Chapter One
It's the first day of the senior year for Lucky Senior High's seniors Darren, Ginger, Dodie, Macy, and Courtney. Their classes include British Literature, Psychology 101, American History, Algebra II, and Chemistry.
"Ugh! Why do all my schools want me to write an essay as part of my application?" groaned Ginger.
"They just want to make sure your writing is good for the program" exclaimed Macy.
Darren held Ginger's hand under the table. He knew the stress she was under and wanted so much to help but, he knew he couldn't. He watched as she took notes on what she wanted to write and knew that he wouldn't see her later.
The bell rang and Ginger about fell out of her seat.
"Tense, much?" said Dodie.
"I'm just a little worried my essays won't be good enough. I need to make sure it's my best of my best" worried Ginger.
Darren sighed. He knew that anything she wrote would be good enough. He didn't have to worry about applications and essays. He was leaving for basic training at the end of the year. It worried him that he would never get to see Ginger again after he left. He still hoped that she would write beautiful letters to him though.
Macy, Dodie, and Darren watched as Ginger ran from the cafeteria; talking to herself all the while.
"Isn't there anything we can do to make her chill?" asked Dodie.
"This may be the daughter of a psychiatrist speaking but, we could always go over and visit her with a movie and snacks. It'll take her mind off all the work she has to do for an hour and a half."
"Do you really think she'd go for it?" asked Dodie.
"I'm sure she will. She wouldn't just leave us hanging if we came over" said Darren.
Later on that evening Dodie, Darren, and Macy arrived at the new Foutley residence after her mother married Dr. Dave. They were greeted by Hoodsie and Carl throwing what they thought was water balloons at them.
"Ew, Carl, you're so gross! What's in those things?!" yelled Dodie.
"It's just a little shaving cream. Don't get your panties in a wad" said Carl, calmly.
Ginger, hearing the commotion, ran outside. "Carl! Leave my friends alone!"
Carl casually walked away leaving Ginger and her friends standing on the front porch. Ginger first looked puzzled and then saw the movie in Macy's hands and a bag of chips in Dodie's hands.
"Aw, you guys are so sweet! But..."
"You're not going to tell us to leave are you?!" said Dodie.
"I'm really sorry you guys but this is really important and after I turn it in everything will be back to normal."
"Yeah right" Darren whispered under his breath.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ginger apparently heard.
"We better get going, see you both tomorrow!" Dodie and Macy said while walking away.
"Ginger, I love you. You know that. Let me help you! You can't do all this yourself. At least let me feel like I'm still a part of your life!"
Ginger walked slowly up to Darren, gave him a long look in his eyes, and kissed him. It was the best, longest kiss he'd ever had. After her lips left his she looked at him to see his eyes still closed. "I really needed that" Ginger said. "You're telling me!" "Do you want to come inside for hot chocolate?" "I'd love it."