The New Girl

Chapter 3

The weekend flew by way too fast. Lyric thought that Monday thru Friday should be the weekends and Saturday and Sunday should be the school days and she didn't think that she was the only one that thought that either. However, Monday morning it was and she had to get ready early because she had to take Koda out before she left for school. With that chore done, she put Koda in the crate that they had bought Friday. She thought crate training was the best way to go because it kept Koda safe while she and her mother were away. She put Koda inside the crate, throw some toys and treats in for her and told her she would be home soon.

Her mother was usually gone by the time she left for school but this morning she found her in the kitchen. “Morning, sweetheart. I don't have to be at work until later so I thought I could take you to school today.” Great, Lyric thought. That meant she would get to school on time. “You don't have to if you don't want too. I'm fine walking.” Lyric said, with as much non-attitude as she could muster this early in the morning. “I don't mind at all and besides I made you some breakfast. Now you have plenty of time to eat.” Great, Lyric thought once again.

“So how did Koda do last night and this morning?” Lyric held up a finger for her mom to wait and ran up the stairs. “Hey Koda, you can come downstairs for awhile. Mom's taking me to school so you don't have to be in there until we get ready to leave.” Koda was ecstatic about that and as soon as Lyric opened the crate door she took off running downstairs. “Well, good morning to you too Koda. You want some breakfast too?” “Mooom, I already feed her.” “One slice of bacon is not going to hurt her. She can ride to school with us and I'll bring her back, let her do her business and then put her in her crate before I leave for work.”

“Okay, but you have to make sure the crate door is locked and pleasssse put her leach on when you take her outside. Oh, and make sure you give her some treats and tell her this is her safe place and that I'll be home to let her out as soon as I get home from school.” Andrea laughed and shook her head. “Okay, you sure there isn't anything you forgot to tell me?” “No, I think that's about it.” Lyric replied and stuffed a slice of bacon in her mouth. They both laughed as Koda jumped up and down, showing her pleasure at getting to go for another car ride.

As soon as Lyric crested the top of the stairs at school she saw Melody leaning against her locker. “Figured you'd have to show up here sooner or later.” Melody said and flashed her a flawless smile. What was it with her and JaCoby's smile, they both had the same smile, Lyric thought. Before Lyric could say a word, Melody went to prattling on in her sunny, no care in the world, way. Sometimes just listening to her wore Lyric out. “So, my brother said he saw you and your mom Friday. I think my brother likes you, if you know what I mean?” “Who's your brother?” Lyric managed to get in.

“JaCoby, silly.” Well, that solved the mystery of their smiles, Lyric thought. “My dad and mom own Mama's Pizza. JaCoby works the night shift on the weekends and I work the afternoons. If you want to earn some money, we could probably get you on if you want. Of course I don't know how many hours you would get but one of the guys that works there is getting ready to quit, he's going to college or something like that. Just let me know and I'll set up an interview for you with my mother. She's the one that does all the hiring and firing. Geez, wouldn't want her job, if you know what I mean?”

Thank God for the, get your ass to class, bell. “Well, I'll see you next class.” Melody hollered over her shoulder as she ran for her first period room. Lyric shook her head in amusement as she walked across the hall to her first class. Just as she set down, JaCoby ran in the room. “Sorry I'm late Mrs. Carter. Lyric rolled her eye's and waited for it. There it was, the same flashy smile as Melody. “It's okay JaCoby, just don't let it happen again.” Mrs. Carter said and smiled back at JaCoby. Everyone laughed except Lyric.