It's Gonna Be Me
Rei's attempt to bore a hole through her desk with only her gaze was foiled by the idiot who kept tapping her back. She tried to shrug off the offending hand but the action only made the tapping more insistent.
"What do you want?" she growled without turning around.
"Meet me after class. I have a proposition for you."
She grimaced as she recognized the Jed Hathaway's voice. "You're probably the last person I'd agree to met anywhere."
"I'm serious. You're going to want to hear what I have to say."
"Somehow I seriously doubt that."
"Come on. It concerns a friend of yours. And seeing as you have so few of those I'm sure you know who I'm talking about."
"And seeing as you're such an asshole, this class is the only time I'll suffer your presence."
"You're such a bitch." It was said with more amusement than malice. "I've peaked your curiosity. You'll wait for me after class and you know it."
"Kiss ass Hathaway."
"Ms. Hino, Mr. Hathaway. Is there something you'd like to share with the rest of the class?" Two heads shot up to see the rest of the class staring at them.
"Actually Ms. Morgan, I was just telling Rachel here that she should get a blouse like the one you're wearing. It's really hot." Jed added a charming smile for effect and wasn't surprised when Ms. Morgan blushed and went back to teaching. Women were too easy.
"My name isn't Rachel, idiot!" Rei hissed as him. He didn't reply but the impression of his careless shrug came though loud and clear. Rei fumed silently for the rest of the period, knowing that she'd end up meeting the jerk after class. Jed spent the rest of class grinning, happy to have gotten under Rei Hino's skin.
"Okay, what's this proposition of yours."
He smiled, pleased that she wasted no time on small talk. "I get the impression that you're not pleased with the coming together of Rivercrest High's new favorite couple."
Rei shrugged, not liking that someone who couldn't be bothered to remember her name could read how pissed she was at Darien's choice of girlfriend. Had she really been that obvious about it?
"Suffice to say I agree with you. I'd been hoping to escort the lovely Ms. Tsukino to prom."
"Say no more. I can already see the way your minuscule brain is working. You and I work together to break them up. Is that your brilliant plan? Well thanks but no thanks Jed It'll never work. This isn't some stupid teen movie."
Rei sped up her pace in an attempt to ditch him but he easily kept up. She wanted to start running but decided that would be too childish. If she just ignored him, he'd go away.
She didn't get much of a chance to test her theory before Jed, fed up with being ignored, pulled her into a janitors closet. "What do you think you're doing Hathaway! Let me out!"
"Just hear me out Rei."
"I don't want to! Darien's my friend and if Serena's who makes him happy then that's who he's meant to be with."
"Oh come off it Rei! You don't really believe that Chiba's better off with Serena. She's a klutz, she's loud, and let's face it, she's not the brightest star in the sky if you catch my drift."
"If you find her so flawed then why do you want her?"
He grinned. "I'm a superficial guy."
Realization dawned. "And you want to be homecoming king."
Jed nodded. "I'm not saying we do anything underhanded like spread rumors or anything. I'm just saying we make them see what they're missing out on."
"And how do you propose we do that?"
"By being in the perfect relationship."
Several seconds of silence passed before Rei began frantically tugging at the door. "No. No way. That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard!"
"Why?"
"Well, for starters Darien will never believe I'm involved with a guy I've never talked to!"
Even in the dim light Rei could see Jed's smile take on a wolfish aspect. "Rei darling, in about a minute we're going to walk out of this closet into a crowded hallway. By lunch time over half the school will have heard. He'll believe it."
"You're not my type. I'd never date someone as self absorbed and cocky as you."
"And I'd never date a girl as opinionated and surly as you are. Or who dressed as bad. It'll be a two way deal. You humble me, I'll beautify you."
"What's wrong with the way I dress?!"
Jed studied her. "Well, are you fat?"
"No!"
"Oh, I couldn't tell what with your baggy jeans and oversized shirt. And what's with the shoes?"
"I like these shoes!"
"Yeah well I liked my attitude but apparently it has to go. And so do your ugly clothes."
"Why are you making plans for a makeover? I haven't even agreed to this!"
"Yes you have Rei. You'd do anything to get Chiba." He took her hand and opened the door. "Let the show begin."
True to his threat, Rei found herself the focus of what seemed like half the school's gaze as they exited the closet. Rei's flushed cheeks, Jed's confident grin, and their held hands were all taken note of and would be repeated thoughout the day.
"What's your next class? And quit glaring at our hands, Rei."
She glared up at his face instead. "Gym."
"Good, it's on my way. I'll drop you off. Don't forget to meet me at my car after school. We've got major work to do." Rei groaned, knowing that most of the today's work would be done on her wardrobe. "Well here we are. See you after school sweetie." Jed's smile was wicked and Rei's hands curled into fists. What was he up to now? His gaze turned challenging and he leaned foreword and quickly kissed her cheek.
"I'll crush you for that Jed."
"Tut, tut darling. We have an audience." He chucked her chin and walked away before she had a chance to kick him.
"Rei?"
She spun around to see Darien standing behind, confusion clearly displayed on his face. "Darien, I didn't know you were there."
"What just happened, Rei? Because it looked like Jed Hathaway, biggest pain in my ass Hathaway, just called you sweetie then kissed you."
Rei breezed by him into the gymnasium. "Glad to know you don't need your hearing or sight checked."
"How long has this been going on?"
"Darien, as much as you may believe otherwise, you are not my brother. I get to date whomever I like, and you don't get to push me around." She walked into the girl's locker room before he could reply. She couldn't keep the grin from her face. Jed's stupid scheme actually seemed to be working. Darien seemed upset of not jealous by Jed's little display before class.
And best of all, Darien wasn't willing to let it drop.
He caught up with her on her third trip around the track. "I'm serious about this Rei. Hathaway's bad news."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."
"Hathaway goes though girls the way his sister goes through clothes."
"You know it's charming how neither of you refers to the other by their first name."
"Stop trying to change the subject Rei."
"I know what I'm doing Dare. Trust me." When he would have objected, Rei continued. "It's not like you have a choice anyway."
"Fine, I'll drop it. For now." The two finished their required about of laps and began their cool down lap. "So are you coming to Blue Dog after school with Serena and me?"
Rei wrinkled her nose at the thought of spending time with Darien's new girlfriend. "No thanks. I'm going shopping."
"For clothes?" Rei nodded. "You know Rei, if you don't want to come all you have to do is say so."
"Is it really so hard to believe?"
"Coming from you? Yeah."
Rei shoved him towards the bleachers and kept running.
After school Rei made her way to Jed's blue jeep and found him waiting in the driver's seat. She tossed her backpack in the back seat, climbed into the front and punched Jed's arm.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"I don't know....maybe your little display outside gym!"
He frowned. "Well it worked didn't it."
She glared at him. "You never said anything about kissing."
Jed rolled his eyes. "What exactly do you think couples do?"
Having no verbal response to that, she stuck her tongue out at him.
"Add mature to you list of attributes."
She slouched down in her seat. "Well what are we waiting for. Let's go make the new me."
"We're waiting for my sister. She's better suited to help with your wardrobe than I."
Rei's eyes widened in fear. Mina Hathaway was in Rei's grade. She was part of a group similar to Serena's- only less focused on athletics and more on shopping. "I'm out of here Hathaway. Consider the deal void." Rei tried to scramble out of the jeep but Jed clamped down on her arm and wouldn't let go.
"Ah, here's Mina now."
Mina waved as she practically skipped up to the jeep. She hoped over the back door without opening it, landing in the back seat. "Hi Rei. We have English together don't we?" Giving Rei little more than time to nod she continued. "Jed told me about the plan and how I get to make you over. This is gonna be fun."
"No pastels." Rei growled.
Mina looked insulted. "With your coloring! Pu-leeze. What do you take me for, an amateur?"
Jed laughed as they pulled into the mall. "I'll be back in two hours Mina. And please, for the love of God, do something about her shoes."
Mina glanced down at Rei's shoes and shuddered. "Done and done Bro."
Rei glared at Jed as she was led away. "You'll pay for this Jed."
He was laughing as he drove away.
"Okay, we only have two hours. It's a good thing I know this mall like the back of my head. We'll start with clothes and go from there."
Rei eyed her personal shopper wearily. "No frills either."
Mina rolled her eyes. "Oh ye of little faith. Just because I look cute in pink doesn't mean I'd dress you in it. Though a deep rose might...nevermind that. We need to get something straight first of all. You will buy skirts. You will buy make-up. You'll even buy heels. And what's more Rei, you'll wear them."
"You seem to forget one thing Mina. You can't make me do anything."
"You're right. But you will because your goal's too important not to. Now come on there's a sale at Wet Seal."
Mina was truly a shopping goddess. She ushered Rei in and out of stores with the ease of one who knew what she wanted and where to find it. Within an hour both girls hands were full of bags.
To her surprise, Rei found herself warming up to the whole shopping experience. True to her word, Mina picked no frills, no pastels, and in an act of mercy, no heels higher than three inches.
Though Mina's sense of style clashed with Rei's mentality of baggy jeans and T-shirts, Rei had to admit that she looked good. She even let Mina convince her to wear a pair of low slung jeans and red muscle tank out of the store.
"See that wasn't so bad, was it?"
"Actually it was almost fun."
"Jed's gonna flip when he sees you. He told me to pick flattering clothes." At Rei's blank look Mina grinned. "He thought your baggy clothes hid flab." Rei started an indignant protest but Mina cut her off. "My brother's a typical guy. They don't see anything unless it's obvious. But once he gets a look at you now he'll swallow his teeth."
"Don't you mean tongue?"
"I see somebody has her mind on my brother's tongue!"
Rei sighed. This was the seventh time Mina had messed up a common expression.
"I hate to ruin your newfound faith in me Rei, but it has to be done. You're going to hate this next part."
"What next part? I bought clothes, I even bought shoes. There is no next part." Seeing where Mina was leading her, she put on the brakes. "No next part! No more!" Mina pushed Rei foreword into the salon. "But I don't wanna Mina!" she wailed.
"I never took you for a baby Rei. Suck it up." Rei shook her head and tried to get past Mina to the door. "You're thinking about this all wrong. Make-up can be fun." Rei snorted. "I'm serious. Just trust me Rei. I haven't led you wrong yet."
"You haven't led me to goop before."
"That which doesn't kill us makes us last longer."
"Stronger. Makes us stronger." Rei muttered.
"Stronger, longer. Whatever. See you in an hour!"
"An hour! Wait Mina, where are you going! Come back!" But with a cheerful wave Mina left Rei in the capable hands of a stylist named Debbie. Rei frowned at Debbie. "No poking or I'll scream."
Debbie chuckled. "I used to be just like you. Roll out of bed, get dressed, go." Rei took in Debbie's elaborate eye make-up and doubted that very much. "Don't worry Hon, you won't come out looking like my twin. I'll set you up with the basics and you'll take it from there. You don't seem the type to go overboard so it probably won't add more than 15 minutes to you routine."
In an hour's time Rei was plucked, powered, and smeared with what seemed like every color in the rainbow. Her hair was styled, her nails were done. Waxing was suggested but Rei's snarled reply nixed that idea.
When Rei was shown to a mirror she was surprised to see little change in her appearance. Her hair looked better and her eyes seemed deeper somehow. Her lips were certainly glossy. But it was still her. "I don't get it. It felt like you used enough make on me for ten people."
Debbie grinned. "The trick is to wear as much as possible without being able to tell you're wearing make up."
Rei wondered why Debbie hadn't followed her own advice but handed over her credit card for what was recommended. Mina appeared a moment later with her hair in an elaborate twist and an air of complete relaxation.
"You look great Rei. Let's get this stuff out to the jeep."
The entire make over session was almost worth it to see Jed visibly goggle at the sight of her. "You have breasts!"
Rei ignored the urge to hit him and settled for raising an eyebrow. "Yes I was aware of that."
"It's a wonder more girls don't flock to your side, bro." Mina tossed a bag at Jed who managed to catch it without tearing his eyes from Rei.
"Stop staring already. I wasn't a hideous leper when you dropped me off."
Jed said nothing, just motioned for Rei turn to around. With a sigh of impatience Rei obliged. "Very nice. My sister does good work."
"Yeah, too bad I can't seem to do a thing with you. You're such a jerk." Mina put the rest of her bags in the back seat. "Rei was gorgeous even before I showed her the way."
"My turn to give it a shot at reforming him." Rei brushed by Jed and followed Mina's example and put her bags in the jeep. "Lesson one Jed. You've already discovered that I have breasts. You can stop staring at them. My face is up here."
"I think you'll do well with him, Rei. See you both later."
"You're not coming with us?"
"As if there's room with your bags. Anyway, I saw at least four outfits I have to have. I'll catch a ride home with Karen."
Rei waved and climbed into the Jeep. Jed secured the last of the bags and followed suit.
"In case it wasn't clear, you look good."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm all aflutter." He grinned in response. "It's all nice and well to tell a girl she looks hot but it takes a lot more than that to keep a girl interested. You're total shock at finding out I'm attractive proves my point. A girl wants to be found cute after she's had only three hours of sleep and can't find anything to wear but a sweat suit, not just when she's dressed in something skimpy. If you want to get Serena you're going to have to do a lot more than tell her she's pretty. She knows that already and it's not as if she doesn't get told all the time."
"I'll have you know my methods have never failed before."
"What's the longest you've ever been with a girl."
Jed focused on his driveway. "Two weeks, maybe. What's your point."
"Prom's a month and a half away. Telling a girl she's pretty every now and then doesn't balance out the amount of time you spend on the subject of yourself."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
She followed him into the house. "It means that no self respecting girl wants to be with a guy who's more into himself than her."
He flopped down onto the couch. "And you'd be the expert. What's the longest you had a boyfriend? That's assuming you've had one."
"I've dated on and off but never seriously. Darien's always been my goal."
"And you were doing such a miraculous job of that, Ms. Relationship."
Rei frowned. "It's a known fact that the more time you spend with someone the more attractive they become to you." Jed snorted. "Hey! It was working. We even went out a couple of times before Serena batted her eyes at him."
Now it was Jed's turn to frown. "I went on a few dates with Serena. Thought I was getting somewhere until Chiba snatched her away."
Rei sighed and leaned back. "So it looks like both of us are in need of new methods."
Author's Notes
Okay, first of all there was no disclaimer in the prologue. Ack! My bad. Here it is. None of the characters are mine. Well most aren't. You no sue, I no cry.
Sorry about the formatting. I cringed when I saw how the last chapter appeared on FF.net. Really, it's not supposed to look like that. Apologies in advance if this turns out the same way. Eventually I will overcome my ignorance of FF.net.
Also, I am in desperate need of a beta. I mean, desperate. Mine is too bogged down with real life right now and I don't know when, if ever, she'll have time again. I've tried to go through with a fine comb myself, but I'm sure I've missed much. So if you or anyone you know is qualified to beta I beg of you, please e-mail me at ElBucko17@aol.com. Please, please, please!!
In response to the few who've commented. Thank you so much!!! I could tell you who will end up with whom, but I'm sure you can guess by now. Right?
And yes, I realize that everyone gets to keep their last name except for Mina. I could have made Jed's last name Aino, true. But I didn't.
With that all said, only one thing left. Please leave a review if you like this story. Leave a review if you hate it. No really, I can handle criticism. Just let me know you got something out of it. Because it drives me crazy to look at the enhanced statistic hit counter for this story and see that 200+ people dropped by this story and only six of you reviewed. What happened to the rest of you? Did you read the first paragraph and run away screaming? Did you say, "Meh." and mosey along? Did a radioactive spider bite you in the midst of you reading and you were too busy saving the world to review?
BTW, these author notes are waaaay too long, aren't they. Sorry. I'm leaving now. Really.
Rei's attempt to bore a hole through her desk with only her gaze was foiled by the idiot who kept tapping her back. She tried to shrug off the offending hand but the action only made the tapping more insistent.
"What do you want?" she growled without turning around.
"Meet me after class. I have a proposition for you."
She grimaced as she recognized the Jed Hathaway's voice. "You're probably the last person I'd agree to met anywhere."
"I'm serious. You're going to want to hear what I have to say."
"Somehow I seriously doubt that."
"Come on. It concerns a friend of yours. And seeing as you have so few of those I'm sure you know who I'm talking about."
"And seeing as you're such an asshole, this class is the only time I'll suffer your presence."
"You're such a bitch." It was said with more amusement than malice. "I've peaked your curiosity. You'll wait for me after class and you know it."
"Kiss ass Hathaway."
"Ms. Hino, Mr. Hathaway. Is there something you'd like to share with the rest of the class?" Two heads shot up to see the rest of the class staring at them.
"Actually Ms. Morgan, I was just telling Rachel here that she should get a blouse like the one you're wearing. It's really hot." Jed added a charming smile for effect and wasn't surprised when Ms. Morgan blushed and went back to teaching. Women were too easy.
"My name isn't Rachel, idiot!" Rei hissed as him. He didn't reply but the impression of his careless shrug came though loud and clear. Rei fumed silently for the rest of the period, knowing that she'd end up meeting the jerk after class. Jed spent the rest of class grinning, happy to have gotten under Rei Hino's skin.
"Okay, what's this proposition of yours."
He smiled, pleased that she wasted no time on small talk. "I get the impression that you're not pleased with the coming together of Rivercrest High's new favorite couple."
Rei shrugged, not liking that someone who couldn't be bothered to remember her name could read how pissed she was at Darien's choice of girlfriend. Had she really been that obvious about it?
"Suffice to say I agree with you. I'd been hoping to escort the lovely Ms. Tsukino to prom."
"Say no more. I can already see the way your minuscule brain is working. You and I work together to break them up. Is that your brilliant plan? Well thanks but no thanks Jed It'll never work. This isn't some stupid teen movie."
Rei sped up her pace in an attempt to ditch him but he easily kept up. She wanted to start running but decided that would be too childish. If she just ignored him, he'd go away.
She didn't get much of a chance to test her theory before Jed, fed up with being ignored, pulled her into a janitors closet. "What do you think you're doing Hathaway! Let me out!"
"Just hear me out Rei."
"I don't want to! Darien's my friend and if Serena's who makes him happy then that's who he's meant to be with."
"Oh come off it Rei! You don't really believe that Chiba's better off with Serena. She's a klutz, she's loud, and let's face it, she's not the brightest star in the sky if you catch my drift."
"If you find her so flawed then why do you want her?"
He grinned. "I'm a superficial guy."
Realization dawned. "And you want to be homecoming king."
Jed nodded. "I'm not saying we do anything underhanded like spread rumors or anything. I'm just saying we make them see what they're missing out on."
"And how do you propose we do that?"
"By being in the perfect relationship."
Several seconds of silence passed before Rei began frantically tugging at the door. "No. No way. That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard!"
"Why?"
"Well, for starters Darien will never believe I'm involved with a guy I've never talked to!"
Even in the dim light Rei could see Jed's smile take on a wolfish aspect. "Rei darling, in about a minute we're going to walk out of this closet into a crowded hallway. By lunch time over half the school will have heard. He'll believe it."
"You're not my type. I'd never date someone as self absorbed and cocky as you."
"And I'd never date a girl as opinionated and surly as you are. Or who dressed as bad. It'll be a two way deal. You humble me, I'll beautify you."
"What's wrong with the way I dress?!"
Jed studied her. "Well, are you fat?"
"No!"
"Oh, I couldn't tell what with your baggy jeans and oversized shirt. And what's with the shoes?"
"I like these shoes!"
"Yeah well I liked my attitude but apparently it has to go. And so do your ugly clothes."
"Why are you making plans for a makeover? I haven't even agreed to this!"
"Yes you have Rei. You'd do anything to get Chiba." He took her hand and opened the door. "Let the show begin."
True to his threat, Rei found herself the focus of what seemed like half the school's gaze as they exited the closet. Rei's flushed cheeks, Jed's confident grin, and their held hands were all taken note of and would be repeated thoughout the day.
"What's your next class? And quit glaring at our hands, Rei."
She glared up at his face instead. "Gym."
"Good, it's on my way. I'll drop you off. Don't forget to meet me at my car after school. We've got major work to do." Rei groaned, knowing that most of the today's work would be done on her wardrobe. "Well here we are. See you after school sweetie." Jed's smile was wicked and Rei's hands curled into fists. What was he up to now? His gaze turned challenging and he leaned foreword and quickly kissed her cheek.
"I'll crush you for that Jed."
"Tut, tut darling. We have an audience." He chucked her chin and walked away before she had a chance to kick him.
"Rei?"
She spun around to see Darien standing behind, confusion clearly displayed on his face. "Darien, I didn't know you were there."
"What just happened, Rei? Because it looked like Jed Hathaway, biggest pain in my ass Hathaway, just called you sweetie then kissed you."
Rei breezed by him into the gymnasium. "Glad to know you don't need your hearing or sight checked."
"How long has this been going on?"
"Darien, as much as you may believe otherwise, you are not my brother. I get to date whomever I like, and you don't get to push me around." She walked into the girl's locker room before he could reply. She couldn't keep the grin from her face. Jed's stupid scheme actually seemed to be working. Darien seemed upset of not jealous by Jed's little display before class.
And best of all, Darien wasn't willing to let it drop.
He caught up with her on her third trip around the track. "I'm serious about this Rei. Hathaway's bad news."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself."
"Hathaway goes though girls the way his sister goes through clothes."
"You know it's charming how neither of you refers to the other by their first name."
"Stop trying to change the subject Rei."
"I know what I'm doing Dare. Trust me." When he would have objected, Rei continued. "It's not like you have a choice anyway."
"Fine, I'll drop it. For now." The two finished their required about of laps and began their cool down lap. "So are you coming to Blue Dog after school with Serena and me?"
Rei wrinkled her nose at the thought of spending time with Darien's new girlfriend. "No thanks. I'm going shopping."
"For clothes?" Rei nodded. "You know Rei, if you don't want to come all you have to do is say so."
"Is it really so hard to believe?"
"Coming from you? Yeah."
Rei shoved him towards the bleachers and kept running.
After school Rei made her way to Jed's blue jeep and found him waiting in the driver's seat. She tossed her backpack in the back seat, climbed into the front and punched Jed's arm.
"Ow! What was that for?"
"I don't know....maybe your little display outside gym!"
He frowned. "Well it worked didn't it."
She glared at him. "You never said anything about kissing."
Jed rolled his eyes. "What exactly do you think couples do?"
Having no verbal response to that, she stuck her tongue out at him.
"Add mature to you list of attributes."
She slouched down in her seat. "Well what are we waiting for. Let's go make the new me."
"We're waiting for my sister. She's better suited to help with your wardrobe than I."
Rei's eyes widened in fear. Mina Hathaway was in Rei's grade. She was part of a group similar to Serena's- only less focused on athletics and more on shopping. "I'm out of here Hathaway. Consider the deal void." Rei tried to scramble out of the jeep but Jed clamped down on her arm and wouldn't let go.
"Ah, here's Mina now."
Mina waved as she practically skipped up to the jeep. She hoped over the back door without opening it, landing in the back seat. "Hi Rei. We have English together don't we?" Giving Rei little more than time to nod she continued. "Jed told me about the plan and how I get to make you over. This is gonna be fun."
"No pastels." Rei growled.
Mina looked insulted. "With your coloring! Pu-leeze. What do you take me for, an amateur?"
Jed laughed as they pulled into the mall. "I'll be back in two hours Mina. And please, for the love of God, do something about her shoes."
Mina glanced down at Rei's shoes and shuddered. "Done and done Bro."
Rei glared at Jed as she was led away. "You'll pay for this Jed."
He was laughing as he drove away.
"Okay, we only have two hours. It's a good thing I know this mall like the back of my head. We'll start with clothes and go from there."
Rei eyed her personal shopper wearily. "No frills either."
Mina rolled her eyes. "Oh ye of little faith. Just because I look cute in pink doesn't mean I'd dress you in it. Though a deep rose might...nevermind that. We need to get something straight first of all. You will buy skirts. You will buy make-up. You'll even buy heels. And what's more Rei, you'll wear them."
"You seem to forget one thing Mina. You can't make me do anything."
"You're right. But you will because your goal's too important not to. Now come on there's a sale at Wet Seal."
Mina was truly a shopping goddess. She ushered Rei in and out of stores with the ease of one who knew what she wanted and where to find it. Within an hour both girls hands were full of bags.
To her surprise, Rei found herself warming up to the whole shopping experience. True to her word, Mina picked no frills, no pastels, and in an act of mercy, no heels higher than three inches.
Though Mina's sense of style clashed with Rei's mentality of baggy jeans and T-shirts, Rei had to admit that she looked good. She even let Mina convince her to wear a pair of low slung jeans and red muscle tank out of the store.
"See that wasn't so bad, was it?"
"Actually it was almost fun."
"Jed's gonna flip when he sees you. He told me to pick flattering clothes." At Rei's blank look Mina grinned. "He thought your baggy clothes hid flab." Rei started an indignant protest but Mina cut her off. "My brother's a typical guy. They don't see anything unless it's obvious. But once he gets a look at you now he'll swallow his teeth."
"Don't you mean tongue?"
"I see somebody has her mind on my brother's tongue!"
Rei sighed. This was the seventh time Mina had messed up a common expression.
"I hate to ruin your newfound faith in me Rei, but it has to be done. You're going to hate this next part."
"What next part? I bought clothes, I even bought shoes. There is no next part." Seeing where Mina was leading her, she put on the brakes. "No next part! No more!" Mina pushed Rei foreword into the salon. "But I don't wanna Mina!" she wailed.
"I never took you for a baby Rei. Suck it up." Rei shook her head and tried to get past Mina to the door. "You're thinking about this all wrong. Make-up can be fun." Rei snorted. "I'm serious. Just trust me Rei. I haven't led you wrong yet."
"You haven't led me to goop before."
"That which doesn't kill us makes us last longer."
"Stronger. Makes us stronger." Rei muttered.
"Stronger, longer. Whatever. See you in an hour!"
"An hour! Wait Mina, where are you going! Come back!" But with a cheerful wave Mina left Rei in the capable hands of a stylist named Debbie. Rei frowned at Debbie. "No poking or I'll scream."
Debbie chuckled. "I used to be just like you. Roll out of bed, get dressed, go." Rei took in Debbie's elaborate eye make-up and doubted that very much. "Don't worry Hon, you won't come out looking like my twin. I'll set you up with the basics and you'll take it from there. You don't seem the type to go overboard so it probably won't add more than 15 minutes to you routine."
In an hour's time Rei was plucked, powered, and smeared with what seemed like every color in the rainbow. Her hair was styled, her nails were done. Waxing was suggested but Rei's snarled reply nixed that idea.
When Rei was shown to a mirror she was surprised to see little change in her appearance. Her hair looked better and her eyes seemed deeper somehow. Her lips were certainly glossy. But it was still her. "I don't get it. It felt like you used enough make on me for ten people."
Debbie grinned. "The trick is to wear as much as possible without being able to tell you're wearing make up."
Rei wondered why Debbie hadn't followed her own advice but handed over her credit card for what was recommended. Mina appeared a moment later with her hair in an elaborate twist and an air of complete relaxation.
"You look great Rei. Let's get this stuff out to the jeep."
The entire make over session was almost worth it to see Jed visibly goggle at the sight of her. "You have breasts!"
Rei ignored the urge to hit him and settled for raising an eyebrow. "Yes I was aware of that."
"It's a wonder more girls don't flock to your side, bro." Mina tossed a bag at Jed who managed to catch it without tearing his eyes from Rei.
"Stop staring already. I wasn't a hideous leper when you dropped me off."
Jed said nothing, just motioned for Rei turn to around. With a sigh of impatience Rei obliged. "Very nice. My sister does good work."
"Yeah, too bad I can't seem to do a thing with you. You're such a jerk." Mina put the rest of her bags in the back seat. "Rei was gorgeous even before I showed her the way."
"My turn to give it a shot at reforming him." Rei brushed by Jed and followed Mina's example and put her bags in the jeep. "Lesson one Jed. You've already discovered that I have breasts. You can stop staring at them. My face is up here."
"I think you'll do well with him, Rei. See you both later."
"You're not coming with us?"
"As if there's room with your bags. Anyway, I saw at least four outfits I have to have. I'll catch a ride home with Karen."
Rei waved and climbed into the Jeep. Jed secured the last of the bags and followed suit.
"In case it wasn't clear, you look good."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm all aflutter." He grinned in response. "It's all nice and well to tell a girl she looks hot but it takes a lot more than that to keep a girl interested. You're total shock at finding out I'm attractive proves my point. A girl wants to be found cute after she's had only three hours of sleep and can't find anything to wear but a sweat suit, not just when she's dressed in something skimpy. If you want to get Serena you're going to have to do a lot more than tell her she's pretty. She knows that already and it's not as if she doesn't get told all the time."
"I'll have you know my methods have never failed before."
"What's the longest you've ever been with a girl."
Jed focused on his driveway. "Two weeks, maybe. What's your point."
"Prom's a month and a half away. Telling a girl she's pretty every now and then doesn't balance out the amount of time you spend on the subject of yourself."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
She followed him into the house. "It means that no self respecting girl wants to be with a guy who's more into himself than her."
He flopped down onto the couch. "And you'd be the expert. What's the longest you had a boyfriend? That's assuming you've had one."
"I've dated on and off but never seriously. Darien's always been my goal."
"And you were doing such a miraculous job of that, Ms. Relationship."
Rei frowned. "It's a known fact that the more time you spend with someone the more attractive they become to you." Jed snorted. "Hey! It was working. We even went out a couple of times before Serena batted her eyes at him."
Now it was Jed's turn to frown. "I went on a few dates with Serena. Thought I was getting somewhere until Chiba snatched her away."
Rei sighed and leaned back. "So it looks like both of us are in need of new methods."
Author's Notes
Okay, first of all there was no disclaimer in the prologue. Ack! My bad. Here it is. None of the characters are mine. Well most aren't. You no sue, I no cry.
Sorry about the formatting. I cringed when I saw how the last chapter appeared on FF.net. Really, it's not supposed to look like that. Apologies in advance if this turns out the same way. Eventually I will overcome my ignorance of FF.net.
Also, I am in desperate need of a beta. I mean, desperate. Mine is too bogged down with real life right now and I don't know when, if ever, she'll have time again. I've tried to go through with a fine comb myself, but I'm sure I've missed much. So if you or anyone you know is qualified to beta I beg of you, please e-mail me at ElBucko17@aol.com. Please, please, please!!
In response to the few who've commented. Thank you so much!!! I could tell you who will end up with whom, but I'm sure you can guess by now. Right?
And yes, I realize that everyone gets to keep their last name except for Mina. I could have made Jed's last name Aino, true. But I didn't.
With that all said, only one thing left. Please leave a review if you like this story. Leave a review if you hate it. No really, I can handle criticism. Just let me know you got something out of it. Because it drives me crazy to look at the enhanced statistic hit counter for this story and see that 200+ people dropped by this story and only six of you reviewed. What happened to the rest of you? Did you read the first paragraph and run away screaming? Did you say, "Meh." and mosey along? Did a radioactive spider bite you in the midst of you reading and you were too busy saving the world to review?
BTW, these author notes are waaaay too long, aren't they. Sorry. I'm leaving now. Really.