One In A Million

xvi

I chewed a bobby pin in my mouth until I Indian braided my hair into two sections, my layers hanging  over them.

Simon allowed me to continue school, teaching myself. But, to do that, first I had to take a grade placement test. It wasn't that bad, but it had the word "test" in it, enough said.

My stupid school in California did school through the middle of July, so we started in October. Not much of a "Summer" vacation, but we took it. This school - The School of the Junior High Pop-Star - starts whenever my parents tell me to. Now.

After doing my hair, I slipped a Batman case on my phone, shoved my torso into a Navy green button down and my bum into dark red skinny jeans - almost the color of pre-dried blood, if you didn't understand. My feet went into tan wedges before I swaggered down the stairs.

"Shall we go now?" Niall grabbed his keys and handed me a cup of coffee.

I grabbed it and relished in the warm scent, "Yeah, sure."

We got into the car and began driving before either one of us spoke.

"So," Niall prolonged the word, "Why did you decide to continue school?"

"Why did you decide to drive?" I retorted.

He squinted, "Because everyone does it and it's the way of life?"

I nodded, "There's your answer,"

He chuckled, "Idiot."

He dropped me off at a school, where today it was all rich kids or celebrities, and left to get to his photo shoot, tossing a "See you for dinner!" over his shoulder.

I waved, gave a curt nod, and flooded in with everyone else. I'm not sure I knew half of the people. I knew a few Disney people, few Nick and ABC people, but the rest were all rich kids.

I scouted out my room, confused at everything that was going on. I came to my door and tried to get a good look inside. People crowded another door, one that didn't show outside.

"What's going on?" I asked a random blonde.

She smiled, happy I recognized her, "Well, that door is the only gateway to that room. And it won't budge. There's no lock, which means there's no key." she gave an exsasperated sigh.

I watched people give up and stare at it. After a few minutes of weird silence, there was a loud bang and the door fell to the floor. A girl with darker skin, brown eyes and brown hair fell with it. She stood up and gave a nonchalant "Howdy . . . " before walking away.

New friendship? I think yes!

I ran after her, brushing the hair from my face, "Howdy, what?"

She spun on her heel and smiled, "I'm Missy. My number is 549-295-2957. Have a nice day." And then she left.

I walked back to the room, now without a door, and sat at the last empty seat.

Missy came back with a band-aid on her forehead from where she fell. She sat in front of me, not a care in the world, and watched the teacher.

"Now, good morning, everyone!"

I slid my coffee under my chair and coughed a silent burp before turning my attention to the teacher again.

"These tests will determine which grade you go into this coming up year! No talking, no texting, no getting up, no nothing. Just the test. Good luck."

I began on the test, knowing every answer, and passing it quickly.

When we exited at exactly seven o'clock, Missy and I began talking like we had known each other forever. I invited her to dinner with the boys and Josh.

"Yeah, sure!" she clapped perkily.

"Do you know who I am?" I asked randomly, pitching my cold coffee.

She shrugged, "Lily Stomp, right? You go by L. J. and live with One Direction."

"So, you've known that but you haven't fangirled yet?"

I wasn't hurt, just curious.

"Nah, I'm not like that. I got a friend today, not this high-and-mighty pop-star."

I smiled, "Thanks, that's who I wanted you to see."

We walked for a few miles, August not being very nice to us, until we got to the restaurant.

I gave each of the boys a one-armed hug but Josh got a full-on death squeeze.

"Joshua, put me down!" I mumbled into his chest.

I may have started the hug, but he sure as heck finished it. My feet hit the floor and I tipped my  imginary hat.

We sat down and began talking, even Missy, yet no one knew who she was.

Niall's eyes kept wandering to the American girl in our booth. The American girl who wasn't me.

Missy's hand stuck out in front of his face, "Missy Ford, nice to meet you."

Niall shook it awkwardly and stared at me.

I smiled, "She was at testing."

Every boy at the table slipped an "Ooh" before going back to their food.

Missy and I began a burping contest with our milkshakes, which then the boys joined in and we annoyed most of the restaurant away. No one wanted to be there with us. I laughed at the thought as we neared the time to leave.

"Hey, Missy. Meet me at Harvord Skate Park tomorrow." I gulped the rest of my water.

"Okay, six? Best time of day." she smiled.

"I know! I'll be there if you will!"

We shared a laugh, high-fiving each other.

"Aight, let's bounce!" Louis imitated our accents.

Liam glared at him, "That's not how we talk . . . "

Dad much?

Missy shrugged, and proceeded to announce: "Autobots, roll out!"

Which afterwords, we proceeded to leave.