs in a matter of minutes, that's got to be a record for you. It wouldn't have anything to do with the car, would it?" Gramps asks with a raised eyebrow.
I pull out of the hug, "Maybe…" I wink and unlock my brand-new car. "Now, how about we get better acquainted Sally." I say quietly as I open the driver's door and wave goodbye to Gramps, "See you at home Gramps."
~~End of flashback~~
I smile as I unlock the car, Sally really is a looker I think to myself. In the two times I have taken her out, I have had a group of guys drooling over her while I was in the grocery store who wouldn't believe that it was my car, they thought it had to belong to my boyfriend, brother or father. I even had a girl walk up to me when I was leaving the mall and give me her number, telling me to call her when I wanted to put the top down and have some fun, all while she was tracing her fingers up and down my arm. I took her number, but I doubt I will ever call her, she wasn't my type, way too much makeup. I'm not a girly girl, I'm more tomboyish so I don't really wear makeup, but even I know that those colours of eye makeup don't go with that shade of lipstick. After putting my messenger bag in the boot, I jump in the driver's seat, push the ignition button and Sally roars to life, I put the top down and reverse out of the garage.
I drive around aimlessly for a while just enjoying the sunshine. Eventually I decide to check out the local coffee shop, I think it's called The Rear Window Brew. I find a park nearby, lock up my car and walk to the coffee shop. As I approach the counter I am too busy checking out the gorgeous raven-haired barista to notice the blonde in front of me turn around and I bump right into her, spilling her coffee all down her front. "What the hell?!" She shrieks as she pulls her blouse away from her chest.
I immediately begin to apologise, "Sorry, I'm such a bloody idiot, I wasn't paying enough attention to where I was walking and now I've made a down right mess of your shirt." I notice the blonde's facial expression and body language change from one of irritation and wanting to hit me with her oversized handbag to a seeing a ghost of a smile on her lips. "I know it doesn't make up for me being such a drongo but please allow me get you another coffee and pay for the dry cleaning of your shirt too."
"Okay." The blonde smiles, "But only if you have a coffee with me."
"Sure, do you want to go find somewhere to sit?"
"Do you mind if we sit outside? I feel like some fresh air."
"I'm good to sit wherever." The pretty blonde nods and walks out the door. I walk to the counter and see the raven-haired girl smile and she looked like she had seen the whole exchange between the blonde and I. "Hi, could I please get another of whatever I just spilled all over the blonde and a large iced chocolate please?"
"Yeah coming right up. And it's Hanna."
"I'm sorry?"
"The blonde." She nods her head towards the door, "Her name is Hanna."
"Oh thanks. So, you know her then? She isn't taking me out the front to lay into me with her handbag, is she?" I ask, half joking.
"Yes, she is one of my best friends and no, if she was going to hit you she would have done it already."
"Well what would she like to go with her coffee? A muffin, a slice or something?" The raven-haired girl points to the chocolate chip muffins, "They're her favourite."
"Okay, I will get two chocolate chip muffins as well, thank you."
"Sure." She smiles, and she begins to make our drinks. While I wait for our order I take the time to take in the café, it's nice, it looks cosy. "Here you go." Says the tan girl, and I quickly pull out some cash from my wallet, handing her a twenty and I tell her to keep the change. "Thanks. Have a nice day."
"You too mate." I say as I push open the door, finding Hanna sitting at a table in the sun. "Here you go Hanna."
The blonde looks confused as I pass her a coffee and a moment or two passes before she speaks, "How do you know my name?"
"The barista, she told me she's one of your best friends."
The blonde smiles sheepishly, "Oh yeah, that's Emily."
"I asked Emily and she told me these are your favourites." I pass her the small paper bag, "So I grabbed us one each."
"Chocolate chip muffin, thanks." She smiles and then takes a sip of her coffee.
"You're welcome and I'm really sorry about your shirt, I might actually have something in my car if you want to change."
"Really? That would be great, I like my coffee, but I don't really like to smell like I bathe in it." She laughs.
"Okay, I will be right back, I'm just parked over there." I stand up and walk across the road to my car. I open the boot and grab my overnight bag with a spare set of clothes and pull out my Sharks footy jersey, grab a canvas bag and return to the blonde. "That's your car?" I nod, "Nice."
"Thanks. Here you go, I even have a bag for you to put your shirt in, so you don't have to put in your handbag."
"Whoa, very organised and prepared, I'm beginning to think you had this planned." She says as she cocks an eyebrow.
I chuckle as I raise my hands, "I swear it was an accident."
"Well I'm going to change into this. I will be back."
"And I'll be here."
After at least ten minutes the blonde comes back wearing my jersey. "It looks good on you." I see a tinge of pink darken the blonde's cheeks.
"Thanks for lending it to me. Sorry it took me so long, I was talking to Emily. She was telling me that she is about to go for her break in a minute and was going to come say hi. Is that okay with you?"
"That's okay, I was just checking Facebook and talking to my best mate back home. And of course she can, she seems nice."
"She is, Emily is a total sweetheart. So where exactly is back home? I take it from your accent you aren't from around here. Am I right?"
"Yeah, I'm actually from Australia. I just moved here last week."
"Oh wow, why the big move?" The blonde asks as she picks at her muffin.
"I came to live with my grandparents." The blonde's smile is quickly becoming a frown, and I know what she must be thinking, "It's okay, it's not a bad thing, my parents are going to be in Peru for work, so I moved over here."
"Phew, I thought it was maybe because something bad happened and that's why you came to live with your grandparents." We both take a sip of our drinks. "I have no idea who the Sharks are or what sport they play, but I am really liking this." Says the blonde as she tugs on the jersey.
"The Cronulla Sharks are my favourite NRL team. If they keep playing the way they have this season we have a pretty good chance of getting to the finals."
"I really like the shark silhouettes here and the dots too."
"That jersey is actually the indigenous jersey they wear in the indigenous round to raise awareness of and try to put a stop to racial discrimination in the game."
"Indigenous? What's that?"
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Kinda like your native Americans."
"Okay, I get it now."
"Every time I wear that jersey I feel proud to be supporting something that is helping the Indigenous people of Australia like myself."
"So, is that where you get your gorgeous tan from?" I nod as I have some of my muffin.
We both sit in silence for a few minutes as we enjoy our drinks and eat our muffins before Hanna speaks, "So can I get your phone number?"
"Being a little presumptuous aren't we Blondie? And what even makes you think I'm into girls?" I chuckle when I see the look on her face.
"What?" She cries, "I wasn't hitting on you and I wouldn't assume anything about your sexuality, I just wanted your number so I can give you back your jersey after I wash it."
I laugh, "I know mate, I was just pulling ya leg and for the record I am gay, out and proud. Now pass me your phone and I'll put my number in." Hanna pulls out her phone and I enter my number then call myself so I have hers, "There, now we have each other's numbers." I smile as I pass Hanna back her phone.
The blonde quickly looks at her phone, "So your name is Lex?"
"Sorry, I didn't realise I hadn't formally introduced myself, and it's short for Alexis."
"Such a pretty name."
"Uh thanks, but I really prefer Lex."
"Sure thing. So, if you moved here does that mean you will be going to school here too or have you finished school already?"
"I was already halfway through year eleven back home, so I will be a junior when school starts."
"Same here. So, you're sixteen or turning seventeen?"
"I turn eighteen in October. I should be in my last year of school. In Australia you usually begin kindergarten when you are five, but I didn't start until I was six."
"Did the school say you weren't ready? It's nothing to be ashamed of."
"No, nothing like that. My parents are both archaeologists and up until I started school I was bouncing all over the country with them as they were working at different Aboriginal excavation sites. It wasn't until I was ready for school that we actually settled down in my mother's hometown, so she was close to family, so they could look after me when they went away."
"So, you had an interesting upbringing then."
"I didn't know any different until I started going to school and realised I was staying put, but it's not like it hurt me, I got to learn about my Aboriginal heritage in a more hands on way than the kids I went to school with. I got to visit isolated Aboriginal communities that I never would have seen if it wasn't for my parents and their work."
"So, it sounds like it worked out well then."
"Yeah it did, I'm very proud of where I came from. I actually learned Wiradjuri, which is the language of my hometowns area."
"Oh, that's so cool. Can you teach me something?"
"Sure, how about my name is Hanna?" The blonde nods and smiles wide. "Okay. Yuwin Ngadhi Hanna." The blonde attempts it a few times, "That's it. You got it." I smile and raise my hand in the air and the blonde does the same and we high five.
"Am I interrupting?" Someone says from behind me. I turn to see the raven-haired barista.
"Hey Em." The blonde smiles as she looks at her best friend standing in front of us.
"No, please sit." I quickly stand and pull up another chair from the empty table next to us for Emily to sit.
"Thank you. So, I see you two are getting along after your little accident earlier."
"Yeah, we are, Lex is pretty cool. Oh sorry, Emily this is Lex, Lex this is Emily." I extend out my hand to shake her hand, "She just moved here from Australia."
"G'day, nice to meet you Emily."
"Nice to meet you too Lex. It was really nice of you to lend Hanna your jersey." She says before she has a drink of her coffee.
"Oh, it was nothing. I spilled her coffee on her shirt, I had something she could wear, so I offered, and she accepted."
"So chivalrous of you Alexis." Chuckles Hanna, I shake my head and chuckle. "Oh, guess what Em?"
"I don't know Han. What?"
"Lex taught me how to say something in Weratjewi."
I laugh, "Not even close mate, it's Wiradjuri. Give it a burl Blondie." Hanna and Emily just both look at me with looks of confusion, making me chuckle, "Sorry, I forgot I'm not Oz anymore. Go ahead Hanna."
"Okay, here I go, no wait a second." The blonde stands up, walks over to me and whispers in my ear.
"Spot on mate." I give her a thumbs up.
"Yuwin Ngadhi Hanna." The blonde says grinning and we high five again.
"So, what is Wiradjuri, and what exactly did Hanna just say?" Emily asks as Hanna takes her seat.
"Wiradjuri is the local Aboriginal language of the area around my hometown back in Australia. And Blondie here said my name is Hanna." I smile at Hanna, "She is a pretty quick learner." The blonde is practically beaming now.
"So, Lex, are you going to Rosewood in the Fall?"
"Yep, Hanna and I were just discussing this not long ago. I'm going to be a junior, same as you guys."
"Oh, that's cool. Nice shirt by the way." I look down at my shirt and smile, "AC/DC are Australian, aren't they?"
"Yeah we produced AC/DC among other great bands and singers."
"You guys seem to produce a lot of talent in music and acting."
"Too right, there's something in the water, but shh, don't tell anyone." We all chuckle. "We also produce a lot of athletes too. I can't wait to watch the Olympics. There are going to be two people from the next town over from me that are trying to go to Rio, a women's field hockey player who plays for the Australian team and a bloke who runs marathons. Do either of you play or follow any sports?"
"Well Emily is the best swimmer on the swim team at Rosewood High-"
"And Hanna wouldn't be caught dead playing sports or watching them."
"Hey, I go and watch you at your meets and I go to Spencer's hockey games."
"Oh sorry, other than supporting us you don't want anything to do with sports."
"Unless you count walking the mall shopping a sport, no way."
"So, is Spencer your boyfriend or something?" Both the girls begin to laugh.
"Why, are you jealous Lex?" Teases the blonde and Emily raises an eyebrow.
I shake my head, "Nah just curious. So, I take it Spencer isn't your boyfriend then, he's not your brother, is he? Because that would be awkward if I just asked if your brother is your boyfriend."
They both laugh again, "No Spencer is not my boyfriend or brother, Spencer is one of my best friends and a girl."
"Oh, whoops."
"It's okay, it's not the first time someone has thought Spencer was a guy from her name." Says Emily.
Hanna begins to chuckle quietly, "Hey Em, do you remember back in the seventh grade when that girl started hitting on Spencer at that party thinking she was a guy?"
Emily laughs, "Yeah well in her defence that girl had been drinking, a lot by the fumes coming off her and Spencer had her hair tucked up into her hat, and she does have a husky tone in her voice."
"And she was flat-chested, still kinda is."
"Hanna!" Emily cries but the blonde just chuckles. "Can we please change the subject now? What about you Lex, do you play any sports?"
"Well I like to play tennis, I like watching NFL, and I love my footy, up the Sharks." I point to Hanna and Emily looks confused.
"I'm wearing her Sharks jersey, and I'm going to take really good care of it Lex, I promise."
"I'm sure you will Blondie. I'll just get it back off you next time I see you and fix you up for the dry-cleaning bill for your shirt." The blonde nods.
"So, what exactly is 'footy'?" Asks Emily.
"I know your eyes will just gloss over if I try to explain it, so I will keep it short, footy is short for football, not soccer though. I'm talking about rugby league where guys tackle each other, no padding and no helmets, like over here. Just know it's a very physical game. I'm going to miss going to games with my friends, I was at a game in Sydney a few weeks ago with a few friends, now it will be my last one for a very long time. But Gramps told me he would take me to some Eagles games while I'm here seeing as he has season tickets, and we might even fly to Miami and watch the Dolphins play a home game or two."
"Lucky Lex, getting to go to Miami."
"That's nothing, you need to see her car."
Emily turns to the blonde, "You've seen her car?"
"Yeah, it's over there, it's the convertible."
"Whoa, it's nice. I like the colour."
"Thanks. It was an early eighteenth birthday present from my grandparents."
"Hmm, I think Lex might give Spencer a run for her money when it comes to extravagant gifts and loaded families." Says the blonde, causing Emily to chuckle, "What's so funny?"
"You said Lex would give Spencer a run for her moneywhile saying that they are both rich." The blonde then begins to laugh.
My phone begins to ring in my pocket, I pull it out to see its Gran calling, "Sorry guys, it's my Gran, I have to take this." Both girls nod understandingly. I stand up and walk a little bit away and accept the call, "Hey Gran, I'm assuming you're calling because you arrived at Tara's safe and sound."
"Yes Pumpkin, I arrived in one piece, so what are you up to? You better not be driving and talking on the phone."
"No Gran, I'm not driving now, I'm actually at The Brew, I thought I might check it out. I've been here for about half an hour."
"Have you talked to anyone yet?"
"Yeah, I met a girl named Hanna, I accidentally spilled her coffee all down her front when I first got here because I was too busy checking out the barista."
"I hope you apologised and replaced her drink and you're paying for her dry cleaning."
"Of course I apologised Gran, and yes I am paying for the dry cleaning. I was still talking to her and her friend Emily, the barista, when you called. They're both going to be juniors too. So now I know two people I will be going to school with that are in my year."
"Are they cute? Is she the one you were checking out? Have you got either of their numbers? Remember you should always treat a girl like a lady, they will respect you for that."
"Really Gran?"
"What?"She feigns innocence.
"You know what, and I don't need dating advice and yes they're both gorgeous. Hanna and I exchanged numbers but only so I can pay her back for her dry cleaning and so I can get my Sharks jersey back."
"You gave her your favourite jersey? You must really like her."
"You're as bad as Gramps." I chuckle, "I'm not looking for anything right now, I just moved here, I want to settle in before anything else. And Hanna's shirt was soaked through, so I offered her my jersey to wear, that's it."
"I'm sure that's all it was."She chuckles, "At least you were nice and looked out for her like that. Would you like to talk to Mavis now that I have embarrassed you?"
"Yes please."
"Okay Pumpkin, I love you."
"I love you too Gran."
"Mavis, it's Alexis." I hear my Gran say and then a lot of rustling.
"Hello Alexis baby."
"G'day Mavis, how have ya been? I heard you've gone ahead and broke yourself."
"Unfortunately I did baby girl, but that's what I get for dropping the soap. I'm on the mend though, and Tara and Drew are taking good care of me, Reese too so don't you worry about that."
"That's why you need shower gel instead. Tell them they better be, or they will have me to deal with." I joke.
I hear Mavis chuckling, "How did I know you would say that?"
"I don't know, I guess because you guys are like my family."
"Hang on a second Alexis," I then hear her call out, "You owe me a bottle of Jack."
"Did you seriously bet on if I would threaten everyone?"
"Umm, maybe. Okay yes."She chuckles.
"Well I think I should get half of that. And who was dumb enough to take that bet?"
"I don't think so think so Alexis, the legal drinking age is twenty-one over here. And you still aren't legal back in Australia anyway, so that's a double no. And who do you think?"
I chuckle, and we both say "Drew" at the same time, "When is that poor guy going to learn, you don't bet against Mavis Hawke?"
"I hope he never does, or I will have to start buying my own alcohol again."
"Mavis, you're rolling in it, you can afford it."
"I know that, I just don't want to if I can get it for free." We both laugh, "So, I hear you have a new addition to the family baby girl."
"Yeah, my new baby, Sally." I hear Mavis snort in laughter, "I will have to take you for a drive when you get back home."
"So, tell me about Sally."
"I will send you a picture, but she is a Mustang GT premium convertible, 2016 model, a v8 engine, deep impact blue in colour, leather seats, all the extras."
"Manual or auto?"
"Automatic."
"Why baby girl? You know manual is the way to go."
"I thought it might be a bit hard to swap sides of the road as well as the car, miles instead of kilometres and driving stick with the wrong hand might all be a bit too much for me to handle. And automatics are just as good as manuals now anyway."
"I understand. So how does she drive?"
"Oh Mavis, she handles like a dream, the most comfortable drive I have ever been on, such a smooth ride."
"When I get back home you will be taking me for a long drive, with the top down."
"Of course, wouldn't have it any other way."
"So, I overheard Sophie asking you about a girl, have you met someone already?"
I look over at the two girls and they are in what looks like a deep conversation, "No, but I might have made one if not two friends. They both seem really nice." Hanna must have sensed me looking at her, because she looks in my direction and smiles so I smile back.
"Well I will let you go so you can get back to your girlfriends." Mavis chuckles.
"Aww Mavis, not you too. I can think girls are attractive without wanting to get in their pants you know."
"Of course you can, but it's not as fun though is it?"
"Mavis Hawke!"
"What? Just because I'm over the hill and a widow doesn't mean I can't talk about sex or at least tease you about it."She laughs, "Goodbye Alexis baby. Hopefully I will see you in a week when I'm back home and I can meet Sally."
"Okay, bye Mavis, look after yourself and make sure you and Gran have fun today, you both deserve it."
"I will Alexis. Now go get 'em tiger."
"Not funny. Bye." I shake my head and chuckle to myself as I hang up and walk back towards the girls.
I take my seat and Hanna is eyeing me with a wide grin, and Emily doesn't seem to be able to look me in the eye, "So it's Emily's fault why I'm wearing this jersey, is it?" Emily and I both look at the blonde.
"What is that supposed to mean? Why would it be Emily's fault?"
"You said it yourself, you were too busy checking out the barista to see me with my coffee and Emily was the barista." Shit, they must have been able to hear my conversations with Gran and Mavis.
"You heard that did you?" I ask, a little embarrassed and I feel my cheeks getting warm, thankfully I have a tan complexion, or this could be a lot worse. No wonder Emily won't look at me, I probably scared her off.
"Well we didn't mean to, but yeah." Admits Emily, still avoiding my gaze, then I notice her cheeks looking a little flushed.
"So, we're both gorgeous, are we?" Asks the blonde, the grin still plastered on her face.
"Have either of you looked in a mirror lately?" I ask rhetorically, "I always try to be honest, so yes Hanna, you're both gorgeous. Happy now?"
"Very." Replies the blonde and beside her the raven-haired girl's cheeks flush even more.
"Well I better get back to work, either of you want anything?" She looks between us.
"Hanna? Would you like another coffee, my shout?" I ask.
"Umm, I actually have to start walking home, I promised I would help my mum clear out the refrigerator and cupboards. She is on some health kick now."
"If you like you can get it to go, and I can drive you home, it beats walking."
"Are you sure Lex? You're not busy?"
"I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't sure. And grab a coffee for your mother too. I will just get myself another large iced chocolate."
"Okay well I know Han's and Mrs Marin's orders, so I will get back to it, give me a couple of minutes and come and grab them guys."
"Thank you, Emily, it really was a pleasure to meet you."
"You too Lex."
After a few minutes we head inside and grab our order, saying goodbye to Emily before heading off towards my car. I put in Hanna's address into my GPS and off we go. When I pull up out the front of Hanna's house, I tell her how much fun I had hanging out with her. She agrees and says that we should hang out again. I tell her to text me when she wants to hang out next. She then hops out and goes inside, but not before waving. I think I just made my first friend in Rosewood.
A/N: So, there it is, the very first chapter. What did you guys think of Lex? Please leave a review, letting me know what you liked/disliked or maybe a suggestion for where you think the story should go. :-) Jarrad