Angels in the Alleyway

Chapter Four

Jeanette Simmons

I slammed my locker door shut and pressed my forehead against the cool metal in a futile effort to disperse the thoughts that had been running at full speed yesterday and today. It didn't do much though. I could still clearly remember those stares he gave me every now and so often in class today that instantly brought heat to my cheeks yet at the same time, sent a chill down my spine.

Luke has always been contradictory like this. Back in middle school, his eccentric actions and nerdy code of dressing had caused me to look down on him I'll admit....but his politeness and sheer genius mind had never failed to garner awe and respect from me.

"God Jeanette, stop thinking about him!" I scolded myself, not really knowing why I was doing it. Nonetheless, I decided to continue "He's still a creep and you might as well stay out of his way."

"Jeanette?" I heard by younger sister's voice chirp from behind me. I turned around and see Jennifer clad in the Serenity Falls High cheerleading uniform complete with the tight blue "shirt" that was barely covering her midriff and short white skirt. "Practice is almost starting.....are you....ready yet....?" she asked me

I almost wanted to click my tongue and shake my head right there. The little baby sister that I had always known and cared for was growing up way too fast. She has practically been pushed by my parents to take up my position when I graduate and lately, I have been so busy and distracted that I haven't had the chance to have a good talk with her.

I smiled at her. "Don't worry Jennifer, I'm coming." I said, glancing at the small mirror attached to my locker one last time and afterwards following my sister out of the locker room.

When we arrived at the gym, the other girls of the cheerleading team were already gathered in the middle of the gymnasium. Jennifer walked over to join the group of the younger girls but not before Anya suddenly said in and said in a sickeningly, sweet voice "Jennifer, dear, do you still have the charm bracelet I got you?"

To my chagrin, Jennifer held her wrist up, bringing the identical jewelries to sight, making Anya smile. "Awww....Jenny, it looks fabulous on you. We should really hang out more often like last Saturday...." Anya cooed

Jennifer just nodded and smiled shyly. I, however, clenched my fists in anger, so hard that I could almost feel my manicured nails biting into my skin. To think that Anya was going so far as to use my little sister's almost selfless trust in people and turn her into another one of those mindless minions of hers....

Just when I was about to charge over, I felt someone squeeze my hand. I look over and see Erika giving me a warning look. Whenever I'm really upset or in deep shit, Erika is always there to help me and guide me through. Although she's only a few months older that me, she truly is like my second mother and I am always turning to her for advice, even though we're only in the same grade. Her patience is so close to limitless and she's so sensible that everyone looks to her when trouble arises. Sometimes, I really wish that Erika would tell me whenever she's burdened by something because she seems to be a person with much to deal with and I hope to someday pay back the debt I owe her.

I cleared my throat and called loudly "All right girls, get started on your warm ups! You too Jennifer!"

"Oh come on Jeanette, Jennifer and I were just having a bonding moment here. Warm ups can wait 'till later!" Anya practically announced in front of all the other girls, smirking. Jennifer stared at me pleadingly, as though she were coming into Anya's defense.

Keeping my features aloof, indifferent and unfazed as I usually would, I replied, "On the contrary Anya, we should have warm ups as soon as possible so that we can do things in a safer manner while we're practicing." We also use them to keep our little sisters away from cunning snakes in the grass. "We wouldn't really want slip-ups to happen, like yesterday, when you got a cramp from not stretching enough causing you to trip which let us and the guys' basketball them see your bunny-print undies!"