A Story of Green Grass
This summer turned out to be nothing like I had imagined...
But if anything, I've learned that change is good and nothing is ever as it seems.
Welcome to Brunswick. People here call me the town darling, but I've learned who I can and can't trust. You see, my dad's the Reverend. And in this southern town, life revolves around two things: football and church.
This was how I saw the world, too. But everything changed when he moved to town.
"Ginny, where are you?" I exclaimed into my cell phone.
"Uh, sorry," she replied. "I slept in! I'll see you at the barbeque in ten!"
In the background I could hear a male voice whine, "Come on! We're just getting started!"
I recognized that voiced and shook my head, disappointed in my best friend. "Who was that? Ginny, please don't tell me that's Dean again!"
"So what if it is?" she retorted. "Some of us do like to have a little fun on the weekends."
I gasped in mock offense. "I like to have fun!"
I could basically hear her rolling her eyes at me from the other end of the line. "You know what I mean. Look Astoria, it's high time you took matters into your own hands. I mean you're a sophomore in high school for heaven's sake. You said yourself you want to get your first kiss out of the way!"
"I know, I know!" I sighed. "I want my first kiss just as bad as anyone. But it's not like I can just walk up and ask some random guy I meet on the street."
"Why not? It's not like the right person is going to waltz into your life out of nowhere and announce himself. Just pick someone and get it over with."
I threw my free hand into the air, exasperated. "You make it sound so easy."
"That's because it is easy!" Ginny exclaimed.
"Yeah," I said, staring down at my feet. "For girls like you!"
"Astoria, I gotta go."
My mouth fell open. "Ginny, wait!" I looked at my phone, disappointed. "She hung up on me!" Deciding I'd just meet her there, I stuffed my phone into my pocket and started to the church alone.
On the way, I barely even looked up from my feet. I knew this path from the church to my house by heart. The whole conversation I had just had with Ginny totally distracted me, but I didn't really notice until I felt something bump against my arm and heard it hit the ground.
I looked down and immediately felt terrible for not keeping my head up. The "something" had turned out to be a tall blonde guy I had never seen before. "I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed. "I wasn't paying attention."
"Clearly," he scoffed. I offered him a hand, but he ignored it and stood up on his own. "Watch where you're going next time."
Taken aback, I wanted to give him a piece of my mind. "Well that was..." However, under his cynical gaze, I decided to let the comment slide. "Umm... It won't happen again. I don't think we've met. I'm Astoria Greengrass."
"Draco Malfoy," he replied. I think I may have heard an accent in his voice, so I couldn't help inquiring him about where he was from. "I'm from London."
He's from England?! I thought to myself. "London, wow! Well let me officially welcome you to the southern US of A. I know you'll like it here."
Draco rolled his eyes. "That's highly doubtful. I'm not really a middle-of-nowhere kind of guy."
Wow, he's a bit of a - wait, are those blue eyes? "Well, you have to give it a chance of course. Say, there's a barbecue going on now behind the church. You should come! The whole town is there."
A look of disgust crossed his face. "A church barbeque? You've got to be kidding."
"Kidding?" I shot back. "Why would I joke about that?"
"Let me guess. It's full of bible-belt brunettes like you?" He laughed like he'd just made a joke. "No thank you," he said as he walked away.
"Astoria!" I was immediately met by an excited Ginny upon my arrival. "You'll never believe what happened!"
"There you are. I was looking for you out front." I said, deciding to forget our conversation from earlier.
"We just got invited to The Marsh tonight!" She blurted, pumping her fists in the air. "I got a text from Oliver - that hot junior with the tongue ring. I don't even know how he got my number, but who cares!"
I nearly squealed. "Wait... The Marsh? I thought that was just for upperclassmen?"
"I guess not." Ginny grabbed me by the shoulders. "Astoria, we have to go! We've been hearing about these parties forever. And what better place to get a steamy first kiss... It's a dark and romantic marsh filled with hot older guys!"
Shrugging, I answered, "I don't know. Aren't those parties just an excuse to drink, smoke, and act stupid?"
Ginny was practically begging at this point. "Oh come on! This is your chance, Astoria! Live a little. It'll be fun. What do you say?"
"Well..." I hesitated. Then I saw the desperate look on Ginny's face. There was no easy way out of this. "You know what? I'm in. Let's go to the Marsh."
She hugged me, close to crushing me with her enthusiasm. "This is our year, Astoria. I can feel it!" Then, Ginny had one of those dangerous 'I have an idea' looks cross her face. "I'm going to invite Dean."
I grimaced. "Seriously?! You were just with him. I really don't trust that guy."
"I told you we're just having fun. Nothing serious." She got a dreamy look in her eye. "And he's a great kisser."
"Hello Astoria. Ginny." I looked to my left to find Pansy Parkinson. "What are y'all talking about?"
Without missing a beat, Ginny shot, "Trying to figure out which sexy photo I should send my boyfriend. I know you're quite the expert when it comes to sexting, I'd love your advice!"
"Ginny!" I exclaimed, my eyes wide.
Pansy's nose crinkled in distaste. "You should be careful, Ginny. God is always listening." Ginny said nothing but simply stuck her nose in the air.
"Ladies! Great to see you tanned and glowing. Summer was good to y'all!"
Pansy let a flirty smile play across her lips. "Viktor Krum, you're back from UGA!"
Viktor crossed his arms over his chest and said, "That'll be Coach Krum now! Majored in sports management and got offered the assistant coach position at Brunswick High." He smirked, looking awful proud of himself.
Pansy flipped her hair and said with a smile, "Well it's so great to have you ba-"
"Oh hold that thought," Viktor interrupted. Shooting me a horrified look, Ginny shook her head at Pansy's expense. "Looks like Reverend Greengrass is about to speak!"
As my father walked up to the small wooden podium, everyone in the churchyard stood and applauded him. "Thank you, thank you," he said into the microphone. "It's a fine day to celebrate the Sabbath. This has been an incredibly blessed summer. But with school just around the corner... it's more important than ever to keep God in our hearts. And to the young members of the community... sin and temptation are never far away. Keep God close by with the choices you make, both in the classroom and on the football field! Now Principal Parkinson is here and he'd like to say a few words."
The crowd clapped once more as my father left the podium and Principal Parkinson took his place. "Now, everyone. As you know, our star football managers graduated last year, leaving the positions open. It's tradition in Brunswick for two female leaders in the community to act as managers for the team. With that, I couldn't be more excited to announce... that we've appointed my daughter, Pansy Parkinson, a beacon, a straight-A student as manager."
Pansy looked smug and Ginny whispered to me, "Could she be anymore obnoxious?"
Principal Parkinson continued, "And Astoria Greengrass as her co-manager."
Me? This was something I'd been working towards, and it was mine. I couldn't believe it. "Oh don't act so surprised, you knew you were gonna get it," Ginny retorted, laughing at the surprised look on my face.
Everyone returned their attention back to the principal. "A youth group leader and star student. Please join me in congratulating these two young ladies on their wonderful achievement!" As Principal Parkinson clapped everyone else followed suit. "We can all sleep at night knowing the football team is in good hands."
A little less than enthused, Ginny turned to me and groaned, "Ugh, I'm blowing this joint. Let's go get ready for the party. You coming?" But I wasn't really paying attention. All I could think about was Draco. I wished he had given the barbeque a chance.
"I can't believe we're really doing this!" I exclaimed to Ginny as we were changing clothes in her trailer-home for the Marsh tonight.
Ginny, holding a cigarette between two of her fingers and using her other hand to move a stray hair from her face, said "I for one think this is going to be the best night ever. And my mom has the night shift at the diner so we can stay out late."
"Okay, okay." I turned my attention to the closet. "Now help me find something to wear." I pulled out a few outfits to try on. "What kind of look should I go for?" After trying them on, we decided on a crop top with denim shorts and cowgirl boots. "What do you think?"
"Girl," Ginny said, pausing to take another puff from her cigarette. "Your legs are sexy. The day I see you in heels instead of those boots, I'll believe in God."
I put my hands on my hips. "Hey now. You can take the girl outta the South, but you can't take the South outta the girl."
"Okay, " Ginny laughed and rolled her eyes, then she walked to the closet herself, saying "Give me a second to get changed."
At that moment, my phone buzzed in my pocket. Pulling it out, I noticed it was a number I didn't know.
So church mouse, what so you guys do for fun around here?
Then a second text.
It's Draco.
"Wow, he texted me." I was taken aback.
Ginny walked back to me, dressed in maroon cut-off shorts and a black tank. "Who?"
"Draco Malfoy. He's new in town." I looked back at my phone and made the decision to text him back.
How did you get my number?
Almost immediately I had a reply.
I have my resources...
"What?! There's a new guy in town?" Classic Ginny, boy crazy right outta the womb. "Why didn't you tell me? He sounds mysterious..."
I shrugged. "He's not very friendly. We bumped into each other in front of the church today, and I think he made fun of me. But he's from London and he's -"
"Wait, the new British guy in our grade?!" Ginny interjected. "You met him?! Why didn't you tell me right away?!"
"What?! I don't even know him." She lit another cigarette. "He is handsome though..."
"You have to invite him to the Marsh," she said. The look on her face told me she was dead serious.
"What?!"
"You have to! You never show an interest in guys. This is it, Astoria! Invite him to the Marsh, flirt a little, and get your first kiss! Easy as apple pie." She was clearly more excited about the idea than I was.
I sighed. "I don't know! If it was so easy to get kissed, it would have happened by now." But it's impossible to argue with Ginny, and she had a point. "Maybe you're right," I hesitated. "Okay, I'll invite him. But only because he's new and it's a nice thing to do! I'm not saying I want to make out with him." With that, I grabbed my phone again.
I'm on my way to a party tonight, want to go?
Again, I didn't wait long for a response.
Haha. I don't think I'd be into your type of party.
I shoved the phone in Ginny's direction. "See what I'm talking about?"
But she clearly didn't. "What are you going to say back?" she exclaimed.
"I don't know..." I thought about just not replying, but I found my thumbs typing a response anyway.
Well if you'd like to meet kids from the high school, come by. If not, see you at school.
My phone buzzed.
I'll think about it.
I rolled my eyes. So not worth my time. "Forget him!" Ginny said, speaking my mind. "It's time to go!"
"Dance with me, Astoria!" Ginny pleaded. The music here was dangerously loud. "Let loose a little bit!"
"Uh..." I continued to stand there awkwardly.
She placed her hands on her hips. "Are you still thinking about that new guy? Just have fun."
"I am not thinking about Draco," I defended.
Rolling her eyes, she said, "Sure you aren't. Well, if you're not going to loosen up, I am. Now, where's the drink table?" And with that she left me standing alone in a sea of people.
I wasn't alone long though, because soon a guy walked up to me. "You must be thinking about something important."
"Oh, hi! It's Harry, right?"
"Yes, Harry. And you're Astoria Greengrass. Our new manager!" He chuckled. "I'm so glad I finally get to introduce myself."
My palms were getting sweaty, I noticed, and I started playing with my hair. "You are?"
"I saw you around a lot last year, but I was so busy with football... you know how it is." He said, rubbing a hand on the back of his neck.
My face got warm. "Well, it's nice to officially meet you."
"Likewise. Welcome to the Marsh."
"Thanks." He's really sweet. And attractive... "How do you know it's my first time?"
Harry chuckled again. "Can't fool me. Wide eyes, not sure what to do with yourself... You have 'it's my first time at a party' written all over you."
Laughing, I admitted, "Okay fine, you caught me."
"Well then, let me teach you how to party. Care to dance, Astoria?" Harry offered his hand, and hesitantly I took it.
"I'd love to! This is one of my favorite songs."
"Me too."
We danced and made a bit of small talk for a while, when something caught Harry's attention. "Looks like one of my friends is going to jump in the ocean naked. I have to stop him - someone has to be the responsible one. Are you going to be okay on your own? I'll be right back."
I laughed. Sounds like his friend parties a little too hard. "Yeah, don't worry. I'm fine!" As Harry went, to rescue his friend, I set out my sights for Ginny.
But instead I found Draco. I decided to play it cool, and let him approach me. But he walked in the opposite direction. Oh, well.
I continued down to the beach to look for Ginny, but quickly lost track of where I came from.
"Hey girl. You're way too pretty to be frowning like that." Another unfamiliar face.
"Oh, hello," I said. "I'm Astoria... Astoria Greengrass. And I wasn't frowning..."
"I know exactly who you are. You're the prettiest girl at Brunswick High." He was visibly excited. "I'm Seamus by the way."
I blushed again. "Thank you! What a nice thing to say."
"Since it's your first time here, how about I give you a tour?"
"Sure, that'd be nice."
He took my hand. "Come on, right this way."
In the middle of my tour, Seamus stopped. "Wait, Astoria. Would you look at that moon?" I turned my attention to the moon. He was right. It looked beautiful on a cloudless night like this one. "And man, look at you..." I smiled, then he pushed things too far by grabbing my butt.
"Whoa! What do you think you're doing?!"
Seamus laughed. "Come on sugar. Chill out and have some fun."
I backed away from him quickly. "I'm not interested! Don't put your hands on me ever again!"
"Come on, Astoria. You might as well just get it over with now. I promise I'll make it good for you," he said, closing the space I'd put between us.
"I said get off of me!"
"What the hell? No means no." It was Draco.
Seamus turned to him and yelled, "Who the hell are you?"
"Does it matter?" Draco asked. "Get out of here."
Laughing, Seamus turned back to me. "You're such a tease, Astoria. Maybe no one will win that bet after all."
I gasped. "What bet?"
"The bet about who's gonna take your virginity. All the senior guys are in on it." My face grew hot, and I felt sick to my stomach. "Don't waste your breath, dude," he said to Draco, then finally he left.
"Wow," I lowered my head, sure Draco was going to make fun of me for being a virgin. "This place is seriously messed up. Are you alright?"
I sighed. "I'm fine..."
"Really?"
There was a moment of silence, then I yelled, "Fine! I'm actually not alright. This is humiliating! It's all because I'm the Reverend's daughter..." I quieted my tone. "That jerk. Who says things like that?" They're betting on my v-card and I haven't even had my first kiss.
"Just take a deep breath and calm down." He made an attempt to comfort me. "It is terrible, the things he said."
I stamped my foot. "It's so f-ed up! I did not ask for this."
Draco shrugged. "Well are you really that surprised? This is a high school and you are the hottest thing in this town."
Wait, did he just call me hot?!
"We should get you home. How did you get here?"
"Well, I probably shouldn't leave without Ginny."
Draco stuffed a hand in his pocket. "Is that the girl you were with? She already left. Saw her get into the car with some guy."
I shook my head. "Of course she did. Okay. Let's go." And so we started walking towards the exit. "You know. I'm surprised you actually showed up."
"Yeah well, I've never been to a redneck party before. Had to see if the stereotypes were true."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
He laughed. "The cow tipping. Hooking up in pickup trucks. Overalls with no shirt underneath. Or basically no fashion sense whatsoever. You know what I mean."
I laughed as well. "You make us sound ridiculous!"
Draco crossed his arms over his chest and said, "Oh come on, I didn't mean you... You look pretty good. Although your fashion sense is a little classic for my taste. I prefer an edgy style."
"Seriously? You are the worst."
"Well, one thing was proven true." He paused for effect. "Southerners can't hold their liquor." That made us both laugh.
Then he continued. "Listen Astoria... I want to - Shoot, we've got company."
"Well what do we have here?" said the state trooper. "Where are y'all headed?"
"On our way to minding our own business," Draco remarked. "You should probably do the same."
The trooper did not find him funny though. "What did you say to me, boy?"
"WAIT!" I exclaimed. "He didn't mean anything by that, Officer. We're just on our way home."
"I wasn't talking to you," he shot back.
"Oh get off it," Draco said, rolling his eyes. "You have no reason to bother us. We're not doing anything wrong."
The trooper was furious at this point and yelled, "See those woods y'all are walking out of? They belong to Severus Snape. Looks to me like y'all were trespassing. I'm gonna have to place you under arrest."
What?! My father would be so angry! "Trespassing?! You can't arrest us!"
"I can and I will," he snapped. "Maybe if y'all just answered me nicely in the beginning. You have lover boy to thank for that!"
