I slide the cell back into my pocket and pick up my shit and make to leave; I’m beyond annoyed at myself for dropping grades in math. It should be second nature since I play the piano and read sheet music; most people don’t realize the math involved in that. I guess I was taking for granted that I’ve always been good at it. I’m tired and my jaw still hurts like hell. I am so done with this shitty day.
“I'm heading over to the music department, you guys coming?” I’m looking back to the table. Jackson, TJ and Drew all stand and start to gather their crap, Drew kisses Dannii goodbye and the rest of us just roll our eyes. PDA’s are for pussies. They’ve been together for about a month and I’m pretty sure that if Dannii ate a cookie, Drew could spit that fucker up, they’re that close already. She has him wrapped around her little finger and everyone sees it but him.
“Later, guys!” she shouts before planting one last kiss on Drew and whispering something to him before we leave.
MY CELL VIBRATES and I pull it from my jacket and stare down at the screen. The display shows one new text from a number I don't recognize. I'm a little confused about who would be texting until I remember that I gave my contact details to Professor Hillman. Some guy in one of his classes is flunking and he’s agreed to give me extra credit if I can get this kid’s grades up. I don’t really need the credit but he’s also said he’ll write me a letter of recommendation to go with my application to Cornell.
The guy hasn't put his last name on the text and I know of at least four Ethans off the top of my head. I shoot back a text.
To: Ethan
Hi, my name’s Blair Thomas. I’m available tonight if you want to make a start straight away. I will be in the school library from 4pm.
I go to put my cell back in my pocket when a response comes through.
From: Ethan
Hi Blair,
I can’t make it till 4:30 - is that ok? Should I meet you at the entrance to the library and how do I know who to look for?
Ethan
I read the text and have to resist like hell telling him I’ll be the girl reading a newspaper in a red sweater, holding a rose like they do in all the cheesy rom-coms. That would probably freak him out. Most people don't get my humor. Emily did, the thought makes me frown.
To: Ethan
Ethan,
4:30 is fine, just come straight into the library; I’ll most likely be the only student in there. You won’t miss me.
B
I put the cell back in my pocket and make my way from the quad where I was eating lunch, through the cafeteria and back towards my locker.
“Blair, hold up!” Casey shouts as she and Brie make their way towards me.
They kind of look like your typical high school Barbie dolls, except they’re actually pretty cool, and surprisingly smart for cheerleaders. Cheap blow but undeniably true. The rest of the cheer squad couldn't muster up a brain cell between them.
“Girl, where have you been? I’ve been looking for you since second period. I’ve got your notes from Lit class that I borrowed,” Casey says thrusting my notepad at me.
Casey’s funny as hell; she’s the epitome of a country club princess, her family is posh but she talks with no filter and is pretty loud and all up in your face—finger snapping and head whipping from side to side. Half the time I actually wonder if she’s high.
“Thanks Case, I wa—” I’m cut off before I can finish my sentence by Brie hopping up and down on the spot like an over excited puppy, her blonde hair and boobs bouncing all over the place.
“Ooh Blair, you coming to TJ’s party Friday night? Everyone’s going, and the volleyball team will be there, and so will Kickstart,” she says, wiggling her eyebrows with a huge grin on her face.
“Yeah, you should, totally come with us. I’m driving over at about 8:00 and I can pick you up on the way,” Case cuts in.
It’s common knowledge that those parties are supposed to be pretty full on. Part of me wants to go, just to experience it for myself. Plus Kickstart is supposedly awesome. Em told me that Ethan Jamison writes most of their music and is stupidly talented. She would think that, though.
“Thanks guys, but it’s not really my scene. Plus, I don't really know anyone from the volleyball team so it would be kinda awkward.”
“You know everyone on the volleyball team. Don't feed us that crap; I haven't seen you outside school since Emily died. Please come with us, don't be such a bore.” Brie flashes me her best sad puppy dog eyes. I actually contemplate it for about a nanosecond before coming back to my senses.
“Sorry guys, I can’t. It’s not my scene and for the record, Brie, knowing who everyone is on the volleyball team isn't the same as actually knowing them enough to talk to them. Plus, if Kickstart is there the place will already be over crowded. I have to go, I’m um…I’m late for my next class,” I say, walking away from their pouts as quickly as I can without actually running.