Summary: Victoria Andersen is a girl from the snooty, high-class society
world with the desire to break free from the stereotypical "precious
princess" life she leads. She enters Eden Hall Academy as a sophomore and
befriends the Ducks, to whom she is quickly drawn. In the ultimate attempt
to escape her gilded cage, she joins the hockey team against her parents'
and preppie friends' wishes and becomes one of their star players. Things
get complicated though, as Victoria falls for bad boy team captain Charlie
Conway the same time sweet guy Adam Banks falls for her. Will she ever get
over her unrequited love and see the one that's right in front of her?
LEARNING TO FLY
Chapter One - Sophomores
Goldberg raised his hands in the air as he and Charlie stepped though the main entrance of the Eden Hall Academy, his broad chest puffed up with pride. "Ladies and gentlemen, Goldberg and Conway, sophomore men, have entered the building!" he declared in an announcer's voice.
Charlie groaned and shook his head. "Come off it, Goldberg!" he told his best friend. "Stop making such a big deal over this, because it isn't!"
Goldberg looked at him with wide eyes. "No big deal?" he repeated incredulously. "No big deal?! Are you crazy, man? I've been waiting for like forever to finally graduate from frosh-dom!" The boy cocked his head in confidence and pulled down the hem of his baggy t-shirt. "Maybe now we can get a little more respect around here."
Charlie had to laugh. "Man, we are gonna get more respect, but it's not gonna be because we're a year higher." he stated. He poked a thumb at the Ducks logo on the Eden varsity jacket he was wearing. "It'll be because of this."
Goldberg nodded cheerfully. "You've got a point." he admitted. "Still. . . man, I'm dead glad we're finally out of the rookie category!" He rubbed his hands together with a gleeful smile. "This year, it's finally our turn to torment some freshies!"
Charlie sighed and said nothing else as the two of them walked down the crowded hall to where their new lockers were located. It seemed as if Goldberg had learned nothing from their freshman experience the past year. Personally, Charlie wasn't willing to place any more kids though the same ordeal he and his teammates had to go through when they were new at Eden.
In spite of himself, the Ducks team captain had to smile nostalgically as he recalled the previous school year. It was tough fitting in all right, but as usual they were able to pull through every obstacle together. He was beginning to think nothing in the world could ever come in between their group.
"Hey, Charlie! Goldberg! Wait up!"
The two friends turned around to see three other teenagers making their way towards them, bright smiles lighting their excited faces.
"Hey, Russ. Ken. Averman." Charlie returned the greeting as he and Goldberg paused so their teammates could catch up.
"Man, we're sophomores! Can you believe it?!" Russ exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air. "Time to howl, Ducks!"
"Right on!" Goldberg responded, as the two knocked knuckles.
"Cool it, guys. . . " Charlie tried to say, but his words got drowned out by the energized babble of his friends. Realizing there was no way to pacify them when they were this hyper, he then just held his tongue and walked with them down the hall as they animatedly exchanged stories of what they did over the summer.
A few minutes later, the five boys had passed by their lockers and were on their way to the same homeroom they all shared. Amidst all the noise and activity, Averman fell into step beside Charlie. The red-head smiled at the team captain and slung and arm over his shoulder.
"So how are you doing, Charlie?" he whispered somewhat conspiratorially, his eyes growing concerned behind his glasses. "Still okay so far?"
Charlie's brow creased as Averman's words sunk in. He knew his childhood friend could only be referring to his recent break-up with his girlfriend, Linda. It had already been two weeks since the couple had agreed to part ways, but the memory still hurt Charlie as if it happened only yesterday. Linda had complained about their relationship being "unprogressive" and "unfair", especially since Charlie often spent more time training at the hockey rink than with her. Charlie had been forced to admit that she was right-his addiction to playing hockey didn't make him a very good boyfriend. For her sake, he agreed to her suggestion that they should just start seeing other people. But his consent didn't change the fact that he still loved her. Letting Linda go was one of the more painful things he'd ever done in his life.
So was he okay?
Charlie ducked his head to avoid Averman's gaze as they as they entered the classroom. "Just fine." he lied through gritted teeth, heading for a seat at the back.
"Oh. Okay, cool." Averman said with a nod. Even if he sensed Charlie's bluff, he didn't pursue the topic any longer. He turned away and joined in on the conversation of the other boys.
Charlie groaned mentally and slumped down in his chair, rubbing his forehead as the bell signaling the start of classes rang.
Maybe sophomore year wasn't off to such a great start after all.
* * *
"Here, let me take that for you." Guy offered, grabbing hold of Connie's backpack and slinging it over his shoulder before she could pick it up herself.
The pretty brunette shook her head and raised her eyebrows at him. "How many times do I have to tell you not to spoil me like that?' she chided. "I'm not some helpless damsel in distress. I can carry my own things, thank you very much!"
Guy threw her a mock pout. "See, this is the problem with having a tough chick for a girlfriend." he complained lightly. "When will I get a chance to be all chivalrous when you're too darn independent?"
Connie smiled and took his hand, linking her fingers through his as they walked out of homeroom together. "Guy, you don't have to do stuff to prove you're my knight in shining armor." she said with a shrug. "You just are."
Guy squeezed her palm gently and grinned. Sweet Connie. Sometimes he couldn't believe how lucky he was to have such a babe for his steady. Over the past year at Eden she had been chased by many other guys, cute upper class men even, but she never wavered in her loyalty to him. She always chose him.
As the two of them walked down the hall towards English class, they passed by a gaggle of pretty girls hanging out by the lockers, all dressed in the same cutesy pie red uniform-Eden Hall Cheerleaders.
Connie's eyes narrowed as she caught sight of a number of them smiling flirtatiously at Guy as they approached. Those bimbos have been after her man ever since he stepped into Eden, and she was almost sure they would be even more aggressive this year. Guy had buffed up over the summer and developed a great tan-he looked better than ever.
Connie gazed at the cheerleaders from head to toe, suddenly feeling a twinge of insecurity and envy. These girls were extremely beautiful and sexy. Sure, they didn't have much personality nor brains, but that usually didn't matter to high school boys. Most male teenagers would give anything to date a cheerleader, not a hockey player. Connie cast a sideways glance up at her boyfriend, a look of slight worry coming to her hazel eyes. Was Guy any different?
Just then, Guy's light blue gaze descended to meet hers. Their eyes locked onto each other. Guy smiled, and Connie felt his warm hand slide around her waist and pull her close. Guy bent over slightly to whisper in her ear.
"They're no where near as beautiful as you."
An uncontrollable smile broke out across Connie's lips. She wasn't so surprised that once again Guy was able to read her thoughts, but still, that had to be one of the sweetest things he had ever said to her. All the misgivings that had been going around her head immediately vanished as he planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"I love you too, Guy." she murmured softly, leaning her head against the curve of his shoulder as they moved on.
* * *
Fulton sighed and glanced impatiently at a nearby wall clock. Five minutes to their next class. He then turned back to where Dean was standing by the lockers, trying out some smooth moves and slick lines on a group of giddy freshman girls. He smiled and shake his head. He had to hand it to his best friend-he sure had a way with the ladies.
Unfortunately, no amount of smooth lines from him was not going to spare them from being late if they didn't get moving soon.
Fulton finally stepped forward and tapped Dean on the shoulder. "Uh, I hate to break this up bro, but we've got to move our butts. The bell's going to ring any minute now." he mumbled.
Dean glanced at him momentarily before sighing dramatically to the girls. "Well ladies, duty calls." he said, flashing his adoring fans a dazzling grin. "You'll have to excuse me for now. But maybe I'll see you around later, all right?"
The Bash Brother received giggles, tickled squeaks, and enthusiastic nods for a reply. Dean managed to grant them another heart-wrenching smile before Fulton grabbed his arm and yanked him away.
"Man, is this ever gonna be a cool year!" Dean crowed, as the two sauntered side by side down the hall. "First day back and looks like I've already got a fan club going on! Dude, I love being a sophomore!"
Fulton smiled wryly. "Which part? The part where you get to charm the freshmen chicks out of their wits, or the part where you get to bully as many freshman losers as you want?"
"Hey," Dean said, his gaze suddenly turning serious. "I told you, man. My bullying days are over. After what we and the rest of the team had to go through last year. . . I'm not gonna take a page out of Riley's book. If I'm gonna touch any frosh, it'll be to help them, not torture them."
Fulton almost couldn't believe his ears. Was this Dean Portman he was listening to?
"Holy smokes, man." Fulton said in awe. "What happened to you?" He chuckled. "Did you actually grow a conscience over the summer?"
"Can it, dude." Dean snapped back. "It's not a big deal. I just figured we're too old for that sort of thing."
Fulton nodded. "You're probably right." He paused. "I just hope this doesn't affect our reputation as the ruthless Bash Brothers.
Dean laughed. "Hey, no way man!" he exclaimed. "Being Nice Guys on campus is cool, but on the ice .. ." He slammed a fist into his palm. "No mercy!"
"You got it!" Fulton agreed, as they knocked fists.
Just then, the duo rounded a corner and Fulton, not paying much attention to where he was going, suddenly rammed into another body. He became aware of books crashing to the ground, papers flying into the air, and a female cry as the person he bumped into was thrown back a few paces on the impact.
Fulton's face reddened with embarrassment. "Sorry." he mumbled, instinctively bending over to collect the things of the girl he had knocked over. "My fault."
"No, no, I should apologize." he overheard a soft voice say hurriedly. "I wasn't really watching where I was going."
After he had picked up the last book from the floor, Fulton finally straightened up . . . and met the gaze of the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. His jaw fell open as he nearly dropped the pile of books and papers he had just gathered into his arms.
The girl smiled, her cat green eyes sparking as she looked at him. "Well, anyway, thanks for picking up my stuff for me . . .um . . ." She paused, cocking her head to one side.
Fulton swallowed hard. His throat had suddenly gone dry, and his limbs were frozen.
He felt a sharp jab against his ribs as Dean elbowed him. "Your name, dude." his friend hissed.
"Um, Fulton." the boy managed to say, regaining the use of his tongue. "Fulton Reed."
The smile on the girl's face grew even wider. "Oh yeah! That's right! I thought I recognized you!" she said cheerfully, flipping her long chestnut hair over her shoulder. "You're part of the JV hockey team! That was a great season last year."
"Uh, huh. . ." was all Fulton could mutter. Mentally he kicked himself. How huge a loser was he being?!
"Well. . . ." the girl went on. "Wish I could stay and chat some more, but I've got to get to class. So if you don't mind. . ." She gestured at the stack of books in Fulton's arms. "I'm gonna need those back now."
"Oh! Yeah, um, sure. . ." Fulton said with a start. His cheeks coloring up once again, he handed the girl's things back to her. A crazy shiver raced through him when in the process their skin came on contact with each other for a few seconds.
"It was nice meeting you Fulton." she told him sincerely, before turning away. "Maybe I'll see you around some time. And thanks again."
As the girl took her first step to leave, Fulton felt Dean elbow him yet a second time, knocking him out of his trance.
"Her, name you moron!" Dean mumbled. "Get her name!"
"Wait!" Fulton blurted out. The girl froze in her tracks and looked back at the two boys with a questioning look on her face.
"What's . . . what's your name?"
The girl grinned, making Fulton's heart jump in his chest. "Abby. Abby Mitchell."
And with that, she turned back around and went on her way, leaving Fulton and Dean standing in the hall with the goofiest grins on their faces-the former's was wistful, and the latter's was mischievous.
Dean's right, Fulton realized, as he watched the girl of his dreams glide down the hall out of sight. This was going to be an awesome year.
* * *
"And she dumped me! Just like that!" Luis said dramatically, snapping his fingers for emphasis as he finished his story. "I still can't believe it! I mean, what could this new guy possibly have that I don't?"
Adam smothered a grin. "Um, a driver's license?" he suggested.
"A high school diploma?" Dwayne piped in, innocent as usual.
Luis groaned and shot his two friends a look of frustration. "Thanks a lot, you guys." she grumbled. "I'm pouring my heart out here and you jut have to go and remind me that. . . "
"Hey, you just gotta face facts, Luis." Adam cut him off. "Mandy was never the right girl for you anyway."
Luis pointed a warning finger at him. "Tell me again that she's out of my league and I swear I'll kill you." he threatened.
Adam shrugged. "Actually, what I was going to say was that you're too good for her." he said simply.
Luis' face softened. "Really?"
Adam nodded. "Yeah, sure. I mean, she never had a lot to begin with. She just had cleavage."
"And sexy legs." Luis reminded, his eyes misting over with dreaminess. "And a great tan. And soft lips. And those big blue eyes, the fluffy blond hair, the. . . "
"What I'm trying to say here is," Adam interrupted. "There are lot of other girls out there with so much more to offer. Now that you're a free man, you could go out and hook up with one of them."
"Who knows, maybe this time she'll have a brain." Dwayne teased, then laughed at his on joke.
Luis paused to throw the cowboy a vehement glare before shaking his head. "I can't!" he moaned. "Never again! I'm injured for life! I'll never be able to look at another. . . good god!"
"Huh?" Adam said in confusion. "Another what?"
Luis' mouth had dropped open, so he couldn't talk. His whole body seemed to have frozen still, an his eyes were directed to the entrance of the classroom.
Curious at what could have stunned his friend so suddenly and effectively, Adam turned his head to gaze at the same direction. Automatically his blue eyes grew as large as Luis'.
A student none of them recognized stood at the doorway, her clear sapphire eyes wandering around the room as she searched for an empty seat to claim. She was by far the most gorgeous female they had ever seen in Eden Hall. Her raven hair cascaded like a silk waterfall over her shoulders and fell just between her shoulder blades. Her kissable lips were shaped into a alluring smile that exposed even white teeth. She had a graceful, slender body clothed in an indigo denim mini skirt and a white knit top, showing off perfect curves at all the right places. Her creamy caramel skin was flawless-it showed on her pretty face, slim arms, and shapely legs. As she finally stepped in and took a chair at the far end of the room, she moved with an air of confidence and grace. Without a doubt, this new girl was a goddess.
Adam inhaled deeply, suddenly realizing that he had stopped breathing. At that point he also became aware of the heavy pounding in his chest and the beads of sweat beginning to form on his forehead and the palms of his hands.
What the heck was this? No person had ever had this kind of effect on him before, especially not on first sight. He was Adam Banks, for crying out loud! He wasn't like most of his friends who could easily get googly-eyed over some girl. Usually he was level-headed one, the only guy on the team who could manage to stay cool and indifferent when faced with cute chicks.
It was either he had gone through some radical change over the summer, or there really was just something about this girl.
"Who is she?" Adam distantly overheard Dwayne whisper from beside him, sounding just as entranced as he felt. Adam gulped. His thoughts exactly.
"I don't know." Luis mumbled back, finally snapping out of his own trance. "But I'm not leaving school today till I find out."
As he listened to these words, Adam stared helplessly at the mysterious girl, knowing in dismay that for once he had to agree with his girl-crazy friend.
He was never going to get any peace of mind until he found out her name, and made sure she knew his.
Adam Banks had a crush.
* * *
COMING UP . . . Chapter 2 - PREPPIE
LEARNING TO FLY
Chapter One - Sophomores
Goldberg raised his hands in the air as he and Charlie stepped though the main entrance of the Eden Hall Academy, his broad chest puffed up with pride. "Ladies and gentlemen, Goldberg and Conway, sophomore men, have entered the building!" he declared in an announcer's voice.
Charlie groaned and shook his head. "Come off it, Goldberg!" he told his best friend. "Stop making such a big deal over this, because it isn't!"
Goldberg looked at him with wide eyes. "No big deal?" he repeated incredulously. "No big deal?! Are you crazy, man? I've been waiting for like forever to finally graduate from frosh-dom!" The boy cocked his head in confidence and pulled down the hem of his baggy t-shirt. "Maybe now we can get a little more respect around here."
Charlie had to laugh. "Man, we are gonna get more respect, but it's not gonna be because we're a year higher." he stated. He poked a thumb at the Ducks logo on the Eden varsity jacket he was wearing. "It'll be because of this."
Goldberg nodded cheerfully. "You've got a point." he admitted. "Still. . . man, I'm dead glad we're finally out of the rookie category!" He rubbed his hands together with a gleeful smile. "This year, it's finally our turn to torment some freshies!"
Charlie sighed and said nothing else as the two of them walked down the crowded hall to where their new lockers were located. It seemed as if Goldberg had learned nothing from their freshman experience the past year. Personally, Charlie wasn't willing to place any more kids though the same ordeal he and his teammates had to go through when they were new at Eden.
In spite of himself, the Ducks team captain had to smile nostalgically as he recalled the previous school year. It was tough fitting in all right, but as usual they were able to pull through every obstacle together. He was beginning to think nothing in the world could ever come in between their group.
"Hey, Charlie! Goldberg! Wait up!"
The two friends turned around to see three other teenagers making their way towards them, bright smiles lighting their excited faces.
"Hey, Russ. Ken. Averman." Charlie returned the greeting as he and Goldberg paused so their teammates could catch up.
"Man, we're sophomores! Can you believe it?!" Russ exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air. "Time to howl, Ducks!"
"Right on!" Goldberg responded, as the two knocked knuckles.
"Cool it, guys. . . " Charlie tried to say, but his words got drowned out by the energized babble of his friends. Realizing there was no way to pacify them when they were this hyper, he then just held his tongue and walked with them down the hall as they animatedly exchanged stories of what they did over the summer.
A few minutes later, the five boys had passed by their lockers and were on their way to the same homeroom they all shared. Amidst all the noise and activity, Averman fell into step beside Charlie. The red-head smiled at the team captain and slung and arm over his shoulder.
"So how are you doing, Charlie?" he whispered somewhat conspiratorially, his eyes growing concerned behind his glasses. "Still okay so far?"
Charlie's brow creased as Averman's words sunk in. He knew his childhood friend could only be referring to his recent break-up with his girlfriend, Linda. It had already been two weeks since the couple had agreed to part ways, but the memory still hurt Charlie as if it happened only yesterday. Linda had complained about their relationship being "unprogressive" and "unfair", especially since Charlie often spent more time training at the hockey rink than with her. Charlie had been forced to admit that she was right-his addiction to playing hockey didn't make him a very good boyfriend. For her sake, he agreed to her suggestion that they should just start seeing other people. But his consent didn't change the fact that he still loved her. Letting Linda go was one of the more painful things he'd ever done in his life.
So was he okay?
Charlie ducked his head to avoid Averman's gaze as they as they entered the classroom. "Just fine." he lied through gritted teeth, heading for a seat at the back.
"Oh. Okay, cool." Averman said with a nod. Even if he sensed Charlie's bluff, he didn't pursue the topic any longer. He turned away and joined in on the conversation of the other boys.
Charlie groaned mentally and slumped down in his chair, rubbing his forehead as the bell signaling the start of classes rang.
Maybe sophomore year wasn't off to such a great start after all.
* * *
"Here, let me take that for you." Guy offered, grabbing hold of Connie's backpack and slinging it over his shoulder before she could pick it up herself.
The pretty brunette shook her head and raised her eyebrows at him. "How many times do I have to tell you not to spoil me like that?' she chided. "I'm not some helpless damsel in distress. I can carry my own things, thank you very much!"
Guy threw her a mock pout. "See, this is the problem with having a tough chick for a girlfriend." he complained lightly. "When will I get a chance to be all chivalrous when you're too darn independent?"
Connie smiled and took his hand, linking her fingers through his as they walked out of homeroom together. "Guy, you don't have to do stuff to prove you're my knight in shining armor." she said with a shrug. "You just are."
Guy squeezed her palm gently and grinned. Sweet Connie. Sometimes he couldn't believe how lucky he was to have such a babe for his steady. Over the past year at Eden she had been chased by many other guys, cute upper class men even, but she never wavered in her loyalty to him. She always chose him.
As the two of them walked down the hall towards English class, they passed by a gaggle of pretty girls hanging out by the lockers, all dressed in the same cutesy pie red uniform-Eden Hall Cheerleaders.
Connie's eyes narrowed as she caught sight of a number of them smiling flirtatiously at Guy as they approached. Those bimbos have been after her man ever since he stepped into Eden, and she was almost sure they would be even more aggressive this year. Guy had buffed up over the summer and developed a great tan-he looked better than ever.
Connie gazed at the cheerleaders from head to toe, suddenly feeling a twinge of insecurity and envy. These girls were extremely beautiful and sexy. Sure, they didn't have much personality nor brains, but that usually didn't matter to high school boys. Most male teenagers would give anything to date a cheerleader, not a hockey player. Connie cast a sideways glance up at her boyfriend, a look of slight worry coming to her hazel eyes. Was Guy any different?
Just then, Guy's light blue gaze descended to meet hers. Their eyes locked onto each other. Guy smiled, and Connie felt his warm hand slide around her waist and pull her close. Guy bent over slightly to whisper in her ear.
"They're no where near as beautiful as you."
An uncontrollable smile broke out across Connie's lips. She wasn't so surprised that once again Guy was able to read her thoughts, but still, that had to be one of the sweetest things he had ever said to her. All the misgivings that had been going around her head immediately vanished as he planted a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"I love you too, Guy." she murmured softly, leaning her head against the curve of his shoulder as they moved on.
* * *
Fulton sighed and glanced impatiently at a nearby wall clock. Five minutes to their next class. He then turned back to where Dean was standing by the lockers, trying out some smooth moves and slick lines on a group of giddy freshman girls. He smiled and shake his head. He had to hand it to his best friend-he sure had a way with the ladies.
Unfortunately, no amount of smooth lines from him was not going to spare them from being late if they didn't get moving soon.
Fulton finally stepped forward and tapped Dean on the shoulder. "Uh, I hate to break this up bro, but we've got to move our butts. The bell's going to ring any minute now." he mumbled.
Dean glanced at him momentarily before sighing dramatically to the girls. "Well ladies, duty calls." he said, flashing his adoring fans a dazzling grin. "You'll have to excuse me for now. But maybe I'll see you around later, all right?"
The Bash Brother received giggles, tickled squeaks, and enthusiastic nods for a reply. Dean managed to grant them another heart-wrenching smile before Fulton grabbed his arm and yanked him away.
"Man, is this ever gonna be a cool year!" Dean crowed, as the two sauntered side by side down the hall. "First day back and looks like I've already got a fan club going on! Dude, I love being a sophomore!"
Fulton smiled wryly. "Which part? The part where you get to charm the freshmen chicks out of their wits, or the part where you get to bully as many freshman losers as you want?"
"Hey," Dean said, his gaze suddenly turning serious. "I told you, man. My bullying days are over. After what we and the rest of the team had to go through last year. . . I'm not gonna take a page out of Riley's book. If I'm gonna touch any frosh, it'll be to help them, not torture them."
Fulton almost couldn't believe his ears. Was this Dean Portman he was listening to?
"Holy smokes, man." Fulton said in awe. "What happened to you?" He chuckled. "Did you actually grow a conscience over the summer?"
"Can it, dude." Dean snapped back. "It's not a big deal. I just figured we're too old for that sort of thing."
Fulton nodded. "You're probably right." He paused. "I just hope this doesn't affect our reputation as the ruthless Bash Brothers.
Dean laughed. "Hey, no way man!" he exclaimed. "Being Nice Guys on campus is cool, but on the ice .. ." He slammed a fist into his palm. "No mercy!"
"You got it!" Fulton agreed, as they knocked fists.
Just then, the duo rounded a corner and Fulton, not paying much attention to where he was going, suddenly rammed into another body. He became aware of books crashing to the ground, papers flying into the air, and a female cry as the person he bumped into was thrown back a few paces on the impact.
Fulton's face reddened with embarrassment. "Sorry." he mumbled, instinctively bending over to collect the things of the girl he had knocked over. "My fault."
"No, no, I should apologize." he overheard a soft voice say hurriedly. "I wasn't really watching where I was going."
After he had picked up the last book from the floor, Fulton finally straightened up . . . and met the gaze of the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. His jaw fell open as he nearly dropped the pile of books and papers he had just gathered into his arms.
The girl smiled, her cat green eyes sparking as she looked at him. "Well, anyway, thanks for picking up my stuff for me . . .um . . ." She paused, cocking her head to one side.
Fulton swallowed hard. His throat had suddenly gone dry, and his limbs were frozen.
He felt a sharp jab against his ribs as Dean elbowed him. "Your name, dude." his friend hissed.
"Um, Fulton." the boy managed to say, regaining the use of his tongue. "Fulton Reed."
The smile on the girl's face grew even wider. "Oh yeah! That's right! I thought I recognized you!" she said cheerfully, flipping her long chestnut hair over her shoulder. "You're part of the JV hockey team! That was a great season last year."
"Uh, huh. . ." was all Fulton could mutter. Mentally he kicked himself. How huge a loser was he being?!
"Well. . . ." the girl went on. "Wish I could stay and chat some more, but I've got to get to class. So if you don't mind. . ." She gestured at the stack of books in Fulton's arms. "I'm gonna need those back now."
"Oh! Yeah, um, sure. . ." Fulton said with a start. His cheeks coloring up once again, he handed the girl's things back to her. A crazy shiver raced through him when in the process their skin came on contact with each other for a few seconds.
"It was nice meeting you Fulton." she told him sincerely, before turning away. "Maybe I'll see you around some time. And thanks again."
As the girl took her first step to leave, Fulton felt Dean elbow him yet a second time, knocking him out of his trance.
"Her, name you moron!" Dean mumbled. "Get her name!"
"Wait!" Fulton blurted out. The girl froze in her tracks and looked back at the two boys with a questioning look on her face.
"What's . . . what's your name?"
The girl grinned, making Fulton's heart jump in his chest. "Abby. Abby Mitchell."
And with that, she turned back around and went on her way, leaving Fulton and Dean standing in the hall with the goofiest grins on their faces-the former's was wistful, and the latter's was mischievous.
Dean's right, Fulton realized, as he watched the girl of his dreams glide down the hall out of sight. This was going to be an awesome year.
* * *
"And she dumped me! Just like that!" Luis said dramatically, snapping his fingers for emphasis as he finished his story. "I still can't believe it! I mean, what could this new guy possibly have that I don't?"
Adam smothered a grin. "Um, a driver's license?" he suggested.
"A high school diploma?" Dwayne piped in, innocent as usual.
Luis groaned and shot his two friends a look of frustration. "Thanks a lot, you guys." she grumbled. "I'm pouring my heart out here and you jut have to go and remind me that. . . "
"Hey, you just gotta face facts, Luis." Adam cut him off. "Mandy was never the right girl for you anyway."
Luis pointed a warning finger at him. "Tell me again that she's out of my league and I swear I'll kill you." he threatened.
Adam shrugged. "Actually, what I was going to say was that you're too good for her." he said simply.
Luis' face softened. "Really?"
Adam nodded. "Yeah, sure. I mean, she never had a lot to begin with. She just had cleavage."
"And sexy legs." Luis reminded, his eyes misting over with dreaminess. "And a great tan. And soft lips. And those big blue eyes, the fluffy blond hair, the. . . "
"What I'm trying to say here is," Adam interrupted. "There are lot of other girls out there with so much more to offer. Now that you're a free man, you could go out and hook up with one of them."
"Who knows, maybe this time she'll have a brain." Dwayne teased, then laughed at his on joke.
Luis paused to throw the cowboy a vehement glare before shaking his head. "I can't!" he moaned. "Never again! I'm injured for life! I'll never be able to look at another. . . good god!"
"Huh?" Adam said in confusion. "Another what?"
Luis' mouth had dropped open, so he couldn't talk. His whole body seemed to have frozen still, an his eyes were directed to the entrance of the classroom.
Curious at what could have stunned his friend so suddenly and effectively, Adam turned his head to gaze at the same direction. Automatically his blue eyes grew as large as Luis'.
A student none of them recognized stood at the doorway, her clear sapphire eyes wandering around the room as she searched for an empty seat to claim. She was by far the most gorgeous female they had ever seen in Eden Hall. Her raven hair cascaded like a silk waterfall over her shoulders and fell just between her shoulder blades. Her kissable lips were shaped into a alluring smile that exposed even white teeth. She had a graceful, slender body clothed in an indigo denim mini skirt and a white knit top, showing off perfect curves at all the right places. Her creamy caramel skin was flawless-it showed on her pretty face, slim arms, and shapely legs. As she finally stepped in and took a chair at the far end of the room, she moved with an air of confidence and grace. Without a doubt, this new girl was a goddess.
Adam inhaled deeply, suddenly realizing that he had stopped breathing. At that point he also became aware of the heavy pounding in his chest and the beads of sweat beginning to form on his forehead and the palms of his hands.
What the heck was this? No person had ever had this kind of effect on him before, especially not on first sight. He was Adam Banks, for crying out loud! He wasn't like most of his friends who could easily get googly-eyed over some girl. Usually he was level-headed one, the only guy on the team who could manage to stay cool and indifferent when faced with cute chicks.
It was either he had gone through some radical change over the summer, or there really was just something about this girl.
"Who is she?" Adam distantly overheard Dwayne whisper from beside him, sounding just as entranced as he felt. Adam gulped. His thoughts exactly.
"I don't know." Luis mumbled back, finally snapping out of his own trance. "But I'm not leaving school today till I find out."
As he listened to these words, Adam stared helplessly at the mysterious girl, knowing in dismay that for once he had to agree with his girl-crazy friend.
He was never going to get any peace of mind until he found out her name, and made sure she knew his.
Adam Banks had a crush.
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COMING UP . . . Chapter 2 - PREPPIE
