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In My Face
by
Alyson Grant
Chapter 8
I feel so tired right now but I want to open it now. I touched the box gently feeling the softness of it and then went toward the ribbon. With the ribbon in a tiny pile on the edge of my pillowcase I slowly lifted the cover. Inside was a pair of silver earrings which had two small and slender hoops on each.
Underneath the earrings was a short note in familiar handwriting which said:
Dear Serena,
Here's to wishing you well on your first day of high school. Good luck! You'll always have a special place in my heart and I hope you like the earrings.
Love,
Andrew
I did like the earrings and I wore them the next day with my outfit. School academically was hard that's for sure. That's why this school is so prestigious. The teachers are nice and they are always willing to help you after class. It didn't hurt that I also signed up to be tutored.
School socially was a whole different story. I was feeling lost on campus those first few days
because the campus although considered small when compared to other boarding schools it seemed huge to me. I felt so small in the buildings on that first day. In afterthought I realize that the statement seems odd but that's how I felt back then. Now I feel a lot better about things that are going on and can find my way around.
Raye, my roommate is so cool even if at first she may seem intimidating. Raye is actually a priestess at the Hikawa Shrine which is fairly close to my house by bus but she went to the TA Academy so it's not strange that we hadn't met before. She has beautiful raven colored hair and the most piercing eyes you could ever have look at you. Or rather as it sometimes feels, right through you.
Amy is really nice but kind of quiet. At first I thought she didn't like me because she didn't seem like she wanted to talk to me but that's just the way she is. Or at least that's how she put it when one day I glanced over and saw her in the school's library and started talking to her. We ended up talking about a lot of other things too, like the fact that we both felt a little homesick the first night. She, I learned went to Brighton Academy the previous year. She likes art and is really good at painting still life and likes painting seas, oceans, and rivers best. She wants to be as great a painter as her father is but for a career wants to be a doctor like her mother. She's also a very academic type of person, which is something I wish I could be but am not. She lives in Tokyo, Japan with her mother mostly but also visits her father who lives near the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada.
Molly's roommate Lita was nice. She's tall and has the sort of willowy frame which could deceive anyone into thinking that she isn't the great athlete that she is. Lita has this amazing brown hair which she usually puts in casual ponytails and has the most effortless sense of style. She's a serious rider who is in the riding program and trains every single day. On the weekend she's up at the most ungodly hours. She's usually up in time to see the sun rise. She's been riding horses since she was six years old and got her first pony when she was seven. She's won many awards and owns a Thoroughbred whose name is Belle whom she has on campus in the stables.
Mina, this girl in my Science class sits with us too and is incredibly funny and cheerful. She can be just as moody and as annoyed as everyone else can possibly be. In fact, given her dramatic streak more often then not it's a odd mixture. Her charismatic personality is as attention getting as her sun kissed light blond hair. She was born in Japan but has lived in England for as long as she can remember. She's interested in the art of photography and acting. She has only had small roles so far in movies and has done a few commercials but wants so more than that. She wants to be a actress whose fame is known far and wide.
Raye, Amy, Lita, and Mina are not the only girls who sit at the table along with Molly and I but they are some of the first friends I've made so far. In the main dining hall where we eat is always
entertaining because at our table we could all just be joking around and having fun. From different people you can learn different things and being a part of such a diverse group of people who have become friends of mine has made this new beginning interesting.
What's strange to me is that for what seems like the first time, I'm actually popular. The only bad thing is that our table has some girls who can be really mean and catty. They act like they are superior and are above everything and everyone not worthy of their time. The girls who are older act like they are superior and are above everything. The vibe they give off is seeming to think everyone isn't worthy of their time. Sometimes Raye acts the same way, not mean of course but like she thinks she is superior to you. The girls who are seniors and juniors made it clear from day one that we as freshmen meaning Molly, Raye, Lita, Amy, Mina, a few other girls who join us and I were lucky to be in their presence and should be feeling downright honored that they allowed us to sit at their table. I have to admit we are lucky because you can just see the envy on other people's faces.
Chloe is one of the leaders at school, social or otherwise and is one of the girls who are at the root of our clique and is Vice President of the student government. So I'm just thinking about that. What makes someone popular and liked and another person not? Even though it's fun sitting with a mix of seniors, juniors, and sophomores because they all seem so much more worldly than I, it was also weird at first. I caught myself so many times mid sentence so that I wouldn't say anything embarrassing and juvenile. Now that's different because those girls I hang out with who I used to consider to be so cool and just plain different than me in every single way are just my friends. Now they are just people that I trust. Still Molly, Raye, Amy, Lita, and Mina, are the five girls I consider to be my very close friends. Having a few close friends who I trust is more important to me than being around a group of people who only associate with you if you have the right status.
Different holidays have come and gone, and the cold weather that came with it left bringing warm weather and sunshine. It's spring again and I'm going home! I went home for all my other vacations but was so busy with my family that I couldn't stop by the arcade often. Also, not that I really care or anything when I did get the chance to go, I didn't see Darien. Oh well.
Lita sometimes models so when her mother called her and told her that her agency had called and had found a job for her she left for the weekend. One afternoon in Spring she invited me to come with her. So we left for the weekend. I didn't think that accepting her invitation would cause so much
trouble in a friendship I truly valued.
"Hi Raye! Where's Serena?" Molly had come to the room Raye and I shared looking for me on Saturday afternoon.
"She signed out last night." Raye said looking up from her book in surprise. As soon as she saw who it was she turned down the music she had playing to hear her better.
"Oh, where was she going?" Molly asked curiously. Serena hadn't mentioned doing anything special that weekend when she last saw her.
"She and Lita had plans. They will be coming back to campus tomorrow."
"Okay. Thanks Raye." Molly said, "See you at dinner then. I've got to meet Mr. Thomas for my piano lesson in a few minutes because he couldn't make it on Tuesday, our regular day."
"Oh yeah I forgot about that. Piano," Raye shook her head, "how can you stand it? I hated it when my parents made me take lessons a few years back. I'd rather play the violin and sing any day."
"I like piano. I've been playing for a long time." Molly pointed out.
"If you say so." Raye leaned back in her chair. "Hey do you want to do something tonight? A bunch of us are going to meet some of the guys from Avon at one of the movie theaters near campus. Your coming right?"
"Sounds like fun." Molly considered the possibility for a quick second "Sure! Let's talk about this later though. I've really got to go."
"See you!" Raye called out as her friend rushed out the door.
She stood at the very beginning of the runway. Her face was held high with dramatic makeup and she had on a expression of nonchalant and sophistication. She wore a blazer style leather jacket which had a lovely lavender tint to it's black sheen, over a half solid and half sheer black tunic with designs bearing the name of the exclusive rich label for which she was then modeling for embroidered in silver. When the other model passed her, she started walking with an attitude that displayed her confidence.
Close fitting black leather pants which had the same lavender intones as the jacket hugged her curves but didn't inhibit her movement. Her hair was crimped and let loose around her face in waves. Some of her hair was put in a deliberately unconfined chinog which gave the entire effect a aura of mystery. She turned, took off the jacket, and slug it over her shoulder to display the daring black tunic that was underneath. She continued walking until she reached the other side, went into basic model stance and walked off.
After the fashion show:
"Wow Lita! You were amazing!"
She blushed and said modestly ,"Thanks but anyone can do it."
"Not everyone. I doubt I could." I shook my head for emphasis. "I would be so
nervous and worried that I might fall off the runway."
She laughed. "Okay let's go. Come on!"
"Where?"
"All of the fashion editors, reporters, and guests have left. Let's go back out there and I'll show you how it's done!"
Dressed in dark blue denim jeans, a hunter green midriff shirt which said Danger! in white and a dark blue denim jacket she pulled me along.
"Wait! I don't think that this is allowed."
"Serena. It's okay, believe me." She said this with a sincere smile. Her face was scrubbed clean and she had on rose tinted lip gloss. Her hair, still crimped but put in it's usual ponytail was bouncing as she walked ahead of me. She seems to love a simple yet chic look. I also can't believe she's so down to earth when she has just about everything going for her.
"Okay. If you are sure we won't get in trouble." I said in a doubtful tone while casting her a equally dubious look.
Twenty minutes later:
"No! No! No! Model stance and then with the right foot first!"
" Walk until the middle and then a double half turn."
"No not a half turn! A double! A double! Okay, I'll demonstrate."
"Okay that's much better. Now walk to the end. Good! Good! Do that entire sequence over so I know you really know it."
"Lita I didn't know you were so intense about this! Can't you give a girl a break?" I asked as I wiped a weary brow.
"Sure I can!" As I sighed in relief she had the nerve to add, "After you get this right. From the top!"
After I finished I looked at her expectedly. "Not bad." Lita said "Your really a natural at this. It took me forever to remember that when I first started."
"You?" I said with a pointed finger and a voice full of disbelief.
"Yeah, me." Lita said giving me a big smile. "I was never completely comfortable with this
modeling business at first. In fact let me tell you a secret."
"What is it?" I leaned in delightedly
"During one of my very first modeling shows I tripped on the runway."
"You?" I asked the same question once more. "I can't believe that."
"Believe it. I tripped like a toddler just learning how to walk. It was actually pretty
embarrassing."
"I'd die if that ever happened to me." I said sympathetically thinking back to some of my own
embarrassing experiences.
"I very nearly did. Then I saw my mother out in the crowds looking at me with a
worried expression. I couldn't let her down so I got up and continued."
"Well, it's good to know your not perfect."
"Your kidding right?"
"No! Your amazing. Your smart, funny, a wonderful esteriquan, and you model. What don't you do perfectly?"
"Now come on Serena. I'm far from perfect. Everyone is. I just try to do what I can well. If I fail, I try again but I don't stress over it." She tilted her head to the side and looked at me with curious eyes. "You strike me as a person with low self esteem. You always seem to be putting yourself down when your such a wonderful person. Don't compare yourself to anyone and always do what you think you are capable of. Don't give anything less then your best. We really have to work on your self esteem Serena."
"I don't have a low-"
"Yes you do." Lita said. "Luckily it's not going to be to hard to reverse that."
I gave her a genuine smile. "If you say so." And in that moment I felt really close to her as a friend.
Back on campus early Sunday morning:
"Molly!" I walked into her room soon after I was on campus.
"Hi Serena." She said in a voice that told me she must be upset about something.
"What's wrong? Hey, how was your weekend?"
"Obviously not as exciting as yours."
"What?" I asked.
"I thought you were my best friend!"
"I am! What are you talking about?"
"Sure you are. Or is Lita the new replacement? You could have at least invited me on your little weekend jauntier."
"Is that what you are upset about?"
She ignored my question and instead asked one of her own. "Did we or did we not have plans for the weekend?"
"Well…" I trailed off as I thought of how we usually hang out during the weekend. Going to the movies, shopping, or to a party. But it wasn't like we always have set or even mandatory plans. "Kind of."
"I rest my case! What, you couldn't tell me that you would rather spend your time with your new friends?"
"They are your friends too!" I protested. I was so confused about what was happening just then.
"Then why wasn't I invited?"
"Everyone we know wasn't invited! It wasn't such a big deal Molly. I just went with Lita because she asked if I wanted to come. God, what's wrong with that? It's not like your my mother! Do I have to tell you where I'll be every second of the day?"
"No you don't have to tell me where'll you will be every second. I just thought that you were my best friend. We always do stuff together."
With forehead creasing at what was going on I sat down on the bed. "Look I'm sorry I didn't tell you where I was going. I didn't get a chance to. Plus, hold up!" Suddenly I remembered something. "I did call you to tell you just before I left! Your line was busy and I couldn't go to your room because we had to leave."
"Oh." She said in voice that was both small and meek.
"Oh? Oh! Is that all you can say? I walk in here innocently and you suddenly attack me with all this mess and all you've to say for yourself is, 'oh' ?"
"I'm sorry Serena."
"Look Molly, you are my best friend." I reached up and touched the necklaces we had custom made in silver with our names engraved in a small circle. Underneath our names it said Best Friends Forever. "See? That's not going to change. Ever! Even if we do have new friends now that won't affect or change anything. Trust me?"
"Yeah." Molly said sheepishly, "I'm so sorry I jumped on you like that."
"It's okay. Just don't do it again!" I said with a wagging finger and a playful smile.
"Done deal!" Molly said as she threw her arms around me. When she pulled away she said something in a teasing voice and with a beaming smile. It let me know that this was forgiven and forgotten although when I really think about it there really wasn't anything to forgive or forget.
I guess this is one of those lessons that you always hear about. One of those things that's supposed to be meaningful but in reality isn't as much of a big deal as it's made out to be. You just know it and accept the new. It's when you have to learn to ignore certain things whether about someone, something, or just in general, anything in life and learn not to rock the boat when it's finally going steady. "You know you really missed a fun weekend here on campus. You'll never guess what we all did! I can't believe you missed it!"
Almost two years later:
Suddenly I realize that it's the end of Sophomore year. Amazing. The time seemed to fly because I was so busy with all the trials and tribulations that come with school and friends. Basically just living my life is something to concentrate on. It's also the summer before I start Junior year of high school and we are all on vacation. Molly and I planned to invite a few friends to where we lived. Once again I'm on a air plane for a estimated twenty four hour flight to Japan. Only this time I'm not just with Molly so it's much more crazier and louder then usual…
"Ahh!!!" Lita screamed.
"You started it!"
A magazine went hurtling through the air toward Mina who was talking on her cell phone.
She raised one eyebrow and looked annoyed. "One more thing comes my way and whoever throws it is never going to see the light of day. Got that?" She turned away from us and started speaking into her cell phone again, "Uh huh. Okay! Whatever. Would you please…"
Suddenly we heard footsteps intrude on our little group. "Young ladies, you must restrain from moving around and throwing things in the air. Other passengers would like to enjoy this flight. Please try to remain in your seats for the time being. At least," she said as she took a deep breath, "until we get in the air." Then the woman walked briskly back down the row without even bothering for us to say anything else.
"Who does she think she is?" Raye asked rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, obviously someone needs to get a life." Mina said when she was
finally off her phone.
"Well, we really should be thinking about the other passengers." Ami said thoughtfully.
"Who cares about them? I don't!" Molly said
"Oh, then you obviously haven't seen that cute boy over there." Mina said looking at this boy with dark brown hair and deep brown eyes mischievously. He looked back at her and with only a slight blush about being caught she then she flipped her hair confidently and winked at him.
"Hmm…well girls got to go." She put on a extra coat of lip gloss and checked her reflection in her compact in almost one fluid motion.
Ami said quickly, "That stewardess just said that we had to stay in our seats!"
" Please!" Mina waved one hand in the air. "Don't worry, I'll be sitting. In his lap pretty soon!" With that final teasing remark she sauntered toward him with the composure of royalty.
"Hmph, she sure doesn't waste anytime does she?" Raye asked no one in particular.
"Yeah she just worked her magic." I said laughing.
"Well, let's see if they exchange phone numbers by the end of the flight. Then this whole charade will be admirable." Lita said
"What on earth would her parents say about this?" Amy moaned as she looked back to see Mina being very flirtatious with him. She was touching his arm with her fingers and whispering in his ear now. Then they started laughing.
"Have a good time?" Raye asked in a joking manner.
"In what world?" She retorted
"Amy just because your parents are way overprotective doesn't mean the rest of our parents are the same." Raye said while raising one eyebrow.
"Hey, I know if I were Mina and my parents saw me in her position right now they probably wouldn't be too happy." Molly said
"Yeah, my dad would freak out" I said nodding in agreement " As to why I have no clue. It's annoying but I love him anyway."
"I know what you mean. It's kind of cute at first, but then after a while it just becomes annoying. My parents wouldn't really be that worried. I'm not exactly their little girl anymore." Lita said.
"Seems like you and I have the only parents who give us a little freedom around here Lita." Rei observed.
"You, me, and Mina that is." Lita said with a little smile as she looked over to where Mina was.
"True. Hey why are we even talking about our parents and what they would think? They don't really matter because they aren't here right now are they?"
"You are so right."
"Are the words: Without Parental Supervision suddenly worthless?"
"I think not!"
From here on out it's party time!" I practically yelled while swinging a bag around my arm like a hoop around a waist.
"Oh you guys have got to be kidding me." Amy said skulking low in her chair aware of all the curious attention her group was getting. We were all getting hyped up without having a real reason. That's how it is with my friends. We are there for each other when needed, whether it's serious or just carefree fun.
"Hey let the party begin!"
"You guys!" Amy wailed as she looked around her, "Could you possibly be any louder?"
"Young ladies. Please control yourselves!"
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
"We will be arriving at Narita Airport shortly. Please be prepared to exit. I hope you had a nice flight and will fly with Japan Airlines again"
I'd been up for a while now. Checking the time it was 8:35 A.M. As I glanced out the window I saw a good view of Tokyo. In the early morning's light and as always it seemed beautiful. I gazed down at the airport as we made our descent down to the runway. The faint stirring and then the low bustle of activity could be heard as everyone on board started moving around.
"Wow! I can't believe I'm in Japan again! It's been so many years since I was last in this
country." Mina said enthusiastically when we were finally walking on the gateway toward the
inside the airport.
"I can't believe it either." Lita agreed as she fell in step alongside her.
"Come on!" Raye said impatiently as she was ahead of us, "Let's hurry, get out luggage, and leave."
"Where exactly are we meeting your parents?" Lita asked us.
"They should be waiting by the arriving gate as usual." I said.
"Is that them?" Mina asked pointing to where a small group of people waiting near the arrivals gate were talking.
"Yeah that's them." Molly said as she broke into a smile.
I ran ahead of my friends and hugged my parents then my younger brother.
"Hi Mom!" I kissed her. "Dad." I gave him another hug. "Sammy." I didn't have to bend over to kiss him on the cheek anymore and that fact surprised me every time I saw him.
Teasingly I said to him, "You look even taller then when I saw you at your graduation. Hey, are you excited about starting high school? I can't believe you're finally old enough!" I ruffled his soft sandy brown hair affectionately as he grimaced at me about my last remark. He gave me a mock glare which had a teasing look in them, with those eyes that seem to be a sure sign that he'll be quite the charmer when he gets to high school…
Near us Molly, Amy, and Raye were hugging their parents and talking to them excitedly. After our
reunion's they finally met our friends. We got our luggage and went out of the airport to the large parking lot.
"Girls, what's with all the luggage?".
"It's only the basic necessities." We all protested.
"I can only guess what's in here. And all of it can't be the basic necessities."
"Whatever Dad. There is so much you will never understand." I said dryly.
The next day:
"Andrew!" That was the first word I said and also the first person I saw when I walked in the Crown Arcade with all my friends in tow. For some reason I felt so happy in that moment.
As he turned around in surprise I said, "Andrew. You look great!"
"Serena, wow I can't believe your really here." He went over to me and gave me a hug.
"It's been a long time." I commented. I hadn't seen him since a few months ago but somehow it felt like a lot longer.
"Too long a time." Andrew said with a teasing glint in his eyes. He always knew exactly what I meant.
"Molly! Haven't seen you in some time either." He gave her a hug too. "How have you been?"
"I've been okay. I've really missed this place," Molly said, " And you like you wouldn't believe!"
"I'll say he looks good! Simply delicious almost." Mina said in a low voice near my ear. "Hi, I'm Mina!"
"Hi Mina." Andrew gave her a friendly smile as he raised his eyebrows quizzically at me.
"Geeze Mina. You sure don't waste any time." I said laughing a little giving her a look. "Andrew these are my friends Mina, Amy, Raye, and Lita."
"Hey! Nice to meet all of you. Is there anything you girls would like?"
"You. Gift wrapped. How about it?" Mina said flirtatiously.
"I'll see what I can do Mina." Andrew said winking at her.
As walked to a booth everyone started laughing about what had just happened. When we sat down with our food I said to Mina, "You truly amaze me sometimes."
"Who me?" She said as she tried to give me a innocent look. "However could I manage to that?" said as everyone started laughing again.
"Isn't it enough that you got that guys number from the plane ride? Plus he asked you out." I shook my head and looked at her in wonder. "You are really something . I can't believe you had the guts to say that to Andrew!"
"That's right! You're just forgetting about him now?" Molly asked with half curiosity as she had some of her strawberry milkshake.
" Of course I'm not forgetting about him! You saw him right? That won't easily be forgotten." She added in a thoughtful way as she tilted her head to a side. "I did get his number after all."
When we all gave her a look that said: How boy crazy can one girl possibly be she said, "Hey you never give boys too much love!"
"You are beyond crazy Mina." Lita said shaking her head with her brown eyes twinkling.
"I can't believe you sometimes!" Amy exclaimed.
I wondered out loud. "Why is it everyone is always flirting with Andrew? What's the big
attraction?" Of course I kept the fact that in the eighth grade I used to have a crush on him to myself. I knew very well what the big attraction was. With those simple boy next door, good looks it's easy to tell why any girl would be interested. "Oh and just to let you know, he has a girlfriend.
"A girlfriend huh? Well that's too bad." Mina said as she twirled a few strands of her hair around one finger that was tipped in gold. "Don't even try to play innocent because you guys are just as bad as I am. Don't even try to deny it!"
"Mina, you can believe whatever you want to believe. I'm not saying a word!" I said.
"That's only because you know I'm right!" Mina said triumphantly her arms in the air causing the small layers of her slender gold bracelets on her right arm to tinkle together.
The only response to that statement was of the opposite sentiments. It was a fun and lighthearted afternoon that would end in a very surprising way. Two people who hadn't seen each other a long while would grace each other's eyes again. Only this time the experience of that meeting would be much more of the attraction that they chose to ignore. It would be magnified and looked upon in false disdain.
What must be accepted is that the time they spent apart made their fragile bond stronger. What must be discovered is that the love/ hate relationship which they shared was only an illusion for something much bolder and greater. Possibly more that what they knew of themselves will be challenged and what they learn will be even more so. They will have to peer even more closely inside themselves to realize what was hidden but was still there all along. Perhaps this time around, the two people who seemed to hate each other the most will slowly find themselves changing their initial opinions…
Then again, in the real world, love is never easy. This is a reality and what must be known is that nothing is ever as easy as it should be. Also that nothing is as it appears to be or even turns out the way you would prefer. People change. Places change. Events leading to a specific point in time can be changed, but real and true emotions that stem from deep inside the heart usually never can. Still a dangerous attraction, but with a still stubborn heart makes it all the more harder to deny…
AlysonGrant@yahoo.com and I will respond as soon as possible. You can also say what you feel in form of a review for:
In My Face
by
Alyson Grant
Chapter 8
I feel so tired right now but I want to open it now. I touched the box gently feeling the softness of it and then went toward the ribbon. With the ribbon in a tiny pile on the edge of my pillowcase I slowly lifted the cover. Inside was a pair of silver earrings which had two small and slender hoops on each.
Underneath the earrings was a short note in familiar handwriting which said:
Dear Serena,
Here's to wishing you well on your first day of high school. Good luck! You'll always have a special place in my heart and I hope you like the earrings.
Love,
Andrew
I did like the earrings and I wore them the next day with my outfit. School academically was hard that's for sure. That's why this school is so prestigious. The teachers are nice and they are always willing to help you after class. It didn't hurt that I also signed up to be tutored.
School socially was a whole different story. I was feeling lost on campus those first few days
because the campus although considered small when compared to other boarding schools it seemed huge to me. I felt so small in the buildings on that first day. In afterthought I realize that the statement seems odd but that's how I felt back then. Now I feel a lot better about things that are going on and can find my way around.
Raye, my roommate is so cool even if at first she may seem intimidating. Raye is actually a priestess at the Hikawa Shrine which is fairly close to my house by bus but she went to the TA Academy so it's not strange that we hadn't met before. She has beautiful raven colored hair and the most piercing eyes you could ever have look at you. Or rather as it sometimes feels, right through you.
Amy is really nice but kind of quiet. At first I thought she didn't like me because she didn't seem like she wanted to talk to me but that's just the way she is. Or at least that's how she put it when one day I glanced over and saw her in the school's library and started talking to her. We ended up talking about a lot of other things too, like the fact that we both felt a little homesick the first night. She, I learned went to Brighton Academy the previous year. She likes art and is really good at painting still life and likes painting seas, oceans, and rivers best. She wants to be as great a painter as her father is but for a career wants to be a doctor like her mother. She's also a very academic type of person, which is something I wish I could be but am not. She lives in Tokyo, Japan with her mother mostly but also visits her father who lives near the St. Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada.
Molly's roommate Lita was nice. She's tall and has the sort of willowy frame which could deceive anyone into thinking that she isn't the great athlete that she is. Lita has this amazing brown hair which she usually puts in casual ponytails and has the most effortless sense of style. She's a serious rider who is in the riding program and trains every single day. On the weekend she's up at the most ungodly hours. She's usually up in time to see the sun rise. She's been riding horses since she was six years old and got her first pony when she was seven. She's won many awards and owns a Thoroughbred whose name is Belle whom she has on campus in the stables.
Mina, this girl in my Science class sits with us too and is incredibly funny and cheerful. She can be just as moody and as annoyed as everyone else can possibly be. In fact, given her dramatic streak more often then not it's a odd mixture. Her charismatic personality is as attention getting as her sun kissed light blond hair. She was born in Japan but has lived in England for as long as she can remember. She's interested in the art of photography and acting. She has only had small roles so far in movies and has done a few commercials but wants so more than that. She wants to be a actress whose fame is known far and wide.
Raye, Amy, Lita, and Mina are not the only girls who sit at the table along with Molly and I but they are some of the first friends I've made so far. In the main dining hall where we eat is always
entertaining because at our table we could all just be joking around and having fun. From different people you can learn different things and being a part of such a diverse group of people who have become friends of mine has made this new beginning interesting.
What's strange to me is that for what seems like the first time, I'm actually popular. The only bad thing is that our table has some girls who can be really mean and catty. They act like they are superior and are above everything and everyone not worthy of their time. The girls who are older act like they are superior and are above everything. The vibe they give off is seeming to think everyone isn't worthy of their time. Sometimes Raye acts the same way, not mean of course but like she thinks she is superior to you. The girls who are seniors and juniors made it clear from day one that we as freshmen meaning Molly, Raye, Lita, Amy, Mina, a few other girls who join us and I were lucky to be in their presence and should be feeling downright honored that they allowed us to sit at their table. I have to admit we are lucky because you can just see the envy on other people's faces.
Chloe is one of the leaders at school, social or otherwise and is one of the girls who are at the root of our clique and is Vice President of the student government. So I'm just thinking about that. What makes someone popular and liked and another person not? Even though it's fun sitting with a mix of seniors, juniors, and sophomores because they all seem so much more worldly than I, it was also weird at first. I caught myself so many times mid sentence so that I wouldn't say anything embarrassing and juvenile. Now that's different because those girls I hang out with who I used to consider to be so cool and just plain different than me in every single way are just my friends. Now they are just people that I trust. Still Molly, Raye, Amy, Lita, and Mina, are the five girls I consider to be my very close friends. Having a few close friends who I trust is more important to me than being around a group of people who only associate with you if you have the right status.
Different holidays have come and gone, and the cold weather that came with it left bringing warm weather and sunshine. It's spring again and I'm going home! I went home for all my other vacations but was so busy with my family that I couldn't stop by the arcade often. Also, not that I really care or anything when I did get the chance to go, I didn't see Darien. Oh well.
Lita sometimes models so when her mother called her and told her that her agency had called and had found a job for her she left for the weekend. One afternoon in Spring she invited me to come with her. So we left for the weekend. I didn't think that accepting her invitation would cause so much
trouble in a friendship I truly valued.
"Hi Raye! Where's Serena?" Molly had come to the room Raye and I shared looking for me on Saturday afternoon.
"She signed out last night." Raye said looking up from her book in surprise. As soon as she saw who it was she turned down the music she had playing to hear her better.
"Oh, where was she going?" Molly asked curiously. Serena hadn't mentioned doing anything special that weekend when she last saw her.
"She and Lita had plans. They will be coming back to campus tomorrow."
"Okay. Thanks Raye." Molly said, "See you at dinner then. I've got to meet Mr. Thomas for my piano lesson in a few minutes because he couldn't make it on Tuesday, our regular day."
"Oh yeah I forgot about that. Piano," Raye shook her head, "how can you stand it? I hated it when my parents made me take lessons a few years back. I'd rather play the violin and sing any day."
"I like piano. I've been playing for a long time." Molly pointed out.
"If you say so." Raye leaned back in her chair. "Hey do you want to do something tonight? A bunch of us are going to meet some of the guys from Avon at one of the movie theaters near campus. Your coming right?"
"Sounds like fun." Molly considered the possibility for a quick second "Sure! Let's talk about this later though. I've really got to go."
"See you!" Raye called out as her friend rushed out the door.
She stood at the very beginning of the runway. Her face was held high with dramatic makeup and she had on a expression of nonchalant and sophistication. She wore a blazer style leather jacket which had a lovely lavender tint to it's black sheen, over a half solid and half sheer black tunic with designs bearing the name of the exclusive rich label for which she was then modeling for embroidered in silver. When the other model passed her, she started walking with an attitude that displayed her confidence.
Close fitting black leather pants which had the same lavender intones as the jacket hugged her curves but didn't inhibit her movement. Her hair was crimped and let loose around her face in waves. Some of her hair was put in a deliberately unconfined chinog which gave the entire effect a aura of mystery. She turned, took off the jacket, and slug it over her shoulder to display the daring black tunic that was underneath. She continued walking until she reached the other side, went into basic model stance and walked off.
After the fashion show:
"Wow Lita! You were amazing!"
She blushed and said modestly ,"Thanks but anyone can do it."
"Not everyone. I doubt I could." I shook my head for emphasis. "I would be so
nervous and worried that I might fall off the runway."
She laughed. "Okay let's go. Come on!"
"Where?"
"All of the fashion editors, reporters, and guests have left. Let's go back out there and I'll show you how it's done!"
Dressed in dark blue denim jeans, a hunter green midriff shirt which said Danger! in white and a dark blue denim jacket she pulled me along.
"Wait! I don't think that this is allowed."
"Serena. It's okay, believe me." She said this with a sincere smile. Her face was scrubbed clean and she had on rose tinted lip gloss. Her hair, still crimped but put in it's usual ponytail was bouncing as she walked ahead of me. She seems to love a simple yet chic look. I also can't believe she's so down to earth when she has just about everything going for her.
"Okay. If you are sure we won't get in trouble." I said in a doubtful tone while casting her a equally dubious look.
Twenty minutes later:
"No! No! No! Model stance and then with the right foot first!"
" Walk until the middle and then a double half turn."
"No not a half turn! A double! A double! Okay, I'll demonstrate."
"Okay that's much better. Now walk to the end. Good! Good! Do that entire sequence over so I know you really know it."
"Lita I didn't know you were so intense about this! Can't you give a girl a break?" I asked as I wiped a weary brow.
"Sure I can!" As I sighed in relief she had the nerve to add, "After you get this right. From the top!"
After I finished I looked at her expectedly. "Not bad." Lita said "Your really a natural at this. It took me forever to remember that when I first started."
"You?" I said with a pointed finger and a voice full of disbelief.
"Yeah, me." Lita said giving me a big smile. "I was never completely comfortable with this
modeling business at first. In fact let me tell you a secret."
"What is it?" I leaned in delightedly
"During one of my very first modeling shows I tripped on the runway."
"You?" I asked the same question once more. "I can't believe that."
"Believe it. I tripped like a toddler just learning how to walk. It was actually pretty
embarrassing."
"I'd die if that ever happened to me." I said sympathetically thinking back to some of my own
embarrassing experiences.
"I very nearly did. Then I saw my mother out in the crowds looking at me with a
worried expression. I couldn't let her down so I got up and continued."
"Well, it's good to know your not perfect."
"Your kidding right?"
"No! Your amazing. Your smart, funny, a wonderful esteriquan, and you model. What don't you do perfectly?"
"Now come on Serena. I'm far from perfect. Everyone is. I just try to do what I can well. If I fail, I try again but I don't stress over it." She tilted her head to the side and looked at me with curious eyes. "You strike me as a person with low self esteem. You always seem to be putting yourself down when your such a wonderful person. Don't compare yourself to anyone and always do what you think you are capable of. Don't give anything less then your best. We really have to work on your self esteem Serena."
"I don't have a low-"
"Yes you do." Lita said. "Luckily it's not going to be to hard to reverse that."
I gave her a genuine smile. "If you say so." And in that moment I felt really close to her as a friend.
Back on campus early Sunday morning:
"Molly!" I walked into her room soon after I was on campus.
"Hi Serena." She said in a voice that told me she must be upset about something.
"What's wrong? Hey, how was your weekend?"
"Obviously not as exciting as yours."
"What?" I asked.
"I thought you were my best friend!"
"I am! What are you talking about?"
"Sure you are. Or is Lita the new replacement? You could have at least invited me on your little weekend jauntier."
"Is that what you are upset about?"
She ignored my question and instead asked one of her own. "Did we or did we not have plans for the weekend?"
"Well…" I trailed off as I thought of how we usually hang out during the weekend. Going to the movies, shopping, or to a party. But it wasn't like we always have set or even mandatory plans. "Kind of."
"I rest my case! What, you couldn't tell me that you would rather spend your time with your new friends?"
"They are your friends too!" I protested. I was so confused about what was happening just then.
"Then why wasn't I invited?"
"Everyone we know wasn't invited! It wasn't such a big deal Molly. I just went with Lita because she asked if I wanted to come. God, what's wrong with that? It's not like your my mother! Do I have to tell you where I'll be every second of the day?"
"No you don't have to tell me where'll you will be every second. I just thought that you were my best friend. We always do stuff together."
With forehead creasing at what was going on I sat down on the bed. "Look I'm sorry I didn't tell you where I was going. I didn't get a chance to. Plus, hold up!" Suddenly I remembered something. "I did call you to tell you just before I left! Your line was busy and I couldn't go to your room because we had to leave."
"Oh." She said in voice that was both small and meek.
"Oh? Oh! Is that all you can say? I walk in here innocently and you suddenly attack me with all this mess and all you've to say for yourself is, 'oh' ?"
"I'm sorry Serena."
"Look Molly, you are my best friend." I reached up and touched the necklaces we had custom made in silver with our names engraved in a small circle. Underneath our names it said Best Friends Forever. "See? That's not going to change. Ever! Even if we do have new friends now that won't affect or change anything. Trust me?"
"Yeah." Molly said sheepishly, "I'm so sorry I jumped on you like that."
"It's okay. Just don't do it again!" I said with a wagging finger and a playful smile.
"Done deal!" Molly said as she threw her arms around me. When she pulled away she said something in a teasing voice and with a beaming smile. It let me know that this was forgiven and forgotten although when I really think about it there really wasn't anything to forgive or forget.
I guess this is one of those lessons that you always hear about. One of those things that's supposed to be meaningful but in reality isn't as much of a big deal as it's made out to be. You just know it and accept the new. It's when you have to learn to ignore certain things whether about someone, something, or just in general, anything in life and learn not to rock the boat when it's finally going steady. "You know you really missed a fun weekend here on campus. You'll never guess what we all did! I can't believe you missed it!"
Almost two years later:
Suddenly I realize that it's the end of Sophomore year. Amazing. The time seemed to fly because I was so busy with all the trials and tribulations that come with school and friends. Basically just living my life is something to concentrate on. It's also the summer before I start Junior year of high school and we are all on vacation. Molly and I planned to invite a few friends to where we lived. Once again I'm on a air plane for a estimated twenty four hour flight to Japan. Only this time I'm not just with Molly so it's much more crazier and louder then usual…
"Ahh!!!" Lita screamed.
"You started it!"
A magazine went hurtling through the air toward Mina who was talking on her cell phone.
She raised one eyebrow and looked annoyed. "One more thing comes my way and whoever throws it is never going to see the light of day. Got that?" She turned away from us and started speaking into her cell phone again, "Uh huh. Okay! Whatever. Would you please…"
Suddenly we heard footsteps intrude on our little group. "Young ladies, you must restrain from moving around and throwing things in the air. Other passengers would like to enjoy this flight. Please try to remain in your seats for the time being. At least," she said as she took a deep breath, "until we get in the air." Then the woman walked briskly back down the row without even bothering for us to say anything else.
"Who does she think she is?" Raye asked rolling her eyes.
"Yeah, obviously someone needs to get a life." Mina said when she was
finally off her phone.
"Well, we really should be thinking about the other passengers." Ami said thoughtfully.
"Who cares about them? I don't!" Molly said
"Oh, then you obviously haven't seen that cute boy over there." Mina said looking at this boy with dark brown hair and deep brown eyes mischievously. He looked back at her and with only a slight blush about being caught she then she flipped her hair confidently and winked at him.
"Hmm…well girls got to go." She put on a extra coat of lip gloss and checked her reflection in her compact in almost one fluid motion.
Ami said quickly, "That stewardess just said that we had to stay in our seats!"
" Please!" Mina waved one hand in the air. "Don't worry, I'll be sitting. In his lap pretty soon!" With that final teasing remark she sauntered toward him with the composure of royalty.
"Hmph, she sure doesn't waste anytime does she?" Raye asked no one in particular.
"Yeah she just worked her magic." I said laughing.
"Well, let's see if they exchange phone numbers by the end of the flight. Then this whole charade will be admirable." Lita said
"What on earth would her parents say about this?" Amy moaned as she looked back to see Mina being very flirtatious with him. She was touching his arm with her fingers and whispering in his ear now. Then they started laughing.
"Have a good time?" Raye asked in a joking manner.
"In what world?" She retorted
"Amy just because your parents are way overprotective doesn't mean the rest of our parents are the same." Raye said while raising one eyebrow.
"Hey, I know if I were Mina and my parents saw me in her position right now they probably wouldn't be too happy." Molly said
"Yeah, my dad would freak out" I said nodding in agreement " As to why I have no clue. It's annoying but I love him anyway."
"I know what you mean. It's kind of cute at first, but then after a while it just becomes annoying. My parents wouldn't really be that worried. I'm not exactly their little girl anymore." Lita said.
"Seems like you and I have the only parents who give us a little freedom around here Lita." Rei observed.
"You, me, and Mina that is." Lita said with a little smile as she looked over to where Mina was.
"True. Hey why are we even talking about our parents and what they would think? They don't really matter because they aren't here right now are they?"
"You are so right."
"Are the words: Without Parental Supervision suddenly worthless?"
"I think not!"
From here on out it's party time!" I practically yelled while swinging a bag around my arm like a hoop around a waist.
"Oh you guys have got to be kidding me." Amy said skulking low in her chair aware of all the curious attention her group was getting. We were all getting hyped up without having a real reason. That's how it is with my friends. We are there for each other when needed, whether it's serious or just carefree fun.
"Hey let the party begin!"
"You guys!" Amy wailed as she looked around her, "Could you possibly be any louder?"
"Young ladies. Please control yourselves!"
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
"We will be arriving at Narita Airport shortly. Please be prepared to exit. I hope you had a nice flight and will fly with Japan Airlines again"
I'd been up for a while now. Checking the time it was 8:35 A.M. As I glanced out the window I saw a good view of Tokyo. In the early morning's light and as always it seemed beautiful. I gazed down at the airport as we made our descent down to the runway. The faint stirring and then the low bustle of activity could be heard as everyone on board started moving around.
"Wow! I can't believe I'm in Japan again! It's been so many years since I was last in this
country." Mina said enthusiastically when we were finally walking on the gateway toward the
inside the airport.
"I can't believe it either." Lita agreed as she fell in step alongside her.
"Come on!" Raye said impatiently as she was ahead of us, "Let's hurry, get out luggage, and leave."
"Where exactly are we meeting your parents?" Lita asked us.
"They should be waiting by the arriving gate as usual." I said.
"Is that them?" Mina asked pointing to where a small group of people waiting near the arrivals gate were talking.
"Yeah that's them." Molly said as she broke into a smile.
I ran ahead of my friends and hugged my parents then my younger brother.
"Hi Mom!" I kissed her. "Dad." I gave him another hug. "Sammy." I didn't have to bend over to kiss him on the cheek anymore and that fact surprised me every time I saw him.
Teasingly I said to him, "You look even taller then when I saw you at your graduation. Hey, are you excited about starting high school? I can't believe you're finally old enough!" I ruffled his soft sandy brown hair affectionately as he grimaced at me about my last remark. He gave me a mock glare which had a teasing look in them, with those eyes that seem to be a sure sign that he'll be quite the charmer when he gets to high school…
Near us Molly, Amy, and Raye were hugging their parents and talking to them excitedly. After our
reunion's they finally met our friends. We got our luggage and went out of the airport to the large parking lot.
"Girls, what's with all the luggage?".
"It's only the basic necessities." We all protested.
"I can only guess what's in here. And all of it can't be the basic necessities."
"Whatever Dad. There is so much you will never understand." I said dryly.
The next day:
"Andrew!" That was the first word I said and also the first person I saw when I walked in the Crown Arcade with all my friends in tow. For some reason I felt so happy in that moment.
As he turned around in surprise I said, "Andrew. You look great!"
"Serena, wow I can't believe your really here." He went over to me and gave me a hug.
"It's been a long time." I commented. I hadn't seen him since a few months ago but somehow it felt like a lot longer.
"Too long a time." Andrew said with a teasing glint in his eyes. He always knew exactly what I meant.
"Molly! Haven't seen you in some time either." He gave her a hug too. "How have you been?"
"I've been okay. I've really missed this place," Molly said, " And you like you wouldn't believe!"
"I'll say he looks good! Simply delicious almost." Mina said in a low voice near my ear. "Hi, I'm Mina!"
"Hi Mina." Andrew gave her a friendly smile as he raised his eyebrows quizzically at me.
"Geeze Mina. You sure don't waste any time." I said laughing a little giving her a look. "Andrew these are my friends Mina, Amy, Raye, and Lita."
"Hey! Nice to meet all of you. Is there anything you girls would like?"
"You. Gift wrapped. How about it?" Mina said flirtatiously.
"I'll see what I can do Mina." Andrew said winking at her.
As walked to a booth everyone started laughing about what had just happened. When we sat down with our food I said to Mina, "You truly amaze me sometimes."
"Who me?" She said as she tried to give me a innocent look. "However could I manage to that?" said as everyone started laughing again.
"Isn't it enough that you got that guys number from the plane ride? Plus he asked you out." I shook my head and looked at her in wonder. "You are really something . I can't believe you had the guts to say that to Andrew!"
"That's right! You're just forgetting about him now?" Molly asked with half curiosity as she had some of her strawberry milkshake.
" Of course I'm not forgetting about him! You saw him right? That won't easily be forgotten." She added in a thoughtful way as she tilted her head to a side. "I did get his number after all."
When we all gave her a look that said: How boy crazy can one girl possibly be she said, "Hey you never give boys too much love!"
"You are beyond crazy Mina." Lita said shaking her head with her brown eyes twinkling.
"I can't believe you sometimes!" Amy exclaimed.
I wondered out loud. "Why is it everyone is always flirting with Andrew? What's the big
attraction?" Of course I kept the fact that in the eighth grade I used to have a crush on him to myself. I knew very well what the big attraction was. With those simple boy next door, good looks it's easy to tell why any girl would be interested. "Oh and just to let you know, he has a girlfriend.
"A girlfriend huh? Well that's too bad." Mina said as she twirled a few strands of her hair around one finger that was tipped in gold. "Don't even try to play innocent because you guys are just as bad as I am. Don't even try to deny it!"
"Mina, you can believe whatever you want to believe. I'm not saying a word!" I said.
"That's only because you know I'm right!" Mina said triumphantly her arms in the air causing the small layers of her slender gold bracelets on her right arm to tinkle together.
The only response to that statement was of the opposite sentiments. It was a fun and lighthearted afternoon that would end in a very surprising way. Two people who hadn't seen each other a long while would grace each other's eyes again. Only this time the experience of that meeting would be much more of the attraction that they chose to ignore. It would be magnified and looked upon in false disdain.
What must be accepted is that the time they spent apart made their fragile bond stronger. What must be discovered is that the love/ hate relationship which they shared was only an illusion for something much bolder and greater. Possibly more that what they knew of themselves will be challenged and what they learn will be even more so. They will have to peer even more closely inside themselves to realize what was hidden but was still there all along. Perhaps this time around, the two people who seemed to hate each other the most will slowly find themselves changing their initial opinions…
Then again, in the real world, love is never easy. This is a reality and what must be known is that nothing is ever as easy as it should be. Also that nothing is as it appears to be or even turns out the way you would prefer. People change. Places change. Events leading to a specific point in time can be changed, but real and true emotions that stem from deep inside the heart usually never can. Still a dangerous attraction, but with a still stubborn heart makes it all the more harder to deny…