"Alycia! Dinner!" Uh I really didn't want to deal with my mother right now. I had been lying in my room, reminiscing on my remarkable day, since I got home from school. I couldn't understand what had happened and the more I thought about it the more I was sure it was all a dream.
I figured the last thing I needed right now was my mother on my case so I got up and went downstairs. My mother was already sitting at the table eating so I sat down and ate silently like always.
"So how was school today honey?"
"It was really good." I answered without really thinking about the question, but rather the magnificent day I had had.
"Well that's a change from fine." She noted with an inquisitive mind.
"I don't know…I guess…" I really wasn't ready to share this glorious day, especially with her.
"So what was so great?" Oh great she wasn't going to let it drop.
"I didn't have and tests today." I shrugged my shoulders, trying to be as nonchalant as possible, and hoped my mother would buy it. She looked at me skeptically but didn't say anything, so I assumed it was good enough for her.
I finished my food faster than ever before and quickly cleaned my place and ran up the stairs to my room. I slammed the door, indicating to my mother that I wanted to be left alone.
I turned on my radio and lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Why did he choose me? Did he recognize that I was alone like him? But he wasn't truly alone. He had his sister and he was so amazing that anyone would long to be with him. He had everyone whispering and talking and for once I couldn't blame them.
No words could really explain all that I thought of him. I looked at my vast collection of books…not even their words could explain how he mad me feel. He was a dream. A dream that I have dreamt since I was a little girl, and I hadn't even known it.
I needed to clear my head. I needed my window. I got up and opened my window wide. I leaned out, breathed in the night's air, and then slowly crawled out. I sat on my roof, like I did every time before, and almost fell with surprise. There he was. Daniel. Exactly as I was, sitting on the roof of the house across the street, smiling. I cursed myself thinking how wrong it was that he would wish to smile at me.
He waved and I stared floored. Finally managing to wave back, his smile grew. It was so bright that I could see it clearly across the dark street. From his open room window, I could distinctly hear "Goodnight my Angel" by Billy Joel, my favorite song. This song was one that I would listen to if having trouble sleeping. I loved it and I couldn't believe that he would be listening to it. I smiled again at him and laid my back against my roof. I listened to the slow serenade and let myself be taken by the song.
I woke with a start from my peaceful dreams of Daniel. "Oh my God! What time is it?" I grabbed for my alarm clock and calmed down some. I had plenty of time to get ready for school. Actually I woke up earlier than I usually did.
I set my clock back down on my table, and rolled out of my bed. I stretched and was amazed that I actually felt good. This was the first time in a long time that I didn't detest getting up and out of bed.
I reached for my towel of the back of my computer chair and headed for the bathroom. A nice warm shower seemed like a good idea. I closed the door to the bathroom and turned on the water. I looked at myself in the mirror. I looked awake, my eyes even brighter and clearer than usual. But mainly I looked happy. For once I looked at the person in the mirror and was content in what I saw.
I undressed, not even bothering with the fact that I was still in my previous days clothes, and stepped into the shower letting the warm water engulf me. My thought wondered and eventually found themselves back on Daniel. It was amazing how much we were alike yet unlike.
We were both smart, although he was clearly superior. Each of us had a parent that didn't get or accept us, but at least he had both his parents. Our closest friends were relatives, well I guess I was the lucky one there, at least Kate and I were alike.
And what was with that song? That was so weird that he was lying on his roof, like I always do, and was listening to my favorite song. Wait! Last night did happen! It wasn't a dream that I saw Daniel and that I fell asleep while on my roof. But how had I gotten back into my bed? I don't remember waking up and I really don't remember crawling back into my room and into bed.
I turned the water off, stepped out of the shower, and dried off with my towel. I rapped the towel around myself, grabbed my discarded clothes, and headed back to my room.
I threw the clothes in my hamper and checked my window. Closed. Well I guess I must have woken up, and while half asleep came in, closed my window, and crawled back into bed. It seemed unlikely but I had nothing else to go on. I glanced at the clock and realized if I didn't hurry I was going to be late.
I picked out jeans and a blue hoodie. It wasn't exactly bright, but it wasn't black. I got changed and went back to the bathroom to blow dry my hair quickly. I finished and hurried back to my room. I shoved on some flip-flops, grabbed my books and purse, and took off, grabbing a granola bar on the way out.
I was really antsy the whole ride there, thinking I was going to be late, but I pulled up to school with two minutes to spare. I parked my car, grabbed my purse and books, and practically ran to my English class.
I threw the door open as the bell started to ring. "Ah Ms. Jones, Nice of you to join us." Ms. Mottaz turned away from the class and towards me and gave me a slight wink. I turned from her, willing myself not to laugh, and found my seat.
I sat down and started to rummage through my things, trying to find my copy of The Raven, but having no luck. I must have left it in my car or at home.
"Hey Alycia what's up? You look frazzled."
"Well I am. I was running way late this morning and now I think I forgot my book."
"Well you can borrow mine. I don't have to take the test today so I don't need it. I stopped digging through my purse and looked at Daniel and his outstretched hand.
"Thank you Daniel." I smiled at him and felt my heart skip a beat at his return smile. It took me a couple of seconds to regain my composure to reach for the book.
He chuckled softly and turned his gaze to the teacher but didn't seem to really be paying much attention. His expression changed quite suddenly from one showing amusement to one showing sorrow and pain.
I was once again confused by the amazement of Daniel but was interrupted of further thoughts by Ms. Mottaz passing out the tests and asking for cleared desks.
"Well thank you anyway," I stated to Daniel as I placed his book back on his desk.
"Don't mention it." He smiled softly but this time the smile didn't meet his eyes.
I received my copy of the test and tried to focus on the contents with no real luck. I finally finished and brought my answer sheet up to Ms. Mottaz's desk. On my way back to my seat I saw Daniel staring at me and it made me blush. I walked slowly, while continuing to look at Daniel. For once he didn't look away. I sat down beside him and he finally broke the spell by looking away.
Thankfully the bell chose then to ring and I was released from the awkwardness of our stares.
"So I'll see you in chorus right?" I said nonchalantly as I grabbed for my belongings to leave.
"Yeah I'll be there." Finally he seemed to be back to normal and gave me a much-needed whole-hearted smile. He grabbed his own books and we started for the door together. "I wouldn't miss it for anything." He winked at me and turned down the opposite hallway. I stood for several seconds trying to remember just how to walk.
I made it to creative writing just in time for the bell, thankful that I wasn't late for two classes in one day. I was anxious to see Daniel again. I wanted to know what he meant by what he had said. I thought about him all hour long.
It suddenly occurred to me that I had been thinking about Daniel a lot since he moved here. What was it about him that drew me in? It wasn't his looks, don't get me wrong was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen, but I was never the shallow type. I knew a main reason for all the attention was the returning attention.
It had been so long since I was accepted by someone, that I forgot how good it felt to have a friend to talk to. There was also a part of me that was screaming that I wanted it to be more than that, but I quickly ignored and silenced that part of myself.
It was simply absurd to think that Daniel could ever feel that way about me but it was nice to fantasize anyway.
Mid-dream I was awaken by the annoying sound of the bell. I raced to grab my things and leave the class. I walked at an alarming fast pace for myself thinking of only one person awaiting me in my next class.
I walked in and as soon as I had placed my belongings in a chair Tiffani was at my side with Daniel walking over.
"Hi Alycia! How are you today? Aren't you excited about chorus? I am. I love singing." She was talking so fast that I was having trouble keeping up with her.
But at that moment Daniel caught up to his sister and my attention was more occupied by the smile he gave me. He then turned to his sister and seemed to be angry. He was glaring at her and he seemed to be making the same growling type noise as yesterday. I was utterly confused by the response of Tiffani as she simply stuck her tongue out at Daniel rather child-like.
Trying to neutralize the situation I decided to answer Tiffani. "Uh…I'm doing good…and yeah I guess I'm excited about chorus."
Tiffani finally looked away from her brother and towards me with a breathtakingly beautiful smile on her lips. I looked from Daniel to Tiffani. Daniel was shooting Tiffani and me very apprehensive looks while Tiffani continued to beam at me.
I was so confused but it didn't matter because at that moment Mrs. Davis entered the room and requested for us to form on the risers.
"Okay class today I will be auditioning you for the solos in our piece. We have about a week left until our concert and I would like us to start practicing it fully. Now if you would like to audition please step forward and one at a time I will take you aside and listen to what you have. Lets start with the boys."
Everyone looked around to see who would be brave enough to actually audition and I was mildly surprised when Matt moved away from his spot and down to where Mrs. Davis was standing. None of the other guys seemed to take any interest in trying out, but one more finally left the pack and joined Mrs. Davis and Matt.
I was rather surprised to see that Daniel was going to try out. I knew he could win hands down, but he stroke me as more a shy type, not one to sing in front of large audiences. As I continued to stare dumbstruck at him he looked back at me and winked once more. He left the room with Mrs. Davis, and a rather gloomy looking Matt.
"So your auditioning right?" I turned to see Tiffani talking to me.
"Oh, well no I don't think I am. I've never been one to sing in front of people." Tiffani looked disappointed but she didn't let it last. She immediately smiled down at me again.
"Well why not? You have the best voice in this class for the song you're a shoe-in." She smiled even broader.
"Well I…um…well I guess it couldn't hurt just to sing for her, now could it?" She seemed so happy that I thought she was going to jump and down.
Mrs. Davis returned just then with the guys right behind her. "Okay girls its your turn." A group of girls moved down to her while Daniel and Matt went back to their places.
"Go, Go!" Tiffani was actually pushing me down to Mrs. Davis.
"Good luck." Daniel said with a smile. I smiled back at him and let Tiffani push me the rest of the way down.
I followed the rest of the group into a private rehearsal room off to the side. I put myself in the far back of the small room, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
One by one the girls walked up to the piano and sung a couple of measures. There were a couple girls that were pretty good, and a few just didn't deserve to be trying out. I was freaking out thinking that soon I would have to sing and I would be the one being evaluated by everyone.
I was the last girl in the room that hadn't sung. I was hoping that Mrs. Davis would miss me and I wouldn't have to try out at all. If I was this freaked out in front of just a few people I knew I could never sing in front of a large crowd.
"Ah Miss Jones I do believe you are last." Crap. I just have all the luck. I walked slowly to the piano dreading every second. Mrs. Davis handed me sheet music and I took it with a trembling hand. "How about we start on measure number 46? All right breathe, and go."
The piano started with a couple bars of pick up and I slowly began to sing. At first my voice was a little shaky with nerves but eventually I stopped caring about the people and sang what I loved.
At the close of the solo Mrs. Davis stopped and nodded. I turned around not looking at anyone, as not to see the reactions and judgments of the people around me.
"All right girls lets join the rest of the class now and I will announce my decisions." We walked back into the room and I quickly went back to my spot. I couldn't look at anyone. I kept my eyes down, too afraid to see Tiffani's hopeful eyes, or Daniel's looks of encouragement.
"Well I would like to thank anyone who had the courage to try out. It's not an easy thing, I know, but I have decided that for the female solo Miss Alycia Jones will be singing…" My eyes shot up at the sound of my name. There was no way that she actually said it! I turned to Daniel and Tiffani, both standing behind me, and they were beaming down at me. "…and for the male solo I would like Mr. Daniel Hathaway."
I was so happy that my cheeks hurt from smiling. I was going to sing! I was chosen to sing the solo along with Daniel. Without even thinking I jumped into Daniel's arms and hugged him.
I quickly realized what I had down when the hug was non-responsive. Daniel stood there with his arms at his side and I quickly started to pull away, but before I could Daniel was tightening his arms around my waist and hugging me back. His embrace was surprisingly cold, but in a totally comfortable way. I nestled my head into the crook of his neck and he laid his head upon mine.
I had completely forgotten what I had done or that I was in a class full of curious onlookers until I heard Tiffani's majestic giggle somewhere beside me. Daniel and I both pulled away from each other and I blushed a vigorous red. I turned quickly away from Daniel to embarrassed to look at him any longer.
"All right class we will start putting the finishing touches on our song tomorrow." The bell rang and the class started to climb down the risers. Daniel, Tiffani, and I collected our things and headed for the door.
"See Alycia I told you you had the best voice. You and Daniel will sound amazing!"
"Oh um thanks." It always felt a little awkward receiving compliments.
"Don't you have a class to be heading to?" Daniel asked with a bit of annoyance in his voice.
"Yeah yeah. Well congratulations again Alycia! I can't wait to hear you tomorrow! See you at lunch!" She turned and walked away into the crowded halls.
"See you." I called after her. I smiled knowing that I once again didn't have to sit by myself.
"I'm sorry about that, she just doesn't get it sometimes." He shook his head in disapproval after his sister.
"I laughed knowing he miss took my smile. "Oh no, she's fine. Actually I really like her, I'm glad you guys moved here." I blushed a little at my confession.
"Me to." He stated with a smile as we continued to walk to our classes. We walked in silence, side by side, for most the way until we reached my class.
"So I'll see you at lunch?" I asked hopeful.
""Of course, I'll meet you here." He smiled down at me and my heart jumped with excitement.
"Great," I smiled broad, "I'll see you then."
He brushed my arm the way he had yesterday and my heart started to hammer in my chest so hard I could have sworn everyone within a mile radius could hear it.
His smile grew wider yet as he turned away from me and departed to his classroom. I walked into my calculus class in a trance.
By the time lunch came around I was so nervous that I was practically falling out of my seat. . I knew there was no reason to feel this way, but I couldn't help it.
There was something about Daniel that I couldn't get out of my head. He was sensational. He was the first person I thought understood me. It seemed he had experienced a lot of the pain I had, although I felt there was more to his then he led on.
I walked out of my class to find that Daniel was already there waiting for me. As soon as I saw him I was reminded that he was fighting an inner battle. He was leaning alone against the opposite wall hunched over with a shame-filled face.
I walked over to where he was, feeling the need to comfort him. "Daniel are you okay?"
He looked up and gave me a half-hearted smile. "Yeah I'm fine. Are you ready?"
"Oh uh yeah, but are you sure your okay? You look like something is bothering you."
"Something is always bothering someone like me."
I didn't get what he meant by that, but it didn't seem like the time to ask, instead we turned to walk to lunch.
Usually our quite walks seemed comfortable, but this one could be described as only weird and awkward. I was now more certain than ever that Daniel was hiding something from me and I wasn't sure how I felt about that. Sure we had only been friends for a couple days but I felt that he owed it to me to be truthful. I was with him.
"You two are quite for once." We had arrived at lunch, and like always Tiffani was in a talkative mood.
"Just thinking." I could see Tiffani's expression change from a look of slight shock back to her usual composed face.
Now I really wanted to know what was going on. I did not like be left out of something and I had a feeling that this was a pretty big something.
Just then I felt my cell phone vibrating in my purse. I reached for it and checked the caller ID. China Doll. I looked around quickly, scanning, to see if there were any teachers.
"Kathleen? What's up?" I could feel Daniel watching me.
"Well I wanted to get a hold of you were your mom couldn't hear. She called last night saying that you were acting weird and asked if you had told me yet. I covered for you saying that I had been busy and we hadn't talked in awhile."
"Oh well thanks Katie." Now I could really feel Daniel starring at me.
"So when are you going to tell me what I shouldn't know? I could hear the excitement in her voice.
"Well not right now, I'm kind of busy with people, but we could meet up tonight I guess."
"People? What people? I thought this was your lunch hour. Isn't it?"
"Well yes it is, but I'll fill you in later." I couldn't help the smile that crept onto my lips and without thinking I looked at Daniel. He was looking at me as well and I blushed a deep, burning red. I continued to smile at him and he returned it with a playful smile of his own.
"Well alright how about I pick you and we go to the mall after school?"
"Yeah, fine. I'll see you then. Bye."
"I'll call your mom and let her know I'm capturing you tonight. Bye."
I closed my phone and dropped it back into my purse. I looked up to find Tiffani and Daniel both starring at me pretty intently.
"To bad I was hoping you could come over to our house today," Tiffani said looking genuinely discouraged.
Daniel, on the other hand, was glaring at her. Okay so apparently Daniel wasn't wishing for the same thing.
"Oh, I'm sorry, maybe some other night." I looked down in my lap. I felt so uncomfortable all of a sudden. I felt as if I was unwanted and didn't belong. Another hour ended with the signaling of the bell.
"I'll see you later Alycia!" Tiffani winked at me and once again left me alone with Daniel.
"Shall we get to Latin?" It didn't even sound like him. his usual silky voice was thick with disgust.
"Sure," I responded shortly.
We walked to Latin in the same uncomfortable silence as earlier, but this time I felt angry about the discomfort.
When we finally got to Latin I was furious with him. We sat in our seats, continuing our silence, until Mr. Conley walked in.
"Alright class, settle down. I would like you to split up in the same groups as yesterday, and re-do the conjunctions worksheet. They were rather pathetic, if I do say so, except, that is, for Ms. Jones and Mr. Hathaway's."
Oh lord now I had to work with him again.
I moved my desk closer to his, like I had the day before. He looked up, when I did so, and his expression confused me. It looked as if he was troubled, confused, sad even.
I felt bad for a second, but then his face contorted back into one of disgust, and I was madder at him then ever.
"Let just get this done." I said with a little more attitude than needed.
"Yeah sure." We finished the work even quicker than yesterday and that left us with free time once again, but for some reason I didn't think we would be bonding today.
For most the time we sat in silence, but finally I couldn't stand it any longer.
"Daniel why do you hate me all of a sudden?"
"What?" he sounded genuinely surprised.
"Why is it that since lunch you haven't said more than five words to me? And why is it that you can't look at me? And when you do, its looks of disgust. Yesterday I shared myself with you and today…I mean…uh…you should have seen the look you gave Tiffani when she said she wanted me to come over." I was so angry that I couldn't even see straight. Every part of me just wanted to lash out on Daniel, and I had every intention to do just that.
"Alycia, you don't understand." He now looked more disgruntled than surprised.
"Oh really Daniel, then why don't you just tell me what I don't understand." I couldn't believe he had the nerve to try and justify everything that he had been putting me through.
"Alycia its not that I don't want you to come over sometime, really its not that, its just people are coming over tonight. These are people I would rather you not meet. They're from my other life, and it's not a life I want you to take part in."
Now I was completely confused. He seemed as if he was actually sorry, but I couldn't just forget everything that he had said and done to me all day.
"But what about how you have been treating me?" I tried to portray anger but as I looked into his deep blue, penetrating eyes I knew that I was giving in.
"Alycia, I know you don't understand what I'm talking about, but me and you can't be."
"Be! Be what exactly?"
"Well friends…or more." It took me awhile to comprehend what had just happened. He had just implied a relationship right? I mean it doesn't mean he likes me as much as I do him, but he must have thought of it in some small way in order to say that right?
Or could he tell that that was how I thought of him and he was just trying to discourage me without hurting my feelings.
"More? Who ever said more? I thought we were friends. I mean yesterday in this very class I told you things I have only told one other. I…I just thought we shared something that's all."
I let my head drop in embarrassment only to feel a cool hand under my chin, lifting it up once again.
"Oh Alycia, we do, or rather we did, but what we have here," he gestured to himself and then me, "it cant continue. I really wish we could, but I'm wrong for you. We can't be together, and even a friendship would be a mistake. It just isn't a sensible thing." He gazed into my eyes, willing me to believe him, but I couldn't, I wouldn't.
"I don't care what you say…I'm not letting you…I refuse to…." The bell rang in the middle of me talking and I couldn't take it any longer.
I got up, shoved my desk back into place and ran out of the room. My cheeks were tear stained before I was able to run halfway down the hallway.
"Alycia wait!" I could hear Daniel somewhere down the hall yelling for me but I refused to look back at him.
All around me the brain-deads where staring, but for once I didn't care what they thought of me, all I cared about was getting as far away from Daniel as possible.
I changed my direction and headed for the parking lot instead of the gym. I couldn't take PE right now and I just wanted to be alone.
"Alycia! Come on! Wait up!" I knew Daniel was getting close and this time I couldn't help but look.
He was maybe ten feet away from me now. I had to put more distance between us. I did the first thing that came to mind and made a small boy fall to the floor in front of him hoping to trip him.
Daniel somehow seemed to asses the situation quickly and jumped over the poor decoy.
I could see the main doors and knew if I could just get to them, I would be safe.
I sprinted the remaining distance and threw myself through the doors, ran down the front steps and into the parking lot, searching for my car. I jumped into the front seat, where I could easily see Daniel watching me from behind the looked front doors.
I quickly pulled out of the parking lot and into the street, thanking anyone and everyone that may posses superior power, for letting me be a witch.
I wiped my eyes clear from tears only to have them take over my face once again. I couldn't help crying and it was making it difficult to drive. I was so thankful to finally see my familiar driveway.
I turned off my ignition, let myself fall out of my seat, and lumbered to the front door.
It took me quite some time to find my keys do to my eyes being swollen and puffy and my tears flooding my vision. I finally found them and opened the door as quickly as possible.
I ran up the stairs and slammed my door shut. I kept the lights off, kicked my shoes off somewhere, and turned my stereo on full blast.
I hid myself under my blankets and sobbed myself to sleep, thinking of everything Daniel had said and done that day.