Chapter 9
Landon awoke at 6:45 the next morning. After his restless sleep he'd decided to get up and start the morning early.
He took a towel into the bathroom, and started to run the water. He rubbed the sleepy out of his eyes.
When the water reached the right temperature, Landon slipped off his pajamas and got into the shower.
As the water cascaded over him Landon began to thick about the night before, the words still wringing in his ears. That's pretty weird. he thought and shrugged it off.
Landon got out of the shower and dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist. He walked into his room and began to change.
He could see movement in Jamie's room through the lace curtains they had out up.
I wonder what her room looks like Landon found himself thinking. No, Landon you can't think of Jamie that way, but I want to, he thought fighting with himself.
He shook off the thought as he pulled his pants on. He glanced at the clock, it was 7:15. He pulled on his shirt, glancing at Jamie's window once more.
He turned away and packed his book bag, and then he jetted down the stairs.
Landon found his mother in the kitchen cooking eggs, she turned and looked at him, "Well, well, well. I was just about to go wake you up. What a nice surprise to see you up this early!"
Landon gave his mother a lopsided smile, "Ha, ha, ha! I can get up early I just don't choose to."
She nodded her head giving her son a sidelong glance.
"Mmmmmhmmmm," She said, plopping some eggs on his plate.
After Breakfast Landon brushed his teeth and rushed out the door. He drove over to Jamie's and honked the horn.
In an instant Jamie appeared carrying her books, down the sidewalk.
"Hi" She smiled, getting into the car.
"Hey." He replied making sure he put on his seatbelt.
"Uh we gotta pick up Belinda this morning" Landon mumbled, watching the road.
"Oh really?" Jamie said quietly.
Suddenly his cell phone rang, "Hello?"
"Hey man..." Eric said in a raspy voice.
"What's wrong? You sound sick,"
"I am sick dumbass" Eric chuckled.
"Ahh I see. So you're not coming to school then?"
"No I'm stayin' home."
"All right man. Feel better! Later." He said with a click.
"Eric's not coming anymore he's sick, so It's just you, me, and Belinda, lucky us huh?" Landon said.
Jamie laughed, "Yeah, Lucky us."
Landon smiled at her as they turned onto Belinda's street.
"Hey stay in the front ok? I don't wanna sit with her." Landon laughed.
"All right, I will." Jamie replied.
Landon honked the horn and waited for Belinda, ten minutes later she came out of her house.
She smiled at Landon and glared at Jamie.
"Move to the back." She told Jamie.
"I-I-I," Jamie stammered in fear.
"No that's okay Belinda; you can get in the back..." Landon replied for Jamie.
Belinda made a face, "Fine then."
She made a point of kicking Jamie's seat as she got in the car. Jamie grunted as Belinda's foot dug into her back. Jamie shifted in her seat in the uncomfortable silence.
"So, Landon, are you going to Lexi Foster's party this weekend?" Belinda asked.
"Um I don't think so. I'm busy." Landon said, keeping his eyes on the road.
"What kind of party is it?" Jamie asked.
"It's a birthday party Jamie, with big balloons, party hats, and a clown!" Belinda said sarcastically.
Jamie laughed it off, "Oh, okay"
"You know Jamie, you should go," Belinda said, a plan was forming in her mind as she spoke.
"I don't think you should Jamie." Landon warned.
"Landon, Jamie's a big girl she can take care of herself, Jamie you wanna go?" Belinda asked, smiling slyly.
"Um I don't know if I can. I'll have to talk it over with my daddy." Jamie said.
"All right, you talk it over with daddy dearest, and I'll talk to you about the party later." Belinda replied.
"Okay" Jamie replied looking at Landon who was biting his lower lip.
"And since you both are neighbors and all. Maybe you guys could go together. Everyone's gonna be there. Eric, Dean, Tracie, some popular kids, and of course then there's the geeks like Eddie and Jam." Belinda started to say, but was cut off by Landon.
"Belinda, shut up." He said glaring at her.
"All right. But you both really should go together." Belinda said, settling back into her seat.
Belinda smiled to herself and thought, this is payback and it might actually work.
******************************************************************
"I really don't think you should go," Landon told Jamie in Math.
"I think it might be kind of fun," Jamie replied, making sure Mrs. Caroline wasn't watching them.
"Fun, Jamie, do you know what kind of party this is?" Landon asked, feeling his protective side coming out again.
"Yes I do Landon. Don't worry nothings gonna happen to me. For once Belinda is right I'm a big girl I can take care of myself." Jamie replied.
Landon rubbed his head trying to figure out a way to make her see. "Jamie, at those kinds of parties' people get drunk and high. That's all it is. And occasionally something else happens too."
"I know Landon. I'm just sick of being in that house. I wanna get out and have some fun. I want people to treat me like everyone else. And if you want, you could go with me to be sure that nothing happens. But I'm not asking you to protect me okay?" Jamie replied.
"All right. I understand. And yeah I wanna go with you." Landon replied.
Jamie smiled at him. "It'll be fun Landon, I promise."
At that moment the bell rang, everyone gathered their things and bolted for the door. Jamie and Landon were that last to leave the classroom. They walk to their lockers and put books in and took other some. Jamie was done before Landon, so she walked over to his locker and waited for him to finish.
When he closed his locker he saw Belinda walking down the hallway. "You riding with us Linda?" He asked, accidentally using his old nickname for her.
Belinda smiled, "Yeah, Landon, I am."
I can't believe Landon just called me Linda; maybe he still has feelings for me! Belinda thought, smiling to herself.
As they pushed through the mounds of people in the hallway Landon thought to himself, why, why did I have to go and call her Linda? I saw her smile she liked it! I can't slip up like that again.
"Back seat sweetie..." Belinda told Jamie pointing to the backseat, "I'm getting out first so you're in the back. C'mon move! I haven't got all day!" She barked.
As Jamie crawled into the backseat Landon said, "Belinda, shut up! She's not a dog, so quit being such a bitch!"
Belinda glared at him, "Too bad your little girlfriend over here can't stick up for herself."
Landon simply clenched his teeth and got into the car, slamming the door. Belinda was just barley done shutting her door when Landon jerked the car out of the parking space.
"Jesus, Landon! Learn how to drive!" Belinda squealed as she grabbed a hold of her door, shutting it with a slam.
"Please don't take the Lord's name in vein," Jamie said only above a whisper.
Belinda laughed, "Awww Poor Jamie can't handle it!"
"Shut up Belinda!" Landon yelled at her.
"Fine, sorry to have upset you Angel!" Belinda cackled.
Landon could see Jamie's eyes starting to tear up through the rear-view mirror.
"Belinda, that's it!" Landon said bringing the Camero to a halt in the middle of the road. "Get out!"
"What?" Belinda replied in disbelief.
"You Heard me. Get out of my car, now. I'm sick of this." Landon said somewhat harshly.
Belinda's mouth opened and closed for a moment, like a fish out of water. When she finally regained the use of her tongue she replied, "Fine then. I didn't want to ride with you and The Salvation Lady anyway!"
Belinda scooped up her book bag from the floorboard and got out, slamming the door so hard that the car shook.
Landon sped away leaving Belinda in the middle of the road wishing she hadn't been so cruel to them.
As soon as they were far enough away from Belinda, Landon pulled the car over to the side of the road.
Jamie crawled into the front seat sniffling slightly. Landon watched as a tear fell from her face and onto her dress.
"Are you okay Jamie?" He asked, wiping a tear from her eye.
Why do I have to be such a baby? Crying over something so small, I like the way Landon's warm hand feels on my face. Jamie thought to herself.
"Yes I'm okay. Thank you Landon" Jamie said staring into his beautiful brown eyes.
"Your, welcome." Landon smiled, staring back into her tearstained eyes.
Jamie smiled back at him and wiped the remaining tears from her eyes.
How is it that when he looks at me everything suddenly gets better? Jamie thought, as the car was in motion once again.
The ride home was completely silent. Neither of them knew what to say. Jamie busied herself by looking out the window, admiring God's beautiful works. Landon kept his eyes on the road, occasionally glancing in Jamie's direction.
When they reached their houses Landon pulled into Jamie's driveway, she got out and said, "Thank you, for everything Landon. I'll see you later. Good bye."
Landon smiled and replied, "Bye!"
He backed out of her driveway in one smooth motion and drove a few feet to his own driveway.
He grabbed his book bag and headed inside to begin his homework.
As soon as Jamie entered her house the phone started to ring. She set down her heavy book bag down and walked over to the phone.
"Hello, Sullivan residence." Jamie said politely, most of the people from the church called these days.
"Jamie?" A voice said.
"Yes?" Jamie replied.
"Hi, it's Sally from school." She said, clearing her throat.
"Oh! Hey Sally!" Jamie squealed, exited to have a new friend.
Sally smiled, "Hey Jamie. I was wondering if you'd like to do something with me this afternoon,"
"Sure! I'd have to talk it over with my daddy first, but I'm sure he'd say yes. What do you want to do?"
"Well, I was going to go down to the animal shelter, where I work after school. I was thinking that we could go down there and look at the animals for a while. Then maybe get something to eat." Sally replied, waiting for Jamie's answer.
Jamie grinned like a Jack-o-lantern at Halloween, "Oh yes Sally! I'd love to, I love animals!"
"Great! Just call your dad, and call me back and let me know. My number is 555-6782."
"Okay! I'll talk to you then! Good bye."
"Al right. Bye Jamie!" Sally said, hanging up her phone. Jamie did the same, and then dialed the number to the church.
"Word of Faith, how may I help you?" A church employee said.
"Hi, is my Daddy there? Hegbert Sullivan." Jamie asked.
"Yes. One moment please." He replied, putting the phone down with a clunk.
Jamie waited for a couple minutes, until she heard her father's voice.
"Jamie?"
"Yes. Hi daddy. Could I do something this afternoon with a friend?"
"Good, you've already made friends! Well, what time would you be back? And who is it?"
"We'd try to be back around four. And it's a girl named Sally from school. We're going to the Animal Shelter."
"All right. That would be fine sweetie. Have fun!"
"Thank you daddy! I'll see you later! Bye!"
Jamie hung up the phone and rushed upstairs to get ready. 'This is gonna be fun!' she told herself.
Ten minutes later she rushed down the stairs, changed and ready. She picked up her phone and Dialed Sally's number.
"Sally, I can go!" She squealed.
Landon awoke at 6:45 the next morning. After his restless sleep he'd decided to get up and start the morning early.
He took a towel into the bathroom, and started to run the water. He rubbed the sleepy out of his eyes.
When the water reached the right temperature, Landon slipped off his pajamas and got into the shower.
As the water cascaded over him Landon began to thick about the night before, the words still wringing in his ears. That's pretty weird. he thought and shrugged it off.
Landon got out of the shower and dried off and wrapped the towel around his waist. He walked into his room and began to change.
He could see movement in Jamie's room through the lace curtains they had out up.
I wonder what her room looks like Landon found himself thinking. No, Landon you can't think of Jamie that way, but I want to, he thought fighting with himself.
He shook off the thought as he pulled his pants on. He glanced at the clock, it was 7:15. He pulled on his shirt, glancing at Jamie's window once more.
He turned away and packed his book bag, and then he jetted down the stairs.
Landon found his mother in the kitchen cooking eggs, she turned and looked at him, "Well, well, well. I was just about to go wake you up. What a nice surprise to see you up this early!"
Landon gave his mother a lopsided smile, "Ha, ha, ha! I can get up early I just don't choose to."
She nodded her head giving her son a sidelong glance.
"Mmmmmhmmmm," She said, plopping some eggs on his plate.
After Breakfast Landon brushed his teeth and rushed out the door. He drove over to Jamie's and honked the horn.
In an instant Jamie appeared carrying her books, down the sidewalk.
"Hi" She smiled, getting into the car.
"Hey." He replied making sure he put on his seatbelt.
"Uh we gotta pick up Belinda this morning" Landon mumbled, watching the road.
"Oh really?" Jamie said quietly.
Suddenly his cell phone rang, "Hello?"
"Hey man..." Eric said in a raspy voice.
"What's wrong? You sound sick,"
"I am sick dumbass" Eric chuckled.
"Ahh I see. So you're not coming to school then?"
"No I'm stayin' home."
"All right man. Feel better! Later." He said with a click.
"Eric's not coming anymore he's sick, so It's just you, me, and Belinda, lucky us huh?" Landon said.
Jamie laughed, "Yeah, Lucky us."
Landon smiled at her as they turned onto Belinda's street.
"Hey stay in the front ok? I don't wanna sit with her." Landon laughed.
"All right, I will." Jamie replied.
Landon honked the horn and waited for Belinda, ten minutes later she came out of her house.
She smiled at Landon and glared at Jamie.
"Move to the back." She told Jamie.
"I-I-I," Jamie stammered in fear.
"No that's okay Belinda; you can get in the back..." Landon replied for Jamie.
Belinda made a face, "Fine then."
She made a point of kicking Jamie's seat as she got in the car. Jamie grunted as Belinda's foot dug into her back. Jamie shifted in her seat in the uncomfortable silence.
"So, Landon, are you going to Lexi Foster's party this weekend?" Belinda asked.
"Um I don't think so. I'm busy." Landon said, keeping his eyes on the road.
"What kind of party is it?" Jamie asked.
"It's a birthday party Jamie, with big balloons, party hats, and a clown!" Belinda said sarcastically.
Jamie laughed it off, "Oh, okay"
"You know Jamie, you should go," Belinda said, a plan was forming in her mind as she spoke.
"I don't think you should Jamie." Landon warned.
"Landon, Jamie's a big girl she can take care of herself, Jamie you wanna go?" Belinda asked, smiling slyly.
"Um I don't know if I can. I'll have to talk it over with my daddy." Jamie said.
"All right, you talk it over with daddy dearest, and I'll talk to you about the party later." Belinda replied.
"Okay" Jamie replied looking at Landon who was biting his lower lip.
"And since you both are neighbors and all. Maybe you guys could go together. Everyone's gonna be there. Eric, Dean, Tracie, some popular kids, and of course then there's the geeks like Eddie and Jam." Belinda started to say, but was cut off by Landon.
"Belinda, shut up." He said glaring at her.
"All right. But you both really should go together." Belinda said, settling back into her seat.
Belinda smiled to herself and thought, this is payback and it might actually work.
******************************************************************
"I really don't think you should go," Landon told Jamie in Math.
"I think it might be kind of fun," Jamie replied, making sure Mrs. Caroline wasn't watching them.
"Fun, Jamie, do you know what kind of party this is?" Landon asked, feeling his protective side coming out again.
"Yes I do Landon. Don't worry nothings gonna happen to me. For once Belinda is right I'm a big girl I can take care of myself." Jamie replied.
Landon rubbed his head trying to figure out a way to make her see. "Jamie, at those kinds of parties' people get drunk and high. That's all it is. And occasionally something else happens too."
"I know Landon. I'm just sick of being in that house. I wanna get out and have some fun. I want people to treat me like everyone else. And if you want, you could go with me to be sure that nothing happens. But I'm not asking you to protect me okay?" Jamie replied.
"All right. I understand. And yeah I wanna go with you." Landon replied.
Jamie smiled at him. "It'll be fun Landon, I promise."
At that moment the bell rang, everyone gathered their things and bolted for the door. Jamie and Landon were that last to leave the classroom. They walk to their lockers and put books in and took other some. Jamie was done before Landon, so she walked over to his locker and waited for him to finish.
When he closed his locker he saw Belinda walking down the hallway. "You riding with us Linda?" He asked, accidentally using his old nickname for her.
Belinda smiled, "Yeah, Landon, I am."
I can't believe Landon just called me Linda; maybe he still has feelings for me! Belinda thought, smiling to herself.
As they pushed through the mounds of people in the hallway Landon thought to himself, why, why did I have to go and call her Linda? I saw her smile she liked it! I can't slip up like that again.
"Back seat sweetie..." Belinda told Jamie pointing to the backseat, "I'm getting out first so you're in the back. C'mon move! I haven't got all day!" She barked.
As Jamie crawled into the backseat Landon said, "Belinda, shut up! She's not a dog, so quit being such a bitch!"
Belinda glared at him, "Too bad your little girlfriend over here can't stick up for herself."
Landon simply clenched his teeth and got into the car, slamming the door. Belinda was just barley done shutting her door when Landon jerked the car out of the parking space.
"Jesus, Landon! Learn how to drive!" Belinda squealed as she grabbed a hold of her door, shutting it with a slam.
"Please don't take the Lord's name in vein," Jamie said only above a whisper.
Belinda laughed, "Awww Poor Jamie can't handle it!"
"Shut up Belinda!" Landon yelled at her.
"Fine, sorry to have upset you Angel!" Belinda cackled.
Landon could see Jamie's eyes starting to tear up through the rear-view mirror.
"Belinda, that's it!" Landon said bringing the Camero to a halt in the middle of the road. "Get out!"
"What?" Belinda replied in disbelief.
"You Heard me. Get out of my car, now. I'm sick of this." Landon said somewhat harshly.
Belinda's mouth opened and closed for a moment, like a fish out of water. When she finally regained the use of her tongue she replied, "Fine then. I didn't want to ride with you and The Salvation Lady anyway!"
Belinda scooped up her book bag from the floorboard and got out, slamming the door so hard that the car shook.
Landon sped away leaving Belinda in the middle of the road wishing she hadn't been so cruel to them.
As soon as they were far enough away from Belinda, Landon pulled the car over to the side of the road.
Jamie crawled into the front seat sniffling slightly. Landon watched as a tear fell from her face and onto her dress.
"Are you okay Jamie?" He asked, wiping a tear from her eye.
Why do I have to be such a baby? Crying over something so small, I like the way Landon's warm hand feels on my face. Jamie thought to herself.
"Yes I'm okay. Thank you Landon" Jamie said staring into his beautiful brown eyes.
"Your, welcome." Landon smiled, staring back into her tearstained eyes.
Jamie smiled back at him and wiped the remaining tears from her eyes.
How is it that when he looks at me everything suddenly gets better? Jamie thought, as the car was in motion once again.
The ride home was completely silent. Neither of them knew what to say. Jamie busied herself by looking out the window, admiring God's beautiful works. Landon kept his eyes on the road, occasionally glancing in Jamie's direction.
When they reached their houses Landon pulled into Jamie's driveway, she got out and said, "Thank you, for everything Landon. I'll see you later. Good bye."
Landon smiled and replied, "Bye!"
He backed out of her driveway in one smooth motion and drove a few feet to his own driveway.
He grabbed his book bag and headed inside to begin his homework.
As soon as Jamie entered her house the phone started to ring. She set down her heavy book bag down and walked over to the phone.
"Hello, Sullivan residence." Jamie said politely, most of the people from the church called these days.
"Jamie?" A voice said.
"Yes?" Jamie replied.
"Hi, it's Sally from school." She said, clearing her throat.
"Oh! Hey Sally!" Jamie squealed, exited to have a new friend.
Sally smiled, "Hey Jamie. I was wondering if you'd like to do something with me this afternoon,"
"Sure! I'd have to talk it over with my daddy first, but I'm sure he'd say yes. What do you want to do?"
"Well, I was going to go down to the animal shelter, where I work after school. I was thinking that we could go down there and look at the animals for a while. Then maybe get something to eat." Sally replied, waiting for Jamie's answer.
Jamie grinned like a Jack-o-lantern at Halloween, "Oh yes Sally! I'd love to, I love animals!"
"Great! Just call your dad, and call me back and let me know. My number is 555-6782."
"Okay! I'll talk to you then! Good bye."
"Al right. Bye Jamie!" Sally said, hanging up her phone. Jamie did the same, and then dialed the number to the church.
"Word of Faith, how may I help you?" A church employee said.
"Hi, is my Daddy there? Hegbert Sullivan." Jamie asked.
"Yes. One moment please." He replied, putting the phone down with a clunk.
Jamie waited for a couple minutes, until she heard her father's voice.
"Jamie?"
"Yes. Hi daddy. Could I do something this afternoon with a friend?"
"Good, you've already made friends! Well, what time would you be back? And who is it?"
"We'd try to be back around four. And it's a girl named Sally from school. We're going to the Animal Shelter."
"All right. That would be fine sweetie. Have fun!"
"Thank you daddy! I'll see you later! Bye!"
Jamie hung up the phone and rushed upstairs to get ready. 'This is gonna be fun!' she told herself.
Ten minutes later she rushed down the stairs, changed and ready. She picked up her phone and Dialed Sally's number.
"Sally, I can go!" She squealed.