TEENS

Chapter 7 - Lyle

I watched as Kari spun around in circles, her head thrown back as she laughed and laughed. She was with that tiny friend of hers, the one who looked like a mouse and sounded like a three year old. They were both geeks, obvious to everyone, even me, the school goth. 

Then again, I wasn't uncool. I had tons of friends, a really sweet boyfriend, and even a table to sit at in the cafeteria. I'm not sure Kari could say the same.

"Hey," Brian walked over and pecked me on the cheek. "What are you doing?"

"Brian!" I said, placing my hands on the sides of his face. "You scared me,"

"That wasn't my intention," he smirked at me and looked at Kari. "Thinking of becoming a nerd?"

"You're a nerd,"

"Yeah, but I'm also a cute nerd and a jock." I laughed and he pulled me in for a hug, burying his face in my hair. "You smell like paint,"

"That would be my mother's fault."

"You still paint for her?"

"It's the only thing she wants me to do," I said, smiling. "I wake up and the first things she calls from her room is for me to bring my brushes and canvas and paint a portrait or a still life."

Brian laughed, his blue eyes sparkling. "World's greatest daughter, right here."

"Sure, whatever,"

He pulled on my leather jacket, running his thumb over the skull zipper. "Where do you even buy these clothes?"

"You know," I said. "The local thrift shop,"

"Well, you look amazing,"

"Really?" I looked down at my black, lace boots, ripped black pants, and black tank top. "I was thinking of changing up my style,"

"Is it because you're hanging out with those preppy girls?" he looked me straight in the eye. "Don't go changing on me, Lyle,"

I cackled. "Yeah, like that'll happen."

Brian smiled and kissed my cheek. "I gotta run. Lunch today?"

"Lunch,"

He winked at me. "See you,"

I heard clapping and when I turned around, Jemma stood behind me. She was wearing a white sundress with brown boots and a brown belt. I admit, the look fit her. I laughed when I imagined myself showing up at Brian's house in something like that. He'd flip.

"Wow, who knew you could be romantic?"

"Who knew you could come up with insults?"

Jemma nodded. "That was fair,"

"What do you want?" I didn't try and bother to take the snarl out of my voice.

"We need to help Laurel out," she said. "Wren won't talk to her and we still need Kari. I know it's weird, but this is super important to Laurel and for some reason, she cares about grades. She also seems to like you, so I mean, we can work together to help her out, right?"

"Sure," I said. "She's been nothing but nice to me,"

"Don't know why," Jemma didn't bother whispering this time.

I rolled my eyes and looked over at Kari, who was now sitting on the grass out on the field, swaying her head as some random boy played a guitar beside her. She then pulled out a book from her little purple bag and stuck her nose into it. Her tiny friend pulled out a notebook and started furiously drawing something. So weird.

"How do we get her to talk to us?" Lyle said. "I heard she doesn't speak to anyone,"

Jemma flipped her hair over her shoulder. "Popularity is a powerful thing. I mean, not that you would know."