Beautifully+Lovely

If you like __Miscommunications__, then check this out! 9-26-11 raina I promised myself that I’d never love anyone else but him. I’ve known him long enough to trust that he wouldn’t hurt me. It’s been like what, fifteen years? Seems a bit extensive but it’ll be completely worth it. Maybe this year I’ll finally have the guts to ask him if he likes me that way. Would it sound a bit sudden? Should I wait another year? No. This year I have to tell him. Maybe after a few months though? I’m such a gutless person. Not to mention, I could care less about what I wear. All the girls think I’m mental to think that looks don’t matter. Well, to me they don’t, but to my family they do. The only thing my parents like to talk to me about is how to make myself look like the most beautiful girl at school. Their one and only goal: to live their life through me. Both of my parents were high-class models. They expect me to look as radiantly beautiful as them. Believe me, I’ve seen the pictures and I hate to admit that they look really good in them. Mom was a super model and beauty queen. Dad was a model and a fitness instructor. And me? I detest anything dealing with cosmetic beauty. There are more things to beauty than the physical appearance. To be beautiful, you need to think and feel that you are. Beautifully lovely.

scarlett He will fall for me no matter what it takes. HE WILL. It’s a known fact that someday he’ll realize that his girlfriend has been in front of him the whole time. This year he’ll realize it and he’ll be mine. All mine. Maybe a bit of... persuasion will help guide him in the right direction. I need to make sure that there are no... obstacles in the way of my plan. Anything getting in my way will be completely exterminated. Who says I can’t alter fate? Besides, who says that a little pain can hurt anybody? Devious minds like mine always get what they want. It’s just the truth. Whatever gets in our way, we destroy it. Nothing gets in the way of a cunning person’s plan. Nothing. I have planned this for about fifteen years. No one or thing can ruin this for me. Who would want to get in the way of my plans anyway? I’m just a pretty girl trying to get a guy. Not just any guy, but HIM. This plan is completely foolproof. I am the most sly girl at this school. Deviously beautiful.

zac Does she notice me the way I notice her? Does she notice my heart pounding when she talks to me? Does she know that I write poems about her? I wonder if she even knows me more than just a friend. I just wish I had the chance to be alone with her and tell her how I feel, but she’s always with her friend. If she only finds me as a friend, then it’s okay, but I want to know. If she does like me more than that, should I ask her out? What would be the best for us two? Just by thinking of her, I get all nervous. I wonder if she notices that too. If she knows about it, wouldn’t she have told me already? Could I actually have a chance with a girl like her? Beautiful, smart, talented. Would a guy like me ever get the chance to date a girl like her? The only problem is that I can’t stop thinking about her. If she even liked someone else, it wouldn’t matter to me. I’d still be crazy for her. Is that weird? To love a girl if she doesn’t love you back? Is that being obsessed? Is it just being crazy in love? Who cares if I really like a girl? My parents would’ve been extremely proud. Even if I never told them who she was. If I did, they might just slap me in the head for not asking her a long time ago. I mean, I’ve known this girl for fifteen years now. Isn’t it sort of obvious that I should tell her this year? But I’m scared. But I am yearning to tell her soon or I wouldn’t be able to live if I didn’t. Did I mention she’s crazy beautiful? Well, I’m just crazy for her. Beautifully crazy.

jesse As I thought more and more about my plan, I felt hesitant. It seemed that there were no flaws, but with thoroughly thought plans anything could happen. They were simple things, nothing diabolical. Just little hints here and there to a girl that I like. Every time she appreciates one of those hints, I intensify them. Nothing over the top yet. Baby steps, I’m taking. For fifteen years I’ve left hints and nothing has changed between us. This year I may just take a drastic measure to the plan. I may just break the thin border of friendship and relationship. This year may change for the both of us. Will she like it? I hope so. I have been pursuing her for fifteen years. No other girl has ever been on my mind. Ever. I don’t even think she’s aware of how beautiful she is. You can say she’s a diamond in the rough, but she isn’t. She’s already a beautiful girl, but she doesn’t realize it. Everyone else doesn’t either, but me. You can say she’s a hidden beauty. For everyone else she is. To me she’s already. She has potential. She’s hidden. Mysterious. Mysteriously beautiful.

Next five chapters of __Beautifully Lovely:__ 9-27-11 raina I considered calling in sick today, but then I realized that I wouldn’t be able to see him on the first day of school. I am dying to see him today. To see the difference in him while he was on vacation. If he changed in a good way or in a way that makes him look weird. I know he’s my best friend, but I didn’t get to see him for three months. I thought I was going to die, but thinking about him smiling when he sees me kept me alive. I think Scarlett will be happy to know that I didn’t die. Speaking of Scarlett, she didn’t even bother responding to any of my texts or calls. Some best friend. Oh well. Besides, she had some “plans” over the summer and didn’t have time to hang out with her best friend. Something about some life changing experience that needed her attention averted from me. I found my locker, near science class, at the corner of the hallway. I saw many familiar faces, but not him. HE has to be here today or I wouldn’t find reason to stay in school. Would there if I was expecting a friendly smile and wave from him? Sure I can endure the day if Scarlett was here, but I NEED HIM to be here if I want to have a happy day. As if my mental need was enough, he appeared. Right there, opening his locker, which was right next to mine. My stomach began to fill up with butterflies. I got really excited, but I masked the emotion by focusing on my schedule, pretending to ignore the fact he was right there. “Hi,” I said casually. He looked up from his papers and smiled. “Haven’t seen you in a while have I?” He acted like he was recollecting anything about me. “Raina was it?” I punched him on the arm. “Of course it is.” I shook my hand from the pain that shot through my fist. “Ow. Working out over the summer haven’t you?” “Yeah, and I finally got that tan I wanted. Sorry if I haven’t called you. I’ve been busy with...some...things. I didn’t know if you were going to take it lightly or not so I didn’t bother to call.” “You thought I was going to be mad? If Scarlett didn’t reply over the summer, I wouldn’t be mad. I understand that there are more important matters to tend to besides talking to me. At least a ‘Hi’ would’ve been nice don’t you think?” “You’re right. After fifteen years wouldn’t I―shouldn’t I―know that already? But those fifteen years have not been kind to me; like when we were in third grade and you pinned me to the ground for calling you fat.” “You can never let that go can you?” I asked. “I’m sorry but I was a bit insecure about my weight when I was younger. Sure I was a bit pudgy, but it was never my intention to twist your arm because of that. I was grumpy, aroused from a fitful sleep, and you stole my crayons that day. I had to at least gain my vengeance. So just let it go.” I stared at him, exasperated. He smiled. “Fine. Whatever you say. Let go of the past.” He began to chuckle. “You should’ve seen your face when you started to go on a tirade. You seemed annoyed that I held a grudge about you pinning me. Priceless, your face was.” “Says the guy who’s talking like Yoda. Such a dork, you can be.” I realized my mistake and grunted. “Really? Did I really just do that?” He noticed too. He began to laugh. I grinned and joined in. He looked cute when he laughed. His perfectly white teeth shined and his eyes had that certain gleam to them. He almost made me melt right then and there, but I had to pull it together. I was the first one to break the laughter, but I wish I hadn’t. There was an awkward silence that followed. Before I said anything, he came close to me, almost a hairbreadth away, and whispered into my ear. “Meet me after school. Okay?” Then he walked away. I nodded slowly after he rounded the corner. What just happened? I never knew great things can come out of the friendly greeting of “Hi”. Amazing. I felt great for the rest of the day, anticipating for that last bell to ring. Beautifully great.

zac Was that too bold of a move? It seemed pretty good. I don’t know what overcame me, but I liked it. Bold but cool. It was sort of strange doing that, but it seemed to work. I left her dumbstruck. Not like that’s a bad thing. Argh! Bottom line, I made a bold move and I may see the girl of my dreams after school today. Just the two of us. Not even Jesse or Scarlett to ruin it. Not that there’s anything wrong with them. I mean their my best friends also, but... grr! This is frustrating to explain, but I just want to talk to her without any interruptions. Now that I look at it that way... I could’ve done that about fifteen years ago! Breathe. Simmer down Zac. You’re just overreacting now. You’re just getting a little excited, but then why is your hand shaking just to get your locker combination in? Calm down. Breathe in...out...in...out. This girl just makes you hyperventilate, even stop your heart altogether sometimes. She may be on your mind almost 24/7, but why is it right now the butterflies begin to flutter in your stomach? Man this girl is making you go crazy. It’s not her fault she is undeniably hot. Just hope that words come out of your mouth instead of actual butterflies, even if it is a figure of speech. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted her. Here goes. I smile brightly as she comes closer. “Hey. I thought school would never end,” I said as an icebreaker. “Me neither, but it did. Chemistry will be my death. Even if it’s not one of the top leading ones, it will eventually kill me. All that junk about the certain mixture of chemicals that will stimulate an explosive reaction will definitely make me explode. I find it just annoying even if I am the best in class. Grr!” She glanced at me and then stared down at the asphalt ground. “Sorry. I’m ranting on about my life and forgot to ask you. So how was history?” “The worst. I’m gonna flunk that subject. I just can’t grip the material that easy. It’s so confusing with all the dates and important battles. I know history is my best subject, but Mrs. Radeen is just going too fast for me. With football practices coming soon and watching over Sarah, I am going to fail my most important year.” “Don’t say that. You’re in all the AP classes with me. If you’re not getting into college with academics, then you’re a shoe-in with a football scholarship.” “That’s the problem. If I don’t get in with my intellect but with my athletics, then to me, I look stupid.” “Don’t say that either! You’re a brilliant guy, Zac. Realize that you have a lot of potential. Besides all of these problems can be fixed. When you have practice, I can watch over Sarah for free. When you’re having trouble in a subject, call me and I’ll be over right away. If you’re watching Sarah the same day before an exam, I can help you with school and babysit. Simple as that. All the problems have disappeared. Easy as that. Relax. If you stress out like this, you’ll never succeed. Breathe. Slowly because you sound like you ran a marathon” She grips my shoulder in a gentle way that lets my back altogether melt. I wanted to say that I’m not breathing hard because of stress, but that it’s because she takes my breath away. I refrained from saying this because she might leave. Instead, I bit my lip, an excessive gesture that became a habit over the course of fifteen years. I force a smile on my face. “Thanks. That’s a stress reliever.” “So why’d you want me to come here?” She asked changing the subject. “Well, I just wanted to talk to you. Is that wrong or something?” “No. No.” She began to giggle. “No,” she said smiling. “I was just curious. Sometimes it gets the better of me. Sorry.” Then she looked at the ground and began to rub her arm as if guilty. “It’s...okay. I don’t even know why you’re apologizing.” I scratched my hair, messing it up. “Um... so how was your summer?” She was sitting on the grass, looking at something I couldn’t pinpoint. “It was... okay. If you call reading daily, sitting on the grass, looking at the clouds, and trying out new recipes a good summer; then yeah, it was pretty productive. What about yours?” “Uh...you know. The usual. I hung out with Jesse. Played some soccer scrimmages at the park. Practiced football a lot. Took care of Sarah. Went to Florida for awhile. Er...went to some parties at Janet’s.... You know. The usual.” She scrunched her eyebrows. “I don’t believe that’s all you did if you were too busy to hang out with a dork like me. And some parties? Every time I called your house your mom said you went to a party. I called almost every other day. You went to one almost everyday! You can’t lie to me. I’m your best friend. You should know better than that.” Then she mumbles almost to herself, but loud enough for me to hear. “Fifteen years with a guy and you’d think he knows you like the back of his hand.” “Sorry! I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” “Hurt my feelings? MY feelings?” She asked. “Well—” She didn’t let me finish. “I completely understand if you go to parties. Everybody, even myself, knows that I will never be invited to parties like Janet’s. A geek like me can never get into one. You don’t have to lie to me, you know that. I’m not gonna be mad or hurt.” She tilts her head down so she can meet my eyes, which were hidden by some of my hair. She sighs and stands up. “Come on Zac.” She attempts to pull me up by the arm. “Come on,” she huffs. “We can go for ice cream. I’ll get you your favorite flavor. Mint chocolate chip with hot fudge...” She stood there thinking of other ways to persuade me. “I’ll even buy both of ours. I’ll even drive. I’ll... I’ll even do your laundry for the next month! Come on, get up!” I finally get up with a boyish grin on my face. “You had me at mint chocolate chip, but you’re still doing my laundry.” She smiles too. Beautifully smiling.

jesse Why is she hanging out with other guys? I thought she liked me that way? It’s fine if it’s Zac, for I know that he should know that I have feelings for her. What I don’t like is that she’s tutoring other guys. Why doesn’t she tutor me? I’m not doing very well either. Maybe I should fake it? That’s lame. I won’t tolerate her going to other guys houses with the risk of her flirting with others. I bit of an exaggeration because no one will flirt with her. So disregard what I just said. I’m losing it. I can feel it. If I can’t have her, then why does any other guy deserve her? No one treats her like me. I treat her like the most precious gem. Like the only one in my universe. The only girl in the world. The most beautiful girl in the world, not just the school. The most vibrant rose about to bloom on a beautiful dawn in spring. The brightest star in the sky. No guy would describe her that way. That’s because no guy has thought of her that way. They’d be the stupidest bunch of guys in the world for bypassing her beauty. Maybe I’m blinded by her beauty... Beautifully blinded.

scarlett I’m so angry that he didn’t even say hi to me. He was too busy watching this other girl around. When I find out who it is, she won’t be checking him out anytime soon. She’ll probably stop bothering him and flirting with him. If I ever find him with another girl, she’ll regret it. He’s mine and mine only. Once he realizes it, everything will fall into place. I just need the right time to commence the plan. It takes timing and precision. When that time occurs, it will only be a matter of a few weeks and bam! He’s mine. Oh shoot. Someone’s coming. I act like I’m fixing my hair and looking into my compact. I mean, that’s what I already do anyways. It won’t seem out of the ordinary. I just hope that person didn’t notice me stalking HIM. I just hope. “Hey Scarlett,” a familiar voice said. I glanced up to see...HIM. “Hey.” “Don’t you do anything besides look at yourself in the mirror?” “Yes, but that depends. That’s if you want to come with me to the park and pry my eyes away from the mirror.” “Yeah. That’d sound great. I’ll get to help my best friend from looking at herself too much.” My stomach fluttered. Did that just happen? Did I just get my crush to hang out with me? This can’t be happening. It sounds too much like my fantasies. This can’t be reality...but it is. I smiled in response. “So should we walk, bike, or take either one of our cars? Unless you want the exercise. I’m fine with walking. Besides, I love walking to and in the park. Stare at a couple of trees and conjure up stories about the park.” “You do that also?” He cleared his throat. “I mean, make up stories about things in the park?” He asked eagerly. “Well yeah I do. When I go to the park with my little brother, I tell him the stories I make up. He absolutely adores them. He especially loves the one about the twin trees, on both sides of the bench, that are always excluded from the other kid trees.” I blushed. “All of my stories have a moral so my brother will learn right from wrong.” “Me too! I tell James all these stories about the little bridge above the creek, trees, and stuff. And in the night, when the stars are out, I tell him all the stories I made up about the constellations. Most of them are about the actual constellations, but with my twist to their stories.” He glanced at me with amusement in his eyes. “What?” “Maybe you’re not as shallow as I thought.” “Shallow? I’m deeper than the Pacific Ocean.” He laughed. “Shall we get going?” I hooked my arm with his. “We shall.” I love his laugh. It writhes out a sense of beauty. A beautiful laugh. Beautifully laughing.

jesse I noticed that I actually was having a good time with Scarlett. I’ve never realized many things about her. I mean she’s one of my best friends, but I never knew all these things about her. It’s like I’m meeting her all over again. I learned that we have many things in common, which makes me relax a little because if I ever wanted to confide in her, I won’t feel embarrassed. I haven’t smiled or laughed like this in such a long time. I never thought it’d be the girl-who-lives-across-the-street that’d make me smile like this. She seems a little more at ease than she is at school. Don’t know if it’s because she’s not in that sterile environment anymore or it’s because I never pay attention to her, but her aura seems to be different. A good different. “Hey you wanna go on the swings like when we were little kids?” I ask. “Sure. For old times sake.” She smiled. I helped her onto the swing even though she didn’t need assistance. We had a contest on who could swing the highest. Then, somehow it turned to a who-could-jump-the-farthest-from-the-swing contest. I lost. Then, lost again. I’m guessing she’s been practicing a lot. “How can you be winning? I always go on the swings every time I come to the park.” She laughed. “I don’t know. Fate may have altered some things. Maybe I’m just competitive. It may have been luck. Or you just didn’t have your head in the game.” “No. You just got lucky. I always win.” “Now you’re just being a sore loser Jesse.” She pouted mockingly. “Does Jesse want to run to his mommy and cry to her that he lost to a girl?” I pushed her companionably. “Stop.” I began to laugh. “Is that how my question came across? Well then.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Now now. Don’t throw a tantrum in the park. There are children here. Set a good example. If you be a good boy, we’ll go get you ice cream. Do you want that?” I rolled my eyes. “Seriously Scarlett? But... I’d like to take that offer.” “Okay. So are we gonna...?” She stopped and rethought what she was about to say. She let out a heavy sigh. “I’m guessing we’re gonna walk.” I smiled. She knows me so well. Knows all my interests. She IS my best friends. She knows we’re best friends. I know we’re friends too. Beautiful friends.

What many of you have been anticipating, the next chapter to __Beautifully Lovely__! Enjoy! 10-8-11 raina Yesterday may have been the best day in my whole life time. We hitched a ride in his car, which has seen better days, and went to Sammy’s. After we both got our orders, we sat outside for who knows how long catching up to date with each other. I didn’t really have much to tell, but Zac did. It took at least two hours before he finished... half of what he did over the summer. I never knew you could do so much. “Wow. My summer pales in comparison to yours.” I stared at the cars passing by. “Not technically paling in comparison, just simpler than what I did. You know, things that you’d normally do. Mostly what Raina would do. If it was what Zac would do, then yeah, it wouldn’t be what I’d do. Not that there’s anything wrong with what you did over the summer.” He ran his hand through his hair frustrated. “What I meant was that...” “I get it. What you were saying wasn’t really rocket science. Simmer down.” I smiled. “Something you could’ve worked on over the summer were your explanation skills. Your thoughts don’t come out straightforward and you overcomplicate everything. It’s sloppy and unprofessional.” “So what you’re saying is that I’m a hot mess?” I blushed. “Er...no. What I’m saying is that you’re a mess.” “Not even a hot one?” He looked disappointed. “Play innocent with someone else who’s not your best friend.” I pushed his head playfully, messing up his hair in the process. “Hey. Watch the hair. It takes me a good half hour to get it this way.” He began pawing at his hair to restore its already messy look. “I’m sorry if it takes you half an hour to get your hair the bed-head look. I’m surprised you don’t wake up with your hair looking like that already.” I rolled my eyes. “Don’t give me that attitude Raina,” he said with a hint of mockery in his voice. “Don’t make me send you to my room to face the consequences of cleaning it.” “Don’t bring me to that dump. It’ll take me years to clean,” I lied. In hindsight, his bedroom was the neatest room I’ve ever been in. Even cleaner than my bedroom. “Can’t you just take me to jail? Probation sounds a lot more pleasant than cleaning that land fill.” I held out my hands. “Take me away officer. I surrender. Take me to that horrid, horrid place.” “How about a movie then dinner instead?” he asked slyly. “As my punishment?” “As your probation. I need to keep an eye on you or else your attitude will hurt other people’s feelings.” “That’s a punishment?” I asked incredulously. “That’s not a punishment, it’s...” I stopped myself. “It’s what?” “It’s...” I began to blush. “It’s torture.” Zac smiled. “Do you really think it’s torture?” “No,” I blurted out. “Then what? What is me asking you to go to the movies then?” I sighed. “Well it’s...” I was about to come clean when a familiar blonde boy came walking towards us with a girl. I smiled brightly because I was just saved by the bell. I waved. Jesse and... Scarlett? “Hey Jesse. Hey Scarlett. Is it a coincidence that you two are here?” “Guess not. Probably Fate brought us here,” Jesse said mystified. “What’d we miss while we were gone?” “Nothing much. Zac told me what he did over the summer. It took over two hours, but it was fascinating.” “Are you sure? That’s it?” She taunted. “What else do you expect? That Zac asked me to go with him to the movies?” I covered my mouth. Scarlett grabbed my arm tightly. “Excuse us for a moment. We have to go to the bathroom.” Jesse looked perplexed. “At the same time?” “No! It’s just an excuse a girl uses to catch up with her best friend without being rude.” “Whatever.” Jesse turned back and began conversing with Zac again. We rounded the corner and stood against the wall. “Spill. Now.” I confessed everything to Scarlett; from this morning in the hallway, all the way to when we were interrupted by them. “So...?” she asked expectantly. “So what?” I questioned. “Are you gonna go or not?” she asked, irritated by my stupidity. “Should I?” “Could you? Yes. Should you? Yes. Would you? That depends if you have the guts to!” Scarlett began preaching to me. “If you want Zac to be with you, if you want Zac to love you, if you want Zac to hold you in his arms forever, then heck YES!” She waved her arms around. “This doesn’t happen everyday! This opportunity to see if he likes you doesn’t happen to all girls.” She pointed at me. “You are going. You are saying yes. You are going to march right up and tell Zac...” “Tell me what?” I jumped at hearing his voice right behind me. I turned around slowly. I smiled apologetically and waved at him. “Hello.” “Tell me what?” he asked again. “That...” I faltered. “That she’ll be going with you to the movies,” Scarlett chimed in. “Really?” I craned my head back to Scarlett with eyes that made me look like a deer in headlights. I mouthed “What are you doing?” Scarlett took this as a signal to jump in. “Yes. Yes she is. Pick her up at seven, at her house. Make sure you look nice and I’ll make sure she does too.” With that, she left me open-mouthed and Zac looking at me questioningly. “What just happened?” I said. “Well for starters, you’re going to the movies with me. I’m supposed to look nice and you too. I’m picking you up at seven. And...” “And what?” “And I’m excited to be hanging out with you Raina. I can’t wait for Friday to come.” I blushed. I was overcome with excitement that I blurted, “Really?” He smiled. “Of course, why wouldn’t I?” “I don’t know.” “Come on. We’ll walk, just like Jesse and Scarlett.” “Are you serious?” He winked and threw his keys in the air and caught them. “Of course not.” On the ride home, we exchanged one of our many exploits together. We laughed at each of the memory. After fifteen years, we never really changed. None of us did. What changed were the circumstances. I used to just have a fondness with Zac, but now, it’s more serious. I don’t know if I should take this little “date” as a sign that Zac may just like me too. I don’t know; I’m confused, but I’m crazy excited. Beautifully excited.

Another chapter to __Beautifully Lovely__. I hope all of you guys enjoy it! 10-16-11 jesse So close. So very close. I was so close into getting her attention. Well I did, but I was so close into getting her undivided attention. So close yet so far, literally. She just left. I was disappointed, but I didn’t want to be rude, so I stayed with Scarlett. “So...” she started. “How’s it going?” I knew she was just trying to break the ice because fo some odd reason, we were in an awkward silence. “It’s going good.” “Really? For me it’s ice cold next to you.” “Seriously? I thought you’d bask in my radiance so you’d feel warm.” “Nope. You’re giving me the cold shoulder. Thaw out will you?” “I can do better.” I took my jacket off and placed it on her shoulders. “Better?” “Yes and no. I’d like to go back because I picked the wrong day to wear a skirt. Plus, it’s a long way home and I don’t want my parents to see me walk through the front door as a popsicle.” I smiled. “Fine, but you’re gonna have to race me for your keys.” “What do you...” Scarlett trailed off when she noticed her house keys dangling from my fingers. She tried to grab them, but I was quicker. I jumped up and ran down the road. I extended my arms and began flying like an airplane. I knew she wasn’t going to catch me, even if she **was** in the track team. I was too and I still am. I risk a glance back and she began catching up to me...barefoot! I was confused, but she chucked one of her heels at my face. It whizzed past my face. I grabbed it and rounded the corner. I lapped the neighborhood about twice until I decided to look back. I skidded to a stop. Scarlett wasn’t behind me. “Scarlett! Where’d you go?” I turned three-sixty degrees. “Scarlett!” I started to walk at a brisk pace. “Scarlett!” I heard footsteps behind me and I tried to turn around, but I was tackled to the ground. I smiled when I saw who it was. “Give me my keys or I won’t let you get up,” Scarlett said with a hint of menace. “Never.” I stuck my tongue out. Scarlett slapped me. “Give me my keys or you’ll regret it.” I started laughing. “This is awkward. I always imagined that I’d get pinned by a guy, not by a girl.” It was true. She had my arms pinned and her knees were on my stomach, which frankly is not pleasant after having ice cream. “Can you please get off me? Then I’ll give you your keys.” “I’m not falling for that trick again. We negotiate. You give me my keys and then I’ll let you go. If we don’t agree on these terms, your mom will be very disappointed to know that her perfect son missed curfew.” “Ha ha. Very funny.” I caved in. “Fine. Here’s your keys.” I didn’t give it to her though. I threw the keys onto the other side of the road, somewhere on her front lawn. She was torn between getting the keys and keeping me pinned. She decided to attempt to get the keys but this time, I pinned her down. “I knew it.” “If you knew, then why did you try to get your keys?” “I don’t know. Maybe the reason would be I HAVE TO GET HOME!” she yelled with a tinge of sass. “You could’ve just said that.” “Really? Because I recall telling you that about an hour ago!” I acted confused. “Nope. I don’t remember you saying that, but I **do** remember you saying that I was hot.” That was incentive enough for her to have the strength to push me off of her. “I never said that!” she said exasperated. “You were thinking it though.” “In your dreams blondie.” She began to walk away. “I wouldn’t count on that because you’re blonde too.” “Oh whatever. Since you pointed that out, I’m going to dye my hair red in honor of my name.” “Don’t do that. I like your hair the way it is.” “Sure. Next you’re going to tell me that my blue eyes should stay the same too,” she said sarcastically. “Well don’t change your eyes either. Keep them just the way they are.” “Whatever. I’m not going to forgive you for this. Next time I’m chucking the keys to your mustang. How’d you feel about that?” “I’d feel great because then I’d get to walk with you more often.” I noticed her cheeks growing red. Scarlett turned around, retrieved the keys and went inside her house. I don’t know what it was, but I felt happy to have flattered her. I felt happy to have almost flirted with her. Beautifully flirting.

I've been so focused on __Miscommunications__ that I've neglected this story for awhile. So here's another chapter! 12-1-11 zac Friday came faster than I ever expected. I enjoyed the fact that it came by faster than Scarlett at her track meet. (That’s a pretty good simile, considering that Scarlett is the second fastest girl in our school, right next to Rachel.) I got home as quick as I could from football practice. At least the season is almost over. I called over my shoulder, as I climbed up the stairs, “Hey Mom! I’m home.” “Okay. Dinner’s going to be ready at seven o’clock.” “Actually, I’m going to the movies with Raina.” I heard a clang in the kitchen. “You’re dating her?” “No. We’re just going to see a movie, as friends. I think.” “What do you mean, I think?” “Well, I assume we’re going as friends, but that could change.” “Well make it change!” “For being a wise person in this subject, you’re kinda demanding mom. You used to tell me that it takes time to build a relationship. That you should wait until the girl is ready as well and not just you.” “Honey, fifteen years is a bit too long, don’t you think?” “You know about that?” My mom smirked at me. “Honey, everyone knows. Now go take a shower and I’ll place something nice on your bed.” “I think I can pick out my clothes for myself.” “This is Raina we’re talking about. Knowing her, she’ll look beautiful and I don’t want you to look like the loser who put some outfit together at the last minute.” I stared at her intently. “Mom, stick to your parental language. Trying to be ‘hip’ is not your thing. It never was.” “Just go get ready.” She shuffled my hair.

I walked down the stairs lightly and slowly. I glanced back and forth for any signs of my mom. when I found that she wasn’t anywhere to be seen, I crept towards the door. I was about to grab the handle of the door when someone behind me said, “Caught you.” I turned around to see my mom. “Busted?” She nodded. “Let me get a look at you.” She turned around me slowly as if she were a fashion designer. “Do I get an A+?” “No. A-. Not good enough. Too much cologne and will it kill you to do something with your hair?” I raised my arms to protect my hair. “This is my signature style. Never too short. Never too long. This length and this way. Never changing.” My mom sighed. “Fine. You can go now.” I gave my mom a hug and left. I got in my car and turned the radio on. I was so excited I began singing. Beautifully singing.

12-12-11 scarlett I slammed the door shut and breathed slowly to regulate it. For some odd reason, I felt like my heart was racing. **Calm down Scarlett. That was just another playful banter. No other meaning behind it, but you wish it did.** I walked up the stairs sluggishly, as if it were my first time climbing them. I hate how Jesse does that to me. How he makes my cheeks turn beet red. How he makes me feel all fluttery inside. How he always teases me. How he just... he just... grr! I can never find a way to hate him. I just can’t hate him. No matter what he does, he finds a way to make it sound better than it is. Sometimes I hate him. Most days, I don’t. I can never find a reason to hate him. Beautiful hatred.