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Chapter 2:
The Beach
Today started out just like yesterday. I yanked everything out of my closet in hopes to find the perfect outfit. Nothing seemed reasonable for the weather or to blend it at school. Instead I let my hair down so I could use it to block my face since i wouldn't be finding an outfit to help me blend; I loved the length of my hair for that specific reason. I couldn't help but be nervous again; what if Shelby decided not to talk to me today? What if she finally figured out that I was a dork that was not worth anyone's time?
I walked into my bathroom and turned on the sink to brush my teeth when I noticed the time, I had to leave now or I would have to run to school... again. I quickly brushed my teeth while putting on whatever I grabbed first; I ended up wearing a baby blue tank top with a white shawl and blue jeans. That seemed like a reasonable outfit but whether I liked it or not it would have to do. I quickly snatched up my bag shoving all my books and homework into it. I had no time to eat breakfast today.
My dad was already gone by the time I got down stairs. Right now I wished Stacy was here to walk me to school and make me feel calm but, I was already late and if I wanted to wallow about Stacy not being here, I would have to do it while running to school.
I only lived a block or two away from school, so I didn't have to run far. As I rounded the corner I noticed Shelby standing outside by the door looking for something or someone. She couldn't be looking for me, could she? No, I met her yesterday, unless she was that nice. I went ahead and walked straight forward taking a deep breath before coming into her view.
I could see a smile come across her face as she saw me, "Kristina! Over here!" She screamed while flaring her arms over her head. It made me laughing knowing how stupid she looked; she reminded me of Stacy. Well, for now anyway, she didn't think I was a weirdo. But opinions change.
I gulped, "Hey Shelby, what are you doing out here?" I asked furrowing my brow.
"Waiting for you… What else would I be doing?" She seemed sincere as she spoke.
"I don't know, but anyways what's up?" Once again I took a deep breath in. I needed to be nice to Shelby; she put up with me on my first day here.
"Well, my mom told me about the big bonfire at the beach today. A bunch of people from around here are going. She said I could bring one friend and I want you to come with me. That is if you can of course," a smile touched her lips. Does she feel sorry for me or something? She has only known me for a day, and I'm not that interesting. I had to answer her though and what is the worst that could happen? She seemed sweet and well she is the only friend I have right now.
"Sure, I guess I will come. I just don't know how to get to the beach." I looked down at the ground. I felt stupid. "I'll also have to call my dad to let him know, but I don't think he'll have a problem" I stated an added the part at the end for her.
"Ok! Great, I can't wait. The bonfire starts around eight so I will tell my mom to stop by your house to pick you up and then we will head to the beach." I could hear the excitement in her voice. To tell the truth, I was pretty excited too. It sounded fun and how could I turn her down? She is the only person, other than her friends, who have talked to me so it might be nice to get out. And maybe I would find out more about this place, or meet some new people.
The bell finally rang meaning first period would start in two minutes and if Shelby and I didn't get a move on soon we would be late. I ran to my my locker nearly tripping twice. I practically threw all my books in my locker other than my history textbook. History flew by very fast; we just wrapped up the Gettysburg Address when the bell rang. I walked to Math, quickly.
I walked in again to husky laughter and the same three huge guys. Today they all looked over at me with curious eyes. One smiled, it was the same guy that was staring at me last math class. He still looked familiar. I went ahead and went to the back of the room to be followed by Embry Call. I wish I knew where I recognized him from. I went ahead and took out the notes from the previous math class, to get ready.
"Hey," he whispered, "I'm Embry, what's your name?" I didn't know if I should answer, but I did want to figure out how I knew him.
"Um, Kristina," I replied. He was big, and I was surprised that he left his smaller group of friends. From what Shelby had told me about them on the walk home from school yesterday, they never really talked to anyone. I could feel him staring at me and I turned to see him writing something down on a piece of paper,
I have never see you here before. Did you just move to town?
I looked over at him to find the most familiar smile on his face. I couldn't help but smile back and reply. I took out my pencil and jotted my answer down on the piece of paper,
Yeah, i just moved here three days ago.
I could see the teacher shuffling around trying to explain how to multiply fractions. I looked over to find Embry writing out what looked like a paragraph. He slipped the note over to me, while winking.
I know this might sound weird, but i recognize you from somewhere but i have no idea where. If you aren't busy tonight stop by the bonfire at the beach. It would be nice to figure out why i might recognize you.
I re-read the note about four times making sure I understood. Quickly I pulled out my pencil once again and wrote,
I recognize you from somewhere too. I already had plans to go to the bonfire with one of my friends. I will talk to you then.
I slipped the note to him as i saw him nod in return. I went ahead and adverted my eyes back to the teacher. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Embry smile and put the notes away. The bell rang; I stood up, hoping he was gone. He was, back with his friends, walking out of the room. But I thought I saw him turn around and wink to me again. But it could have just been my mind playing tricks on me.
I walked out of the classroom in a state of confusion; What happened couldn't have been real. Maybe this is all a dream. I saw Shelby waiting for me at my locker and decided I might as well play along.
"Hey, Shelby. The weirdest thing happened to me in math class today." I sighed as I shoved my history and math book into my locker while rummaging for my science book.
"What happened?" she asked in her sincere, sweet voice.
"I talked to Embry Call, well actually he talked to me," a smile spread across my face, waiting to hear Shelby's reaction.
I looked over to find Shelby's mouth agape; once again she made me laugh. You could see her attempt to straighten up; though she was not succeeding.
She took a very deep breath in before she spoke,"Y-You talked to E-Embry Call?"
I chuckled once more, "Well, when I walked into math he followed me back to our table and then he asked me my name and for the rest of class we passed notes back and forth," I said, hoping I didn't say to much.
As Shelby paced I couldn't help but notice her waving her hands everywhere, "Shelby what in the hell are you doing?" I asked while shaking my head back and forth.
She looked at me and once again started waving her arms around, almost smacking an eleventh grader in the process, " This is how I keep from screaming, squeaking, etc.," she said in a very casual tone. I could see her breathing heavily; it looked as if she might go into shock.
She stopped pacing and quickly walked over to me still waving her arms around, "What did you talk about exactly?"
I sighed and quickly told her what we talked about on the way to science. We entered the science room to find Embry Call's friend sitting in Shelby's seat. I looked to find Shelby half way across the room already in Paul's regular seat. Shyly I looked at the floor and made my way for the empty seat beside Embry's friend.
As I sat my books down on the edge of the table and noticed Embry's friend turn to look at me, "Hey, I'm Paul; I'm one of Embry's friends...but I was wondering can you sit with us at lunch today?" he asked.
I couldn't believe my ears. I had never had a boy even talk to me back in New York and now, every class I walk into I have boys asking me all sorts of questions. Is this all a joke or is he serious?
I looked over at him and sighed, "If you are playing a joke on me it's not funny. I know I'm the new girl in town but that doesn't mean I don't have feelings," I saw him chuckle as I took a deep breath in, happy to get that over with.
"We aren't playing a joke on you. We, and I mean all the Quiluetes want you to come sit with us at lunch," a smile slowly spread across his face once again.
I looked to find Mr. Darby writing on the board; as class had already began.
I looked straight into his eyes and felt a slow sigh of relief go through me, "Sure but my friend Shelby is sitting with us too." Paul nodded in answer to my request and quickly started catching up with the teacher.
Not to long after the little conversation I had with Paul, did the bell ring loud and clear. It was already lunch time. Shelby quickly hopped up and ran over to me as I gathered my things, "What did he have to say?!" she rushed as we headed to her locker.
"Well he wants me to sit with their group at lunch but he said you could come if you want," I added the last part hoping that would make her want to come more; obviously it had worked. As the words came out of my mouth she quickly lit up with excitement.
She squeaked a little not noticing all the turning heads, "Lets go!" she said, quickly grabbing my arm and practically dragging me into the cafeteria when she noticed two blank seats waiting for us at the one big table which sat about eight overly sized guys and one disgusted looking girl. I froze, something told me to turn around and go and sit with Shelby's friends. But I needed to find out how I knew Embry.
"What are you doing? Come on," Shelby whispered, pulling me closer. I got my legs to work again and I walked up to the table. The girl mumbled something and turned away. Yeah, she looked nice.
"Um…," I didn't know what to say. I looked to Embry, who was watching every move I made.
"Guys this is Kristina, and her friend Shelby," Embry said, turning to the boys at his table. Everyone looked to him and me, back and forth, which made me a little bit nervous. But I mouthed the word 'thanks' to him. He mouthed back, 'no problem' and smiled. I stood there for about a minute, not knowing what to do or say next.
"Well, sit down," one very dark boy said. He had black hair and dark eyes. "I'm Jacob. Jacob Black, it's nice to meet you. Embry's told us a lot about you." He smiled. Embry shot him a mean glance, it made me laugh. Shelby and I sat down next to each other, in the middle of the bench surrounded by boys on both sides. The boys questioned me about where I lived and my life. They asked Shelby how long she's lived on the reservation. I had a good time and time flew by fast. I noticed the entire time we were there, the girl never once spoke to anyone, she just scowled and ate her sandwich. She looked like she was about eighteen or older. But she looked mean, depressed and dark…. The nice person inside of me wanted to help, but I didn't say anything.
The rest of the day i couldn't help but think about the bonfire and the girl who sat with us at lunch. Maybe she didn't like new people?
Time passed quickly until English class came: I walked in to find Embry at my desk holding a piece of paper. Shelby for a minute looked as if she was scowling at me until she quickly turned and sat up front leaving me to go sit by Embry. I quickly sat down as the teacher had just walked in. Embry turned to look over at me when he startled me by laughing.
I looked around to find everyone staring, "Embry, everyone is staring. What's so funny?" I started to laugh myself as I noticed how funny his laugh was. After he calmed down, he answered my question, he just shook his head. That wasn't going to cut it. He burst out laughing and made everyone in the room stare at me, for the reason he won't tell me. No.
"What was funny?" I pushed. He sighed and looked over to me.
"Just forget it," he said.
"No, tell me! I want to know," I begged. He sighed.
"Okay. I think your friend likes me," he watched for my reaction. My friend?
"Shelby? Yeah, you're a nice guy, I bet a lot of people like you," I didn't understand what he was saying. He just shook his head with a mischievous smile on his face.
"You don't get it."
"Then help me get it," I really wanted to know now.
"Not like. I meant like like" he sighed. I couldn't respond then because the teacher walked past with the lecture about Shakespeare.
"Shelby and Embry, together? That would be weird," I thought.
Through out class I wondered what that piece of paper Embry was holding was for; maybe it's for Shelby? or me? No. Probably not. I sat in class taking glances at Embry and Shelby. Embry seemed happy and Shelby seemed mad or gloomy, I couldn't really tell the difference. But she wasn't happy, I could tell that.
I looked back to Embry. I still had a nagging feeling that I knew him from somewhere. It bothered me. I promised myself that I would find out. I saw the paper in his hand; he tucked it into his pocket. I glanced at the clock. Ugh, school is so boring sometimes. When the bell rang, I got up out of my chair. I picked up my books and turned around. It surprised me that Embry was still here. Normally, he left as soon as the bell rang. He was sitting on his desk smiling to me.
I took a deep breath in trying to comprehend the whole day when I saw Embry put his hand into his pocket and bring out the piece of paper, then he interrupted my thoughts.
"Kristina, here is my phone number. Call me tonight," before I could respond Embry was gone. I turned around to find Shelby, by the door waiting for me, almost in tears; I couldn't help but feel bad. Maybe, just maybe Embry was right about Shelby liking him. Either way I had to find out for the sake of our friendship. She ran out of the room, to get away from me probably. I felt terrible. I ran after her.
"Shelby! Wait!" I yelled. She stopped and turned around, betrayal on her face.
I was at loss of words when she said,"What?" I opened my mouth but closed it. If I could speak, I would probably make it worse. She sighed.
"My Mom will pick you up at eight. Be ready," she said and walked away. I didn't go after her, I wouldn't know what to say. Maybe I could fix this tonight at the bonfire. I took out the piece of paper Embry gave me. It did have a phone number on it. I sighed and went to my locker to get ready to go home.
The day seemed to go great except for Shelby practically hating me. I couldn't believe Shelby liked Embry. For some reason I felt like she liked someone in my family, which made me feel awkward around her. My mind was full of thoughts all the way home. On the bright side, I had the bonfire to look forward to tonight.
I walked up what was now my drive way expecting to see the garage door shut and my dad still at work; instead he was home three hours early. I opened the door, confused.
"Kristina?" My Dad asked. Who else would it be?
"Yeah, Dad."
"Hey Honey, how was school?" He asked, peeking out of the kitchen. Some of me really wanted to talk about Embry and Shelby to him, get advice on how to fix it. But then I also thought I should figure it out myself. So I decided to leave that specific part out.
"Okay. I got a 90% on a science quiz," I smiled.
"Great!"
"What are you doing home so early?" I asked, curiously. I walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table.
"Well, honey... I have the night off and i wanted to spend time with you," slowly a smile spread across his face.
Instantly i felt bad, "Dad i don't know how to tell you this, but i have plans to go to a bonfire tonight," slowly his smile melted from his face leaving a spot of disappointment. I knew this would happen eventually. I had to figure out a way to spend time with him.
"How about you come to the bonfire with Shelby, her mom Cassandra, and I... if you want to," I couldn't help but ask if he wanted to come. I didn't want my dad to be by himself tonight.
"You wouldn't mind me coming?" He asked, excited now. I didn't really. I just needed to talk to Embry again.
"No, of course not. It's at the beach. Shelby's Mom is picking us up around eight," I smiled at my father's happy face.
"Okay, thanks. I'll go get ready," he said and got up to walk to his room. I watched him leave thinking about how much I loved him and he loved me. I looked at the clock. 7:00, I might as well get ready now.
Today seemed to go by in a blur. I couldn't help but wonder if today was just a dream and if i would wake up from it any second. Unfortunately, it was almost time for Shelby's mom to pick my dad and I up and I have yet to find an outfit. As I dug through my closet i could here my dad talking to someone on the phone, apparently he was arranging a meeting with someone. Probably for work.
But I noticed he was talking very quietly. Oh, it probably didn't mean anything. I looked around my closet for something to wear. I wasn't sure what the beach was like. Or the nights here for that matter, where they warm or cool? I didn't know, so I took a guess and put on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. I grabbed a jacket, just in case. And I walked out just as my Dad hung up the phone.
I opened the front door ready to see Shelby when I found Embry sitting in the front yard with no shirt. He looked up as he heard my dad slam the front door shut. Quickly Embry looked up at me with a big smile on his face. I couldn't help but look dumb founded. What was he doing in my yard? With no shirt on?! I met him yesterday. And it was sort of chilly outside. I started to freak out about how my Dad would react to having this shirtless boy he didn't know, smiling at me, sitting on his yard. My Dad turned around and gasped. He nudged my arm.
"That's not Shelby. Is it?" He joked.
"Dad!"
I looked at him feeling the blood rush to my face, "No that is Embry Call. He goes to school with me and Shelby!" I hissed wishing my dad would leave the subject alone.
To my shock my dad stretched out his hand and helped Embry up from the ground.
"Well, Embry you look like a fine boy and it's nice to finally....uh, I mean it's nice to meet you," Embry looked as confused as I did by how polite and cool my dad was acting. Slowly he withdrew his hand and slid it into his pocket.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. Bard," said Embry slowly letting a smile light up his face once again. My Dad pulled his keys out of his pocket and unlocked his car. I watched Embry turn around to the car parked in the garage. I guess it was a big deal because he blankly stared at it for, what felt like 5 minutes.
"You like it?" My Dad asked. He had his eye on this car since he first saw it, he's always told me that it is his nicest car he's ever had. I remember when we had an old beaten up car, he would force himself to go to work to save up to buy himself this car. I was pretty used to it. But I forgot what a big deal it is to any car lover.
"No way! You have a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Zr1!!" He practically yelled. My Dad just laughed.
"It's nice isn't it?" He said.
"YES!" He yelled and walked around it to get a better view. I would never understand boy language. My Dad laughed, he liked being the 'cool' guy.
"Want a ride? I assume you are going to the bonfire tonight?"
"Yeah I am. You're going to let me ride in that?" He asked, still excited. It's just a car.
"Yes. If it's okay with Kristi." Both boys looked over to me.
"Uh yeah, I wanted to go with Shelby anyway." And I did. Embry looked over in a 'thank you so much I love you' look. I looked away, embarrassed. I watched my Dad as he hit the button on his keys that started the engine. Embry watched in awe.
"You sure you don't mind, kiddo," Dad whispered to me.
"Naw, I wanted to talk to Shelby about something. And it's not like the beach is far away or anything," I smiled and hugged him, because out the corner of my eye I saw a blue minivan pull up onto the driveway: Shelby.
I looked up to my Dad, he was sliding a pair of sunglasses on, being the cool guy again and sank into the car, followed by Embry on the other side. I ran up to Shelby's car and opened the door. Shelby sat in the seat across from the door I opened. She stared out the windshield at the car. So my hopes of her not seeing Embry were a failure.
"Hey Shelby," I tried to lighten the mood. She didn't answer me.
"Look I know you're mad. But I don't know what I did," I whispered. She just sighed.
"What did I do wrong, Shelby?" I asked. I needed her to talk about it with me.
"Nothing! That's the problem. You did nothing. I've liked Embry for a year and you come along and he immediately likes you. It's not fair!" She spoke up but kept it a whisper.
"So why are you mad at me?" I asked, starting to get mad.
"I don't know I just am! I thought maybe you guys would be good friends and I still had a chance but when he gave you his phone number I knew it was over!"
"I'm sorry for talking to someone, gosh." The rest of the ride was quiet. Neither Shelby nor I spoke a word. A few minutes later, her mom drove up on a gravel parking lot; I opened the door and got out.
"Thank you for the ride Ms. Cassandra," I said as she wheeled down her window.
"No problem. You guys were quiet, everything okay?" I didn't know what to say, so I lied.
"Yeah," I smiled and walked away. I had only gotten a few steps when I heard it, the loud sound of a huge engine, coming closer. I stopped to see the corvette come down the road, pretty fast. I could see the figures. My dad had his driving smile on his face it made me laugh because next to him was Embry with the goofiest grin on his face. Now was the time I thought to myself, I don't know these people. And I am certainly not related to one. That thought made me laugh more. The car skidded to a stop and parallel parked.
Embry hopped out of the car and started towards the beach stopping as he saw me sitting on a broken log. I couldn't help but feel horrible about what happened between Shelby and I. She was mad at me for Embry possibly liking me, which happened to be unlikely. For some reason Embry felt like family and nothing else. He was a friend and that was all i could ask of him.
I sniffled, at this point i couldn't help but let myself cry; crying seemed to be a very embarrassing part of me. How could one guy make someone so upset? It just wasn't fair.
I tried to straighten up as Embry came closer to me, but it seemed impossible as my eyes were red and swollen from crying, not to mention i had the sniffles now.
I could hear Embry's foot steps grow faster as he came into view, "Kristina are you all right? What's wrong?" he sounded worried, which didn't help.
"Nothing, it's stupid. I'll meet you on the beach in a minute," my voice was thick from crying.
I wish i could go home but that would make my dad disappointed.
Once again Embry sat on the ground in front of me and started rubbing my leg; it was very soothing and made me wish i had a brother like him. I tried to stop the tears. It wasn't my fault. But the only thing that kept running through my mind was that I'd lost my first friend I made here. I felt like the most unlucky person alive.
"Shh I'm not going anywhere. First, stop crying so you can tell me what's wrong," he insisted. I tried my hardest to do as he said. I pushed the sad part back in my mind. I would have to cry sometime but not now. I didn't want my dad to see me this way. But I just couldn't do it. I was surprised that my dad just walked past us, down the beach to where there were voices. I couldn't hold the tears in anymore. I started crying again.
"Shh calm down. Tell me what happened," he begged. He looked like he was hurting too. I tried to get my breath back. When I did, he stopped rubbing my leg and sat up next to me, holding my right hand.
"It was nothing, you don't need to know," I said. I was embarrassed at how I let such a little thing make me break down.
"Tell me," he said. And all I wanted to do was tell him. I explained everything word for word, what she said and how I responded. At the end he had hurt in his eyes.
I looked up to find Embry shaking his head in disappointment.
"Embry I didn't mean to upset you. Somehow my day went from great to horrible and now I'm making everything worse." I started sobbing once again.
"I know. I feel like I've made a huge mess though. I'll fix it, don't worry. Just please stop crying," he whispered. He stroked my hand with his thumb as he talked, looking down at it. It was the first time I noticed his hand was huge, much bigger than mine. I nodded and eventually stopped. He was still stroking my hand as I stopped crying.
He sat up in one fast motion. I couldn't believe how fast his reflexes were, but that was beyond the point. I could only think about one thing now: what he meant by "I'll fix it, don't worry."
He sat up in one fast motion. I couldn't believe how fast his reflexes were, but that was beyond the point. I could only think about one thing now: what he meant by "I'll fix it, don't worry."
I quickly stood up as he took off for the beach, I had to run to keep pace with him, "What are you going to do Embry?"
"I'm going to fix this, I can't let you take the blame for my stupid mistake," his hands were shaking.
I didn't know what to say, I was lost of words.
I tried to keep pace with him as Shelby came into view, i knew exactly what he was about to do; He was going to ask Shelby out just to make everything better between us.
My breathing became heavy as realization hit me, he was going to date someone just to fix our friendship.
Shelby turned my way as she saw i was running to keep up with Embry, quickly the smile melted from her face. She suddenly started glaring at me, making me want to cry again. I held the tears back. But the sniffling started again. Embry slowed down so I could walk next to him.
"Shh no crying," he whispered. I tried to follow his order as hard as I could.
Quickly he walked up to Shelby and tapped her on the shoulder, letting a fake smile cover his face, "Hey, Shelby i was wondering if you would like to go for a walk together?" his voice sounded bored and somewhat sad.
Shelby turned to look at her friends with a bored expression on her face and quickly told them, "I will be back in a few minutes."
Together Shelby and Embry to off down the beach. I had no idea what to do now except go talk to Jacob Black.
I casually strolled over by the group of Quiluetes waiting for a chance to join them. Before my chance though, Paul, Embry's huge friend turned around and asked me to join them.
Once again i noticed the girl sitting near the edge of the trees with the same scowl on her face.
Many thoughts ran through my head as we glared at each other, "Why is she always so mad? Could it be me she hates? Or am I getting in the way of something?" as i thought about these questions i noticed Shelby walking my way.
Most of the boys stopped talking as she walked right past me. I had the urge to cry again. I didn't like the way our friendship turned. It seemed it was over. It was so quiet, I could hear her feet hit shells or pebbles. I watched Shelby as she walked up to her Mother. She must have asked something because her Mom nodded and stood up. I wasn't sure where they were going, but I had the idea we weren't friends anymore. I held in the tears because Embry told me not to cry. Why was I constantly sad? Depressed? I hated it.
I was sitting next to Paul, who turned to look at me every few seconds, but I didn't want to look him in the eye. I just watched as my first friend here walked to her car to leave. It was at that point that I knew, that unless some miracle happened tonight that made me feel better, then there was no other option than crying myself to sleep tonight.