The HOE Code

Chapter One

Twenty second of November was as dreary as it was meant to be. I look at the snow on the sidewalk, hitting the paddle as I ride down the road. The cold air hits harsh on my cheek, and I curse when the newspaperman almost gets knocked over. What a misery it would be! Then half of Chesterville would have to run all the way to town to talk about Trump, Oil, and Russia. I let out a sigh, trying to ignore the tingle growing in my nose. My legs stop kicking hard, when I spot the redhead in the distance. A forced smile, the always- there freckles, and her thin skeleton of a limb waves back at me as I hit the brake.

Isn't she feeling cold? A cashmere sweater won't do for all the cold we are going to get this season. Unfortunately, it's not only the cold, there's always more to it. I shake off the thoughts when the petite amber walks over.

"Going to visit Bianca, Marley?" She asked, and I move my head sideways. What good it will do if I tell her? None. So, I decide against it. Some things were meant to be done alone.

"Good. She doesn't deserve to be visited. That slut!" She said, and certainly my cheeks were flushed, palms drawn into balls, and self-control on the edge. Calm down, Marley. Calm down. My breath turns erratic and I stare in her green eyes. The first thought that hits me is how could she not know?

"She is your sister, Jesse." I said, keeping my voice cool, hoping she would stop.

"You mean was ..."

They all do that. Judge her for things they don't even know she did. But that's what the rumors are for! Leave it all up to the school snobs to ruin a person's reputation. Living or dead. They didn't even know her enough to call her that!

"Never mind. I have places to be, and you won't like to wander around in that!" I said, pointing to her half-buttoned sweater.

"You know what they say..." She said, shrugging and I raised an eyebrow. There's more to the stupid rumors?

"I am hot, Marley. I don't catch cold!" She said, smiling that half ass smirk that she picked from the other girls. Thank God, B. isn't here.

"Good luck explaining that to your boyfriend when you sneeze into a frencher." I said, letting out a sigh. That did the trick. She hurriedly buttoned up the black buttons, almost cocooning up in the fabric as the realization hits her - She isn't that hot.

I take the cue to leave, hitting the paddle again when I heard her scream behind my back.

"Don't go near the cemetery. Mayor said it's haunted." So, she wasn't as stupid she seemed. Jesse was standing out in the cold to warn me? Well, that wasn't a first.

I didn't turn around. There was no going back from this. I gasp for air as my legs hit harder on the paddle, taking the view of snow-clad cars, and people on the streets when I turned to the road that led down the cemetery.

I prepared myself for the worst. No matter what they say, I will find the truth.

My legs freeze when the gate neared. Gulping the lump in my throat, I searched for the stone. How I hoped I never had to! But there it was, a little corroded, but still visible. Bianca Montgomery.

I walk to the stone, sitting mindlessly, staring into the ground, hoping she would pop out of it. Not a logical wish, I know. But I was dying to ask her what happened that night? Wasn't it just yesterday when we were gossiping about boys, nail paint, and dick jokes? How come she left without a word?

I reached for the packet of Oreos and laid it on the stone.

"Listen fucker! I know you are playing dead, but it's been four years and I brought you banana Oreo. So, get up. I am still a virgin, and I need you to tell me how to lose it! You get it?" I said, hoping the tears stinging in my eyes won't fall. But they do. That bitch will always make me cry!