It Was Always You

Chapter One

2004

"Hey Mila! Don't forget to bring over some things for the sleep over at my house after school." A2 very young girl of fourteen said as she jogged up next to her.

"I know Selena, I won't forget. But I'm surprised that your parents are letting me stay the weekend with you while they're gone." Mila said to her as they walked to their last class of the day.

They were freshmen at Mickelson High School and the school year had barely started, being in their second week. Best friends since middle school, they had known each other since they were five years old. But ended up separating when Mila's parents decided to move to another district, causing her to transfer to a new school.

It wasn't until seventh grade that they found each other again and became fast friends. Eventually, they became best friends and made sure that they both ended up in the same high school. Luckily for them, they had required some of the same classes and that made things a whole lot better to start off the new high school year.

"Well, we won't be the only ones there. My brother is coming home today." She stated a little excitedly.

Mila stopped walking and stared after Selena as she just kept on going. Realizing that her friend wasn't with her anymore, she stopped and turned around to look at her. "What's wrong?"

"I forgot you have a brother, isn't he...well, you know...?"

Selena started laughing at the expression she was giving her. "Oh, come on Mila, those are just rumors that everyone likes to spread around to make him more interesting than he actually is, plus no one knows the truth about it."

She wasn't convinced at all and believed what was being said about Jared Cooper. Supposedly in his freshman year, two years ago, it was said that he had beat up a teacher so bad that he landed him in the hospital. It was rumored it was because the teacher got angry and embarrassed that Jared had showed him up about his own teachings.

He had called the teacher dumb and stupid, and that there was an easier way to solve the difficult problems he was giving to his own students. They got into a heated argument, which led to serious insults, and then Jared went into a rage and lost control. It was also rumored that he had completely vandalized the school's auditorium with graffiti. He had gotten expelled and then was sent to juvenile hall for the act. Selena just took it all in stride and even laughed about it.

"Then what is the truth?" she asked.

Selena looked at her for a moment in thought. "How about this, ask him yourself when we get to my house."

"Why can't you just tell me?" She asked, feeling a little nervous about asking the guy personally.

"Because, I have a feeling that you won't fully believe me if I was the one who told you."

She started walking again with a worried frown, biting her lower lip a bit. "I don't know Sel, even if they are only rumors about him being a delinquent, I don't think I can approach him about it."

She laughed again, making her feel a bit annoyed. "I don't think this is funny at all Sel."

"I know, but it makes me laugh when I think about my older brother in those terms." Selena locked her arm with hers as they reached their classroom. "Alright then, I will ask him with you, it will be like you didn't even want to know at all."

"Um Selena, you already know the truth, so you asking him in front of me will be obvious that I'm actually the one who really wants to know." She said to her pointedly.