(Friday at Webster High)
"Is it okay if I say hello stranger now," Fletcher asked as he took a seat beside Chyna in the cafeteria.
Chyna sat her burger down and put her hands in her lap. "Well I've only seen you during our short commute to school and it's already Friday so I think it's acceptable now."
Fletcher smiled at her as he slide his seat closer to her. He reached for her fries and quickly took two away before she could swat his hand.
She chuckled and said, "What are you even doing here? I thought you had to study during lunch."
Fletcher took two more fries and put them in his pocket. "Well I snuck out to see you," he grinned and leaned forward.
Chyna leaned forward as well and smiled. "Well what are your plans for this weekend?"
Fletcher was about to respond when he felt someone tug the back of his shirt. He was thrown off balance and felt someone grip him by the arm and pull him out of the seat.
Chyna's eyes widened as she stood from her seat. She pointed at the girl who had her hand wrapped around Fletcher's arm. "Don't tell me Violet is your chemistry tutor!"
Violet rolled her eyes and scrunched up her nose. "I'm not just some dumb sports jock Parks. My dad is a science professor."
Chyna tilted her head and crossed her arms. "And your mom was what? A shark."
Violet let go of Fletcher and waved her hand. "Psh, she's too tough for that. She was world champion pro-wrestler."
Chyna was slightly amused that Violet didn't take her comment for sarcasm. She was then reminded why they were all standing talking to each other when Violet leaned against Fletcher and said, "Are you ready to go back to the library."
Fletcher looked up from the brunette in front of him to Chyna. He gave her an apologetic look before backing away from Violet and heading towards the cafeteria door.
Violet turned to look over her shoulder at Chyna. "By the way, Fletchy has a big chemistry exam Monday morning so we are going to have to spend all weekend getting him ready for it." Violet gave Chyna a bored look before walking out of the cafeteria.
Chyna felt an usual spark of anger pass through her before she shook it off and sat back down to finish her lunch.
After lunch Chyna made her way to class and decided to take a seat in the back. Since it was Friday her World History teacher decided to play a history film. Once the lights were dimmed and the teacher had fallen asleep at his desk Chyna took out her phone.
Violet has changed over the years huh
She sent the text to Olive and waited for her friend to respond.
Not really, last time I saw her she was still a body slamming Fletcher obsessed freak
Chyna usually would reprimand Olive for saying that about the girl but she suppressed the urge to chuckle and sent another message to her friend.
No I mean like her appearance…she has gotten kinda tall
Chyna thought looked up and counted a few desk in front of her. On the fifth desk she looked to the chair across from it and saw Violet tossing paper balls into the trash can at the front of the room.
Yeah…now that you mention it when we went to that basketball game a few weeks ago I remember seeing her play. Huh she has gotten pretty tall
Chyna read the message then looked back at Violet. The bright screen was casting a glow on her face. The sports pro flipped her long dark hair over her shoulder stretched back in her seat. Chyna looked down and sent another message to Olive.
But not that tall right. I mean she still is a jock. She gets sweaty and dirty playing for all those sports teams….and she barely dresses up for anything….just sweats and t-shirts.
Chyna sent the message then looked up to see Violet stand up and walk towards the door. She took the hall pass that the teacher kept clipped onto the board but dropped it as she snatched it from it's spot. She bent over to pick it up as Chyna watched several guys in the class practically fall out of their seat to see her back side. Chyna gulped as Violet left the room and two boys fist bumped after checking the feisty girl out.
Chyna felt her phone vibrate and she looked down to see Olive's message.
I just looked up Violet's profile and whoa! She is smoking
Chyna blinked and quickly sent a message back.
Please say you mean a cigarette
Chyna felt her phone buzz and groaned softly as she read the response.
No dude, crazy chick is actually hot. I'm looking at some pictures she posted from some beach volleyball trip she took
Chyna leaned her head against the desk and sighed. Why didn't I notice how Violet changed before? And more importantly why do I care now, the girl thought to herself. She scooted back in her seat so her forehead touched the edge of the desk and she could see the phone in her lap.
She has great hair too!
Chyna sighed and willed Olive not to send another response. Unfortuantely her phone buzzed again and she read the message.
Did you know she drove a sports car? And she was featured on the cover of some sports magazine she did an interview for
Chyna turned her phone off and closed her eyes. Deciding she rather sleep the rest of the class.
After her class and therefore her nap ended Chyna walked out to put her books in her locker. She was putting in her combination when she saw Fletcher walking towards her.
"Hey Fletcher," she greeted the boy as she opened her locker.
"Hey Chyna," Fletcher replied as he put his hand in his pocket. "Did you have a good day?"
Chyna smiled and nodded. She finished putting her books away and shut her locker before turning to him. "So about this weekend…the grand opening of that café I'm working at is tomorrow and I was wondering if you wanted to see me perform?"
Fletcher was about to respond when Violet cut him off. "As if we haven't all seen you sing before," she said in a bored tone.
Chyna looked the girl up and down as the brunette leaned her arm on Fletcher's shoulder.
Violet noticed Chyna looking her over and smirked. "What? I just got back from swim practice and didn't have much time to dry…got to get Fletcher home you know."
Violet's hair was framing her pretty face and the white t-shirt she had chosen was more form fitting than her usual choice. It was wet against her body showing the dark outline of her tank. She was also sporting some short running shorts that showed off her long legs.
"You're going home with her," Chyna practically squeaked as she turned to Fletcher. She cleared her throat and forced a smile. "I mean you are studying today at her house?"
Fletcher shrugged. "Yeah. My mom isn't home and I have a big test this Monday so unfortunately I will have to study this entire weekend," he said giving Chyna an apologetic look.
Violet looked over at Fletcher and gave a flirty look. "If your mom isn't home maybe we should study at your place."
"No," Chyna shouted as she held her hand out and stepped forward slightly. Both teenagers looked over at the girl. Chyna gave a weak smile and tugged at her bag. "I mean no, don't worry about it Fletcher….your test is the most important thing right now. You can see me sing another time."
"Okay," Fletcher said slowly as he gave Chyna a curious look.
"Well, I've got to go," Chyna said in a rush as she laughed nervously. She pushed past the two and let out a breath she didn't know she was holding when she reached the front doors.
(Friday Evening at the café)
"There," Chyna said aloud as she adjusted the fixture on the dark high shelf that wrapped around the top of the wall. She felt herself be lifted down and she hooked her foot on the step on the ladder. She looked down as she climbed down the ladder as Sammy climbed down before her.
At the last step she took his hand and hopped down. She tucked some loose hair behind her ear and gave Sammy a serious look. "I demand a raise for risking my life for a cheap clay pot."
Sammy laughed and held up his hands. "No can do. Dangerous stunts are a part of the job." He stepped back as Chyna tried to playfully hit his shoulder. The shelf was too high for the ladder so Sammy had to hold Chyna up from his position on the ladder to put the clay pot up.
Chyna took the cloth that was on the table beside her and tossed it over her shoulder. She put her hands on her hips. "I can't believe I've only been working here for like four days," she chuckled and continued, "It feels like forever."
Sammy put a hand on her shoulder and gestured around the room. "Well you came in Tuesday and I've put you to work setting up everything for hours since then. I'm surprised your Dad hasn't dragged you out of here."
Chyna let out a laugh and looked up at Sammy. "My Dad carried me on his shoulders once he found out I'd get an employee discount on biscotti."
Sammy chuckled and let go of the girl's shoulder. He walked over to the door on the other side of the room that led to his office. "Well I promise this was the hardest part of your job. Once we open tomorrow it should be pretty smooth sailing. You are a natural people person and know the menu front and back."
Chyna sat down on a table and played with the rag on her shoulder. "Yeah I think I'll be a pretty awesome waitress."
Sammy returned and handed Chyna a guitar. "I'm sure you have your own being a musical prodigy and all but my Dad gave me this when I was younger. I figured you could use it during your performance for the grand opening."
Chyna took the guitar and began to play. Sammy took a seat in the chair in front of her and swayed to the music. He closed his eyes and began to sing softly, blending in perfect with the melody.
Chyna began to drift into the music as well and hummed softly, making the music more full as it warmed the café. Before long she was singing with him and playing the instrument as if she were breathing rather than displaying a skill. Her eyes closed gently as her lips continued to move with his. Both of them being caressed by the peaceful music.
"Uh hum." The sound of someone clearing their throat was heard and the spell of the music was broken. Chyna opened her eyes to see Fletcher standing at the door. She glanced at Sammy who seemed to be closer to her than she remembered with the arm that he had placed on the table pressed against the side of her leg.
"Fletcher! Hey what are you doing here," Chyna smiled as she handed Sammy the guitar and hopped off the table. She strolled over to the boy and wrapped her arms around him, giving him a loose hug.
"Hey Chyna," Fletcher said without looking at the girl. His eyes were glued to Sammy who had stood to place the guitar on the stage.
"You didn't answer my question. I thought you were studying," Chyna said smiling up at the boy and gently ruffling his hair.
Fletcher looked down at Chyna and forced a smile. "Yeah I got hungry so I took Violet out to the burger place across the street."
Chyna stepped back from the boy and an angry look came across her features. "Excuse me?"
Sammy sensed some tension so he walked over to the two and put his hand forward for Fletcher to shake. "You must be the friend Chyna told me about. Nice to meet you. I'm Sammy."
Fletcher reluctantly shook Sammy's hand and gave a polite nod. "Hey," Fletcher said curtly.
Chyna huffed slightly and put a hand on her hip. "Well I guess we better let Fletcher get back to his date." She flipped her hair over her shoulder and turned to face Sammy. "If you need me I'll be in the back making sure the schedule you made for employees is available for them to look up online."
Chyna looked over her shoulder at Fletcher giving him a glare. "Hope Violet's dry by now. It looks really tacky and desperate to be prancing around like that."
Fletcher furrowed his brows as he tried to understand her comment. His confusion turned to anger when he noticed Sammy wink at Chyna as he said, "Your damsel thanks you oh hero."
Chyna giggled then gave Fletcher one last angry look before disappearing into the office.