Melina:
My stomach growls while I walk to the gym. Oh well I'll eat my lunch on the way home. I 'm also exhausted from all the crying I've done. Sighing I push open the doors to the gymnasium. I see the teach standing off to the side, I met him when I was touring the school so I give him a small wave and head to the locker room.
"Locker 28." I mumble until I find it in the back corner. Changing as quick as I can then I get out of the there. Locker rooms creep me out. I see Joseph first who gives me a soft smile and beckons me over to him.
Biting my lip I walk over only to stop when that girl from earlies appears at his side. So instead I walk right passed not bothering to look at him. It's for the best anyway, it's not like we would have been friends or something. I mean, I'm such a fucking hot mess why would anyone want to be my friend.
I stand next to a red headed girl about my height. Giving her a small smile which she ignores and starts gossiping to the person on her other side. So instinctively I just wrap my arms around my torso and look at my shoes.
The class was easy since we were jogging. I didn't have to pair up with anyone or talk at all. Showering and getting out of the locker room again as fast as I can I leave the gym. I stop by the bathroom on my way to my next class since I had a few minutes.
I reapply my make-up and fix my hair then go to history class. Jude and Henry are both in this class with me and are sitting in the back with some of their other friends. The tables are longer here fitting five at one. There is one empty seat next to Jude and... and the guy who threw me into the locker.
Yeahhh.... that's gonna be a no from me. "Lina, sit here." Jude says when he sees me but a quick glance to the other boy tells me to stay far away. He licks his lips and looks me up and down. I ignore Jude and site at a table that has only two other people at it.
I smile at them when they stop talking to look at me. They both give me nasty looks and go back to their conversation. So I busy myself with taking out my belongings. And fall easily into the work that is given to us.
"Okay, now I'm going to call out names these will be you partners for any projects or group work that needs to be done. They will groups of four. There will be no switching or changing around for any reason so don't ask."
Going through the names until I hear. "Group six; Jude Garcia, Henry Garcia, Joseph Garcia....Where is that boy anyway....oh annnnddd.... Melina Madison. Group seve......" I internally groan.
How am I meant to steer clear of them when I keep being put into a group with them all?!
Soon the class comes to and end and then the day. I head to my locker and grab my things and start my walk home. I'm half way through my sandwich which by the way is gods gift to earth when a car pull up beside me.
Maybe they need directions or something.
I'm proven wrong when the window rolls down and I see Spencer Garcia behind the wheel. He looks at me with confusion and a bit of annoyance. "Hey, why didn't you wait?" Now I'm confused.
He sees as much as continues." Coop texted ask if I could pick you up. He said you knew to come out with they boys." Ohhhhh. Fuck sake Cooper. I bite my lip and answer him.
"Oh uhh, N-no it's fine. I'll walk, have to stop at the bookstore anyway..." I say the last part a little more quietly. "Sorry no can do. I told Cooper I'd get ya home safely. Hop in, we're swinging by the bookstore anyway. For English right?"
Oh how could I have forgotten they're all in my fricken English class too. Sighing I look around to make sure no one sees and then I open the back door. Jude is in the passenger seat, Henry in the back by the window and Joseph in the middle.
The soft music plays as Spencer drives. I hold my bag tightly in my lap as I look out the window. "So, how was the first day?" Spencer asks. A few mumble goods and a fine is what he get's in return.
"Melina? How about you?" I shrug my shoulders then remember he can't see me so I have to talk. "Yeah it was okay." I reply softly. "Just okay? Make any friends?" My heart hurts at the question because no I didn't.
"No." I reply just above a whisper and turn to look back out the window. I feel Joseph stiffen and feel his eyes on me but I don't dare to look. Soon we pull up to what I see is a Barns & Nobles.
When I get out Joseph comes out behind and wraps his arm around me, bringing me into his side. "You did make a friend today sweet girl. Me." His tone is low so that only I hear him. Looking up to be met with his eyes.
They're lighter than Jude's. He also had more freckle on his nose and fuller lips. I smile. A genuine, real smile. My eyes even water a little. Only to remember that girl. I don't have a problem with people knowing I'm in foster care.
But I'd rather not be scared or hurt or bullied like that again. Maybe I'm sensitive or whatever but I wish people where just nice. There's too much hate and jealousy in the world.
We are inside before I realise and find the book we need quick enough. And then I spot a piece of treasure. Nestled between two health books is the latest Elsie Silver book. The one that is sold out EVERYWHERE.
Pulling out of Josephs arms I wonder away from the boys who I'm unaware are following me. "No way, no way, no fucking way...." I pull the book out and squeal. Yes!!! This is it!
When I turn around I'm caught off by the boys laughing silently behind me. Biting my lip as I blush a deep shade of red. "Sorry." I mumble.
"No need to be sorry, that was the cutest thing I've ever seen." Joseph chuckles wrapping me back up in his embrace.
We head to the register and Spencer takes both books out of my hands and places them up there with the others. Before I can say anything the cashier speaks. "Ohh you're lucky you found that. It's the last one and we're not getting another shipment for a month."
When I go to say something Joseph steers me away so I glare at him. He doesn't even look at me when he speaks. "Your little bunny glare ain't doing nothing." He smirks when I frown and cross my arms in a huff.
You know what it's fine I'll just leave the money somewhere for Spencer I decide. Ha! that will show them. Pulling up outside their house Spencer parks. We all get out and I realise I feel better than earlier.
I feel lighter.
Spencer comes around the car holding my books. I got to take them but he edges away. Instead he takes hold of my hand. "See ya tomorrow Lina!" Henry yells and the other two yell their good-bye to me also.
I wave to them as they walk inside their house. Spencer pulls me to start walking. We walk over to Allie and Cooper's house. "Is anyone home?" He questions when we get to the front door. Allie's car is in the drive way so I tell him as much.
His shoulder's seem to untense and he smiles at me. "Okay, here. Go in and lock the door behind you. I hope your day is better tomorrow. I'm going to drive you not sure if Cooper told you. So come over, no need to knock just let yourself in at about 8:30-8:40 okay?"
Well that's a bit of information to process. I nod and he smiles at me again. I watch him walk to the end of the drive way where he promptly stops and raises an eyebrow at me. What...Oh, right. I give him a quick wave and head inside.
What.
A.
Day.
YOU ARE READING
Before, During & After: Melina Caterina Madison
Novela JuvenilMelina's life has never been easy. It's full of trauma, death and sorrows. Trying to navigate through her emotions as a seventeen year old is hard enough. Throw in foster care, dead mothers and not one but four drop dead gorgeous men... who just so...