New Beginnings

Chapter 2

     (After school) A few days after the English project was assigned, Vanessa makes her way to her car. 

*Vanessa*

     I toss my backpack in the floorboard of my car. But before I shut my door, I dig through my bag to find my chapstick because my lips have that dry, tingly feeling that you get when your lips are chapped. As I'm searching, I feel a tap on my shoulder. Startled, I jump and slam my head on the top of the door frame. 

     "Ouch!" I exclaim, rubbing the tender spot. I turn around to see Houston, giving me an apologetic smile.

     "I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

     "It's ok. Really. I'm fine!" I smile at him, trying to convince him. 

     "Can you meet today to go over to first five chapters?" He asks.

     " I can. What time? And where?"

     He considers this for a moment before responding. "Sal's Pizza Parlor at 5:30? I work there so we could get free pizza to eat while we work. I get off at 5:30 so..." he trails off, not finishing his sentence. 

     "That sounds great! I'll meet you then." He nods and walks off. I find my chapstick, then I start towards home.

     Later that day, I'm in my kitchen, helping out my mother by cleaning up the kitchen. I made dinner last night, but I had a killer headache so I left the pots and pans to soak overnight and went to bed early. As I was cleaning them, I noticed Peyton's truck pull into my driveway. He gets out and slams the door. I start to get nervous because he looks really angry about something. I mentally go through my day to see if I said or did anything to make him angry. My back door slams open and I whirl around to see Peyton standing there, a storm brewing on his face. 

     "My parents are getting a divorce. They just told me." 

     I don't know how to respond to that. I set my sponge down and walk over to him. I pull him into a hug. "I'm so sorry, Peyton. Is there anything I can do?" 

     He shakes his head and pushes me off of him. He sits down at the island and grabs a container of candy off the counter. He unwraps a couple chocolates and shoves them into his mouth. I stand there awkwardly, wondering if I should say or do anything to comfort him. I open my mouth to ask him why they are getting a divorce when my phone pings. I reach for it but Peyton is quicker. He spins around and holds up my phone for me to read it.

     "What is this?! Why are you meeting Houston Mcklay at Sal's? Are you going on a date with him?" He stalks uncomfortably close to me and gets in my face. "Are you cheating on me with him?"  He says him with a disgusted tone. I shake my head enthusiastically.

      "No!" I exclaim. "I'm doing an English project with him. We are meeting at Sal's because he works there and it would be easier to go there than anywhere else!" I exclaim, amazed that he would even consider me cheating on him. He stares at me, unconvinced. 

     "You better not cheat on me. I'll drag your name through the mud."

     "I wouldn't dream of it, Peyton. I love you." I said, putting my hand on his cheek. He flings it off. 

     "I'm leaving. Don't hang out with him outside of the project." He stalks towards the door, flings it open, then slams it shut. My heart pounds in my chest and my hands shake. He's never yelled at me like that. I didn't even do anything, he just jumped to the worst conclusion. His parents divorce and football is really taking a toll on our relationship. I can only hope it doesn't get worse.