Stay

“You’re going to be late if you don’t get up now!” My mother screamed up the stairs. I groaned and tossed my covers to the side. Why do we need high school anyway? It’s nothing but a popularity contest. It was absolutely too early to be up right now. I trudged down the stairs and into the kitchen. “Morning.” I mumbled to my three brothers as I grabbed a bowl and poured Cheerios into it. “Sorry, used the last of the milk.” Joe said as he flashed a smile my way. “Gee thanks. I don’t need to eat.” I replied while eating my cereal dry. My oldest brother Kevin gave Joe a proud smile and continued to eat his cereal. “You can have my milk Nick.” Our youngest brother Frankie said sliding his bowl my way. “No thanks Tank. I’ll just grab something on my way to school.” I ruffled his hair and went back upstairs. I hopped in the shower. I had to hurry if I was going to get breakfast today. I brushed my teeth and got dressed in simple jeans and polo. I put on my shoes, grabbed my back pack, keys and headed to my car. I stopped at McDonald’s on my way to school. I was eating as I pulled into the parking lot. I guess that’s why I didn’t see the girl riding her bike. I slammed on my backs as she fell to the ground. I quickly jumped out of my car to see what damage I had caused.

The girl grabbed her bag off of the ground and stood to look at me. “Do you even watch the fucking road when you drive?” She shouted at me. “I’m sorry. I’ve been having a really shitty morning. I was trying to eat breakfast. Are you hurt? Can I take you to the nurse?” She rolled her eyes and moved her bangs back. “Do I look like I need a nurse?” She snapped while getting back on her bike. “Just watch where you’re going next time.” She rode off and I got back in my car. I parked and walked into the school. “Hey Nicholas! How’s it going?” I turned to see my best friend Marilynn. I’ve known her for as long as I can remember. “Hey you. Oh, I’m doing OK. Considering the fact that I had to rush and pick up breakfast and almost ran over this chick on her bike.” She chuckled lightly. “Who was she?” I thought about it. I had no idea who she was. “I’m not sure. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her before. Maybe she’s new.” She smiled. “Was she pretty?” I closed my locker and began to walk to my first period class. “I didn’t really get a good look at her. See you at lunch okay?” She nodded and turned down the hall as I walked into my first class of junior year. I sat at the first open seat that I saw. “Almost kill anyone else?” I heard someone ask. I turned to the left and saw the girl. “I’m so sorry about that. Really, I am.” I rambled. “Calm down Killer. I’m fine.”

I finally got a good look at her. She wasn’t like the other girls here. She was wearing ripped black skinny jeans, a Pierce the Veil t-shirt, and black battered Vans. He bangs were uncontrolled and her hair was black. Her make-up was darker than most girls that go here but her lips were painted a bright red. She wasn’t what I’d call beautiful, but she was definitely more than just pretty. “Are you new here?” I asked her. “I’ve gone to the same school as you since I’ve moved here in 4th grade.” She replied. “What, really?” She let out a loud laugh. “Oh my God you should have seen your face! No, I just moved her last week with my mom and adopted sister who happens to be my best friend, Reece.” I smiled. She was interesting. “Well, I’m Nick.” She extended her hand towards me. I grabbed it. “I’m Jaedyn, future singer, artist, and hopefully, high school graduate.” She introduced herself with a wide smile. Forget what I said earlier. She is beautiful.

“Nice to meet you…” I was cut off when the teacher, who I learned was Mrs. Caraway, began attendance. “Partner up with the person next to you and fill out the handout.” I grabbed the paper from the guy in front of me and turned to Jaedyn. “Partner?” she nodded her head and smiled. “Okay Nicholas. What do you enjoy doing that nobody really knows about?” I contemplated telling her but the way that her brown eyes bore into me I couldn’t resist. “I love to sing.” I replied. Her eyes grew huge. “We could duet sometime!” I smiled and asked her the same question. “I love to go order things off of infomercials.” She said with a serious face. “Second question, what is your favorite quote?” “Those who believe in nothing fall for anything.” She smiled widely at me. “I like it. Mine is; a wise girl kisses but doesn't love, listens but doesn't believe, and leaves before she is left.” Mrs. Caraway called our attention and collected what we got done. Apparently, we spent too much time talking instead of filling out the paper.

The bell rang and Jaedyn turned to speak to me. “See you around Killer. Maybe we can work on that duet.” I couldn’t help but blush. “Maybe, by the way, my name is Nick.” “I know. But every cute guy needs a great nick name.” She flipped her hair as she turned to leave. I barely knew this girl, but I already knew that I’d love her. It was inevitable. It would happen and it would happen soon. I wondered aimlessly to my next class. I was surprised to see Marilynn sitting in the back row. “When did you start taking AP English?” I asked her as I chose the seat next to her. “Since they screwed up my schedule and finally placed me in the right class.” I nodded and leaned back in my chair. “So who is she?” Her voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “Who is she, who?” I asked confused. “The girl that’s got you all pink in the face.” My face wasn’t pink, was it? “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I turned away from her and surveyed the classroom. There was nobody else in here that I knew. I need to get out more. “Is it the girl you almost killed this morning?” I turned sharply towards her. “I did not almost kill her.” She grinned like the Cheshire Cat. “I knew it!” She exclaimed. “I want to meet this girl that has already captured the heart of my best friend.” She continued her creepy grin. “Shut up. The teacher is speaking. You’re so rude.” I turned all of my attention to the front of the class as I heard her try to muffle her laughter. This was going to be a long hour.

Finally it was time for lunch. Marilynn and I grabbed food and headed to our usual lunch spot. There was this big tree that we sat under every day. “Somebody’s in our spot.” Marilyn said as she picked up pace. “Hey there Killer. Did you poison my food too?” She grinned up at me. “No, but Marilynn might have.” I said quietly. “We usually sit here.” Marilynn said a little too harshly. Jaedyn looked hurt and began to gather up her things. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I was just leaving anyway.” She started to stand up. “Wait, why don’t you have lunch with us?” I could feel Marilynn’s green eyes burning into my neck. “You sure it’s OK with both of you?” Marilynn forced a smile. “It’s fine. Please join us.” Jaedyn sent her one of her infectious smiles. I couldn’t help but smile too. I sat in the middle of both girls and I could feel a lot of tension. “So, Jamie, how do you like it here so far?” “It’s Jaedyn.” “That’s what I said right?” Jaedyn swallowed her water and looked up at Marilynn with a no nonsense look. “You said Jamie, and I know that you are well aware of it. There is no need for your snide remarks. If you wanted me to leave you shouldn’t have been fake about it. Trust me Marilynn, I don’t stay where I’m not wanted. Besides, your attitude has ruined my appetite. Maybe we can have lunch together when you’re not PMS’ing and in such a bitchy mood. See you Nicholas.” I glanced over at Marilynn. She looked like she just got slapped. “See you Jaedyn.” She smiled. “Call me Jay.” She waved and walked away. I watched until I could no longer see her hair flying in the wind. Part of me wanted to jump up and chase after her, but my legs, and Marilynn wouldn’t let me. One of these days, I won’t need to chase her, ‘cause she’ll be right where I want her to be.