(Note: I moved the "Meet the Real Nights" widget to the bottom of the page). Okay, so Ali forwards me an email that "Rea" sent to her, telling me to post this conversation. Apparently, someone was getting a little conspiracy theorist and shot "Rea" an email saying that her picture on the wiki was a fake and that things don't glow when you use telepathy and that "Rea" was a big fake. Personally, I'm kind of glad that "Rea" didn't get pissed off and go off on the idiot. Once again, it seems like I'll have to remind you guys out there that the story is based off of real people (names changed, of course), NOT real events. (that means no telepathy, for the ones out there that are slow). "Rea's" response to Mr. Anonymous' email was this: "The picture is part of one of Ralphie's little projects. I was holding a glass bowl in a dim room while Ralphie had a bright light shining on the bowl. After messing with the camera, he took the picture and this is what came out. Next time, think about what you're accusing someone of doing; anyone can see that and say it's not real. The only difference is that a smart person knows that they don't need to say it." While I'm here, I'd like to remind you guys that all of these posts are copyrighted and there is a 1,000 fine for stolen intellectual property. Anyways, read the next post and quit sending me stupid emails; I'm starting to think this isn't worth half the trouble.
* * *
I was on my laptop, working on a wiki for the Nights, changing our names so that no one could track us. I added pictures of us, choosing ones that wouldn't attract too much attention. Like we didn't anyways, I thought to myself.
Jennifer was reading a book on the couch called Crash into Me by Albert Borris. She had decided to start wearing pseudo reading glasses in an attempt to blend in more with the school cliques.
I rubbed my lip where my piercing used to be. Toby had it removed on the account that it was too noticeable. It had felt good when I first saw him getting his hair dyed.
Tony was doing Pre-Cal homework at the kichen table and making chicken-something. Since we moved to Little Falls four month ago, Tony had shown sides of his personality that none of us had ever seen before. He had never gotten the chance to cook or play the piano. Our old school down in Pennsylvania was huge and the classrooms never had less than 30 students in them. Electives consisted of Spanish, Art, and Band. Realizing which was the most beneficial to us, we had all taken Spanish. In Little Falls, we had two elective periods and the choice from 50 classes.
We found out that Tony was a natural piano player and he joined the jazz band. He took a Home Ec. class just to find out what it was and fell in love with cooking. Now, instead of going to a McDonalds every other day, we depend on Tony's cooking. To give you an idea of his talent, take this into account: from the first time Tony started cooking at home, we have not been out to eat.
I smiled to myself and added "cooking" and "playing piano" to his hobbies.
Just then, the doorbell rang and Jennifer got up to answer it. I minimized the window and opened a random Youtube video and acted like I was watching it.
Jennifer open the door and Toby shuffled in, shaking off snow on the door mat. I exited the Youtube video and pulled up the wiki again.
"Good news," began Toby, shaking his head to get the snow out of his hair. "I just got a raise."
Jennifer's mouth dropped open and I looked up from my lap top. Tony stood up, eyes wide. "No way," I said, staring at Toby. Getting a raise from Mr. Keeves was like finding the Holy Grail in a bathroom stall.
Toby nodded and opened his mouth but the door bell rang and he opened it, probably thinking it was Austen. From the look on his face, it wasn't.
Pushing myself off the floor where I was working, I placed my laptop on the kitchen counter and walked over to where Toby was standing, hearing Jennifer follow me.
Standing there, arms huddled around her body, was the only person that would wear a long sleeve shirt in a snow storm. Austen popped out from behind Katline and waved. "Aren't you going to let us in?" he said, smiling.
* * *
Toby sat in the armchair, throwing Austen a death stare every two seconds. Austen smiled, ignoring the anger that emitted from us like radiation.
When we first moved, we decided that no one from the school could ever come over to the apartment. It was too dangerous; if the person found something that would give us away, then we would have to run away again. Tony was making rude gestures at Austen from across the room.
Seeing our glares, Katline snuggled closer to Austen on the couch. Leaning down so that he was almost kissing her ear, Austen whispered to Katline. I caught a few words here and there but all I could make out was, "...they won't tell anyone..."
Katline closed her eyes and thought for a moment. Nodding, she choked out, "Yes."
Kissing her head, he whispered, "I love you." Despite the logical outlook I tried to maintain, I felt a tear sliding down my cheek. Life wasn't fair to me.
Taking a deep breath, Katline said, "I have something to admit. I don't know who my parents are. I live in an abandoned house outside of town. I don't even know where I came from. I just woke up one day with a burnt birth certificate next to me." She took a shaky breath. "My real name is Frost."
The sudden change in the mood threw me off guard. Toby's face softened and he nodded sympathetically.
Austen smiled and took her hand and whispered to her again, kissing her cheek.
She nodded shakily and stood up. She stretched hand out towards the snow that was melting on the door mat. Closing her eyes, her arm trembled. Slowly, the snow began to rise and float to the middle of the room. It started to condense and become harder. Turning into a piece of clear ice, it slowly descended to rest on the coffee table.
Toby's mouth hung open and Austen smiled smugly. Katline opened her eyes and made her famous shy smile. Tony walked over to the coffee table and touched the ice ball. It slowly rolled and fell of the table. Jennifer picked up the ice ball and put it in the sink. I watched Katline in a daze.
Gently pulling Katline back onto the couch, Austen said, "She's one of us."
"What do you mean?" asked Katline, confused. She looked so frail, so innocent.
Toby got up and sat in front of Katline on the coffee table. "All of us here are orphans," he said, looking into her eyes.
Katline shook her head. "No, you guys are a family," she said, looking up at Austen who had put his arms around her. "Aren't you?"
Austen shook his head and and Toby said, "That's a cover story. We call ourselves a family because we're as close it gets. My real name isn't Toby."
Katline looked at Toby. "Then what is it?" she asked, curiosity sounding in her voice.
Toby looked down. "I don't know what it is," he said grimly. "None of us do. We came up with our own." I bit my lip from saying that I knew my real name; it wouldn't help the explanation process.
Jennifer spoke up. "Mine was Rea." She flashed a reassuring smile; Katline was shaking like a leaf. I wonder if that's what I would look like if I ever had to tell my secrets to someone and realized I wasn't alone, I thought to myself.
Tony spoke next. "Mine is Tony. We decided not to change it."
I looked at Katline when I spoke. "Mine was Zane." I watched as she digested the news that was coming at her in high speed.
Austen rubbed her arm and said, "Mine was Ralphie."
Toby was last. he looked into her eyes and said, "Mine was Blade. We called ourselves the Nights. Because none of us knew our last names either, 'Nights' became our new last names.... We have powers like you." He gestured to Jennifer to start off.
Jennifer smiled warmly and stared at Katline. As a look of surprise crossed her face, Jennifer nodded.
Tony rolled his eyes. ""I am telekinetic," he said bluntly.
This is like a freaking AA meeting, I thought to myself. Realizing that everyone was waiting for me to speak, I said, "I can teleport."
Austen smiled and said, "I can tell the future." He winked at Katline and Tony rolled his eyes again.
Tony clasped his hands together. "I'm sorry, but I won't tell you what my power is."
"He hasn't told anyone," Austin explained. Katline's eyes remained wide and she still clutched his arm, rubbing his bracelet numbly.
"But I can tell you the correct name for your power," Toby continued, ignoring Austen's interruption. "You can practice cryokinesis. You can manipulate ice." He looked so much gentler than he had seemed in my first memory of him. Then again, I had just broken into his "house," so I guess he did have a right to look so intimidating.
Katline stared ahead as if trying to look at something in the distance. After a few seconds, she curled up and hid her head in Austen's shirt. Putting his arms around her, he stroked her hair. "I'm not alone," came the muffled words.
I looked away; it had been a statement, not a question.
* * *
"Yeah, so Katline's going to be sleeping in Jennifer's room because Austen is-" started Tony, serving chicken-something.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I get it," interrupted Austen, glaring at Tony. Katline giggled.
Tony just chuckled and sat down. As everyone dug in, Katline looked at her chicken-something. "Are you sure this is good?" she asked doubtfully.
Silence covered the table. A fork hung motionless in Toby's hand, stopped suddenly in its course. I shook my head, trying to remember the last time that something that Tony cooked wasn't good. Austen cleared his throat. "Love, when Tony makes it, you know its okay," he reassured her.
Partly reassured, partly intimidated, she nodded and took a quick bite. "That's good," she said in wonder, looking at Tony with wide eyes.
As everyone continued eating, Tony said nonchalantly, "I know."
* * *
(Note for Jinx: You've gotta change your bio page on you website, bud. Shar and I broke up 2 months ago and it's kinda awkward.)
May 26, 2011
May 19, 2011
Part 2, Story Post 15
This is Part Two of the story I've been creating. If you are new to this blog, please read all of the other story posts before you read this one. It helps just a bit. Trust me.
* * *
"Will Mr. White please report to the manager's office?" squawked the loud speaker on the wall.
Toby sighed and smiled thinly at the customer. "Let me get your stuff finished up and then I have an appointment with the big man," he said apologetically. Humor hadn't come naturally at first for him, but it had steadily grown onto him. The customer smiled sympathetically and accepted the bag of groceries from Toby.
"Hey Joe, could you fill me in for a minute?" Toby called out tot a worker, gesturing to his booth. Slang, he thought to himself. Was nothing I would have used a few months ago. He walked briskly, catching a glimpse of his dirty blond hair in the reflection of a polished piece of metal.
Jennifer had decided that pitch black hair would attract too much attention. Using bleach and hair dye, Toby had to have his hair go through a makeover every two weeks. He hated these barber flashbacks but put up with them all the same.
Stopping at the door marked "Manager," Toby knocked softly.
"Please come in, Mr. White," a gruff voice called out. Toby turned the door knob and pushed in. Mr. Keeves was sitting in the same leather armchair he was sitting in when Toby had come in to apply for his job. Mr. Keeves' hands were folded and placed on the large mahogany desk, face in a classic impatient expression. Toby did his best to look nervous, while inside of him cold indifference ruled his emotions.
"My man, please sit down. You look like you just ate something that wasn't quite dead," Mr. Keeves said, gesturing towards one of the two office chairs positioned in front of the desk.
Giving up on the nervous idea, Toby spoke his thanks and sat down on the chair closest to the door.
Mr. Keeves grunted and placed his hands palms down on the desk. "Mr. White, from the time that you first started the job to today, you have been one of my hardest workers," he said seriously, staring at Toby.
Toby shifted uncomfortably, this time not pretending. "Thank you, sir," he said respectfully.
"And that is why, with great pride, I offer you with the first raise I have given since I became manager back in 2000. I understand you are a widower and have four children under your care?" Mr. Keeves said, smiling.
"Yessir," Toby answered. He couldn't believe his luck; Mr. Keeves had a death grip when t came to money.
Mr. Keeves nodded, thinking hard. "From what I've heard from my son, Sam, they're very well behaved. Your life has been been hard, I assume?"
Mr. Keeves' question caused Toby to freeze for a second. His question had hit him out of nowhere and Toby struggled to maintain composure. He swallowed, feigning sadness. "Yes, " he replied, sorrow tearing at his throat.
The manager nodded thoughtfully again. "In your case, I'm going to double your current paycheck." Seeing Toby's surprised face and open mouth, he added, "You need it more than anyone else."
* * *
"I've got something to tell you," Katline said, swinging her leg.
Austen nodded to show that he was listening. His arms were wrapped her and they were sitting in a tree, watching the snowflakes falling slowly down.
"Promise you won't tell anyone?" Katline asked, tucking her hear under his chin.
"I promise," Austen murmured, kissing the top of her head.
Katline took a deep breath. "I-I'm an orphan," she whispered. "I live in an abandoned house outside of town. I don't remember my parents, only waking up one day in an empty house." She shuddered at the memories. "My name isn't even Katline... it's Frost. I don't know my last name."
Austen bit his lip from saying he was an orphan too. "I still love you," he said, kissing her head again.
"That's not all," Katline said shakily, looking up at Austen. "I can do... stuff."
Austen's breath caught in his throat and Katline disentangled herself from him. "Look," she said and waved her hand over the glittering landscape of snow. Slowly, a flurry of snowflakes rose from the blanket of snow and drifted up towards where Katline and Austen were. Before it reach them, Katline closed her hand and the snowflakes fell to the ground.
"So... what do you think?" Katline said, staring down at the ground below. She had kept her secret inside for so long that she felt naked with out the comfort of being the only one that knew about her burden.
Austen was silent for a while and smiled. Katline looked up at him and a look of puzzlement crossed her face.
"What?" she asked, confused.
"Katline... I think it's time that you met my family," Austen said, smiling.
* * *
"Will Mr. White please report to the manager's office?" squawked the loud speaker on the wall.
Toby sighed and smiled thinly at the customer. "Let me get your stuff finished up and then I have an appointment with the big man," he said apologetically. Humor hadn't come naturally at first for him, but it had steadily grown onto him. The customer smiled sympathetically and accepted the bag of groceries from Toby.
"Hey Joe, could you fill me in for a minute?" Toby called out tot a worker, gesturing to his booth. Slang, he thought to himself. Was nothing I would have used a few months ago. He walked briskly, catching a glimpse of his dirty blond hair in the reflection of a polished piece of metal.
Jennifer had decided that pitch black hair would attract too much attention. Using bleach and hair dye, Toby had to have his hair go through a makeover every two weeks. He hated these barber flashbacks but put up with them all the same.
Stopping at the door marked "Manager," Toby knocked softly.
"Please come in, Mr. White," a gruff voice called out. Toby turned the door knob and pushed in. Mr. Keeves was sitting in the same leather armchair he was sitting in when Toby had come in to apply for his job. Mr. Keeves' hands were folded and placed on the large mahogany desk, face in a classic impatient expression. Toby did his best to look nervous, while inside of him cold indifference ruled his emotions.
"My man, please sit down. You look like you just ate something that wasn't quite dead," Mr. Keeves said, gesturing towards one of the two office chairs positioned in front of the desk.
Giving up on the nervous idea, Toby spoke his thanks and sat down on the chair closest to the door.
Mr. Keeves grunted and placed his hands palms down on the desk. "Mr. White, from the time that you first started the job to today, you have been one of my hardest workers," he said seriously, staring at Toby.
Toby shifted uncomfortably, this time not pretending. "Thank you, sir," he said respectfully.
"And that is why, with great pride, I offer you with the first raise I have given since I became manager back in 2000. I understand you are a widower and have four children under your care?" Mr. Keeves said, smiling.
"Yessir," Toby answered. He couldn't believe his luck; Mr. Keeves had a death grip when t came to money.
Mr. Keeves nodded, thinking hard. "From what I've heard from my son, Sam, they're very well behaved. Your life has been been hard, I assume?"
Mr. Keeves' question caused Toby to freeze for a second. His question had hit him out of nowhere and Toby struggled to maintain composure. He swallowed, feigning sadness. "Yes, " he replied, sorrow tearing at his throat.
The manager nodded thoughtfully again. "In your case, I'm going to double your current paycheck." Seeing Toby's surprised face and open mouth, he added, "You need it more than anyone else."
* * *
"I've got something to tell you," Katline said, swinging her leg.
Austen nodded to show that he was listening. His arms were wrapped her and they were sitting in a tree, watching the snowflakes falling slowly down.
"Promise you won't tell anyone?" Katline asked, tucking her hear under his chin.
"I promise," Austen murmured, kissing the top of her head.
Katline took a deep breath. "I-I'm an orphan," she whispered. "I live in an abandoned house outside of town. I don't remember my parents, only waking up one day in an empty house." She shuddered at the memories. "My name isn't even Katline... it's Frost. I don't know my last name."
Austen bit his lip from saying he was an orphan too. "I still love you," he said, kissing her head again.
"That's not all," Katline said shakily, looking up at Austen. "I can do... stuff."
Austen's breath caught in his throat and Katline disentangled herself from him. "Look," she said and waved her hand over the glittering landscape of snow. Slowly, a flurry of snowflakes rose from the blanket of snow and drifted up towards where Katline and Austen were. Before it reach them, Katline closed her hand and the snowflakes fell to the ground.
"So... what do you think?" Katline said, staring down at the ground below. She had kept her secret inside for so long that she felt naked with out the comfort of being the only one that knew about her burden.
Austen was silent for a while and smiled. Katline looked up at him and a look of puzzlement crossed her face.
"What?" she asked, confused.
"Katline... I think it's time that you met my family," Austen said, smiling.
May 11, 2011
Story Post 14
Love the beginning of this one; anytime I can look into Ralphie's side of the story is nice and I hope you'll enjoy.
* * *
"So..." Austen said, walking next to the office assistant. "What's your name?"
The girl smiled shyly. "My name's Katline Smith. What's yours?"
"Ra-Austen White," Austen answered, covering up his slip. He cursed himself inside; that was a beginner mistake.
Katline laughed. "Rausten? That's a weird name," she said.
"It is, isn't it?" Austen said vaguely, walking closer to her. Tony had left them a couple of minutes before, heading towards Chemistry. "Your name is beautiful."
Katline blushed and looked away. "T-thank you," she said, walking closer to Austen.
* * *
I nodded, listening to the stern-faced librarian lecture us on the importance of "treating books with respect" and organizing them "properly." I've been through enough speeches like this to know that it's better just to close your mouth and act like you're listening. Jennifer sighed and switched from leaning on one leg to the other.
"Okay, okay. I'm here," said a voice behind me. A deeply tanned lady with black hair was walking towards us. She was wearing a blouse and tight fitting jeans; there was something different about the way she walked that caught my attention.
The stern librarian nodded towards us. "These are the new assistants," she sneered. Jennifer's face changed for a second and I could feel her getting ready to punch this lady, librarian or not.
The thin lady smiled at us and turned to the other woman. "Ms. Bumgardner, you can leave," she said polity in an accent that I couldn't place.
Ms. Bumgardner nodded sullenly and walked away. The tanned woman turned to us and explained herself. "That was Ms. Bumgardner. She was substituting for me while I was at a meeting. My name is Mrs. Selwyn. I am the librarian."
My mouth opened and closed, realizing how stupid it would be to give away my identity just because another person has the same name as me. Jennifer felt my distress and distracted the librarian. "Your accent is different. Where are you from?" she asked.
The woman smiled and gestured towards the cushioned seats that were spread out in groups of four around the library. "Have a seat," she said.
I said thank you and sat down. Jennifer sat in the seat next to me and Mrs. Selwyn sat in a seat across from us. "I'm originally a Lumbee Indian from North Carolina," she said, smiling warmly. I was getting used to this smile. "As I'm sure, Ms. Bumgardner has lectured you on the rules of the library. In reality, I'm not that strict." She paused for a moment, enjoying our reactions.
"I love books," she explained, gesturing at the bookcases that filled the room. "I don't love discipline. I never did. If you like books and you work hard, then I see no reason to push unnecessary rules." She gave each of us a piece of paper. "This is a reading log; each week you both will have to do a complete scour of the library and make sure that all of the books are in order. Also, at least one of you will have to be at the front desk," she said, gesturing to a large desk with a computer and scanner on top of it. "Whenever someone's here. The reading log is for you to keep track of books you read. If you do what you're supposed to and read at least one hundred books by the end of the year, you'll pass with an A."
I smiled and heard Jennifer's voice in my head. This is so good, it can't be real.
I nodded, dazed. It's real, alright, I replied.
"Now, I know that the two of you are siblings," Mrs. Selwyn continued, moving her hands through the air. "So there's no need for me to give you the usual lecture I have to give every time I have a boy and a girl working together." She winked at the hint, oblivious to how close her words struck.
People have no idea, Jennifer thought to me, smiling at Mrs. Selwyn.
I held up a thumbs up sign for the librarian. Best thing about our situation, I retorted. No one would ever suspect.
Seeing that introductions had been dealt with, Mrs. Selwyn got up. "We only have about ten more minutes left in this class period. You may take a look around. I'm late for a meeting," she said, walking towards the exit doors.
I murmured my thanks and Jennifer said that it was nice meeting her. I wandered off into the tall dark bookcases.
Immersed in the world of books, I almost shouted when a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me out of view. I spun around and gasped as Jennifer's lips pressed against mine. We stayed like that, hidden from view of the world and the stinging, piercing eyes, enjoying our first kiss.
The bell sounded, separating us. I chuckled and a faint smile played upon Jennifer's lips. "I can see what my favorite class will be now." I murmured, hugging her.
* * *
"So..." Austen said, walking next to the office assistant. "What's your name?"
The girl smiled shyly. "My name's Katline Smith. What's yours?"
"Ra-Austen White," Austen answered, covering up his slip. He cursed himself inside; that was a beginner mistake.
Katline laughed. "Rausten? That's a weird name," she said.
"It is, isn't it?" Austen said vaguely, walking closer to her. Tony had left them a couple of minutes before, heading towards Chemistry. "Your name is beautiful."
Katline blushed and looked away. "T-thank you," she said, walking closer to Austen.
* * *
I nodded, listening to the stern-faced librarian lecture us on the importance of "treating books with respect" and organizing them "properly." I've been through enough speeches like this to know that it's better just to close your mouth and act like you're listening. Jennifer sighed and switched from leaning on one leg to the other.
"Okay, okay. I'm here," said a voice behind me. A deeply tanned lady with black hair was walking towards us. She was wearing a blouse and tight fitting jeans; there was something different about the way she walked that caught my attention.
The stern librarian nodded towards us. "These are the new assistants," she sneered. Jennifer's face changed for a second and I could feel her getting ready to punch this lady, librarian or not.
The thin lady smiled at us and turned to the other woman. "Ms. Bumgardner, you can leave," she said polity in an accent that I couldn't place.
Ms. Bumgardner nodded sullenly and walked away. The tanned woman turned to us and explained herself. "That was Ms. Bumgardner. She was substituting for me while I was at a meeting. My name is Mrs. Selwyn. I am the librarian."
My mouth opened and closed, realizing how stupid it would be to give away my identity just because another person has the same name as me. Jennifer felt my distress and distracted the librarian. "Your accent is different. Where are you from?" she asked.
The woman smiled and gestured towards the cushioned seats that were spread out in groups of four around the library. "Have a seat," she said.
I said thank you and sat down. Jennifer sat in the seat next to me and Mrs. Selwyn sat in a seat across from us. "I'm originally a Lumbee Indian from North Carolina," she said, smiling warmly. I was getting used to this smile. "As I'm sure, Ms. Bumgardner has lectured you on the rules of the library. In reality, I'm not that strict." She paused for a moment, enjoying our reactions.
"I love books," she explained, gesturing at the bookcases that filled the room. "I don't love discipline. I never did. If you like books and you work hard, then I see no reason to push unnecessary rules." She gave each of us a piece of paper. "This is a reading log; each week you both will have to do a complete scour of the library and make sure that all of the books are in order. Also, at least one of you will have to be at the front desk," she said, gesturing to a large desk with a computer and scanner on top of it. "Whenever someone's here. The reading log is for you to keep track of books you read. If you do what you're supposed to and read at least one hundred books by the end of the year, you'll pass with an A."
I smiled and heard Jennifer's voice in my head. This is so good, it can't be real.
I nodded, dazed. It's real, alright, I replied.
"Now, I know that the two of you are siblings," Mrs. Selwyn continued, moving her hands through the air. "So there's no need for me to give you the usual lecture I have to give every time I have a boy and a girl working together." She winked at the hint, oblivious to how close her words struck.
People have no idea, Jennifer thought to me, smiling at Mrs. Selwyn.
I held up a thumbs up sign for the librarian. Best thing about our situation, I retorted. No one would ever suspect.
Seeing that introductions had been dealt with, Mrs. Selwyn got up. "We only have about ten more minutes left in this class period. You may take a look around. I'm late for a meeting," she said, walking towards the exit doors.
I murmured my thanks and Jennifer said that it was nice meeting her. I wandered off into the tall dark bookcases.
Immersed in the world of books, I almost shouted when a hand grabbed my arm and pulled me out of view. I spun around and gasped as Jennifer's lips pressed against mine. We stayed like that, hidden from view of the world and the stinging, piercing eyes, enjoying our first kiss.
The bell sounded, separating us. I chuckled and a faint smile played upon Jennifer's lips. "I can see what my favorite class will be now." I murmured, hugging her.
May 6, 2011
Story Post 13
I love this post. I don't really know why, though.
* * *
"So... this is where we'll be going?" Austen asked, staring at the building in front of us.
"No... this is where you are going," Toby said, and drove off. Tony chuckled and walked towards the brick building. Glancing up, I saw the words "Little Falls High School" engraved in the stone archway. As Tony opened the doubled doors into the school, I leaned backwards as the warm air from inside rushed out. I grabbed Jennifer's hand silently and started to walk beside her. She smiled and squeezed my hand.
Tony walked towards a side door marked "Office." Holding the door open for the others, I reluctantly let go of Jennifer's hand. Tony slowly walked up to the desk where a gray haired secretary was working on some paper work. After waiting for a few moments of waiting patiently, Ralphie sighed loudly and slumped in a office chair and Tony coughed politely.
When the secretary didn't respond, Ralphie yelled, "Hey, wake the freak up!" He smirked when she looked up and glowered at him. Just then, a girl wearing a skirt walked from the hall behind the counter. From how Ralphie sat up quickly from his slouch, I could tell that we'll be hearing a lot about this girl from now on.
I don't think I can stand a month of these thoughts, let alone a year, Jennifer thought to me, gesturing towards Ralphie, confirming my suspicions. I grabbed her hand behind her back, hiding our touch from the others. The girl smiled weakly and blew a wispy strand of pale blond hair from her eyes.
"I'm so sorry about that," the girl said, pulling out a folder that said "White." "Today is my turn at the counter. Mrs. Moore isn't allowed to help." Seeing our confused faces, she explained, "I'm a office assistant; I work in the office, instead of having a class this period. Today, I'm supposed to work at the front desk for the first time without help."
Tony nodded sagely and didn't say anything. Ralphie winked at the girl and she blushed. "I- If you would please follow me, I'll show you the school and get you situated with your schedules," She stuttered, walking out from behind the counter. Tony chuckled and followed her out of the office. Letting go of Jennifer's hand, I followed Tony.
"Here's the library," the girl said, pointing towards a large window with shelves and shelves of books inside. "This will be both Cody's and... Jennifer, right?"
Jennifer nodded silently, smiling and the blond continued speaking, "Cody's and Jennifer's first period. You both are media assistants." She smiled at our surprised expressions. "We've been low on volunteers for working in the library, and from what we've seen of your English scores, we thought that you would be perfect for the job... you can always change your schedules, if you want to." She added, eyebrows furrowed.
I shook my head silently, hardly believing my luck. Beside me, I felt Jennifer shake her head too. Miss Blond shook her head, confused at our reactions and gave each of us a sheet of paper. "These are your schedules for the rest of the day. You better hurry up; class is about to start," she said, pointing towards a set of double doors.
I waved to Austen and Tony. Tony grinned and said, "Stay out of trouble, you two." Jennifer stuck her tongue out at him and started to walk towards the door. I smiled and shook my head and followed her. Looking behind me, I saw Miss Blond usher Tony and Austen down a hallway. I smiled and turned away with a feeling that I would see a bit more of Miss Blond.
* * *
"So... this is where we'll be going?" Austen asked, staring at the building in front of us.
"No... this is where you are going," Toby said, and drove off. Tony chuckled and walked towards the brick building. Glancing up, I saw the words "Little Falls High School" engraved in the stone archway. As Tony opened the doubled doors into the school, I leaned backwards as the warm air from inside rushed out. I grabbed Jennifer's hand silently and started to walk beside her. She smiled and squeezed my hand.
Tony walked towards a side door marked "Office." Holding the door open for the others, I reluctantly let go of Jennifer's hand. Tony slowly walked up to the desk where a gray haired secretary was working on some paper work. After waiting for a few moments of waiting patiently, Ralphie sighed loudly and slumped in a office chair and Tony coughed politely.
When the secretary didn't respond, Ralphie yelled, "Hey, wake the freak up!" He smirked when she looked up and glowered at him. Just then, a girl wearing a skirt walked from the hall behind the counter. From how Ralphie sat up quickly from his slouch, I could tell that we'll be hearing a lot about this girl from now on.
I don't think I can stand a month of these thoughts, let alone a year, Jennifer thought to me, gesturing towards Ralphie, confirming my suspicions. I grabbed her hand behind her back, hiding our touch from the others. The girl smiled weakly and blew a wispy strand of pale blond hair from her eyes.
"I'm so sorry about that," the girl said, pulling out a folder that said "White." "Today is my turn at the counter. Mrs. Moore isn't allowed to help." Seeing our confused faces, she explained, "I'm a office assistant; I work in the office, instead of having a class this period. Today, I'm supposed to work at the front desk for the first time without help."
Tony nodded sagely and didn't say anything. Ralphie winked at the girl and she blushed. "I- If you would please follow me, I'll show you the school and get you situated with your schedules," She stuttered, walking out from behind the counter. Tony chuckled and followed her out of the office. Letting go of Jennifer's hand, I followed Tony.
"Here's the library," the girl said, pointing towards a large window with shelves and shelves of books inside. "This will be both Cody's and... Jennifer, right?"
Jennifer nodded silently, smiling and the blond continued speaking, "Cody's and Jennifer's first period. You both are media assistants." She smiled at our surprised expressions. "We've been low on volunteers for working in the library, and from what we've seen of your English scores, we thought that you would be perfect for the job... you can always change your schedules, if you want to." She added, eyebrows furrowed.
I shook my head silently, hardly believing my luck. Beside me, I felt Jennifer shake her head too. Miss Blond shook her head, confused at our reactions and gave each of us a sheet of paper. "These are your schedules for the rest of the day. You better hurry up; class is about to start," she said, pointing towards a set of double doors.
I waved to Austen and Tony. Tony grinned and said, "Stay out of trouble, you two." Jennifer stuck her tongue out at him and started to walk towards the door. I smiled and shook my head and followed her. Looking behind me, I saw Miss Blond usher Tony and Austen down a hallway. I smiled and turned away with a feeling that I would see a bit more of Miss Blond.
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