Take Me Away
By Rosie Real
Disclaimer: Not mine!
No dedication today. Too busy hunting down the jackass who ran over my cat.
(Forgiveness is for stupid-heads.)
Chapter Five: The Life You Lead
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Don't you hate it when something you wish for most turns out to be unattainable?
It was her favorite time of day; Midnight. All the lights in her house were off but for a small rubber flashlight, which she had clasped firmly in her teeth. She was lying down on her twin bed, covered with her comforter and quilt except for her feet which dangled over the end. She felt warm and cozy from the weight of the blankets, feeling that childish dependent security underneath the covers.
As for tonight, she was feeling an unusual sense of perceptiveness, and decided to write down her thoughts into her thickly paged diary. Twirling her red pen around her fingers, she suddenly stopped and wrote again.
But maybe that is why we want it most.
She stared at the words thoughtfully, and wrote again.
Perhaps we are all just living proof of the phrase, 'You want most what you can't have,' Not exactly comforting… or rewarding. Pessimistic actually. (I seem to be doing that a lot… maybe a phase?)
I'm not entirely sure. Is this natural for us, as humans? Can we ever be content with this unsatisfied feeling for more? Is there anything that can fulfill us?
Is there even such a thing as perfect contentment? I wouldn't go so far as to suggest a utopian feeling for all time (it would lose its value anyway) but I'd like to hope for a moment of perfection.
I think that is what I want most, to feel perfectly content and happy. No worry, no anger, no flaws (even the smallest flaws)… even if just for a minute.
She smiled slightly.
And it seems as though it is unattainable.
Overall, it seemed a disheartened diary entry and she hadn't been planning to end it that way. She twirled her pen around her fingers before quickly adding,
Oh. And I have a crush. He is so cute.
Perceptive feeling vanished, and her mouth widened into a genuine grin. Blushing brightly, she scratched out cute and put gorgeous. Cute didn't describe him, neither did handsome, and she liked the adjective.
Yes, gorgeous. I wonder if he thinks about me as much as I think about him.
She wrinkled her nose.
Probably not.
Maybe it's just my imagination, but why do I have the feeling he pictures me in my underwear sometimes?
Kori's crinkled nose twitched as she fought back a fit of giggles.
Heh. It's true! It's like he's… undressing me with his eyes or something (God, that sounded like it should be in one of Becca's dirty novels…).
The whole thing is just uncomfortable. And so perverted! (...Although I guess flattering…)
So maybe not a crush... Just (major) attraction. Yes, very major. Dark hair, gold-brown eyes- but with a little playful twinkle (Ugh…Stop it, hormones.)
But I can't stop thinking about him!! He's not exactly the Prince Charming I thought I'd fantasize about. He's so rude and he seems to enjoy embarrassing me. He's impatient and impulsive and… really, just your average jerk.
But he can be so funny and even a little charming when he wants to be, and dear lord, absolutely gorgeous-… again with that word.
What is wrong with me?! Oh hormones. The sooner they're done with, the better.
(Who am I kidding? I 'undress him with my eyes' too. He's definitely the boxers type… or, I don't know, briefs? Who am I kidding, does he even wear underwear?? What kind of guy are you, Mr. Rex?)
Hahaha
-Kori
She turned off her flashlight as she stuck her diary into her nightstand drawer. Smiling, she lay in darkness, enjoying the unfamiliar fluttering sensation spinning out of control deep inside her, threatening mental break down. She smiled at the blotchy darkness, stubbornly ignored the dread of waking up early the next morning. Closing her eyes it took quite a while before she fell into a deep slumber.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Rachel Craven awoke to the nasal screeching of her alarm clock. She winced as she was thrust from a dreamy sleep to a cranky awakening. Ridiculously depressed thoughts swirled in her head as she sat huddled in the warmth of her bed for a few sweet seconds, before grudgingly getting out of bed.
Rubbing her eyes, she sat up, bleary eyed.
Mondays… damn them…
She muttered a string of sleepy curses as she made her way to her bathroom, yanking on the hot water for her morning shower.
Meanwhile Zachary Red arose from bed easily at the sound of his radio alarm. He turned it off, rising to turn on his bedroom ceiling light, which he instantly regretted, wincing as the bright light flooded into his eyes. "Gahhhk!" he groaned, shielding his eyes.
Why do I always do that??
Once he grew used to the sudden lighting change, he grabbed a pair of jeans and a warm plaid blue button up shirt from his clean clothes basket. His smallish bedroom was surprisingly neat, although he had a packrat kind of attitude. His closet, dresser, and drawers were filled with useless things he seemed unable to throw away. Comic books, assorted sport equipment, and dozens of worn tennis shoes.
Yawning loudly, he proceeded to shed his clothes as he made his way to the single, small bathroom in his Mother's and his apartment. The apartment was still and quiet and he tried hard to move as quietly as possible, not wanting to wake up his sleeping mother.
Directly one floor above, Jennifer Curse seemed to have lost the ability to form proper threatening sentences.
"I hate… everything gah why?! Damn Mondays…! School- oh that… that bastard kill cruel bitch… yes, bitch… meh, so dark…. sleep….. Sleep precious ….. Kill school… coffee… damn shit so tired sleep crapshit homework damn must… maim… um, yeah murder ugh rawr argh blargh nnngghh…."
Involuntarily, she pulled herself out of her bedroom, dragging her unicorn slipper clad feet on the dark wood floor. Meanwhile, she reminded herself exactly why she did this to herself everyday.
To get an education, Jenny. Which is good. And get married. And get a job. And have kids. And be a rich bitch. Oh, and buy that huge, obnoxious house with the picket fence and the friendly, stupid dog… and then the hot pool boy. Oh yes. …Wait, what…? …Oh to hell with it.
Inside her also unicorn styled bathroom (she held back the usual grimace… she never did get used to it), she gathered her sleep disheveled hair into a high ponytail and began to splash cold water on her face. Slightly more awake, she grabbed her pink tinted contacts and carefully placed them over her chocolate brown eyes.
A few doors down from her apartment, Michael sat the dining room table reading the newspaper, already wide awake. He'd been up for hours doing a few favors for his boss, called only Slade. Sometimes Mr. S. Wilson. Sometimes Deathstroke.
Michael cracked his neck casually, his mind drifting to the distributable drugs sitting in his back pack since 3:16 am. He had never really needed a lot of sleep anyway.
Glancing at his digital watch for the fifth time, he wondered if it was too early to pop over at Zach's or Jenny's to get a few homework answers. He was itching to get out of the apartment before his parents woke up.
It wasn't that he disliked his parents, but he couldn't say he really properly loved them either. He liked them well enough, but he had stopped competing for any attention or praise long ago. They were way to into each other and their work to have time to have any real relationship with him, which suited him just fine. Outside of his parent's apartment, he had created his own little family.
Zachary was his brother and Jenny would always been his sister. His boss was strangely enough like a guardian, in a warped, twisted way. A ruthless, slightly verbally abusive guardian that took care of Michael. Granted, who could probably have him killed if he seriously messed up a job, and seemed to lack any sort of conscience, but a guardian nonetheless. Michael had always thought of Slade as a friend, but he hadn't ever been sure if he had actually liked his boss.
Minutes passed, and the sound of his mother's alarm clock startled him. Immediately Michael stood and grabbed his backpack, making his way to Zachary's.
Just as he walked into Zach's kitchen, deciding to do a good deed and make coffee for his shower-occupied-friend, Kori Andrews walked into her bedroom. She was dressed only in a leotard and carrying her white ballet point shoes. She yawned sleepily, holding a small grudge against herself for staying up so late.
The house was dark and silent, and had been ever since 5:30, when she woke up to practice in her studio. Her studio was actually just the basement where her parents had given Becca a bar to practice on, back when Becca had been fantastic at ballet. Not that she still wasn't, she was, but hadn't danced seriously ever since she was rejected from Tamaran. It was one of the most significant ballet schools in the country, and had been for decades. Despite her current disliking for her sister, Kori still felt a small surge of sympathy, knowing how much Becca had wanted to go.
As for herself, Kori didn't even dream about making it into Tamaran. Along with her sister, their mother, Susanna Andrews, had also been incredible at ballet. Both had a certain grace and elegance that Kori had witnessed and envied for years. Both had been rejected, clearly meaning Kori hadn't had a chance.
However, she did want to pursue a career in dancing, if not at Tamaran, but in other studios or companies. Kori pulled a dark green mini skirt over her black leotard and black leggings, suddenly frowned.
I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't dance as a career… She sighed. What else am I good at? …Well, even if I was good at something else, which I'm not, I don't think I even want to do anything else.
She pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail as her computer loaded lazily. As soon as it turned on, she signed online. Almost immediately an instant message popped up onto the screen.
QuothTheCraven: Good morning star-shine… (Yawn) The earth says "hello".
Dark blue, Times New Roman styled letters decorated Rachel Craven's message, as well as her small icon with small black letters displaying a witty pro-Fred Weasley and Angelina pairing phrase: Rachel's favorite fanfiction flopped from Harry Potter to Pride and Prejudice. Both of which she had read about… seventy times?
Kori smiled and quickly typed back.
LittleMissDancer:-) Someone has not yet had their coffee. Good morning!
Her own typing was a bright green with a pastel blue background. Her own icon was an Indiana Jones shrine (she adored Harrison Ford in his Indiana Jones days), and her font was small, graceful, and slanted.
Rachel half smiled, combing her towel dried hair. It was Kori who had originally come up with the wake up IM chats, in ninth grade. The idea had occurred to her when she realized both were usually on the computers in the morning, and AOL instant messenger automatically signed both of them on whenever they turned on the computer.
And so it became tradition to send each other good morning messages, even when they were in a fight- they'd sent each other little snide or sarcastic remarks. Just to reassure the other that they were still friends, even though still angry.
QuothTheCraven: I'd gladly welcome coffee right now. You drink coffee?
LittleMissDancer: Not usually, but I know you do.
QuothTheCraven: Damn. Secrets out
LittleMissDancer: That it is. You're slipping! Did you get the last math problem?
QuothTheCraven: No, not at all. I'm going in at lunch for help.
LittleMissDancer: I'll join. Leaving soon?
QuothTheCraven: I'm leaving now… after some coffee, need a ride?
LittleMissDancer: I'll grab a bagel and meet you at my driveway. Race?
QuothTheCraven: You're on
As both girls signed off to grab breakfast, Zachary and Michael left their apartment building, heading towards Michael's Wrangler Jeep. Zach usually took his bike, but he had left it at the school the previous day to grab a ride with Roy, Michael, Alex, and Dick for a small guys-night-out. It had consisted of basketball games and an exciting trip to 7Eleven.
As they approached the car, they both held their coffee drinks. Heatedly, they debated the answer to a particularly difficult math problem, throwing in casual bets.
Zachary took a deep sip of his cooled coffee, stepping into the car. "I hate Mondays," he said, not entirely unpleasantly, in a 'matter of fact' tone.
Michael shrugged. "No one likes Mondays. What makes you so special?"
The dark haired boy raised his eyebrows, pretending to look offended, "Excuse me. I'm special in every way,"
"…Such as?"
"…Well I can kick your ass at basketball for one,"
Michael rolled his blue eyes. "Very creative,"
Grinning, Zachary replied, "In other words, I'm very right,"
They continued their small verbal battle as they drove off, heading towards the highway. Around 6:50, as Michael pulled into his favorite parking spot in the senior parking lot, an eerie, sinking feeling creeping into both of their stomachs. They exchanged uneasy glances in confusion. "…Did you just get the feeling we forgot something?" Zachary asked hesitantly.
Nodding, Michael furrowed his eyebrows, mentally checking his backpack supplies quickly, wondering if they had a day off.
After a few seconds of silence it dawned on him. "Oh shit…"
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"Those overly testosterone induced egomaniacal … idiotic bastardly… ugh, bastards!" Jennifer cursed loudly, ignoring the bewildered stares projected from the people around her. She glared at the empty parking space where Michael's car always was. Her fuchsia eyes narrowed coldly.
"I'm going to effing kill them,"
After personally castrating them… with a rusty knife… Oooh, ouch. Make a note to say that to them, later.
Weakly, she rubbed her forehead, her outrage converting to dread. Now she had to go upstairs and wake up her mother, and, god-forbid, beg for a ride. For a moment or two, she considered simply skipping school. Catch up on some shopping? See a movie? Treat myself to a day at the spa?
She glanced up at the apartment building, counting the rows of windows to the sixth floor, her floor.
…Go back to bed?
She almost smiled, desperately wishing to go back to her warm, safe, inviting, oasis of a bed.
Besides, it's not like the school will actually call home… will they?
There was a pause in her wishful thinking, trying to assemble logical thoughts in order.
"She sighed, knowing very well she'd end up going to school. Which meant she had to wake up Mrs. Curse; the territorial demon.
Calm until provoked. Or in this case, simply talked to… Or made eye contact with. Stupid Michael and his stupid… forgetting ways…If this was some sick joke, I swear, I will tell everyone about how he sings Madonna in the shower…… …… like a virgin, my ass.
She grudgingly made her way back to the looming, brick apartment building, mentally coaching herself to keep her temper this time. It wasn't that Jenny lacked all self control; she just didn't waste her patience on anyone she claimed idiotic. Sure, she had her slightly unreasonable moments, but Mrs. Curse took unreasonable to a whole knew level.
You can't be patient with her. She could make a Nazi cry if she put her mind to it.
Whether it was the pink contacts, the pink hair, the black nail polish, or the fishnet stockings, Jennifer could do no right. Forget the straight-A report card, the positive recommendations in all classes but art, her ability to support school work with a job, or her simple talent for not doing drugs. This happened to be a rare talent indeed on this side of town. She sighed. This was exactly why she depended on Michael and Zachary for a ride.
Simply driving herself to school wasn't an option, and if you had ever been in a car with her behind the wheel, you would know why. Her father? Sleeping at work.
With a final groan, she began waking towards the apartment building doors. Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn, damn, damn, da-
"Need a ride?" Jenny stopped mentally cursing at the familiar voice, wondering if it was directed to her. Furrowing her eyebrows, she turned to see Wally West, seated in a red Honda, wearing a ridiculously nice smile for so early in the morning, and on a Monday no less.
"Oh? You're stalking me now?" she asked, smacking herself mentally for being unfriendly.
Just be nice for once in your life! He's offering you a ride! A very much needed ride!
But Wally just chuckled, shaking his head. "I live a few buildings down, and my amazing deducing abilities realized you were in distress! …Well, it was actually a lucky guess, but like I said, my good luck is legendary,"
"My hero," she said dryly, but edged her way towards his car. His aquamarine eyes twinkled at her, and she found herself relaxing under his friendly stare. "I do need a ride," she admitted sheepishly, "Zachary and Michael seem to have forgotten me…"
"Ouch," he said either very sympathetically, or mockingly, she couldn't tell which. "My offer still stands," he added, and she decided he had previously been sympathetic.
"Taken then, I guess," she replied, hoping her tone sounded grateful and not as bratty as she interpreted. She climbed into the passenger seat with no more hesitation. "Thanks, by the way,"
Wally flashed his thousand watt smile at her. "No problem, damsel-in-distress," He said amiably, turning on his car's CD player. Instantly Nightwish came on, and Jenny smirked.
"Oh how sweet, you remembered!" She said sarcastically, raising her eyebrows.
He laughed, "Talking about it yesterday got me in the mood for it. You won't believe how long I had I Wish I Had an Angel stuck in my head last night. My mother thinks its some sort of cult music… now there was a lecture," He chatted on about the music, and Jenny found herself smiling, watching him talk.
She didn't know how he did it, but he seemed to have a knack for making her smiling. Before 7:00, and even on a Monday.
I could get used to this, she decided, glancing at herself in the side mirror. For the first time in what seemed like ages, she liked what she saw.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
September had come and gone, along with the Back-To-School-Nausea. It was a particularly sunny October Monday morning, with a washed out blue sky, splashed with bleach clouds. Feeling not particularly scientific, Kori Andrews willingly blocked out Mr. Watson's droning instructions for yet another lab assignment. She occupied herself with looking out the window.
She smiled happily, feeling a warm comfortable feeling stir inside her. There was a cool breeze that brought the fresh autumn scent of leaves and grass drifting into the classroom. The trees were starting to change into the autumn colors; orange, yellow, and red. The colors that looked like burning flames whenever the sun hit them directly.
"Psst,"
She sat up straight, briefly alarmed. Looking over at Zachary's stern frown, she sent him a guilty smile, embarrassed about being caught daydreaming. Around them, their classmates had begun to gather materials out of their binders, heading for lab stations. Zach glared at her disapprovingly. "Start paying more attention," he said, annoyed. There was a pause before he added almost sheepishly, "When you don't, I have to,"
She raised her eyebrows and smiled. Whatever resentment she held against him was fading quickly with each day. If that made her a stupid person, she didn't know, but she had never been able to hold grudges. Maybe she hadn't exactly forgiven Zach, but she knew she was wasting her time waiting for any apology.
It was annoying and embarrassing, but it was over. She had always tried to be understanding. After the embarrassment faded away, she knew very well why he had mocked her. In fact, she could have kicked herself for being such an idiot. Obviously Zachary valued his reputation, and she accepted that.
Yes. She definitely accepted that. All the way. Absolutely. Totally.
Right? She couldn't help thinking it would have been nice to be his friend. Maybe even his girlfriend.
She shook the thoughts from her, as she and Zach sat across from Michael and Rachel. Michael shot a smile at Zachary, while setting up he and Rachel's lab station. Rachel chewed on a spicy piece of cinnamon gum, eying Zachary critically.
He glared back at her, exchanging insults silently. Kori and Michael kept their eyes on their materials, both feeling the tension between Rachel and Zachary grow with each second.
Although Kori had seemingly forgiven Zachary, Rachel never missed a chance to glare at him. So much so it surprised Kori, who never knew her quiet friend to be so fired up by any guy other than her dad.
Zachary, unfortunately, was no better. Pissing off Rachel seemed to be a new pastime. Kori and Michael weren't the only ones who noticed. Roy Harper once commented conspiratorially, "Damn, you two despise each other so much; you'd probably be great in bed,"
Although Dick and Alex had both found it burst-out-laughing-hysterical, Zachary and Michael weren't exactly as amused. Zachary responded by nearly fatally choked on his peanut butter sandwich while Michael smacked Roy upside the head with a little more force than necessary.
Michael pondered his actions as he watched Rachel read off instructions for the lab. Her hair was up in its usual messy bun, a few stubborn strands hanging in her face. She wore no make up but the faint trace of yesterday's eyeliner. She wore a sleek black button up sweater and washed out jeans.
He always made a mental note of what she wore everyday.
Doesn't mean I like her. She's just unreadable. An unsolved riddle. He had no doubt that she meant nothing to him, other than a classmate. However, she was in his thoughts more than he liked to admit.
Sensing his stare, she glanced up at him. Her large dark blue eyes always startled him, standing out on her pale face. She flushed, "Sorry, did you want to read it?"
A genuine apology, and yet she can be as bitchy as Kitty when she's mad. He thought with raised eyebrows. "No, really, it's fine,"
Kori glanced up at her friend's words, and out of the corner of her eye saw Zachary open his mouth to say something obviously nasty, and hurriedly said, "Oh Rachel, Michael just can't take his eyes off you, you look so pretty today!"
A little overly sweet, even for her, but it turned Zachary's attention from Rachel to Michael. Rachel turned light pink at the compliment and looked much focused on reading the instructions. "Oh, um, thanks Kori," she finally said a few seconds later. Kori flushed apologetically at her lack of subtleness. She knew more than anyone how much her friend hated the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Zachary flashed Michael a silly grin. Michael fired back with a lethal glare.
Holding back a laugh, Zachary mouthed, 'Disney World!'
"Gentlemen!" Mr. Watson's massive voice boomed as he made his way over, "We aren't putting all the work on the ladies, now are we?"
Zachary put on his most innocent smile, shaking his head, "Of course not Mr. Watson,"
While the charming smile worked on every female faculty worker, Mr. Watson didn't seem as persuaded. "Can it, Rex. I want your group done first," he spat, glaring daggers at Zach, sending the clear message, 'I'm-Going-To-Do-Everything-Within-My-Evil-Teacher-Powers-To-Fail-You,'
Before walking away, he caught Rachel's eyes and softened slightly. "Nice job, Ms. Craven,", and moved on to his next victims.
Kori smirked and her friend. "Teacher's pet!" she said in a sing-song-voice. The dark brown haired girl flushed and rolled her eyes.
"Not my fault your lab partner is as useless as your sister in a gay bar," She said indifferently, almost so quietly that it didn't seem catty. She exchanged a smirk with Kori, while Michael glanced at her with a mixture of amusement and astonishment.
"Touché, touché," Kori giggled, raising her eyebrows at Rachel's unlikely sociability, while Zachary went over the options in his head for a venomous comeback.
"Besides, aren't you supposed to be finishing first?" Rachel added quickly. Kori bit back a groan, glancing at the thoroughly irritated Zachary beside her.
"Slave driver of a teacher," Zachary muttered, forgetting his motive for a comeback as he stared malevolently at Mr. Watson. For a moment or two, Kori wondered how she could possibly want a guy like him to like her. Sure, he was attractive, more so than she had ever realized, but her best friend hated him. He was arrogant, and could be impossibly annoying. She stared at him unguardedly for a few seconds. His blue plaid shirt was rolled up to his elbows, and she caught the small scatter of freckles on his arms, as well as his face. He felt her stare and met her eyes.
Electricity.
She immediately lowered her gaze.
"I think you've done the impossible and annoyed Kori," Michael commented quietly across the table. "You've put quite a load of work on her part… especially since you don't really do anything,"
Zachary responded by briefly shooting a dirty look at his friend, and turning to smile in his charming yet apologetic way at his lab partner. "So sorry 'bout that. How about I help you this time?"
All he had to do was grin and her legs turned to jello.
Get a hold of yourself. Stop being a stupid fan girl.
She fixed an awkward smile on her face, and waved her hand. "It's no big deal, but if you don't mind, could you set up the Bunsen burner?"
"No problem slim!" He replied, obediently getting to work. Rachel glanced up with a half smile. 'Slim?' she mouthed to Kori, with laughing eyes.
Kori's mouth opened and closed repeatedly.
Wait…Do I say thank you? …Slim?? Is he serious? Is this some sort of guy thing where they call you something totally opposite of what you are? Or maybe it's slang for something… Yeah, it's probably that… slim… slim as in skinny… does 'slim' have any other meanings?
She continued to over analyze throughout the lab, until Zachary broke her furious thinking with, "So how much do you eat a day?"
His earthy eyes stared into hers. Like previously, her mouth opened and closed.
Whoa, random! And… completely rude! He thinks I'm overweight?? He doesn't have to announce it!
Heat traveled to her cheeks, reddening her face to a bright cherry color. "Um… I,"
"Not like I'm worried or anything, I was just curious," he continued casually, ignoring the questioning stare from Michael, and the penetrating glare from Rachel. "I know how much you run and dance, and I was wondering how much you eat,"
"Oh," she said softly, not really sure what to answer. Breakfast consisted of a bowl of Special Kay, some sort of fruit… although lately she couldn't really keep anything down before 12 o'clock. But that wasn't unusual; she'd always been like that ever since she was a little girl. For lunch she always had Tupperware leftovers from the previous day, usually some foreign dish the cook whipped up. A bottle of water and an applesauce always followed. She saved a banana or a granola bar for dance class. Dinner was dinner.
Although she hadn't been eating dinner for the past couple of nights. In fact, she went out of her way to avoid them, since her sister seemed to enjoy bringing up any snide comments about her weight, which her father would ignore, and her mother would sometimes ever concur to, in that false motherly-concern way. Her stomach twisted uncomfortably. Whenever her mother did that, it was almost as if Kori preferred her neglecting indifference.
"Kori those jeans are looking a little small on you… are you sure those aren't mine?" Becca inquired, dark eyes flashing spitefully. Kori glanced to her father, who was hidden beneath the newspaper. She glanced to her mother who checked the observation for accuracy.
"Those would look quite darling on you, Rebecca," her mother agreed, smiling at her beloved daughter.
Kori stood still, feeling herself constrained in her once favorite pair of jeans. She swore to never wear them again. "You can have them," she mumbled, excusing herself.
Kori blinked, returning back to the present. By now, Zachary, Rachel, and Michael were staring at her expectantly. "I eat… um, small meals, and healthy snacks all day," She answered untruthfully with a smile. Zachary shrugged, looking back down.
For a brief moment, she wished she could tell him the truth, just to see how he'd react, if he'd even care. Would it change their relationship at all?
Stop it, Kori.
Instead she went back to the lab review questions, glancing up briefly to see Rachel staring at her with a mixed expression. Kori felt her blood chill slightly. Rachel could always read her like a book.
My personal lie detector
Rachel opened her mouth to say something, looking slightly troubled. Kori sent her a smile, and asked promptly, "Do we finish the questions on the back for homework?"
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"And in conclusion, that is exactly why you must always be on the alert for any of the Canadians," Mr. Mod hissed to a very wide eyed Kori, who shifted awkwardly under his determined, narrowed eyed stare. "You think you can trust them… but then you find out everything's just more expensive! It's not worth your innocent girlish reliance!"
"M-Mr. Mod, I just wanted a pass-,"
"And then there's their moose…" his eyes darkened dangerously.
On-lookers sent the poor girl glances of pity, however quickened their pace past the raving lunatic, who had Kori cornered in the hallway. She glanced around her, mentally demanding help from Rachel, who watched with light amusement.
"Mr. Mod, please-,"
He screeched randomly, "They think they're so bloody fantastic with their antlers and whatnot, but I know better…" His stern face twitched for a split second, briefly revealing his great amusement at Kori's embarrassment. Mentally torturing her never ceased to entertain him, ever since freshman year. He had previously had, and loathed, her sister, and made it one of his favorite obsessions to make Kori's life a living hell. That is, until he discovered Rachel and her were friends.
Of course, old habits always did die hard for him. Especially since Kori was so polite and hardly ever lost her temper. If anything, he had only made her skittish and paranoid around him. Some days he liked her, some days he yelled at her for the simplest things, such as her hair color (the color of evil… now that one had been funny).
There was a long pause, as his enraged face slowly turned passive. Kori tried once again, "Sir, may I please have a pass to stay after school with Rachel? I won't use your materials or touch anything, I'll just do homework. I won't even both Rachel! I promise not to even talk to her! Please?"
He blinked. "Huh? Oh! Well sure, don't get your knickers in a twist,"
Rachel giggled, off on the sides, at Kori's aggravated sigh and Mr. Mod's teasing grin. "My dear, you need not ask for a pass. Just no misbehaving, alright?"
Kori's aggravation melted. Today was, apparently, a good day for the Mad Mod. "Yes, right! Thank you!" she said quickly, walking into the classroom rapidly. "Before he changes his mind…" she hissed conspiratorially to Rachel, who bit back a laugh in response.
Once safe and sound in the art room, Kori's stiff posture relaxed. Rachel let out a deep breath, inhaling the smell of paint, paper, glue, and that homey-art-room-smell she liked so much. The room was the perfect temperature, heated and comfortable. Student art work hung on the left wall, but was drastically overshadowed by the right wall, where Mod had hung up his own work.
His own masterpieces, Rachel corrected enviously. They really were incredible, multiple pieces of his work had been in galleries, and he even once was able to show a collection at the Jump City art museum. He adored vivid colors, used a lot of curves… the focus was usual of the background of an object and not the subject. She snapped out of her jealous thinking and walked toward her work table, feeling fresh and inspired.
Kori sat on the table, dropping her backpack carelessly on the floor. "Why does he hate me so?" she complained despairingly. Rachel's navy eyes swept toward her sympathetically. It was just like Kori to dislike being disliked.
In answer, she shrugged. "I'm sure he doesn't hate you. He loves to tease you though, probably because you take it all to heart," She winked at her friend, who sat cross legged on a table. "Don't look so dejected,"
Kori glanced up, attempting a smile. Rachel raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure that's what's bothering you?" She stared, scrutinizing her friend.
Kori raised an eyebrow. "Why, do I look depressed?" she asked, giggling half heartedly. "I've actually been getting that a lot," Not entirely true, just by Wally West. But then again, it was unlike her to be anywhere near depressed.
Rachel nodded. "I'm not surprised, you look a little down. Becca problems?"
Honestly, her green eyed friend wasn't too surprised. As usual, Rachel had hit the nail on the head, almost perfectly. "No, not really," she answered untruthfully, "I have no reason to be upset. However, it is my time of the month," she grinned ruefully. "The source of all moodiness,"
Rachel nodded dramatically, "Yeah, no kidding," she agreed, taking out her art project; a still life of a jewelry box brought from home, a tall, narrow vase with a fake cherry blossom branch in side, an empty coffee mug, and a small stuffed giraffe. She smiled as Kori complimented her work sincerely. "Thanks, I think I'm going to call it… childhood,"
"The cherry blossom?" Kori inquired.
"Many reasons," Rachel began, "I have a huge tree in the front of my house that, if you can recall, we used to always climb," Kori smiled appreciatively at the thought, as her friend continued; "I love cherry blossoms, and always have. And supposedly they symbolize a new start," She trailed off, dark eyes clouding.
For once missing Rachel's temporary negative disposition, Kori's head bobbed with each reason. "Very smart," her nose wrinkled as she held back a giggle. "And the coffee mug?"
Rachel's frown broke into an involuntary smile. "You miss the emblem on the front,"
"Ahh, the Trigon Corporate snake icon of doom,"
Rachel chuckled at her friend's grave tone. "Oh yes. This entire project really should be called Slow Insanity. You have no idea how annoying chalk is,"
Kori nodded, "You are right. I do not know," Her fingers brushed carefully over the open jewelry box in the drawing. "Pretty," she murmured, gazing at the still ballerina, meant to be in a graceful, spinning motion.
Rachel swept a few hair strands out of her face with one hand, turning to gather more supplies. "You say that only because she's a dancer," she said, not accusingly. Kori smiled and nodded. "Absolutely, but the shading is also especially masterful on her!"
"My, aren't we flattering today?" Dark blues eyes gazed a little questioningly at her friend. She seemed to be trying a little too hard to be happy… was that even possible? "Are you sure you're okay?"
Kori nodded, spinning on the very tip toe of her black ballet flats. "I am more than okay, I'm positively peppy," She giggled at her friend's slightly horrified stare.
"That reminds me, who am I?" Kori switched the topic with ease, lowering herself back down to standing position. Her eyes widened and she licked her lips in a perfect mock subtle way. "Oh Richard Grayson, you must, you absolutely must come with me sometime to my father's yacht! Not only did I not pay for it, but I'm disrespectful and irresponsible enough to throw wild, illegal parties on it for my own selfish desires!" Her green eyes mimicked the desperate glow, very similar to a familiar set of hazel eyes. "Won't you please come and have your way with me?"
Rachel stared in stunned amazement. "I never realized how well you do… Kitty Myers," Both began to laugh, all in expense of the victim of their amusement, the same girl they had not yet forgiven for humiliating Rachel publicly.
Once they calmed down, Rachel sat in front of her unfinished still life, her eyes bright with her good mood. "Alright now, stop distracting me! I told Mr. Mod I'd get this done today,"
Kori nodded understandingly, "Fine, fine. I'll just go off by myself and… hmm… mind if I practice?"
Rachel glanced up indifferently, "No problem. Turn on the radio if you want,"
Her best friend smiled and nodded, switching out of her black ballet flats to her appropriate ballet toe shoes. She stood, brushing off dust from her skirt and smiled. "Much, much better,"
As Rachel began to make gentle strokes with her chalk against the black paper, Kori pirouetted neatly to the radio, and turned it on.
As fate would have it, the song was a preferred choice of Kori's: Cascada's One More Night. Rachel scowled, "I can't stand this song," She hadn't meant it, and she checked herself at Kori's reaction.
With an almost ashamed flush, Kori remarked softly, "Oh… I like it actually," Bobbing her head to the beginning lyrics of the song. "Want me to change it?"
Rachel winced. "No, it's fine. It isn't a bad song, it's just a little overrated," She shrugged her shoulders in a careless, 'do-what-you-want' way, but smiled to show her good mood.
Satisfied by her friend's approval, Kori rose on point with a thrillingly comfortable confidence. "Now I'm through," She sang sweetly, without too much support. Rachel's surprisingly sweet soprano joined in, quite unable to herself, "And truth is like November, still can't believe it's true, too long we've been apart,"
Kori stopped singing, half proud of Rachel, half envious of her clear talents. Oblivious to her own occurring gift for dancing, she closed her eyes and let pride take over.
"One more night
I wanna to be with you
Where I wanna to hold you tight,
It feels so right, tonight!
So leave it up to you
And I think the time is right to stop the fight-
One more night
I wanna to be with you-
Where I wanna to hold you tight
It feels so right, tonight!
So leave it up to you
And I think the time is right to stop the fight,"
Her favorite part followed, the European techno swaying into the room. It was a strange mixture of rave and ballet, but she enjoyed the feeling growing in her bones. She recalled, I don't know what I would do if I couldn't dance. It wasn't a lie. There were no other options that she wanted. There were no other options, period.
Why can't true love be forever?
Why did my dream explode?
The day you went away
Cause I will keep this spell together
And wish you well of hope
Your girl from yesterday," Rachel continued to sing. The lyrics' didn't inspire a great amount of amazement, but the beat was catchy. Meanwhile, Kori spun around swiftly, with a speed she hardly recognized, and stopped in a fixed, perfectly frozen position, only to leap off and dance again. It was amazing watch she could improvise and accomplish in such a small area, but then again, her talent was remarkable. Rachel watched from the corner of her eye, a part of her completely fascinated with her best friend's superb skill and poise, and another part, her artist side, comparing Kori to the dancing figure in her picture.
Her very still, very stiff dancer.
Rachel sighed in discontentment, wondering how to give her figurine a little more… life. Elegance. Dance.
One more night
I wanna be with you
Where I wanna hold you tight
It feels so right, tonight!
Chalk touched paper, and she began to tweak her drawing carefully.
So leave it up to you
And I think the time is right to stop the fight
Walking down the hall, Zachary dribbled a basketball easily, nodding his head to the nearby sound of the radio. Glancing towards the classroom with the radio, he made his way over to cure his curiosity. Besides, what teacher liked Cascada?
What he got was something very different from what he imagined.
Rachel glanced up, back at Kori, and jumped at the site of Zachary in the doorway. She opened her mouth to say something, but stopped. He didn't look cocky, mean, or even crude. He wasn't smiling, but his attention was completely captured by the spinning ballerina in front of him. She looked as though in a trance. As for himself, he was sure he looked lust stricken.
One more night
I wanna be with you
Where I wanna hold you tight
It feels so right, tonight
So leave it up to you
And I think the time is right to stop the fight
Although once again, her friend had unintentionally attracted attention through her prettiness Rachel could feel that friendly pride. This time no envy stung her. Not one bit. Instead she smiled and looked back down at her drawing. Okay. Much better.
Glancing up again, Rachel cleared her throat. "Zachary," Her tone came off colder than she had meant. He glanced at her, slightly startled but hardly embarrassed. "Rachel," he acknowledged just as coldly.
Kori stopped mid spin and caught herself. "My God, Zachary! You scared me!" she gasped, grasping at a table. His response was touching, with a playful, intimate smile that shocked Rachel. "I had no idea you were so good," He sounded genuine.
Kori glanced at Rachel for help. Receiving none, she stood awkwardly. "Oh, well thanks. I'm not really that good," It occurred to her suddenly how much she hated it when people said that. People had to tendency to assume it meant the person saying it was full of themselves and was asking for selfish reassurance. However, the words had slipped out of her before she could stop herself. "I mean it, really. You should see my sister,"
Damn. Mentioning Becca immediately had Rachel thinking and connecting, of Kori's earlier mentioning of depression... it was almost scary how well the both of them knew each other. The red head sighed, with a tired smile. "Now she was good," she concluded.
Zachary shook his head, perfectly oblivious to her thoughts, "You're crazy. That was… incredible, really," His brown eyes weren't so unfriendly or mocking. He looked very honest, very charming. Not so influenced by surrounding people or friends. She smiled warmly, "Thank you, I appreciate it,"
"You are really good, you know," He insisted persistently, dropping his basketball to the ground to wipe his sweaty face in his shirt. "And you deserve the compliments," Kori laughed lightly, turning even redder, "Wow, thank you again; I don't usually get so many comments from one person, besides Becca, my sister," Stop mentioning Becca. Rachel's going to push and investigate, she's going to find out about her, and that's honestly the last thing I need.
Rachel sat still, looking back and forth from Zachary to Kori. A new song played, but she didn't bother to recognize the title. She felt little curious, and very amazed by the small flirtation between Kori and the guy who didn't deserve even a second of her friend's attention. But he was being nice… and he did seem to be acting like a normal guy, for once.
She also felt a little out of place. She turned her attention back to her drawing, and then to the clock. "Is basketball practice over then?" She asked, interrupting the conversation between Zach and Kori.
He nodded, his smile disappearing slightly as he turned his gaze to talk with Rachel. His brown eyes stared at her in the less-than-subtle statement of: I-don't-want-to-talk-to-you. "Yeah, I was on my way to my ride… um, do either of you need a ride?" He turned back to Kori.
Gathering up her lost courage at the snub, Rachel shook her head, "No, but she goes," she answered slightly timidly. He caught her hesitance and felt a little guilty at his rudeness. He made a mental note to quit calling her a bitch to his friends for future references.
Raising her eyebrows at her friend, Kori shook her head slowly, "Well… no, I was going to wait with Rachel, but thanks anyway,"
Rachel sighed, "Kori, really, I'm going to be here for a while…" knowing very well her friend would stay anyway. She smiled inwardly, half glad that her friend was so loyal, half frustrated, knowing that Kori would spend the rest of the afternoon thinking about Zach. She shot her friend a meaningful glance. Go.
Kori caught the gist and smiled, "Well, if you are offering then... I wouldn't mind leaving for dance class right now,"
I'll bet you wouldn't, Rachel thought with a smirk, standing to put away her things. "Well I'm going to go and try find Mr. Mod,"
"I'll call you later tonight, Rach," Kori promised, turning away from Zachary to prevent distraction. Briefly their eyes met.
What do you see in him? Rachel wondered.
If only I could describe this to you… or to myself, Kori thought distantly.
They smiled at each other. A sisterly, knowing-but-caring smile.
"Bye,"
"Bye,"
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
"The helmet from seven hells is actually a little easier to get on," Kori lied, furiously trying to connect the straps together.
From behind, Zachary leaned against the bike, inspecting his ragged fingernails. "Second time's the charm," he said casually, wondering how only three ours of working in a nearby public garden could possibly do this to his hands. Anything for community service hours.
Giving up, Kori turned back to him, shivering as a breeze picked up. "Maybe the third? I can't get it,"
He grinned charmingly, motioning her towards him. He took a little longer with the straps than necessary, enjoying her alluring vanilla scent. "The third?" he murmured heavily, staring at her, "Are you inviting yourself?"
The effect was spectacular, he had to admit. Her eyes had widened, a blush had, literally, blossomed into her cheeks, and her mouth dropped open in a surprised, deer-in-headlights way. He smiled at her, cocking his head questioningly. You are too cute for your own good.
"Oh, of course not!" she exclaimed earnestly, not noticing Zachary's hands dropping from the straps to his sides. "I was only… I don't know, I wasn't thinking. You don't have to drive me places, really,"
His eyes glistened with a cruel playfulness. "Oh, but how would we bond?"
She shrugged. "I'm… I'm not sure. We don't need your motorcycle, that's for certain," She shifted her weight to one foot, cocking her head to meet his eyes. "We always have science class,"
Zachary smiled. "The motorcycle helps though. Haven't you seen how our relationship has grown from this particular ride?" His smile grew as her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Anyone would think we were boyfriend and girlfriend… look how close we are…" With realization, her blush deepened. However, he could never help himself. "Just four inches and we'd be kissing,"
His voice had gone husky, and she backed away. "Good thing there's no one around then, right?" she questioned, finally annoyed.
Zachary faltered, surprised. Looking down he nodded. "Yeah, good thing,"
An awkward pause followed, where neither spoke. Finally, Zachary climbed on. "Ready?" With their textbooks and notebooks placed in the small compartment under the seat and Kori's helmet finally on, there didn't seem reason to wait.
She nodded, and then froze. "Wait, but I'm wearing a skirt!" she exploded, the thought just occurring to her.
Another pause followed. "… Yeah," he nodded, giving her an odd look. "But you're also wearing leggings,"
Kori cursed her red hair to the fiery depths of hell, feeling another blush come. "I can't do that- it's-…"
He sighed. "You won't get pregnant," He wasn't kidding. With a huff, she crossed her arms in irritation, "Well thank you for clearing that one up for me,"
"Well, if anyone would know, I would," He grinned a toothy, taunting grin.
You really are enjoying this, aren't you? She thought in frustration. She glared at him with all the fury she could muster. "That's not funny,"
Loosing patience, he finally snapped, "Look, everyone knows you're the good girl of this school. Good grades, chaste, virgin in basically everything illegal or a sin. I promise not to taint your reputation,"
Kori responded with a small smile, looking as though she wanted to say something very badly, but refused. "Well now I'm just refusing to spite you,"
He stared at her in amazement. "You aren't being serious, are you? I mean, do you really care that you're going to be this close to me… in a skirt?"
She sighed, "Well yeah, do you really think I was making this up?"
"I honestly don't know. You're quite the good girl, aren't you!" Zachary's head shook in disbelief, as though he hadn't believed it at first. "…Oh wait, is it because I'm all sweaty?"
Kori smirked, rolling her eyes. "Yes, that's exactly it. Zach, really, just go,"
Zachary shrugged. He really should just go. It wasn't a big deal. Save him the trouble of driving her home anyway. He opened his mouth to agree, and instead snapped, "Kori! Just get on the bike!"
"It's okay, I can still catch Rachel-," she reasoned, jumping slightly at his outburst.
His eyes shot open. "The hell you will! Sit!"
She sat. On the ground, eyes slightly wide in mock innocence.
Zachary glared at her briefly and then gave into laughing. She smiled up at him, relieved by his laughter. "I don't know why I put up with you," he said between laughs, shaking his head. "Come on, Kori, just get on the bike,"
"Only if you promise not to make a single sex joke tomorrow," her good humor left, replaced with an apparent distrust.
Offended, although he knew he had no right to be, he growled, "Okay, I promise. Just sit down and hold on tight. I'm feeling fast tonight,"
Wordlessly, yet pleased, she obeyed.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
In all honesty, I'm tired and I don't care anymore… please don't slaughter me with the abundant grammar errors.
By the way, we are all playing Update Tag. :) I'll start! And since I've just updated I tag… Valda! (Hurrah!)
Happy Thanksgiving, Americans!
I'll put in immense effort to finish the next chapter with an increased haste.
O.o
…Do you see what school has done to me!?
(Broods)
Care to review?
If yes: You are the best person in the world right now. That's right! Bask in the feeling! Enjoy it! Flaunt it! You're the greatest, now brag all about it:-)
If no: Ugh. Lazy lard. But I still love you. I guess.
-Rose