Forbiddan #3

03/10/2009 09:19:00 FORBIDDEN: REIVSED DRAFT 1 ← By E.J Macklin. ← Prolog: I heard the buzz around the school, thanks to Maria. ← There was a new student from South Carolina. I didn’t think anything of it. I didn’t really want anything to do with the new student, being shy and all I don’t do good when it comes to making friends. ← When I got to school that day, all the girls were swooning and ← talking about the new student. Well, I knew the new kid was a boy. I went about my normal morning routine, I went to my locker, said hi to Maria, tried to hide from my abusive boyfriend José and went to homeroom. However, when I got to homeroom I didn’t see the mysterious person next to my seat. I just took my seat and looked at the board, though nothing was on it except the date. ← Then, Mr. Harrison walked in right when the bell rang. “Good ← Morning class. I see we have a new student with us today. Class this is Edward Jackson.” He said gesturing towards the seat next to me. I looked over to him, and he looked at me. We stared into each other’s eyes for along time. Then I turned my head back to the board. ← He was in every single class I had, except for chorus, and he ← had a different gym teacher. Still, I saw him almost every minuet of the school day. We didn’t say a word to each other, even though I wanted so badly to say hi and get to know him. ← After I got home from my job at my families diner, I went to ← bed hoping for a goodnight sleep. That night I didn’t get a wink of sleep. All I could about was Edward. And from that moment on, I had a huge crush on someone who wasn’t an actor. Maybe the feelings were more than a crush, but I doubted that. I finally closed my eyes and pictured his face. ← CHAPTER 1: The Day That Changed My Life.

← I never thought my life would change, on that cold wet February day. It started out like any other normal day. I was woken up by my annoying alarm clock. I groaned as I put a pillow over my face. “UGH! Why did both TITANIC and Twilight have to be on the same night?!” I moaned under my pillow. I waited for another 5 seconds, hoping to get a few precious seconds of sleep. Well, it didn’t work. I gave in and slapped the snooze button. I sat on the edge of my bed and looked around my room. ← ← It was nice, not very big. The walls were still pink from my little girl days. I begged Harry(my father) to let me re-paint my room since I was 13. He’s never caved. The walls were covered with poster from teen magazines that I sometimes bought at the local CVS. I took my thick hair out of a pony tail and walked to the full length mirror and looked at my self. I was pretty I guess, maybe a little plain. My skin was alabaster pale. I had wide innocent chocolate brown eyes set on a heart shape face. I wasn’t very tall either. I was only five foot 1, being one of the shortest 17 year olds in my grade. The only person shorter than me was my best friend. ← ← I have long dark brown hair that was thick and curly that gave me a lot trouble in the morning. It also had a reddish tint and highlights. I got that from Harry, the red head. I sighed in disappointment as I took a hair brush and tried to get through the tangle mess known as my hair. I managed to fix it neatly into a side pony tail. I slipped into my favorite pair of jeans from American Eagle. I grabbed a long sleeve ivory white eyelet shirt and put it on. It was a form fitting shirt. It showed that I had a nice little figure. I was thin, but not a stick. I had a nice little petite frame, it matched my height. ←

← My name is Lila Shaw and this was me. A short, pale weakling who couldn’t fend for her self. I shook my head and walked out of the room. I went down the old creaky stairs , gripping on to the railing so I wouldn’t fall. When I reached the first floor, I went to the kitchen and popped in a piece of bread in the toaster. I walked to the refrigerator. I stopped and looked at the picture of my mother, Jane. ← ← My parents were immigrants from Scotland. My father is an wonderful cook, and my mother has an amazing head for business. My father was able to become a legal citizen, however my mother wasn’t able to. She was forced to be deported back to Scotland. It was on my 13th birthday when it happened. The memory of seeing her being taken away still stings. ← ← A tear trickled down my cheek. “Miss you mom.” I said just as my piece of toast pop out. I quickly grabbed some butter and spread it on the piece of toast. Once I was done I took a bite in the toast. It was still dry, very dry. But I couldn’t do anything about it. ← ← I looked at the clock on the oven, 7:12, I had to get a move on to school. I swallowed the rest of the toast whole, and washed it down with orange juice straight from the carton. I slipped in my winter jacket, grabbed my school bag and ran out the door. ← ← I lived in Fairfield Connecticut. A very small town on the coast of Long Island Sound in New England. At this time of year, it was bitter cold, and rather ugly. The trees were bare to the bone. The wind whistled and howled, sending a chill through out my spine. I stopped on the porch and rapped my arms around my body. “COLD! SO COLD!” I screamed as I ran into the garage, witch wasn’t much better. I opened the garage door and opened it with all my strength, witch wasn’t very much. Once I got it opened, I ran to a all black Rav 4 Toyota. It use to belong to Jane. It was on the older side, but it still worked perfectly. ←

← I hoped in the car and turned it on. It roared like a lion. Ok, it wasn’t perfectly perfect, but it still ran well. I put it in reveres, and drove out. As I made my way down the driveway on to the street, I prayed I wouldn’t take the mail box off its hinges, again. Let’s just say I’m not the best driver. I’ve gotten a ticket, or two, or three, or four, and I crashed into a fire hydrant, but that doesn’t really matter dose it? ← ← Anyway, as I drove, my mind began to wonder. It began to worry about my personal hell known as Ludlow High School. Why was it my personal hell? My fake reason, people were always making fun of me because my father owned a small diner and forced me to use a Scottish accent. My real reason where two guys. José Lopez, and Edward Jackson. ← ← José Lopez was a Mexican immigrant, and illegal immigrant I might add. He was my first and is my boyfriend. He doesn’t seam like the kind of guy I would be interested in. He was pretty tall for a Mexican. He stands at 6 feet tall, he had dark skin and was a serious weight lifter. He had stiff hair as black as the midnight sky. He’s eyes were like dried ice. He was extremely scary looking. But when I meet him, he seamed different, gentle almost. Boy do I trust people WAY to easily. After we had been dating for 6 months, he wanted something. Something that I wasn’t about to give him. All he wanted to do was what I was saving for marriage. I told him no, and he got mad. Every time I said no, he would hit me and abuse me. It’s become a routine. When I threatened to tell the police, he said he would burn down my families diner. So, for the past month what I thought was a grate relation ship turned out to be a living nightmare. ←

← And then, there was Edward Jackson. He’s exactly a foot taller than me at six foot one. He’s body was much more boyish than José’s, but he did have his muscles and abs, they just were huge and gross. He had normal white skin, ash blonde hair that was neat, but somewhat messy. However, it was he’s eyes that got to me. He’s eyes were just like Paul Newman’s eyes. They were piercing blue eyes that sparkled like the Caribbean Sea. He was the new kid, he moved from South Carolina a few months a go. He was in my homeroom, and in every signal class besides Chorus. When I first gazed into those unbelievable blue eyes, I fell hard for him. I haven’t spoken to him though, being a even more of a scared little kitten than the cowardly lion. ← ← I could tell I was in a dream like state, because I almost ran over another fire hydrant. I served away and managed to save my mom’s car from another starch. I stopped thinking about school and just drove. After 15 minuets, I was almost there. I pulled up right next to my old middle school bus. Even though my experience at Tomlinson Middle School wasn’t the best, I liked it. I liked it because there was no José, or no Edward. ← ← I pulled into the Ludlow High School parking lot. I circled the lot for a moment, and found a parking space next to a old beat up clunker. I didn’t get out of my car, I just took the keys out and sat there. As I sat there staring into space, someone banged on my window. I jumped. I turned my head, afraid to look. It was José standing next to his old beat up clunker. I got out of my car and stood there. ←

← “Hola Chica” he said with his thick Mexican accent. José was wearing a muscle shirt that showed off all of his gross muscles, and a light jacket and baggy jeans. Not very good clothing for Connecticut in the middle of winter. He leaned in to kiss me. I turned my head, letting him kiss my hair instead. Instead he took some loose strands of hair and ran his fingers through it. I shivered, and it wasn’t from the cold. “José please, not here, not now, not ever.” I whispered under my breath. I began to walk away when he grabbed my shoulder with grate force, and pushed me to the ground hard. I fell on to my knees, and dropped my bag. ← ← He bent down and whispered in my ear “You’ll do as I wish, or mommy’s and daddy’s diner goes bye bye.” He walked away. I sat there on my knees, feeling so helpless and weak. Then a Toyota Camry came and parked on the other side of my car. That was a good sign. ← ← A small girl got out of the car. She was tiny at four foot 11 and was thin. She had puppy dog brown eyes and long thick straight black hair and very tan olive skin skin. This was my best friend Maria Casillo. She’s been friends with me since we were in second grade. We’ve trusted each other like sisters since the day we first meet. I’ve also became the person to keep her in line since we first meet. ← ← She walked up to me with a puzzled look on her face. She chuckled a little, like she thought I had tripped or something. “Did you trip or something?” She asked giving her hand to help me up. I took the hand, and looked at the extreme difference between skin tones. Mine pale, her tan. “Or something.” I mumbled picking up my bag. ← ← Maria growled. “José? I swear the next time I see him I’m gonna kick his sorry Mexican butt!” She growled as we began walking up to the giant brick building. I rolled my eyes. “Maria, if you did that his gang would have your head in a heart beat. I’m surprised they don’t already.” I said. ←

← José was the leader of the ONLY Mexican Gang in Fairfield. They always watched us carefully. They always were up to no good. Always sneaking in, things in school that aren’t aloud. Maria was rambling on and on about that, but I wasn’t paying attention at all. I had other things on my mind. However as I was walking to my locker, I bashed into and open locker and fell flat on my bum. ← ← Everyone was staring at me, and laughing at me. Something I hated. I stood up and ran to my locker before Maria could say anything to me. I opened my locker and hide my face in it. I was blushing like a red tomato, I didn’t need to look embarrassed on top of it. I put my things in, and took my books and slammed it shut. ← ← I walked into homeroom and sat down. I looked down at my desk stared at my note book covered in doodles. “Hello.” I heard a smooth musical voice said. I looked up straight at the white board, somewhat afraid to look at the person sitting next to me. I turned my head slowly to see Edward sitting next to me. ← ← My heart started beating a hundred miles minuet, I forced my self to stair into his stunning blue eyes. “I’m sorry I haven’t introduced my self properly yet. I’m Edward Jackson.” He said, he’s voice soft and calm. ← “I-I’m Lila Shaw.” I said in a sheepish voice, I looked down at the floor, hoping he wouldn’t see me blush. “Wait, you said your last name is Shaw? Your parents wouldn’t happen to own ‘Shaw’s Family Diner’?” He asked. I looked up at him, shocked he knew about my families little dinner. “Yes. My father is the head cook and my mother is the business head. I’m just the hostess.” I said. He smiled. “I thought you looked familiar. My cousin loves that place. I have to admit, it’s a grate little diner.” He said.

I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks. I opened my mouth to speak and nothing came out. I tried again and managed to say “Well, we try.” He smiled, and looked at my hair. He then touched a loose strand from my pony tail. Only this time, I didn’t shiver. “You have such beautiful hair. You should ware it down more.” He said turning away for a moment to look at the board. I quickly took out my pony tail and flipped it. I ruffled it around to bring out the curls. He turned around and laughed. “I was right you do look beautiful with your hair down.” He said just as the bell rang. We both took our pleasure books and read. Or at least I tried to read. My mind went blank. I had a big goofy smile on my face. I couldn’t believe he actually talked to me! At first I was happy, then I got curious. Why was he talking to me all of a sudden? What brought this on? Those same question kept pondering over and over for that half hour. When the bell finally rang, it made me jump right out of my seat. I grabbed my books and walked out of the room before he could say anything. My mind was still somewhere else as I made my way through the hall way, because I bumped into Maria, causing her stumble back and hit her head on a metal pole. “Owww! Okay Lila I know you’re a little clumsy but this is just stupid!” She complained running her head. I sighed and continued walking to Chorus. She followed me looking at me with curious eyes. “What’s gotten into you?” Maria asked. I turned around to her with a huge idiot smile on my face. “You’ll never guess who talked to me for the first time?” I said, my voice higher and louder than normal.

Her eyes grew bigger than normal, her mouth dropped show her shiny white teeth. “EDWARD JACKSON! OH MY GOD!” She said jumping up and down as we reached the stairs. My eyes grew big in panic. “Shush!” I said as we began to walk down the stair case. “Yes. He did.” I whispered in excitement. Maria’s smile only got bigger. “I didn’t he didn’t like any of the girls here. But I shouldn’t be surprised. You’re different.” She said. I have her a harsh look. “In a good way.” She said as we took our places in chorus. The teacher, Mrs. Gibbons walked in. She had her light brown hair wrapped in a loose bun, and had a friendly smile on her face. She was my favorite teacher since I started high school. “Good Morning class. Now, let’s begin with ‘Tonight’” She said taking her place at the piano. Everyone did as she was told and took out the sheet music for “Tonight.” As we were singing, my mind just couldn’t stay in the moment. I couldn’t stop thinking about homeroom. How, I had a big goofy smile on my face, how I did the stupidest thing and took out my hair when he wasn’t looking. Then, I heard a wrong note very loudly. I shook my head. I looked around, and everyone was staring and laughing. “Class, now let’s not be rude. It happens to everyone. Now let’s start again.” She said beginning to play the piano. I made sure that I sung each note right. Well, my effort wasn’t working because I kept singing wrong note after wrong note. Only, I made it quite. When the class was over, I ran out the door before Mrs. Gibbons could talk to me. I made my way to the Art room as fast as I could go with out running. I rushed into the Art room and dropped my things in the cubby. Mr. Warner was glaring at me. I looked at the clock, class has already started. I guess I wasn’t going as fast as I thought I was. I blushed like a red tomato and grabbed my partly done clay mask.

I took my seat and hung my head in my hands. “Are you ok?” I heard a voice ask. I looked up, and saw Edward was sitting next to me. Once again, I forgot he also sat next to me in classes because I was the only table that didn’t have two people. I nodded my head. “Yeah. I’m fine.” I lied. He stared at me right in my eyes. I could have sworn I was going to have a heart attack. I stood up to get some clay to finish my mask. As I touched the cold gooey clay, I couldn’t help to think that this my brain right now. Goop. My brain has been reduced to goop all because of a boy. I ripped a piece of huge piece of clay. I was surprised, I guess I didn’t know my own strength. I walked back to the table and dropped the clay between Edward and I. He chuckled. “Wow. That’s a lot of clay.” He noted. I nodded. “I thought that I’d get extra to ummmm, share.” I said fibbing through my teeth. He seamed to by it, because he just kept smiling and reached for a chunk of clay. I reached at the same time and our hands touched. We waited a seconded and awkwardly pulled. I looked down at the table, blushing yet again. “Sorry.” I muttered. “It’s alright.” He answered taking a piece of clay. I grabbed a piece and just started working. For the first 10, minuets it was silence. I didn’t like it. He just started talking to me since he came here in late November. I didn’t want it to continue. But I wasn’t much when it came to starting conversations. So, I waited for him. After another minuet, I got tried of this silence. So I opened my mouth to speak when Edward said “I’m just curious. Have you lived here your whole life?” He asked.

I gave him a baffled look. What kind’ of question was that? “Yes I have. If you don’t mind me asking why did you ask such a random question?” I asked going back to working on my mask. “Well, it’s just I never saw you until after I moved back here.” He said. I looked up at him. I must have looked shocked because he said “Why do you look so shocked?” I shook my head. “You lived here before? Wouldn’t I have seen you in school?” I asked. “Maybe. What middle school did you go to?” He asked. I paused for a moment, shocked by the direction or conversation had taken. “I went to Tomlinson Middle School.” I answered. “That’s’ why. I went to Fairfield Woods Middle School.” He said. “Oh.” I answered looking down at my mask disappointed. If he hadn’t moved, I wouldn’t be sitting here with him. I started to wonder if that would have been a good thing or a bad thing. “Why did you move?” I asked, grabbing clay and adding it on to my mask. He sighed. “Well, when I was 14 my parents died in a car accident. I had to move down to South Carolina to live with my Grandparents. They were old and very ill, they died in November. Then I had no choice but to go live with my mother’s twin sister and her husband and annoying cousin.” He said. I looked up at him speechless. I felt so bad for him. I know my mother was deported years ago, but she’s not dead, and still have my dad. “Oh. I’m so sorry. That must have been horrible. I couldn’t imagine loosing my parents.” I said. He smiled at me. “Well, it’s like they never left. My Aunt looks just and is exactly like my mother. My Uncle reminds me of my dad and my cousin, her I do with out.” He said. I laughed, trying to make it sound as musical as his. It didn’t even come close. “Oh she can’t be that bad.” I said. He rolled his eyes. “Well you haven’t meet the force known as Abby.” He said.

I couldn’t help but to laugh really hard and let out a snort. I looked down at the table as laughed Edward. “Don’t be embarrassed. I think it’s a very cute laugh.” He said. I shrugged and continued to work on my mask. “So, what space. I parents?” curious.”

about your parents?” He asked. I looked up at starred into was afraid this question would come up. “What about my I asked looking back down at my mask. “Anything. I’m He said.

I looked up at him, squinting my eyes. “Are you always this curious?” I asked. He smiled a crooked smile. “No, but I’m curious about you.” He said. My eyes fluttered, I could feel a small smile on my face, but I shouldn’t be smiling. My smile disappeared and I took a deep breath. “Well, both of my parents are immigrants from Scotland. They came here after they got married. I was born here and have lived in the same house since the day I was born.” I said taking a pause. “My parents opened the diner when I was 3. My father was in charge of the cooking and the cooking staff. My mother took care of the business and money affairs. It wasn’t very popular at first. Then it became very popular when I got older. Then when I was 13 my mom,” I took another pause. “Your mother what?” He asked. I took a deep breath, to prepare my self so I wouldn’t start balling my eyes out. “She was deported back to Scotland.” I said. He was about to say something when Mr. Warner came over and yelled at us for not working. We stopped talking for the rest of the period. As we silently worked, the vision of my mother being taken away played over and over again in my head. I bit my lip, trying not to cry. Then, Mr. Warner bellowed at us to stop what we were doing and to clean up. I put the rest of the clay, witch wasn’t much back in the bin and washed my hands. I didn’t want to talk to Edward, I didn’t want to start crying.

I had managed to avoid him until I grabbed my books. “Your mom got deported back to Scotland?” He asked. I nodded. “Yes, my father was able to become a legal US citizen, but mother wasn’t able to. Long story short.” I said as we walked out of the room. As we were walking, someone bumped into me. I fell into Edwards arms. We awkwardly looked at each other as he let me go. We walked up to science class in silence. Once again, I hated it. Normally I’m the kind of person that likes silence. However, I couldn’t bare it between the both of us. When we finally reached the science class room, he said “Do you get to talk to your mom at all?” He asked. I nodded. “Sometimes. But it’s kind’ of hard with the time difference.” I said sitting down. Edward took his seat next to me, only this time I couldn’t let him distract me. I put my long dark hair in between us, making a dark reddish brunette curtain between us. He pushed my hair behind my ear and looked at me and said “Can I ask you why you are putting your hair in front of face?” He asked. I put my hair back in between us and whispered, “I need to concentrate in this class”. I said. He gave me a crooked smile, and I thought my heart would burst. “Am I distracting? He asked. I put my hair in between our faces as I muttered “To me at least.” The teacher Mr. Hunter walked in the room right at that moment. I sat up straight and looked right at board, he kept a sharp eye on me. He always hated me for some reason. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the best when it comes to science, but come on! I can’t count HOW many times he threatened to put me in summer school, even in November for god sakes.

I could hear a chuckle coming from Edward. I shook my head and kept my eyes on Mr. Hunter. “Alright class. Today we are going to start our unit on the human body by watching a video on the nervous system.” He said as he popped a DVD in the computer. A video, oh boy. This is going to be SOOOOO much fun. I thought. In fact, I was worried about watching the movie. Mr. Hunter always had us review notes and quiz us on them. I knew I was doomed. “Well this should be interesting.” Edward muttered softly. “Alright. Will someone kill the lights?” Mr. Hunter asked. As always, Todd stood up on his chair. “I got it Mr. Hunter dude.” He said. I groaned in disgust. “What’s the big deal?” Edward asked. “Just watched.” I whispered. Todd got from the chair and on to the table and stood up straight. He took a sling shot out of his pocket. “Oh no.” Edward mumbled. Todd took out 6 marbles, one for each light in the room. He put one in and carefully aimed at the light right above him. He pulled back and fired. The light shattered. Everyone in the class room screamed, most took shelter under the table. Mr. Hunter tried to stop Todd, but it was to late. He already had stood up on five other tables and smashed the lights above them. Then, he jumped on to or table. He laughed as he shot the last marble into the light. There was a loud crash, and the glass began falling down. I screamed, thinking I was going to get hurt. As I screamed, Edward pulled me under the table. I looked at him in shock. “Thank you.” I whispered. When the glass stopped falling, everyone slowly came up from under the tables. The marbles had not only smashed the glass but the lights. There was electrical discharge. Everyone screamed louder and hide under the table, including Edward and I.

I was shaking very hard, not only because was it freezing in Mr. Hunters room, and with out the lights it was even colder, but because I was scared out of my mind. As I started to shake harder, I felt something warm around my shoulders. I looked, Edward had taken off his jean jacket and put it on me. I could feel my eyes growing big. “Ummm, thank you.” I said. “It’s not a big deal. Are you ok?” He asked as Todd jumped off our table. “Yes. I’m fine. Just a little scared.” I whispered. “To the Deans office NOW!” Mr. Hunter bellowed. Todd held up the piece sign as his moron friends stood up and cheered for him. “THANK YOU SCIENCE PERIOD 3!” He cried as he ran out of the room before Mr. Hunter could yell at him anymore. He sighed as he mumbled something. “Alright it’s ok to come out. We can at least watch the movie.” Mr. Hunter said as he played the movie as he called the janitor. Well I didn’t know what worse, Todd bashing every single light in the room, or this weird feeling I had. I couldn’t concentrate on the movie at all. All my mind could focus on was the tension I felt between Edward and I. It was like a burning fire inside that just wouldn’t stop. I tensed up fiercely. I glanced at Edward, he’s body looked tense too. I began to wonder if he felt what I was feeling, a burning fire that would not quit. It was so bad, the both of us didn’t take any notes on the video at all. We were doomed. Finally, after a mind boggling hour, Mr. Hunter stopped the movie and began to rewind it. “That was, interesting.” I whispered under my breath as the bell rang. “Very interesting.” Edward replied, his voice stiff. I stood up and stretched, my body was stiff from tensing up like that. I grabbed my books and began to slip out of his jacket, when he put it back on me. “You keep it. I’m perfectly fine.” He said. I should think so, he was wearing a long sleeved shirt that showed off his perfectly muscles, not to big and gross, but just right. “Are you sure?” I asked. “Yeah. Come on, we’ll be late for English.” He said calmly.

As we walked out of the room, I could here to crunching of the glass underneath my shoes. I didn’t like it. “So, you didn’t tell me what happened to your mother. I mean, how did you know she was going to be deported.” Edward said as we made our way across the hallway to Mrs. Andrews room. I didn’t answer him. I didn’t know he wanted to know exactly what happened. “Maybe later.” I said taking our seats. He stared at me. “Why wont you tell me?” He asked. I didn’t answer because the bell rang and Mrs. Andrews walked in. I looked at her desk, there was a stack of books. I heard the class groan as she took one and held it behind her back. “Alright class. Today we are going to start a new book class book. This book however, is based on one of, if not the biggest grossing film ever.” She said. “Twilight?!” An over hyper Twilight fanatic, and standing up. She was wearing a team Edward tee with her light brown hair that was pulled neatly I am a Twilight fanatic. But I wouldn’t show it,

my friend Jen screamed shirt that contrasted back. I have to admit, I’m not proud of it.

Everyone looked a her and laughed. I gave her a small smile and mouthed “Be proud of who you are.” She sat down and cross her arms. “No, but nice try Jen.” Mrs. Andrews said. “No, but she’s on the right track. It is a romance story. This book is based on the movie TITANIC.” She said. Everyone in the room groaned except Jen, Edward and I. I was expecting Jen not the groan. However, I didn’t expect Edward to keep a plain look on his face. I stared at him in shock. “You’re not groaning?” I whispered. He shrugged and shook his head. “Well, I really don’t know the story all that well. I tried to watch the movie once when my cousin forced me, it was alright. I snuck away after the first 15 minuets. I mean, it is a three hour and 30 minuet movie. I wonder how long the book must be.” He muttered as Mrs. Andrews passed out the book. One by one, as each student got a book, they began to destroy it.

She put gave Edward his book and stopped at mine as she put the thick book on my desk. It had a picture of Leonardo DiCabrio and Kate Winslet on the cover. I already knew I was going to like this book A LOT. “I’d bet your really happy about this aren’t you Lila?” She asked. I blushed red like Rose’s hair. “Yes.” I mumbled. Edward looked at me with a crooked grin on his face. I thought my heart would melt. “I didn’t know you liked this.” He said, with a surprise tone in his voice. I looked down at the book, hoping he wouldn’t see me blushing for the hundredth time. “It’s been one of my favorite movies since I was 10 when my mother first let me washed it.” I whispered. I looked up at him as he was reading the back of the book. “Alright class. I know a lot of you aren’t happy with this, but it’s a beautiful love story, and it was the only one I could get my hands on for cheep.” She said, muttering the last part. I shook my head as I opened the book as she began reading out loud. As she was reading, I couldn’t help but to picture Leonardo DiCabrio and Kate Winslet. It was just a habit. Then, all of a sudden I started picturing Edward and me in place of Leonardo DiCabrio and Kate Winslet. I shook my head, thinking it would somehow shake all of my craziness out of my head. For the rest the hour, my mind went back and forth from picturing the actors and Edward and me. It drove me nuts. Finally, when the bell rang I felt a sense of relief. It was time to go to lunch. Today was Tuesday, so us JR’s were lucky enough to have lunch second today. I hastily stood up as I heard Mrs. Andrews and read chapter 2. Edward followed me as room. I slowed down once I knew he was next crooked smile, not even close to the effect think?” I asked casually.

say to finish chapter I briskly walked out to me. I tried to copy his had. “So, what did

one the his you

He sighed in defeat. “I’ll admit, so far I do like it.” He said. I giggled slightly, some how knowing he was going to say that. “I knew you were going to say that.” I said as we began walking down the stair case to the cafeteria. He smiled even bigger as he asked “Do you ESP?” He asked. I smiled and nodded. “Yes I have the sports channel on my T.V, but no I can’t read minds.” I said. He laughed really loud. It sounded so fluid and musical. I could have sworn my heart skipped a beat as we reached the cafeteria. We looked at each other, and oddly it seamed painful to say goodbye, even though I would see him in math class. “Well I guess I’ll see you in math class.” I said as I began to walk to the table I normally sat at. When I got there, Maria wasn’t sitting at her normal spot. I turned to Jen’s table and asked “Hey Jen, where’s Maria?” She sighed. “Well, she got the boot. She has to stay back in class.” She said turning back to gab with the rest of her friends. I sat down at the table, oddly feeling sad. It wasn’t because Maria wasn’t in lunch, but because I couldn’t talk to her. As much as Jen was like a best friend, I’ve really only known her since 7 th grade. Maria I’ve known since second grade. I trusted her like I trusted my mother, and I need to talk. I needed to talk about my day with Edward, and that the moment my mother was deported back to Scotland was replaying in my head over and over again. I could feel my breathing getting faster and faster until it reached hyperventilating. Just as I was beginning to freak out, I heard someone sit next to me. I looked up as there were tears beginning to fill my eyes. Edward was sitting next to me.

“Are you ok?” He asked. I shook my head. “I’m fine.” I said totally lying through my teeth. He looked at me with a sincere look on his face. Oddly enough, I felt like I could trust him. “Are you sure?” He asked. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. “Well, I just keep thinking about the day my mother got deported.” I whispered, my voice on the edge of tears. “What happened?” He asked. I took another deep breath and opened my eyes. “Well, it happened on May 13th, my 13th birthday. My mother was home when I left for school that day. Everything was normal. Then when I came home, I saw cops dragging her out of the house with hand cups around her. I never felt so unless and helpless. I couldn’t do anything to help my father who was crying more than me. It still hurts and I still miss her so much.” I said, the tears I was trying to hold back folding out. I was beginning to cry uncontroabaly, but softly. I held my head down, waiting to hear his response. He didn’t say anything. I looked up to see he wasn’t even there. I began hyperventilating and the tears came out a little more. I couldn’t believe him! I trusted him and he just walked away. Then, as I looked down I heard someone sit down next to me. I looked up to see Edward sitting next to me with a tray of food, a lot of food. He opened a can of Lemonade and put it in front of me. “Drink.” He ordered. I listened to him and took a big sip of the lemonade. It wasn’t bitter at all, it was very sweet, kind’ of like someone else I knew, someone who was sitting next to me. It’s horrible what the government will do to immigrants. They tare about families to the core, forcing a child to become an adult all to soon. Believe me, I know what it’s like to loose parents and having to become an adult. It’s not fun.” He said pausing. I took a deep breath. He was right on the money.

“Lila, how old are you?” He asked. I fluttered my eyes surprised as I grabbed a hamburger that was on the tray. “17, I’m turning 18 on May 13th, same age as you. Why do you ask?” I said. He shook his head as he took a bite of a pizza slice and said “You had to grow up at a very young age. You must be very mature.” He said. I laughed shaking my head. “What’s so funny?” He asked. I shook my head and again said “Well, my mother said I was born 30 and get older every year.” He smiled again, and all of a sudden I felt a little better. I took a bite of the hamburger, giving my self a chance to stare right into his eyes, toughs amazing blue eyes. After my failed attempted to just share his eyes, he started to talk again. For the rest of lunch, we just laughed, and talked. For the first time I felt at ease around a boy. Honestly, it felt strange. Just as lunch was about to end I saw a bunch of boys walking over to the table. They were short, about five foot ten. They all had the same ruff dark skin and shaved black hair and brown eyes, José was the only one who had blue. These were the members of José’s gang, Jake, Gorge, Pepe, and Bernardo. “Edward, I’m going to go throw the garbage away. I’ll be right back.” I said in a soft voice. “Are you sure?” He asked. I nodded as I took the tray full of food and walked towards the garbage can. José’s gang followed me. I tossed the trash away and walked over to put the tray back. “Hola chica. Say, what were you doing with that white boy?” Bernardo asked.

I bit my lip and stood up straight, trying not to look so small and helpless. “Maria had to stay back in class and couldn’t come to lunch. So he was giving me company. It’s nothing.” I said, my voice surprisingly sounding strong and brave, but it was very week. José touched my shoulder and breathed agents my neck. I didn’t like it at all. To me, his breath was like venom. I shuttered as José whispered “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll never say another word to him, or spend time with him anymore. If I see you with him one more time, your mommy and daddy’s diner will regret it.” He whispered letting go of my shoulder with a thrust. I stumbled and caught myself on the nearest table. I was shaking as I walked back to the table Edward and I were sitting at. He looked at me with anxious eyes. I looked at my reflection in the window for a second. I looked terrified. “Are you alright? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He said. I sat down and nodded and tried to smile. “Yeah. I’m alright.” I whispered as the bell rang. We stood up and walked to math class. The whole way we didn’t talk, and it was driving me crazy again. However it was different, because he smiled the whole way. I think he was trying to make me feel better, and it worked. All through math class I learned something about him. Edward was REALLY good at math and science, things I tend to suck at. All through class I wanted to ask him for help, but once again Mr. Harrison was a strict teacher. I also learned something else about him, he sucked at history. In Social Studies, he had a baffled look on his face, and Mrs. Jonesburg warned him about summer school. Well, I knew I could help him. Social Studies has always been my best subject. I wanted to mention that but Mrs. Jonesburg was a total witch, she made the Wicked Witch of the West look like Mother Teresa.

As we were walking out of the room, he sighed an moaned “Ok, I hate that woman.” He muttered. I nodded. “Yeah, but it’s worth it. I LOVE Social Studies.” I said, the smile on my face getting bigger. He shrugged. “I’ve never been a fan of history. I’ve never been good at it.” He said just as we made it to the locker rooms. “Well, maybe I could help you.” I said. We looked at each other, it almost seamed painful to say good bye. But I realized I wouldn’t be saying good bye, but we wouldn’t talk to each other. “Ummm so I guess I’ll see you later.” I said just as Maria pulled me into the locker room. She didn’t even stop to let me put my books down in a cubby, she only let my drop them. She didn’t stop pulling me until we reached our lockers. “Ok, Lila what was THAT about?” She asked as I began changing. “What was what about?” I asked. Maria slapped me on the back of my head. “You moron you KNOW what I’m talking about. You and Edward that’s what.” She said as I finished changing and she started. “We have most of our classes together so we just talked. It’s not a big deal.” I said. She gave me a look just as she slammed her locker shut. “I’m talking about the look in your eyes when you had to say good bye. It looked like it pained you, the both of you. I think he likes you.” Maria said as we began walking to the gym. I laughed very hard. To me, that sounded like the most unthinkable thing, a guy like him, liking a girl like me. “Maria, you and your imagination. So creative.” I said patting her head. Maria snapped at my hand and rolled her eyes. “You are SO blind.” She said as we walked into the gym. I shook my head and just stood there. We were waiting to play a game of soccer, but we had to get it set up.

José walked over to me. “Hola Chica.” He said puckering his lips to kiss me. I turned around on my heels, letting him kiss the back of my head. He chuckled, an evil chuckle that sent shivers through out my whole body. “Come chica. You know you want to kiss me. You know you want love me.” He said. Maria was loosing her temper and turned me around and walked up to him. This was a sight to see. Maria was a tiny girl a four eleven and was a size 0. José was six feet and a serious weight lifter. If she irritated him, he could snap her like a twig. “Her name isn’t chica, and it isn’t girl either! Her name is Lila! And she isn’t a toy you can abuse and leave!” She yelled. José laughed. “You can’t do anything about it. I’m more than a foot taller than you and bench 120. You are no match for me.” He said laughing. Maria tighten jaw. I got a funny feeling in my stomach, a bad feeling. When ever she got mad she tighten her jaw. This was going to get REAL ugly REAL fast. “I can tell the police that you abuse Lila, and that you threatened to burn down there family diner, and that you’re an illegal immigrant.” She challenged, her jaw turning upward into a condescending smile.

He laughed. “I wouldn’t be talking if I were you. Unless you want word to get out your father was a member of the daphnia. Or, I could lie and say he was the leader.” He said. Maria growled even louder. Yes it was true, her father Tony Casillo WAS a member of the New York daphnia when he lived there. He gave up his ways though and he is a good man. It always got Maria mad when anyone mentioned that. Her smile turned into a frown, and her normally playful brown puppy eyes were blazing with rage and furry. “My father is a good man with a bad past! Take it back! Take it back you-you WET BACK!” She said in a angry whisper. He got mad, tighten his jaw. He pushed her to the ground, she landed on her bum. “Don’t you ever talk to me like that again you whop!” He said.

“HEY! Don’t you him. He closed pushed me, much my head on the walking away.

EVER call her that- you wet back!” I yelled pushing his eyes, tighten his jaw. He opened his eyes, and harder than he pushed Maria. I fell backwards and hit hard gym floor. “I’ll see you later chica.” He said

The pain in my head was awful. My head was throbbing with pain, everything sounded far away. I could feel tears from the pain in the back of my eyes. I fought back. Maria stood up and rubbed her tiny back side. “That’s it Lila! DUMP HIM! DUMP HIS MEXICAN BUTT!” She cried. I couldn’t take it, I let a whimper of pain through my sealed lips. Maria looked down at me, confused. “Lila?!” She said, a little to loud. At that moment everyone came crowding around me. Grate, not only was in a lot of pain physically, I was humiliated. Everyone kept asking “Lila? Lila are you ok?” I ignored everyone of there questions. Then, I heard someone call my name. “LILA?” I heard the voice call. Strangely enough, I knew that voice the moment I heard it. I shouldn’t know it so well. I knew I shouldn’t but I did. It was Edward. He came right by my side. I looked right up into his anxious eyes. “Lila are you alright?” He asked. I nodded, then wincing at the pain. “I’ll help her to the nurses office.” He said to the teacher as he helped me up. I stood up. The red and blue mats that surrounded the walls were spinning like I was on a ride. I wobbled and began to fall. Edward caught my arm. I stood, and leaned on him for support. He walked me out of the gym, with everyone staring at me. Once we got through the gym doors, Edward did something if I wasn’t in so much pain I would have cheerfully beat him for. He scoped me into his arms and carried me to the nurses office. “WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR DOING?!” I said, trying to yell but it just came out horse and week.

He smiled “Oh come say something, but little louder than tone. “It hurts.” I

on Lila. You shouldn’t walk.” He said. I tried to for some reason I started whimpering in pain, a back in the gym. “Lila?” He asked in an anxious whimpered.

He began to sooth me, something I wasn’t somewhat use to. When he made it to the nurses office, she on the phone talking to someone. She got a horrified look on her face as she stared at Edward holding me, whimpering in pain. “I’m going to have to call you back.” She simply said slamming the phone down on the hook. “What happed?” She asked running up to me. “She fell in gym and hit her head hard on the floor.” He said setting me down on the cot. The nurse quickly grabbed an icepack and put it on my head. “On a scale of one to 1-10 sweetie, how’s the pain?” The nurse asked. To my surprised, I opened my mouth and whimpered “11.” Edward and the Nurses faces went white. “I’m calling the hospital.” She said running back to the phone. As the phone rang she said to Edward “You can go back to class now”. He looked down at me, beginning to cry slightly over the pain. “I’m suppose to stay with her.” He answered. She shrugged and began talking to someone. He sat down next to me on a chair by the cot. He didn’t say anything at all. I did something I wouldn’t normally do if I wasn’t in so much pain. I took his hand. His skin felt so warm and smooth. Unlike mine witch at the moment felt cold and hard at the moment. He just looked at me and said “Lila, I saw that you got into a spat with someone. Did he push you down?” He asked. Oh no, he must have seen that little spat between José and saw him push me. Grate, how was I going to deny what he saw with his own eyes?

“No, I’m a little clumsy that’s all.” I said, my voice sounding like I was on the edge of tears. Just then, the nurse came over and said “Sweetie, I called your father also and he’s on his way to the hospital.” She said. I groaned, he would call my mother and then she would call up all worried. Just at the moment, paramedics came in. They carefully lifted me on to the gurney and strapped a neck brace on me. By then everyone was crowed around the nurses office staring at me. Perfect, just what I needed. Throbbing head pain and humiliation AGAIN! As I was being carried away on the gurney, I looked back at Edward. He’s face was white, and he’s eyes looked worried. I tried to remember his face as I was being driven to the hospital. The rides seamed to take hours, of it felt like it was hours, but really it was only minuets. When we finally pulled into the ER parking lot, I saw my Harry waiting inside. He’s pale blue eyes were filled with worry. He ran to my side as they wheeled me in. “Lila are you alright?” He asked in his thick Scottish accent. I nodded, trying not to wince at the pain. “Yeah I’m fine. I just fell and hit my head.” I said. He shook his head and muttered something I couldn’t make out. They wheeled me into the X-ray room and lied my down on a cold hard table. They placed a hard lead vest over my body. It felt to heavy. After they finished, I was wheeled into the ER again. As I laid there, my head still throbbing, my father was pacing back and forth, complaining about the doctor not coming to check on me. Normally, I would have said something, but my head hurt to much. After 15 minuets the doctor came with my X-ray in hand. He told us that I had a minor concision, and that they wanted me to stay over night just to be safe. I told him I was fine, but he instead on having me stay over night. I gave up and accepted defeat.

“Lila, are you sure you’re going to be ok?” Harry asked. I nodded, wincing at the pain. “Yeah dad. I’ll be fine. I’ll see you in the morning.” I said trying to smile. He kissed my forehead and walked away. I sighed, wincing and whimpering at the pain as I waited to be moved into a room for the night. As soon as I got in the hospital gown and in the bed, a nurse gave me morphine. I didn’t want to sleep at all. I wanted to stay awake. However, the medication took over me. I closed my eyes and fell into a deep sleep. Chapter 2: Secrets I woke up to pitch black. I sat up and looked around. I couldn’t see two feet in front of me. However, I could see something, or someone I should say. It was Edward. He stood out in the serial blackness. He walked over to me and gentle stroked my cheek. Then, I did something I would never consider doing. I pulled him in closer by his shirt. We stared at each other for a moment. “Lila.” He breathed on to my skin. Unlike when José breathed on me, his breath sent tingles down my spin, but not of fear. It felt good. Then what happened next was surprising, but enjoyable. He grabbed my face gently and kissed me. My body turned into go in the hospital bed. Then, my natural shyness went away, and I kissed him back. I sat up and he rapped his arms around me. Then, all the worry and pain went away. I felt safe in his arms. I gripped his hair, and fell back on to the bed still gripping his hair. Then all of a sudden, I heard a beeping sound, the sound of someone coding. I gasped and sat up. It was bright and sunny. I sighed and lied down. My head was still throbbing but not quite as bad as yesterday. At that moment, I saw someone run into the room. It was Maria. She screamed “LILA!” For joy as she hugged me tightly.

“Maria, do you mind getting off of me? I’m glad to see you, but my head is still throbbing.” I said. She quickly let go of me. She dressed rather nice. She had on her good winter swing coat. She had skinny jeans that showed off her extremely petite figure with uggs. “Sorry.” She said looking down. I looked at the clock on the wall. It was almost 8:00 PM. “Maria, why are you here? You’re going be late for school,” I asked. She got a big smile on her face. “I’m not going to school. Your father asked me to take care of you today. So basically we’re going to watch our favorite movies.” She said. I groaned. Of cores my father wouldn’t want me to be alone. “Oh and there’s someone else here to see you.” She said still smiling. I gave her a confused look. I didn’t know who else would be here besides Harry. “My dad?” I asked. She shook her head. “No, he signed the papers he needed to sign and had to go back to the diner.” She said. I sighed, of cores he couldn’t stay to make sure I was ok. “Oh. Well who is it?” I asked. Her smile got even bigger. Just then, Edward walked in. My heart began beating faster and faster. I could feel my cheeks beginning to blush. “Hello.” He said. “Hi.” I replied, glancing at Maria. She took it as her cue to leave us alone. She winked as she walked out of the room. He sat on the edge of my bed. “How are you?” He asked, smiling my favorite crooked smile. I sat up, everything began spinning a little. I tried to focus on him. “I’m fine. My head still hurts but I’ll be ok. I ummm, never got to thank you for yesterday.” I said in a sheepish voice. “It was no trouble. I would have done what any sane person would have done. You still aren’t mad at me for carrying you?” He asked. I laughed, and for the first time it sounded effortless. “A little. But I’m not one to hold grudges.” I said. He’s smile got bigger. My heart once again began to skip a beat.

“Grate. I was worried that you would still be mad. Well I was just worried about you.” He said. I felt my mouth open to try and speak, but nothing came out. I closed it and tried to find the right words to say. I opened my mouth and all that came out was “Really?” in a weak yet curious voice. He nodded. I looked at the clock again, if he didn’t leave now, he would be late. “Aren’t you going to be late for school?” I asked. He’s smile disappeared. “Well, I can always get a pass from the office.” He said. I nodded. “Oh right. Well I don’t want you to get in trouble.” I said. He smiled. “Well, I’ve never been late before. So I think just once I’ll get off the hook.” He said standing up. I looked down, hoping he wouldn’t see how painful it was to say good bye to him. “Well, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” I whispered. “Until tomorrow.” He said walking away. I was left breathless as Maria walked in with the biggest smile on her face. She sat next to me as she said “He likes you, and you like him.” She said. I snorted. “Would you let it go? Seriously. It’s not possible.” I whispered, sounding a little pained. She rolled her eyes ad she threw a pair of jeans and long sleeved shirt at my face. “You are so blind. Go get changed so I can bring you home.” She muttered. I stood slowly, thankfully the room wasn’t spinning. I walked to the bathroom and shut the door. I quickly changed into the cloths, glad to get out of the flimsy hospital nightgown. I slipped into my shoes and ran out of the room. Maria still had a look on her face, like she was annoyed. I rolled my eyes as I said “Maria, get over it.” I walked out of the room, only to have her following me saying “No I wont. You should no me better than that.” She muttered giving me my winter jacket. I rolled my eyes again, but she was right. I did know her better. I knew she wouldn’t stop asking me about this until I gave in and told her the truth.

When we walked outside, I forgot how cold it was. Even though I was wearing my winter jacket, I gasped out of the coldness. “OH MY GOD! IT’S SO COLD!” I gasped. Maria laughed. “What’s wrong? You have your jacket on?” She said as we reached her car. I growled her. She was different than most people I knew. Maria LIVED for the cold. She loved it. So, every time I complained about the cold she found it funny. I opened the passenger door and got in as fast as I could. It was even colder in her car than it was outside. I bit my lip so I couldn’t scream. She turned on her car, and thankfully cranked up the heat. I was silent for most of the car ride. I let Maria talk about her first date over the weekend. She was going out Drake, a nice decent boy, her type. She talked about how amazingly her father approved of him. At that point my mind began to go back to when my father first meet José. At first, he didn’t approve at all. However, by the end of the diner he approved of him completely. That was 6 months ago. If he knew what he was doing with me, he wouldn’t approve of him at all. I finally said “I’m really happy for you Maria. Now, if we can only find someone for Jen.” As we pulled in the driveway to my house. She laughed “Yeah, but I don’t think she’ll go out with anyone unless the guy looks, acts and is a vampire like Edward Cullen.” She said. I shook my head, it was totally true. I looked out the window shield. By some miracle, my car was there. I jumped out of Maria’s car and ran to mine. I turned to her, I could feel that my mouth had dropped. She ad a big smile on her face. “How is my car here?” I asked in shock. She still had a smug smile on her face as she said “My father dropped it off while you were n the hospital. Now let’s get inside so we can start watching those movies!” She said jumping up and down in delightment as she made a mad dash to the front door.

I shook my head as I chuckled and made my way into the front door. She was already making popcorn by the time I shut the front door behind me. “So, what movie are we watching first?” I asked slipping my coat on to the coat rack. “TITNAIC! Ohhh the love, the horror, THE DICABRIO!” She swooned taking the popcorn out of the microwave. I clapped in agreement. I’ll admit I had a thing for Leonardo DiCabrio for awhile, a good solid 4 years, 10-14. I followed her as we walked into the living room where we had a HD T.V. I know, we had a lot of stuff for living off of the money my father makes, and my small paycheck I get from being a hostess. We’ve had this stuff when my mother still lived here, and weren’t able to part with the big flat screen HD T-V. I popped in the first DVD and hit play. We plopped down on the couch and began eating the popcorn. As the movie went on, it came to the part where they showed a close up of Leonardo DiCabrio’s eyes. For the first time since I was 14, I swooned and turned on my back. The blood began to rush to my head, making the pain worse. I sat up and looked at Maria. She had a smile of her face. “Ohhh, someone has a crush on a Leo again?” She asked giggling. I smirked. “No! The character though, just, I don’t know kind’ of reminds me of Edward.” I said. Maria shrugged. “Maybe that’s why you love him.” She said. I gave her a harsh stare. I couldn’t believe what she was saying. “First you say I like him and now you say I LOVE him?” I asked. She smiled. “If there’s one thing I know about you, is that the very few times you’ve fallen for a guy at school, you fall hard.” She said. I rolled my eyes. “I’m not going to answer you.” I said looking back at the T.V. She shrugged again. “Fine, but you and I both know we can’t keep secrets from each other. So, I’ll fine out.” She said.

I sighed, she was right. In all the years we’ve been friends, we haven’t kept one secret, and if we did, it didn’t last long. I hung my head and shook it. “If I tell you, you can’t tell a soul.” I whispered. Maria clapped for joy. “It’s true. I like him- a lot.” I asked. She smiled as she paused the movie and sat cross legged, like a child waiting to hear a bedtime story. “How much is a lot?” She asked. I sighed again as I whispered “More than he probably likes me.” She laughed at my statement, as if it was the most absurd thing on the planet. “Oh I think your wrong there my friend. I saw the look on his face you got hurt, and believe me he looked at pale as you, and he looked very worried. Oh and let’s not forget the fact he carried you to the nurses office.” She said, her eyes growing big at making a mistake of admitting something she shouldn’t have. My eyes grew big as I gave her a furious glare. “YOU SAW THAT?! What did you do?” I asked, sounding a lot harsher than normal. She kept a blank look on her face as she said “I followed you and Edward after you left the gym”, not sounding ashamed at all she spied. I put my hand over my eyes and shook my head. “Alright, so you saw me crying.” I mumbled. She snorted “Yeah and I also saw he soothing you.” She said. I shook my head as I whispered “You didn’t see me reach for his hand in the nurses office did you?” I asked. I took my hand away from my eyes and saw that she had a shock look on her face. “You say what now?” Maria asked. Opps, major opps. I could feel a blank look on my face. “You didn’t see that did you?” I asked. She shook her head. I slapped my forehead, feeling annoyed that I opened my mouth in the first place.

Her wide puppy eyes only got bigger and fuller of excitement and curiosity, she wanted to know more, perfect just what I needed. “So what happened next?” She asked. “Nothing. I was taken to the hospital after that. I got an x-ray and was told I had to stay over night. They gave me some meds to help the pain and to help me sleep. Then after I feel a sleep…” I said, my voice trailing off. Because I left her hanging, her eyes were filled with more curiosity. “What happened?” She asked. I sighed, of cores I said to much, again. Now, I had to tell her about that dream. “Well, I had a dream. A dream about, Edward. In the dream I woke up in the middle of the night. Everything was pitch black, I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face. But, I could see something, or someone very clearly, Edward. He walked up to me, and I did something I would never do if I was dreaming. I pulled him closer but his shirt caller. He whispered my name, sending tingles down my spin. Then, he grabbed my face gently and kissed me. Then, I don’t know, but all of a sudden my shyness went away, and I kissed him back. I sat up, and he put his arms around me, and I gripped his hair, and I fell back on to the bed. I heard the sound of someone coding and that made me wake up.” I whispered, looking down at my feet, waiting to hear her reaction. She didn’t say anything, so I looked up at her. Her wide eyes were even wider with shock. Her jaw was dropped, making her small round face look long. She slowly closed her jaw, but her eyes still stayed wide. “Lila, I don’t know what to say. But now I know I’m right! You do TOTALLY LIKE HIM! Not just like him LOVE him!” She said clapping.

I rolled my eyes, regretting that I told her the most personal dream I had ever had in my life. I played the movie again angrily. “Can we get back the movie?” I asked, keeping my eyes on the screen. She groaned and mumbled something I shouldn’t say out loud. After we cried at the end of “TITANIC,” we watched yet another movie with a tear jerking movie “West Side Story”, we belted it out the songs we knew, witch meant every song, and Maria showed off that she could dance by perfectly mimicking the dance moves in the gym scene. After we cried some more, we watched a movie much less of a tear jerker, “Twilight”. Maria was only a fan of the movie, not the books. Even though she had a boy friend, she had the biggest crush on Taylor Launter. She latterly drooled when ever he was on the screen, witch was why I was NOT going to “New Moon”, she might have a heart attack due to Taylor being shirtless. The hours past by and she had to leave for dinner. I got up and stuffed left over meat loaf in the microwave, Harry ate dinner at the diner and was always home by 8:00 P.M. I sat down and buried my head in my folded arms. I couldn’t believe I told Maria my biggest secret, and she found it as a way to prove she was right and I was denying the fact I had feelings for him. My head was in a daze, so much that when the microwave went off it made me jump. I shook my head in distress as I took out the meatloaf. I sat down at the kitchen table and ate the meatloaf right out of the container. I sighed, feeling very lonely, and confused. It’s moments like theses I wish my mom was here.

At that moment, the rang. I put down my fork and reached over to the phone on top of the white microwave and answered it. “Hello?” U said in a soft voice. “Lila? Lila is that you?” I heard Jane ask, her frantic Scottish voice some how soothing. “Yes mom. It’s me.” I answered with a sigh. She gave a grate sigh relief. “Thank the lord! Lila are you alright? Your father told me what happened yesterday.” She ranted. Oh grate, I knew this was coming. I didn’t, speak. I just listen to her rant. Then, her said something that almost made me drop the phone. “Lila, there’s something I need to talk to you about. I about that Mexican boyfriend of yours.” She said. I felt my body go numb. I felt the phone slipping through my fingers as my mind began racing with fury. I gripped the phone as I said in a flat voice “How much do you know?” “Oh I know everything. I know that he was the reason why your hurt now, and I know he’s been hurting you for the past month. Now my question is why in the hell do you put with this Lila? You’re stronger and above this!” She ranted, again. I was loosing it, my whole body was shaking, my eyes began to swell with tears. I tried to fight them back as I spoke. “It’s complicated” I said, my voice braking twice. I heard my mother snort in disbelief. Oh if only she knew WHY it was so complicated she wouldn’t react like that. “Lila, it’s not. You just tell him it’s over. Worst comes to worst you have to involve the law and put a restraining order on him or something.” She said, her voice in a scolding tone. I shook my head franticly. My fight agents holding back the tears was loosing, they were flooding out as I spoke. “Mom, he’s an illegal immigrant! The reason he started abusing me is because he, he wants to do the one thing I promised you I would save for marriage. I DID threaten to tell the cops that he was abusing me, and that he was an illegal immigrant. But, he threatened to burn down the diner if I told anyone.” I sobbed.

There a pause of silence, followed by a high pitched “WHAT?!” from Jane. I was silent as I heard her scream, yell and cuss a little. I would have spoken up, but I couldn’t find my lips. Then, when there was a pause from her rant I spoke. “Can I ask you something? How did you find out?” I asked. “A mother just knows.” Jane answered. I wasn’t totally sure what that meant. Either, it was her mothers intuition and she could just tell something was wrong, or Maria told her. “Maria told you didn’t she?” I asked bitterly. Jane was hesitant as she spoke. “Well, yes she did.” She said, sounding a little sheepish like me. I rolled my eyes and growled “Remind me I need to cheerfully beat her!” My mother laughed, seaming to find that funny. “You think I’m joking.” I said. Then, our conversation took a shocking turn. A turn, that I was hoping it wouldn’t take. “She also told me you had your eye on this boy, Edward Jackson I think that’s what she called him.” Jane said. At that moment, I dropped the phone, letting fall to the floor with a crash. I sat there, my hand shaped like I was still holding the phone. “Lila?” I heard the muffled voice of Jane called. I shook my head and picked up the phone. “Yes. I do have, a crush on that boy.” I said, witch was a total underestimate. My feelings have since soared far behind the crush zone. I wasn’t about to tell her that though. “Tell me what he’s like!” She begged. I bit my lip, hesitating to speak. “Well, though he lived here for most of his life, his father was from South Carolina and he’s a very Southern Gentlemen.” I began. She sounded pleased with that. “You don’t find many of those around any more, well unless you’re in the South.” She muttered. “He’s had a ruff life for the past couple of years though. He’s parents died in a car crash when he was 14, and he had to live with grandparents down in South Carolina. He’s grandparents got ill and died last November.” I said, pausing to hear her reaction.

“That poor thing! Who dose he live with now?” She asked. “He lives with he’s mother twin sister, her husband and daughter. He claims to LOVE his aunt and uncle, but he can’t stand his cousin.” I said. “What dose he look like?!” Jane demanded. I paused for a moment. Words could not describe how beautiful he was. “Well, he’s about 6’1. He has sandy blonde hair that’s neat, yet messy at the same time. He’s skin is white, but not alabaster white like me. He’s eyes. He’s eyes are EXACTLY like Paul Newman’s. Big, sparkling blue Caribbean eyes.” I gushed, feeling a swoon coming along, I fought back the erge. “Oh my god, he sounds very handsome.” My mother said. That was a MAJOR understatement, he was beautiful beyond words, or even pictures. “He is.” I simply answered. Just at that moment, I heard someone in the background yelling at my mother to shut up and go back to sleep. I looked at the clock. It was 7:45, that would have to mean it was almost 1:00 a.m in Scotland. “Mom, it’s late, you should get some sleep.” I suggested. “Alright fine. I’ll talk to you soon. I love you.” She said. “Love you to.” I said, hanging up the phone. I banged my head on the table in frustration. I sopped after a minuet because my head was killing me. Though it wasn’t even 8:00, I was tired, and banging my head on the table when it was already killing me was NOT the best idea I’ve ever had. I trudged to my bed room. I changed out of my cloths and into my pajamas with out even knowing it. I clicked on the T.V, turned off the light and went to sleep, hoping for a dreamless night. I didn’t get what I wanted.

I opened my eyes to find my self a lying on a rolling green hill. I sat up and looked behind me. There was a small brick building. I recognized the building, it was my elementary school, Holland Hill. As I was trying to figure out why I was here, I could see smoke in the back round. My heart stopped. The diner was one street away from the school. I started shaking like a small dog, “No, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” I screamed. I started to go into a panic attack. I started hyperventilating, everything started spinning. As I was having my little panic attack, I heard an evil baritone laughter. I turned around to see José with a match in one hand, and a switch blade in the other. I stood up, surprised that my balance wasn’t effected by my dizziness. “Why did you do it José? I didn’t tell the cops, no one knows. Why did you do it?” I asked, my voice the weakest it’s ever sounded. His evil smile was turned into a frown. “Why? Because you were cheating on me with that gringo” He said. My heart stopped. I knew who he was talking about, Edward. At that moment, I wasn’t sure if this was a dream or not. For one thing, you can’t feel pain in a dream. I was feeling a lot of pain. The reason it could be a dream, José had said I cheated with Edward. That didn’t make any sense. The first time we talked was two days ago, how could he come to the conclusion I was cheating on him? “I’m not cheating on you. As much as I can’t stand you, I don’t have the heart to cheat.” I gritted through me teeth. He walked closer, you would think I had the right sense to back away, but I was just to scared. “Chica, I saw you two together. The cats out of the bag.” He said slowly backing up a little. He tossed the pack of cigarettes behind his shoulder. He still kept his switch blade firmly in his big hand. He lifted it up about the level of my stomach.

My stomach was in knots, my heart stopped cold. He walked closer. I tried to scream for help, but nothing came out. He kept walking closer. I closed my eyes and waited for the end. Then, his foots steps stopped. I know he hadn’t stabbed me, I didn’t feel the pain, or the blooding oozing out. I opened my eyes to see someone in front of me. My heart stopped as I slowly looked up and saw the head of sandy blond hair. It was Edward. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” I screamed. He turned back, and had a smile on his face. “Do you trust me?” He asked. I nodded, not even considering thinking about the truth. He turned around to José. He chuckled, a evil chuckle that sent chills down my spin. “Even better. Now I can kill the tramp, and the punk she’s been seeing behind on my back.” He growled. “Don’t hurt the girl, she didn’t do anything.” Edward said. José and Edward walked forward, until they were about an inch apart. I stood there in fear. “Just let the girl go, and no one gets hurt.” Edward spat through his clenched teeth. “Is that a challenge?!” José barked. Edward didn’t answer. As I watching them, I couldn’t help but to make a connection. The Hispanic, and the American fighting, one with a switch blade. The knot of fear in my stomach got even worse. This was A LOT like West Side Story, and if there’s one thing I know from that story is that the lead with sandy blonde hair Rift dies. My heart felt like it was about to give out as José took the blade, and lunched it at Edward neck. “NOOOOOOO!” I shrieked as the blade was about to brake Edwards skin. The next thing I knew was I was sitting up in my bed panting and sweating. I had my quilt clutched in my hand. I turned on my nightstand lamp and looked at my clock. It was 3:45 AM. I stood up and went to the bathroom. I turned on the foist, and put my hands under the cold water. I cupped the water in my hands and splashed it on to my face.

I looked up at the mirror after I dried my face with a wash cloth. I was still me, paled skinned, brown hair, brown eyes. Yet some how, I WAS different. Though my eyes still looked the same, you could just tell I was hiding something. My eyes have always given away what I really felt, witch has always annoyed me. No, these eyes were the eyes of a girl who was loosing her mind over a boy. I couldn’t let this happen. I couldn’t be falling in love with someone I practically just met! However, when I was around him I felt at ease. I felt happy, safe. When I was away from him he’s the only thing I can think about with out force. Was I really in love with him? Maybe I was, but I wasn’t going to make such an emotional dissuasion when I was half awake and loosing my mind. I shook my head and tip-toed to my room. I turned the volume down a little, and just closed my eyes. I finally got what I wanted, a peaceful dreamless night. I was in a deep, black sleep. So much, that when my alarm clock went off it sent a grate deal of shock through out my body. I sat up fast, the force causing me to fall off my bed. I landed with a thud. I stood up slowly and looked around my room. Everything still looked the same. The walls were still a very faint pink, covered in posters from teen magazines. I looked at my reflection in the window. I still looked the same, maybe a little tired. I didn’t feel like taking a shower, so I just got dressed. I brushed my hair, it was more wavy instead of curly, I didn’t like how it looked so I slipped it back in a pony tail.

I slipped on a pair of Levis, my favorite royal blue long sleeve shirt, and my black converse of cores. I walked down stairs, the creaky steps making me jump more than normal. When I reached the kitchen, I just sat at the table, staring at the oven. My mind went blank for the first time in days. At first it felt good, just staring there in a daze, not thinking about anything. Then, it got REALLY annoying. I never felt like such a air head. I didn’t like that feeling. I shook my head, making me come back from mars and back to earth. I was still looking at the clock. It said it was 7:15. Ugh, I had to leave. I didn’t want to go to school. I wish I could just stay home and hide, or maybe run away to Scotland and live with my mom. I’ve never wanted my mom more than ever. I was lost, confused. I felt so scared and helpless, smaller than normal. I just wanted to hold me and tell me what I should do. I stood up, slipped on my jacket, grabbed my things and walked out of the door. I walked slowly to the garage and in my car, I wasn’t really ready to face Edward. More than that, I wasn’t ready to face José. Then I thought, I’d get to see Maria and Jen. But most of all, I would get to see Edward. I would get to see him smile at me, star into those big beautiful blue eyes and get lost in them. I would be able to make him laugh, and he would able to make me laugh. I looked back out my review mirror to make sure the garage door was open. It was. I pulled out. I took the mail box off right off the side of the fence. Oh boy, I was going to get killed for that. I groaned and forced my self to focus on the road. For the first couple of blocks, it worked. Then, as I was near the school I noticed a black Mercedes in front of me. I didn’t think a thing off it, until I saw sandy blonde hair. I lost concentration completely. I almost hit the car, I stomped on the brakes right away. The person in the car gave me a very rude gesture with his 3 finger. I honked at him as he drove away.

I was still pissed as I drove into the school parking lot. I found a parking space, only to spot to completely matching Black Mercedes, and one of them was in the principal parking space. Oh man, please don’t tell my I honked at the principal, and that he flicked me off?, and why was he late? I prayed I didn’t have the little encounter with Mr. Marcus. Then, he walked towards my car. “Oh crap!” I whispered, banging my head on the steering wheel. He tapped my window with his pointer finger. I cringed, and put the window down. “Yes Mr. Marcus?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. He didn’t say anything, he just kept looking at me. I sighed and closed my eyes as I spoke. “Alright, I’m sorry I honked at you. I’m sorry I almost hit your nice car. I understand if you want to suspend me or something. Just get it over with!” I begged. “Lila, you’re not in trouble.” He said. I opened my eyes, I could feel the blank unconprending look on my face as I said “Principal say what now?” He chuckled slightly and replied “Lila, you’re and honors student, you never get into trouble. Why would I do something to rune your chances of getting into a good collage?” He asked. I didn’t say anything. “So I’m not in trouble?” I asked slowly. He shook his head. “No, and I’m sorry about the… rude gesture I gave you. And if I ever see you doing that you WILL get into trouble.” He said walking away. I stayed there in total shock, still not being able to comprehend what had just happened. Then, I saw and a small olive hand waving in front of my face. I shook my head to see Maria standing there, confused. “Do I want to know?” She asked. I shook my head. “No, no you don’t.” I muttered getting out of the car. Maria shook her head. “It must have had something to do with you know who.” She whispered, getting a little hyper as we walked up the big steps. Everyone was staring at me, smiling friendly yet phony “welcome back” smiles I flashed friendly, yet awkward smiles at people. They seamed to get the point I didn’t want to be noticed.

“Speaking of him I want to thank you for telling my mother about my situation with José, when she was already going to call in a panic because of what happened yesterday.” I said, glaring at her as I opened my locker. When I opened it, a piece of paper fell out. I opened it, to find a single bright red rose petal stuck inside it. “Well, someone had to.” Maria said as I read the note. “Hope you feel better, Edward.” I whispered aloud. Maria’s eyes grew wide, and her small heart shape face twisted into her trade mark huge smile. “He dose like you!” Maria marveled, trying to snatch the note out of my hands. I wouldn’t let her, I stuck it in my locker before she could take it. She growled at me as she said “Your no fun”, pouting her small lips. I rolled my eyes. “Get to homeroom before you’re late, again.” I ordered as I walked slowly to homeroom. I stood at the door, and just looked at the desk next to me. There he was, Edward was there. My heart began racing as I walked closer. By the time I had gotten to my desk, I was once again at the risk of having a heart attack. I took my normal seat, and like 2 days ago, stared blankly at my doodled cover note book. “Well hello there.” I heard a musical voice say. I looked up and smiled at him. I leaned in closer, taking a breath of his sweet, sweet scent. “Thank your from that note. How did you know roses were my favorite?” I asked. He leaned closer, and breathed on my skin “Sometimes a person just knows.” This was my dream, or well it had the same kind of aspect to it. I looked down at my desk as the bell rang. I didn’t move my stance until I heard someone giggling behind me. I turned my head to look at the girl, and rolled my eyes as I picked up TITANIC. I hadn’t read the chapters we had to read. I opened the pages to one of the most pivotal parts of the story, when Jack and Rose meet. Once again, I began to picture Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCabrio. I pictured that beautiful beaded dress, hanging up in the back of a giant ship. Then, all of a sudden I didn’t picture Kate Winslet as Jack walked up to her, I pictured my self. Then, when Jack walked up and said “Don’t do it”, I saw Edward.

Unlike in English class, I didn’t shake my head. Instead, I let my mind picture me on the back of the ship. Besides, if I was picturing my self and Leonardo DiCabrio, I would never look at this story the same way again. I just kept reading, getting lost in the story. A half hour later when the bell rang, it scared me so much it caused me to jump out of my seat and knock over my books. Edward chuckled as I calmed down from the shock. “Get lost in the book?” He asked. I shrugged as I picked up my books. “I guess. It’s a good story.” I muttered as I began to walk out of the room. He followed me. I looked at him blankly as we walked “Do you take chorus, because if you do I’ve never seen you there.” I asked. He shook his head. “No, no. I go to study hall. I thought I’d walk with you to the stair case. You know, incase you fall again.” He said, chuckling at the last part. I glared at him. “You think you’re being cute don’t you?” I asked. He just kept smiling. “No, not really. I’m being serious.” He said. I rolled my eyes as I saw Maria waiting at the stair case for me like she always did. Her eyes grew big. I could tell by the look on her face that she was going to freak out. However, Maria was a good actress, and was able to make it look like she was relaxed. “Ummm, hi Lila. Hi Edward.” Maria said, calmly. I couldn’t help but to giggle like a little school girl. “Hey Maria.” I said. “Hello.” Edward said. Her big puppy brown eyes blinked franticly. “Ummm Hi, again. Lila come on we are going to be late for chorus.” She said, muttering the last part. She pulled my arm before I even got the chance to say goodbye. I looked back, he stood there looking a little upset. I flashed him a friendly smile. He smiled back. I instantly felt better that Maria pulled me away before I could give him a proper goodbye. I turned my head towards her, glaring at her smiling heart shaped face. “What’s with the evil glare?” She asked. I shook my head in disgust. “Nothing Maria, I was just wondering why you pulled me away from the man I have feels BEYOND a major crush for, before I can say goodbye!” I snapped.

She snorted as we walked into the chorus room. “A: we were gonna be late a B: I couldn’t keep my cool.” She said, muttering the last part as we took our seats. I couldn’t help but to giggle as Mrs. Gibson walked into the room with a DVD in her hand. She clapped her hands to get the kids to stop talking. “Class! Today we well begin to watch West Side Story.” She began. Everyone in the room groaned and moaned. Maria and I looked at each other and smiled. “Now, when we finish the movie I want you to write a summery of the movie.” They groaned even louder. I’ll admit, I joined in the groaning, but I knew this story backwards and forwards so I would be able to write it in about 5 minuets tops. While everyone else was throwing papers, trash talking and other things, Mrs. Gibson placed the DVD gently into the DVD player. She opened her mouth to say “Will somebody kill the lights?” but she didn’t She knew what Todd had pulled 2 days ago, and his moron best friends had marbles and sling shots ready in there hand. She must have seen them, because she simply walked over to the switch and turned the lights off her self. If only Mr. Hunter had done that. As the movie played, very few people were paying attention. In fact, if my math was right(witch it usually wasn’t) a good deal of people were going fail, and we were going to hear about it. So, I paid attention to the movie. I didn’t want to get a bad grade. I carefully observed and took in every single detail. The facial expressions the actors had, the way they walked or danced. I know that wouldn’t be necessary for the summery, but I couldn’t help but to be memorized by a tail of racial discrimination, death, and romance. Something I could have only dreamed off, the romance not the other things.

The bell rang, and for the first time I wasn’t caught by surprise. I stood up, and calmly walked to art. “Have fun with Edward.” Maria said as she walked to wood shop. I glared at her as I replied “Alright. Don’t cut off your hand.” And ran like the wind before she could say anything. I placed my things in a cubby and got my completed mask. All I had to do was paint it. I looked over at the table I sat at. There, sitting in his usual spot was Edward. My heart began to flutter faster and faster as I made my way to my seat. I carefully placed my hardened mask down on the table, and sat down. I folded my hands across the table. “Hello.” I said, flashing a smile. He looked at me, and stared at me with those sparking blue eyes. I never felt more like gooey clay in my life. “Hello.” He said, smiling as usual. He always seamed to smile around me. Was Maria right? Did he feel the same way I felt about him? No, no he couldn’t. “So I see you finished your mask. I didn’t know you were such a good artist.” He said. I could feel blood racing towards my pale cheeks, and let me tell you it was getting REALLY annoying that I blush around him so much. But this is what you do when you feel the way I feel about Edward. “I’m not that good.” I whispered shrugging my shoulders. He chuckled and said “You don’t have a lot of self confidence do you?” He asked. I shook my head and replied “No, no I do not. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to get some read and yellow paint.” I said standing up and walking to the paint cabinet. Each paint bottle was neatly organized by color. Yellow was on the first shelf to my advantage. However, to my disadvantage, the red paint was way up on the second to top shelf. I frowned, trying desperately to reach the high shelf. With no luck I tried jumping. Still no luck. As I continued hopping up and down like a moron, I saw a hand reach for the red paint, causing me to stop bouncing. I looked up at Edward, amused and humored by my sad attempted to reach the high shelf. “Here you go.” He said, putting the red paint bottle in my hand.

“Thank you, but I could have gotten that my self.” I said acidly. For some reason, I’ve always been sensitive about being on the short side. It’s never seam to do me any good. He still kept smiling, I was reveled that I didn’t hurt his feelings. “Lila, you can’t help it that your small.” He said as I went back to my chair. I slammed the paint bottle on the table angrily, I never liked being called small, it hit a nerve. I closed my eyes and calmed my self down. I smiled at him and said “I’m like my mom, petite if that’s what you would me.” I joked, opening the paint bottle, the liquid was bright red, blood red. I squeezed it in to a small cup that was placed on the table. I took the paint brush that was on the table, and dipped it in. I slowly began to paint the outside of the lions face to paint a mane, and I was getting board very quickly. Who ever said watching paint dry was the most boring thing, was so wrong. About 5 seconds later, I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned my head, to see Edward. “Do you mind if I borrow some red paint, I’m out of pink.” He said, he’s smiling going away as he said “pink”. I giggled as I began to reach for the bottle of red paint. “Sure.” I said. Then, both of reached for the bottle. Our hands touched. Though our hands touched before, this time was different. I wasn’t in pain like in the nurses office, and we didn’t pull away after a spilt second like 2 days ago in this very room. Instead we stared at each other. For about 5 whole seconds, I stared into his dazzling and hypnotic blue eyes, and he stared into my big innocent brown eyes. I looked back down at my ours hands, and then back at him. I slowly pulled back my hand away, never looking away from his face. I pushed the paint bottle towards him. My whole body was shaking from the connection and the feeling I felt when I was touching his hand.

He didn’t speak either, witch made me wonder did feel the way I felt? Did touching my hand give the same electric current that I felt? I didn’t drone on it. “Thank you.” he said, his voice a little strained. I nodded, and continued to work on my mask. I couldn’t talk, my voice wouldn’t come out. The only thing I could force my self to do was move my arm so I could do my work. Finally, Mr. Warner told us it was time to clean up. I took both of the little cups of paint and washed them out in the sink. When I went back to put my mask away it was gone. I began freaking out in my head. Then, I looked over where all the wet projects were to go to dry. Mine was there, right next to the pig mask. I smiled, knowing the only person who would do something like that for me in this class. “Thank you Edward.” I said, knowing he was standing behind me. He chuckled. “You’re welcome. How did you know I was standing behind you? Can you see into the feature now?” He asked. I couldn’t see his face, but I could tell by the hummer in his voice he was smiling. “Nope, I just knew it was you because you’re the only person who would be nice enough to help me in this class.” I said, walking over to the sink. I rinsed the soft bristles of the brushes, my hands getting stained with the colors. After I washed my hands, the bell rang. I quickly dried my hands with a piece of paper towel and raced for the cubbies. I grabbed my things and raced towards the door way. Edward was standing there, waiting for me. I smiled and said “You shouldn’t have waited for me. Mr. Hunter will kill you well us for being late for class.” I pointed out as we were trying to make our way through the crowded staircase. He chuckled replying “He tends to be easy on me.” I growled silently spitting through my clench teeth “Well, he’s not easy on me. He’s easy off of YOU because you are good at science. He thinks I’ve been cheating ever since you’ve showed up.” He gave me a blank look as he spoke in a flat voice “Do you cheat off of me?” I shook my head. “No, I wouldn’t do that.” I whispered as we entered Mr. Hunter’s class room.

We took our seats, and once again I put my curly hair in between us, and once again he pushed it back behind my ear. Then, the bell rang, sounding piercing and loud due to the fact my head was pounding. Mr. Hunter walked in, took daily role call and began to walk around for homework. I could feel my eyes bug out as he came over to me. He just glared at me and said “Where’s your homework from yesterday and Tuesday.” I gulped and replied “I didn’t do it. I wasn’t feeling well due to the fact I had a slight concussion.” He leaned in, so close he was almost touching my face. “Yes, I heard about that little stunt you pulled Ms. Shaw. And I expect the work in tomorrow PLUS tonight’s home work and an essay on the digestive system proof read and in final draft form and at the beginning of class and you will read the paper out loud. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?!” He bellowed. I couldn’t speak, if I did I would have started crying. I just nodded. He snapped back up and took Edward’s homework and went on with the rest of the class. I sat there in total shock, not use to a teacher yelling at me like that. Now I really wished I was back in 7th grade, when I had teachers that were compassionate and understanding and wouldn’t yell at me for not having homework the day I came back after getting a head injury. I wrote down all the homework I had to do, tears trickling down my face landing on my assignment pad. I looked up straight at the black board, waiting for the lecture to begin. I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned to Edward. “Yes?” I replied in a weak voice. “Were you crying a moment ago?” He asked. I nodded, wiping away another tear that was trickling down my face. “Well, I don’t liked to be yelled at like that. I-I” I tried to say, sounding like I was about to cry. He shook his head in disgust. “At least Mrs. Jonesburg has a heart, he doesn’t. I’d be stuck in class with her than him. If you want, I can help you.” He suggested. I blinked my moist eyes, stunned by his offer. “Really? Well you would be helping a lot. But I couldn’t. I have work today.” I whispered. He smiled and replied “I’ll be there.” I smiled, and turned my head, hoping he wouldn’t see me getting a little over excited.

I couldn’t concentrate on science. All through out the day, I couldn’t concentrate on class or school. I couldn’t stop thinking about work, and what was going to happen. My daze was so bad that when we were playing soccer I got whammed in the shin by the ball. Everyone else found that funny, except for Maria who scared them to stop laughing, and Edward. After gym, I ran to my locker and fumbled with the lock. It seamed to take forever for my locker to open. When I did, I stuffed everything I needed and zippered up. I ran as fast as my legs would let me. Some how, I managed not to hit any lockers, until I reached the first floor to get out of the door. I bashed head first into a freshman’s locker. I didn’t fall this time. I heard the punk laughing, so I growled at him. That scared him good enough, and I was able to walk away with a condescending smile on my face. Chapter 3: Getting to know you The diner wasn’t that far from the school. It was one street behind Holland Hill, where a lot of small business where. I worked there 6 days a week, Monday, Tuesday Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Friday was my day off, my only lazy afternoon. I drove up a big hill, and turned right to come to a small building, with a sign that read “Shaw’s Family Diner.” The outside was a lime green with a white trim. I pulled into the small parking-lot. I found a space and turned off the car. I reached to open my door, when I saw a black Mercedes, and leaning on the back of the car was Edward. My heart began racing, I could feel my cheeks blushing already. I hoped he knew how much being around him drove me nuts, yet made me feel safe and whole.

I got out of the car and slugged my back pack around my shoulders and walked up to him. “You got here fast.” I said with the goofiest smile on my face. He’s smile grew. That got me thinking, maybe he did like me. He always smiled around me, and if he was already it got bigger. He’s eyes seamed to sparkle a little more when around me. Maybe he did feel the same way about me. Could he? He shrugged and said “I guess my car is just faster.” I looked at it and rolled my eyes. “I would be surprised if it wasn’t faster than my old car.” I marveled. I looked at he’s bag, and I could just barley see a white coroner sticking out. It was a Mac Book. I shook my head in shock. “You had time to go home and get out computer and come back? I don’t think my car is that slow.” I said. He shook his head and replied smoothly “I bring my computer to school for study hall. I figured you could type your paper on my computer and e-mail it to yours.” I smiled as I began to walk towards the diner, and he followed me. We didn’t talk, but it didn’t really matter because he just kept looking at me and smiling. I stopped at the door and turned to him. “I should worn you you’re about to go into the lions den. My father, Harry if gonna ask A LOT of questions. He’s gonna look at you like you’re the pelage, and José’s dad is he’s assistant cook and will be just as bad.” I warned him. He chuckled as replied “I think I can handle it.” He opened the door and held it opened for me. I giggled and smiled. “Why thank you.” I replied walking through the door. We stopped at my usual post. I turned to him and said “I’ll be right back. I have to get into uniform.” He stayed there and nodded. “Alright.” He said. I dropped my back pack and ran into the back room. I took off my shirt and changed into a black blouse that had my name on it. That was my uniform. I ran back out and saw Edward standing there. I was so happy he didn’t leave. I stood behind the front counter and tapped his shoulder. He turned around and smiled. “I like the blouse, but the color of the shirt you were wearing earlier looked much better on you.

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