Get Out
Episode I
When she fills in the outfit she had picked out on the school morning, she examines herself from the tall standing mirror in her bedroom. Her mixed copper skin goes well with the light manila colored sweater, and her legs shoot out from under them like bird legs.
Jade: Eeh… It's kind of plain… and –bulky.
She undergoes an outfit change. This time, she wears a loose, grey off-shoulder top with black, knee- length leggings. She keeps turning and looking at herself in all directions. She looks a bit innocent and as if she's trying to showcase herself. Like something of a poser. Growing annoyed, she kicks off her big shoes to take everything off and start over. The hangers screech on the railing as she goes through every piece of clothing. Nothing she owns portrays the flair she's trying to create. The remaining components of her apparel are her worn styles of zip-up hoodies, dark pants, and basic t-shirts. Without much choice, she dresses in her usual fashion with a black hoodie, neutral shirt, and loose, unfitted jeans with plaid sneakers.
Jade: Time to go shopping.
She walks to school carrying her panda pack across her chest with a binder and school books in her right arm. Her high school is named Braxton Dane High School. She takes no more than a twenty minute stroll from her house on East Marion Street, to her first period classroom on the second floor of the school building; Mr. Jenin's English 12 class.
Braxton Dane still has the new building scent to it, though it is already four years old. It is a modest size to house 10th-12th grade students and the staff with a track course, tennis court, soccer field, and an indoor gym. The school takes pride in keeping the property pristine, and cannot tolerate a single blemish. Due to this, students are not allowed to chew gum, eat or drink in classrooms, tread on the grass, and there is an excessive amount trash bins all over. It is also the reason why they don't accept perverse or insolent students who do not conform this and do not care for the property or atmosphere.
Besides from that, it is a receptive public high school. There are no uniforms, but they do have a dress code. Students are free to go about their education as they please. Electronic usage, such as cell phones and iPods, are permissible at appropriate times— it's almost like they aren't as concerned with what you do, as long as you don't trash up the place, cause any sort of trouble, or do anything illegal. This gives the school a kind of superior reputation from the outside appearance. As far as the overall student education level goes, it's never gone below the state average. So far.
Since the school doesn't have much of a background, it doesn't have a history. There is nothing specular worth remembering for any time to come. Not just of the school itself, but also amongst the student body. Well, nothing that anyone has spent more than two days talking about anyway. So, Braxton Dane still holds a clean slate.
Her usual school day runs on from first period, to second period down the hall in Mrs. Walton's US Government class, then downstairs for third in Mrs. Cole's Anatomy class, lunch, and for fourth she has early out. During this free period she uses her time to hang out with a few friends before heading back home. Most of the time it's her best friend, Hailey, she spends this time with. They already have second and third period together, so they don't split up until they have to go their opposite directions for home.
They don't mind this prolonged period together because they are close enough to speak and act as themselves. People often mistake them as sisters because they both have medium dark, tanned skin and long, black hair. Except Hailey is about two shades darker and her hair is shiny with moisture and is longer.
They've been friends since the beginning of high school; 10th grade. They know a lot about each other, it's almost sinister. When the other is in a livid mood, the other knows how to respond to ease the tension. In actuality, they might as well be sisters.
They start the walk back home before fourth period ends.
Hailey: So… what's with this new name: Rain? You changed your name on N-Link.
Jade: It's just a cool name, isn't it? There are so many other people out there with the name Jade.
Hailey: No there isn't.
Jade laughs a little to herself.
Jade: I just realized that name goes perfect with yours. Rain and HAILey.
Hailey: Oh, yea! Hahahah!
Her laugh is genuine enough.
Hailey: I'm sorry but I'm not calling you Rain. Your name to me is Jade. I like it, I don't get why you are trying to change it.
Jade: I don't know, it's just something… new. You know?
Hailey: You're saying you're bored with your name? Haheh!
Jade: Don't laugh! No, I'm not bored with my name, or anything. It's just an interesting change!
Jade tried to explain herself through the laughter. Jade smiles but throws a tantrum by distancing herself to the other side of the sidewalk from Hailey. Hailey grabs onto Jade's shoulder and arm, resting her head on her collarbone.
Hailey: I love you Jade, but you are so weird!
Jade just smiles and shakes her head until Hailey stands upright and removes her hands.
They come to the four way split at the end of the sidewalk to the school. They would both turn left here, but today Rain chooses to go right. Jade tugs a little at her panda bag across her chest.
Jade: I have to go. I'm going to town to do some shopping.
Hailey: You could have told me! I could have gone with you. I don't have any money on me and I hate window shopping.
Jade: Oh, sorry. Maybe we can go another time.
Hailey: How about this Sunday?
Jade looks at her and hums.
Hailey: Oh, that's right! You can't do anything on Sunday's. I keep forgetting that. How about next Friday?
Jade: I'll have to see if I'll be doing anything. Probably not.
Hailey: Ok.
Hailey raises her hand and waves like she's waving to a cute, small mouse. Jade does the same.
Hailey: I'll see you on Monday.
They high five with those hands.
Jade: Bye.
After they part ways, Hailey turns around and calls out.
Hailey: Don't forget to ask your parents!
Jade looks back.
Jade: I won't.
Hailey: Ok, have a nice weekend!
Jade: You too!
Speaking of her parents, Jade calls home to her mom on her cell phone.
Jade: Hey, I'm going shopping afterschool; I'll be home by four o' clock.
Mom: Uuuh… What are you going shopping for?
Jade can tell her mom doesn't approve of this.
Jade: I'm just getting clothes.
Mom: That's fine; I don't have a problem with that but… I wish you would have told me sooner. In the future, can you tell me before?
Jade: Yea.
Mom: Is your brother and sister on their way home?
Jade: School hasn't ended yet, mom. They should be soon.
Mom: Alright, be safe sweetie. Call if you're going to be back late.
Jade: Ok.
Jade waits at the transport stop to take a public bus to the edge of town. Once she gets there, she wanders the isles of tall buildings almost at a loss.
Jade: Hmm… the problem is where do I start? I can't go into shops that everyone is familiar with, and I don't have that much cash on me. I'll have to find some cheap place no one really knows about.
She goes down streets she's never gone down through before.
The starting store that looks suitable is called Red Scratch. Inside, she notices the lean and gnashing atmosphere. Hardcore music plays in the background overhead to set the mood for shoppers. First things first: shirts. She finds the area where they are inhabited. A bright yellow, shredded tank top stands out.
Jade: Too punk.
She decides to leave the shirts for now and look at the hoodies. There are leather, studded jackets, long coats, and several vests. Jade finds a purple and black striped high waist hoodie. The color purple entices her to take it off of the rack. The sleeves are shortened to the elbow and the color black, with silver grey faux fur lining the hood. She takes her own worn hoodie off and tries it on. She walks over to a standing mirror and looks at the perfect fit. Before she had to examine it from the mirror, she already knew she was in love with it.
The price of it is $22.99, which is alright. She takes that and browses through the bottom apparel. The jeans are torn with threads and chains hanging off. The skirts and shorts are way short with netting and extra material for design. This isn't Jade's style at all, but, is it Rain's? No, Rain isn't torn up or sensual.
The shoe wear is indeed interesting without a question. Heavy boots, high heeled boots, both of the two combined into pairs of sneakers, extravagant heel shoes, and flat sneakers. She finds a pair of casual, white leather, mid-calf winter boots with black soles and laces. They have slight elevation to them when she puts them on, but none the less she takes its clearance price of $12.99. On the way to the counter, she picks up a nice, plain brown leather wrist cuff for $9.99. They are all stuffed into a large plastic black bag and paid for.
Now, to find another store. This one is harder to find. In a lot of the places they sold generic name brands or the prices are out of her price range. Further down the street, stores are deficient. Still, she kept scanning the buildings for indications of a clothing shop.
Just before she plans on heading back, there is a small corner shop called, Beneatheyard. The music in this shop has a quick tempo base with electronic effects and the voice of a young woman singing in charm. The shoppers are women who look to be no older than twenty eight years old. With an overall view, the style of the attire is bold, yet classy. Like what you would see worn by late night dancing women, except not too revealing or suggestive.
She indulges herself on the clothing, trying on a lot of loose, off shoulder tops, small skirts, and various kinds of leg wear. She comes across a snow white, tube mini dress, along with a small, black, folded skirt underneath with dark grey thigh high stockings. All together, the price comes out to be about $47. She's spent less than $100 dollars on this new look, which is cheaper than the price of a single item of clothing of some popular clothes line or designer bag.
Jade: Something still isn't right.
She can wear a complete new trend of clothes, but still look like the girl she's always been. Fragile and reserved. What could it be? Is it her glasses? Jade can't help but wear them because of her not so perfect vision. She's too afraid to try contacts because they have a reputation of being a painful hassle and her eyes are so very sensitive. Her vision isn't bad enough that she can't go a day or two without wearing glasses. It's a habit just to wear them every day.
Jade: I know what it is.
It takes Jade a while to venture back into the parts of town she is familiar with. She goes into a store called Rework Dominations. The shop is busy with every employee at the stations working with clients; the recipients having their hair rinsed, cut, or dried. Jade waits at the front desk, looking around to the amazing white marble floor, bright blue chairs, multi colored walls, mirror ceiling, and wall photos. She notices every employee is wearing a similar uniform: white shirt with black dress pants and sophisticated black heels with a black apron tied at their neck and waist holding hair tools. It didn't take much longer for a rushed familiar colored woman to assist her.
Jade: Hey Ebony!
Ebony: Hey baby girl.
Ebony lets out a hard, exhausted sigh.
Ebony: I'm about to just die flat out on the floor. There's just too much going on today!
Ebony shakes her head and strokes the cornrows the lead up to the standing afro on the back of her head. As if making sure not a single hair is out of place.
Ebony: So what's up with you, what did you need?
Jade: Is my sister working?
Ebony: Yea, she's just on her break in the lounge.
Ebony points behind, to the hall down the center leading to the back of the salon.
Ebony: Hold on; just let me go speak with Karman to see if it's alright for you to go back there. She's the boss. I don't want to hear no fuss cause' I let you back there. I'll be right back.
Ebony storms off with her heels clanking on the marble. Jade looks down at the bags she has in both hands, her arms growing a little sore.
Soon, the manager comes with Ebony to see Jade. Karman is pale white with refined makeup that makes her blue eyes pop out and her lips are a rosy red. Her bleach blonde hair is short and wavy, making her look like a bright and jolly individual.
Karman: Haven't I seen you before? You're… Desiree!
Jade: No, that's my younger sister.
Karman: Oh, so then you're Jade, right?
Jade: Yes.
Karman: Your hair is so long!
Ebony: I know, isn't it?
Ebony runs her hand down Jade's ends and examines them.
Ebony: You need to come here more often. Are you gonna' get your sister to do your hair?
Jade: Yea.
Ebony: How did you want it cut?
Karman: You should get it cut shorter. About up to here.
Karman draws an invisible line at Jade's collarbone.
Ebony: Yea, that would go better with her face shape. With maybe some bangs that go over to the right.
Karman: Make the front shorter than the back.
Jade feels like a small child being fussed over by adults.
Jade: You should tell her to do that for me.
Karman: Honey, is that what you want?
Jade: Yea.
Karman: Alrighty! You can go sit at her station over there. I'll let her know her adorable baby sister is here and she needs to stop hiding in the back and do some work.
Karman winks and smiles like a jokester. Jade blushes as she plops herself in the hydraulic barber chair and drops her bags at her feet. Ebony gets back to work on cutting a woman's hair at the station next door to her.
Ebony: How old are you now, Jade? 16?
Jade: 18.
Ebony: Really? I had no idea. Time flies by so fast. You make me feel so damn old! Did you graduate from school?
Jade: No, not yet. The school year is about halfway over.
Ebony: Alright, alright. What are you going to do after school?
Jade: I'm thinking about going to an arts school somewhere around here.
Ebony: My cousin is into that. She goes to the Cornish College of Arts. Yea, she likes doing that stuff a lot. I think you'll be really good. What kind of art are you interested in?
Jade: I'm into cartoons and anime. I want to do animation.
Ebony: You into that weird, Japanese anime stuff? Well, you go head'. Just remember me once you get famous, alright?
Jade laughs and sways the chair from side to side.
Jade: You remember me once YOU get famous.
Ebony: Trust me girl, if I'm going to ever be famous, it ain't gonna' be for cutting hair.
Jade is squeezed so hard from behind at that moment that her breath is knocked out of her. It is the affectionate hug of her older sister.
Jade: Chanel!
Chanel kisses Jade on her cheek several times before letting go.
Chanel: Wacha' doin' baby girl!
Chanel twirls the seat around so Jade is facing her. Jade notices a change in her hair. It is so long with blonde streaks going down the front of it. She no longer has distinct bangs sweeping over her sharp brows.
Chanel: How come you never came to say "Hi" before?
Jade: I've been busy with school.
Chanel: Bull shit, don't lie to me. You never even text me either!
Jade: You never text me!
Chanel: That's cause' I've been busy with work and all this other stuff!
Jade: Exactly!
Chanel: Ok, I see how it is. I see how you are.
Chanel eyes Jade in sham.
Jade: I promise whenever I'm not busy I'll come visit.
Chanel: Shut up and let's get your hair did.
Jade grins as she is swung around to see her own reflection in the mirror.
Chanel: So what you want is your hair cut short?
Jade: Not too short though.
Chanel: I'll keep the back longer and give you some bang. That sound good?
Jade: Yea.
Chanel: What do you know? I'm a hairdresser. I'll do what I want.
Chanel cocks an eyebrow and stares at Jade, as if she said that by accident. This is Chanel's usual silly self, always making people smile and laugh. She's a beautiful woman, which gets her get away from people thinking she is odd.
Right away, Chanel puts a salon drape over Jade and combs hair a hundred times; it seems like, before cutting.
Chanel: Are you still dating that boy?
Jade: Christian? Barely.
Chanel: That don't sound right.
Jade: He's just so lazy! He never comes to school and never wants to do any work. He can't even text me.
Chanel: He's no good. Why are you still with him?
Jade: Well, I don't mind staying friends with him but I know once I break up with him I'll never talk to him again.
Chanel: Tell him you still want to be friends then!
Jade: I will, but he probably won't want to be.
Chanel: He's not worth it. Listen to me Jade; there are other guys out there that will treat you better.
Jade: Thanks.
Chanel: So, what else is new?
Jade almost feels sad for her hair, looking down at the severed locks.
Jade: I went shopping today for new clothes. I'm getting a completely new style.
Chanel: Where did you go shopping at?
Jade: I went to a lot of places. I bought stuff from Red Scratch and Beneatheyard.
Chanel and Ebony look up at each other and smile.
Ebony: That's our place!
Chanel: We go to Beneatheyard all the time. What are you doing shopping at a place like that? You better show me what you got.
Jade: I can try it on for you.
Chanel: Will mom and dad approve?
Jade: They'll approve everything except for the mini skirt. I'll just wear leggings under them or some pants until I get to school.
Chanel: What's Red Scratch?
Jade: It's along the same street. It's this punk place that sells a lot of leather and studded stuff.
Ebony: You got yourself some leather? Oh lord.
Jade: No, I didn't get anything leather! Well, I got a leather armband… and shoes.
Chanel: Why are you going for a new style all of a sudden?
Jade: You promise not to laugh?
Chanel: Just tell me!
Jade: I'm kind of Rainventing myself. Like, changing almost everything about me.
Chanel: That's no different from when I was around your age. That's just a phase a lot of teenagers go through.
Jade: Then how come it seems like I'm the only one going through it?
Chanel: You're just that much weirder than everyone else.
Ebony: Chanel! Don't be mean to your sister! I'll kick her in the face for you if you want, Jade.
Chanel: I'm just saying! Maybe it's because they've already gone through the change and you're used to them being that way.
Ebony: Look at her, trying to be smart. You don't know nothing, Chanel.
Chanel: I know where you sleep.
Ebony: That's because we live in the same house dummy! You're so dumb. Actually, you're the weird one; you make Jade look completely normal.
Chanel takes a few more snips at Jade's hair.
Chanel: Voila!
She throws the drape off of Jade and lets her gaze at herself in the mirror.
Jade: Wow.
She can't believe how different she looks now. She could fit into a crowd of obscene people, but there's something about it that makes her look innocent. Now, she looks far from fragile and reserved.
Chanel: You know what would be so cute? If you had a blonde streak going down the side of your bang.
Ebony: You just want her to have blonde in her hair like you do.
Chanel: No I don't! Look.
Chanel turns Jade to face Ebony.
Chanel: From here—to all the way down here
Chanel points from the top of Jade's frontal head, down the side to the end of her bang.
Ebony: I think it could be cute. What do you think, Jade?
Jade: Yea, I want that.
The thought of appearing even more different encourages her to go for it.
Chanel takes out strips of tin foil and a medium sized streaking brush. She mixes the bleach formula and brushes it into several layers of her hair, wrapping it in the foil after and leaving it for a set time. After the time is up, she washes is out of Jade's hair, leaving a vibrant light shade of blonde in her hair. Jade admires it from a hand held mirror.
Jade: I love it! Thank you so much.
Chanel: Don't thank me. That cost an extra fifteen bucks.
Jade: What!
Chanel: Fine. The bleach is on me. Just pay for the haircut.
Jade: How much was that?
Chanel: $35.
Jade: For just a cut? This stuff is expensive.
Chanel: Plus a tip. We gotta' make a living somehow!
Ebony is done with her clients and comes over to check it out.
Ebony: That looks so rocking! I like that a lot.
Chanel: Get up and show me the clothes you bought.
Chanel grabs the mirror from her. Jade stands up and collects her bags. She shies away into the ladies restroom and changes into her outfit, seeing it put together for the first time. It goes together a lot better than she expected. The style is eye-catching and chic, yet only revealing the appeal of her upper thighs. Her hairstyle brings it to a cute punk style and gives a lot of energy to her being.
She presents herself before Ebony and Chanel, searching for their opinions on it.
Ebony: I love your boots! Did you get them at Beneatheyard?
Jade: No, Red Scratch.
Chanel: Do you need to wear the jacket? Let me see it off.
Jade takes it off.
Ebony: The jacket gives it some color, but it looks great with or without it.
Chanel: I'd wear it without the jacket to a party. That's perfect for school though. I like that style, where did you see it at?
Jade shrugs.
Jade: I made it up. I just tried things on.
Ebony: You gotta' go shopping with me sometime and get me something like that.
Jade beams, knowing it's a definite hit.
Jade: Yea, I can do that for you—Oh!
She remembers her restricted time.
Jade: What time is it?
Ebony: 6:26.
Jade: I have to go!
Chanel: Gotta' head home?
Jade: Yea, I told mom I'd be home in an hour. That was for 4 o' clock.
Chanel: Alwite lil pwincess! Let's get you outta' hewr'!
Jade doesn't have time to change back into her regular clothes. She leaves the store speed walking to the bus stop, almost throwing her bags in front of her. She drops her bags on the bench to take out her phone and calls home.
Jade: Hello? Sorry mom, I got stuck at Chanel's work talking… Yea, I'm coming home right now.
A hard shoulder collides with her outstretched elbow, throwing her cell phone from her hand. It crashes several feel away and skids across the rough gravel.
Jade: Hey!
The guy who had caused this apologizes with pure regret. He runs off and chases down her phone, checking the damage. When Jade receives her phone back, the screen is inactive with the glass covering cracked. Even pressing the power button, it won't turn on.
The boy has faded, tan hair that almost covers his eyes. Being shocked of the sudden destruction of her phone, Jade stares into his blue eyes until another outsider comes and interrupts him.
?: Are you ok hun?
A boy of an Asian ethnicity comes to her aid. His quick voice is high and sharp. The first thing she notices of him is his spiked, black hair with bright red ends at the top. He sees the damage to her phone and gets irate.
?: Look at this! Can't you see there's all this space for you to walk past? What are you walking over here for? Why don't you watch where you're going? Are you blind, deaf, and stupid? What is your name, boy? Don't you think you're getting out of this! What is your name I say!
?: Vinnie. Are you friends?
?: No, mother fucker! We don't need to be. I just saw the monstrosity that you just did and somebody needs to help this poor girl out. She don't even know what to say to you.
Vinnie: I don't this really concerns you.
?: It don't matter who is concerns, you owe this girl a new phone!
The next thing Jade notices of this Asian is his boisterous femininity. He acts like an assertive black woman.
Vinnie: Ok! I'll do that, fuck! Can I talk to her, please?
?: Go head'.
He folds his arms and allows Vinnie to speak.
Vinnie: I'll give you my number. How much does your phone cost?
Jade: I don't know, my dad bought it for me. I'll find out.
Vinnie: Do you have anything you can write?
Jade: No.
?: Here.
The Asian digs into his own black leather schoolbag for a paper and pen. He tears the paper in half and gives her a piece and a pen.
Vinnie: 540-552-2893.
?: 2-8-9-3.
The Asian had written down the number also.
?: You got it?
Jade: Yea. Thank you.
Vinnie + ?: You're welcome.
Both boys look at each other.
?: Ain't no one thanking YOU! You just completely obliterated her damn phone!
The bus pulls in and puffs to a stop. The feminine fellow goes off to collect his bag and books to get on the bus.
Vinnie: Call me when you know.
Vinnie continues his stroll down the street. Jade gathers her bags and heads onto the bus. From his claimed seat, the Asian motions to her. She sits next to him just before the bus accelerates.
?: By the way, my name is Sheng Chi. What's your name?
Jade stops herself before saying anything.
Jade: Rain.
Sheng: Rain—?
Jade: Pearson.
Jade keeps her last name the same.
Sheng: This is such an unfortunate situation, but it's nice to meet you.
His stern, scary appearance had turned soft and kind. His nice smile hides his dark pupils through his squinted eyes.
Jade: It's nice to meet you too. Why did you yell at him like that?
Sheng: Cause', you know, I know if somebody ran into ME like that, clearly on purpose; or not—regardless, it doesn't matter… and SHATTERED my cell phone, I wouldn't be standing there not saying a thing to them.
Jade: Thanks a lot. I was just so surprised, it happened so fast.
Sheng: I know, I was too. I was sitting there at the bus stop and I saw you come along on your phone, then he knocked into you, and you didn't know what to say, I was like OH MY GOD! I gotta' help her out, she don't know how to handle this.
Jade: I have to hide this from my parents.
Sheng: Why? It's not like it's your own fault.
Jade: I don't think they would believe that I got hit so hard my phone broke like this. It's just until I can get a new one.
Sheng: Oh, yea…
Sheng nods, accepting the explanation.
Sheng: So where are you from?
Jade: I'm from around Madrona.
Sheng: I live down in Atlantic. Do you go to Nova?
Jade: No, I go to Braxton Dane.
Sheng: Oh, really! I heard that school is the shit! I wish I went there. Do you like it?
Jade: Yea, it's nice. Everything is still new.
Sheng: Now I can say I actually know someone who goes to that school.
Jade: What school do you go to?
Sheng: I… I go to O'Dea High School.
Sheng acts like he's delivering bad news.
Jade: I don't think I've ever heard of that school.
Sheng: Probably because it's an all-boys school.
Somehow, that just about explains Sheng to Jade.
Jade: Do you like it?
Sheng: Pshh! O'Dea? Hell no! Girl, are you kidding me? That school is a joke! I don't even like talking to anyone from that school. Like, seriously, I don't even listen to anyone. I'm just jamming out with my music all day. People always tell me to shut the fuck up cause' my singing be too loud. I'm just like, I don't give a shit! Really, I don't.
Sheng's ostentatious acting keeps making Jade chuckle.
Jade: What kind of music do you listen to?
Sheng: I listen to a little bit of everything. Except country. I don't do country. So if you like country, I'm sorry, but we're going to have some problems.
Jade: I HATE country.
Sheng: Thank god. I also don't really like screaming music either. Yelling, screeching, growling; I don't touch that stuff.
Jade: I used to listen to that, but not anymore.
Sheng: Have you heard of Miscue Mocha?
Jade: No.
Sheng: You are missing OUT! Do you want to hear her?
Jade: Sure.
Sheng takes his Apple IPod Classic out from his bag and gives her an ear bud to listen with. The music is Instrumental with a woman's strong, brilliant voice. Sheng shimmies his shoulders and hums along to it, singing several words aloud. He matches very pitch, as well as the singer herself.
Jade: You're a very good singer.
Sheng laughs embarrassed.
Sheng: Thanks, I guess. Do you like this song?
Jade: Yea, it's alright. What was the name again?
Sheng: Miscue Mocha.
Jade: Miss-Q Mocha.
Sheng: No, no, not Miss-Q—Miscue.
Jade still looks confused.
Sheng: Do you want me to call you? So I can help you find her and you don't accidently find something else?
Jade: That would be great. Thanks again.
Sheng laughs and Jade wonders why he is.
Sheng: I'm sorry, but you're just so damn cute.
Jade: What?
Sheng: I mean, don't take this the wrong way but, I feel like I want to help you out. You're too nice for your own good! But for real, if you were as loud and obnoxious as me, I probably wouldn't like you at all. If anything, I hate girls who are as loud and obnoxious as I am. Don't ask me why, it just flies that way. Am I bothering you? Like, I know a lot of people find me very annoying. Is this too much?
Sheng changes subject so fast, his abundance of energy wears Jade out.
Jade: No, not at all.
Sheng: You don't have to lie, just tell me straight up if I'm bothering you; you're not interested; you want me to fuckoff—
Jade: No, I don't.
Jade laughs.
Jade: You're really funny.
Sheng: I'm glad you think that. It's just that I haven't actually talked to someone like this in a long time. I have a lot of dick guy friends I don't like to talk to and not many girlfriends. You know? It's like I haven't talked to any REAL people in so long. And I just want to say that you're VERY nice, even though we just met. Do you understand me? I'm sorry if this is weird.
Jade: I understand. It's not weird at all!
Sheng: So did you want me to have your number? Or…
Jade: Yea
When it comes to Jade's stop, she leaves humored from his cunning remarks. Just before she steps off the bus, Sheng calls out.
Sheng: Bye, Rain! I'll call you soon.
Jade can't keep herself from smiling on the way home. Due to her change, and bad luck, she's met new people. Whether they are worthwhile people to associate with doesn't matter right now. What does matter is she's already made a working change in her life that she knows in the end will change her life forever.
She gets into her house as quiet as possible. She runs up to her room once she knows her mom is in the kitchen and can't see her. Her brother and sister are both enveloped in their own rooms. By eight o' clock she scrounges for information about her Sprint HTC EVO cell phone from her laptop. She finds out the total cost of a brand new one. With the house phone, she dials up Vinnie. She remembers the look of the back of his tan hair when he ran after her phone.
Vinnie: Hello?
Jade: Hey, this is that chick you ran into today. Rain.
Vinnie: Oh, yea, hey. So anyway, what was with that gay guy? I don't know if he was just defending you or wanted to have an excuse to talk to me for his butt fucking. Now he has my number and I'm just waiting for a text or call. It's fucking annoying.
Jade can tell he is dwelling on the incident and is blowing off some steam. She hadn't thought about that though. Why did Sheng take his number?
Jade: Sorry about that. I don't know him that well. I just met him today.
Vinnie: I hope I don't ever have to deal with him again. I still feel bad about busting your phone. I don't know where my head was at when that happened.
Jade: I just need a replacement soon before my parents find out.
Vinnie: Name your price.
Jade: Since the phone won't even turn on, I have to get a completely new one. It's around $500.
Vinnie: Holy shit…
There is a long pause.
Jade:… Hello?
Vinnie: I'm still here. That's a lot for a cell phone.
Jade: That's why I'm dead if my parents find out.
Vinnie: I won't be able to give it to you all at once. It could take a little over a month, or just a few weeks.
Jade: Oh… That's fine I guess.
Vinnie: Here's a thought… I could give you the money that I can get and give it to you when I can, then if you can raise the rest of the amount with your own money and buy the phone, I'll pay you off that amount in the end. So you can get the phone as soon as possible.
Jade: I like that idea.
Vinnie: Where can I meet you for the transaction?
Jade doesn't trust this guy enough to meet him alone on the streets again. It's obvious she can't let him know where she lives. She doesn't own a P.O box or have any place he can leave it for her to pick up. If she got him to give it to Chanel at the salon to deliver, Chanel would become involved. Chanel has a bad record of keeping anything to herself. The word of Jade's broken phone would spread like a cloud of smoke and after not much longer, her parents would know.
However, if it were to be at school, there are a lot of administrators and policemen around on watch. She could go home with her siblings in her brother's car so that he can't follow her home… by foot. It's the safest bet she has.
Jade: How about at my high school, Braxton Dane.
Vinnie: … That place, huh?
Jade: Do you know where it is?
Vinnie: Yea, yea… I'll find you there. Just make sure that annoying punk isn't around.
Jade: He won't.
. . . . . . . . . .
On Saturday, Jade spends most of the day playing a videogame with her younger sister. They play as little characters going through a series of mazes and battles from the plasma screen TV in the living room. They have a blast making each other laugh from making silly comments and such.
Jade: Desiree, can you please stop hurting me! We're never going to get through this level.
Desiree: I want to do it!
Even though Desiree is only a year and a few months apart in age from Jade, she looks to be older and is more outgoing. She only looks older because she is taller. Now that Jade has her hair cut in a kind of suited way, they look to be the same age.
Desiree is such a child when it comes to videogames. She always spends extra time fooling around than completing the game. Jade is a smart game player; there isn't a game she can't beat.
In the afternoon, the house phone rings. They leave it for their mom to pick up. Her voice echoes from the kitchen.
Mom: Rain? I'm sorry, there isn't anyone living here by that name… Yes, this is the Pearson residence. May I ask who this is?
Jade freezes the game in a snap and sprints from the couch.
Jade: Mom, mom, mom, mom!
Mom: Yes?
Jade: That's for me!
Jade receives the wireless house phone.
Jade: Sorry, she… she was just kidding. I did that to her on some important call, so she does this to me whenever there is a call for me.
Jade's mom had already left and didn't hear her lie.
Sheng: I was like, what the fuck! That was slick. I actually believed her! Anyway, what you been doing?
Jade: I'm playing a game with my younger sister.
Speaking of that, Jade goes back into the living room where Desiree sat glaring at her, thinking Jade is talking to her usual dorky friends from school. In a sort of confliction, Jade attempts to create a happy-medium.
Jade: Can I put you on speaker? It's just my sister with me.
Sheng: Uuhm… sure? Why not? I don't care.
Jade can now continue playing with Desiree and talking to Sheng.
Jade: Ok, we can hear you.
Sheng: Hey.
Desiree: Hi!
Sheng: Is that your sister? How old is she?
Jade: 16.
Desiree nudges Jade and says hushed,
Desiree: Who is that?
Jade: Sheng. I met him yesterday.
Even though Sheng's voice is high, over the phone you can tell it is a guy's voice.
Sheng: What's her name?
Desiree: Desiree.
Sheng: That's a gorgeous name, Desiree. You guys have the prettiest names I have ever heard.
Desiree: Are you Japanese? Your name sound like it is.
Sheng: I'm CHINESE. I was born in China and moved here when I was like, twelve.
Desiree: So are you bilingual?
Sheng: BI WHAT?
Sheng snaps like she just said something insulting.
Desiree: LINGUAL. Can you speak Chinese?
Sheng: Oh… Yea I speak Chinese. My mother still doesn't know English very well, so I better know my Chinese.
Desire: Could you say a sentence in Chinese?
Sheng:… Like what?
Desire: Say… "I popped a teddy bear's balloon."
Sheng chuckles, a little surprised.
Sheng: What? No! Anyway… Rain, did you call that ass face, Vinnie?
Jade looks around for her mother's ear range.
Jade: Sshh!
Sheng: What? What the fuck! You can't not call his bitch ass up!
Jade: Sshh! Could you stop cussing? My mom could hear.
Sheng: Oh! I thought you were trying to make me shut up about calling Vinnie because you didn't want to or something. Sorry, I know I'm bad. I try to stop myself but people always try to get me to say something, you know? I try to calm myself down but eventually I'm just like, fuck it!... I apologize, I'll stop. So, did you call him or not?
Jade: Yea, I did.
Sheng: Please tell me you weren't all sweet and kind to him! What happened? What did you say? Tell me!
Desiree: Who's Vinnie?
Jade: Uuhm…
Jade decides to answer Sheng first, but she has to speak in a veiled memorandum so her sister wouldn't catch what is being meant.
Jade: He's going to get me what he can as soon as possible. I'm going to make up for the rest of it so I can get it sooner. In the end, he's still going to get it all to me.
Every bit of that sounds very wrong to Desiree.
Desiree: WHAT IS HE GOING TO DO? Are you getting,
She whispers the word,
Desiree: Drugs?
Jade: NO!
Desiree: Ooh.. Heh! Then what's going on?
Sheng: Is your sister cool enough to not tell?
Desiree: We ALWAYS tell each other everything. We never give off each other's secrets!
This is true except for the "tell-everything" part. They don't tell each other things that have been done until a while after, when they can't keep the secret in any longer. Some things still haven't been shared.
Jade: I'll tell you everything later, Desiree.
Desiree: You better!
Jade: Sheng… Can I ask you something?
Sheng: Rain, never ask to ask.
Jade: Why did you take Vinnie's number?
Sheng: In case there were problems you couldn't handle. Honestly, you should know I'm out here trying to help you. What did you think; I got his number for my own personal gain? Because I wanted to talk to him? He's sexy-fine, but I wouldn't go for him. He's jack.
The awkward in the room can be sliced into a million pieces. Jade and Desiree can't even look at each other with the strange expressions plastered on their faces.
Desiree: Did he just…
Jade grabs for the phone, having it hop from hand to hand out of balance. She manages to grab hold of it and smash the buttons to take it off of speakerphone.
Jade: So, Sheng! Uuh—who are your friends at O'Dea? I mean, you do have friends, right? NOT THAT I'M ASSUMING YOU DON'T! You said you don't really talk to anyone. I'm sure you have a lot of friends; you were probably just being modest.
Now Jade is the one rambling on, just like him.
Desiree: O'Dea? That school's for boys!
Jade squeezes her eyes shut and growls while holding a hand over the phone microphone.
Jade: Shut up!
Jade clamps the phone over her ear.
Sheng: Hell yea, I know people! EVERYONE knows ME. I'm cool with everyone, but I have two best friends: Jermaine and Tyke. They are the coolest people you can ever meet. Let me just say that Jermaine—he's black, but I swear to God he is the whitest son of a beach you will ever meet. Tyke is really out there. They both are a blast in a ball, but Tyke is kind of awkward. He's literally not afraid to go up to strangers and make a complete ass out of himself. As long as they're laughing or giving him attention, he doesn't care.
Jade's voice strains of a difficult emotion.
Jade: I'll have to meet them sometime.
The thought of all three of them hugging around each other floods her mind. She pictures the three them stepping over boundaries with each other; opening themselves to their company. It's sickening to think, but nevertheless, it is a life choice and Jade accepts that—to a limit.
Sheng: No doubt! I think you guys should meet. Do you want to hang out next weekend?
Jade: Doing what?
Sheng: Whatever the furry fits we want! We're young, let's get out there!
Jade:… Ok, sure. Let's do it.
Sheng: Great, next weekend!
Jade give a weak laugh.
