The Truth About Jo

hey this is my first story that i've ever written. i have pretty good grammar and i read alot so im always coming up with a bunch of ideas. my husband suggested i write a book but i gonna post it on here first to see if people actually like it before i try to publish it. I always hate it when authors put a big long note before the story so im not gonna do this every time. i'l try to upload as often as i can but i have a 8 month old and the only time i can write is when she's napping. so here you go. i hope you enjoy it.

chapter 1

School sucks, I thought as I was sitting alone at lunch. My only friend, Lee was out sick today, so I was left to be with my thoughts for the day. Its been a little eye opening and I’ve come to the one conclusion. This town sucks too. All I wanna to is get out of here.

A flash of color drew my eye to the back corner of the cafeteria. Simone and her gang were sitting over there. We used to be friends. I used to have a lot of friends. But when we hit high school everything slowly began to change. The cliques stayed about the same, except for me. I was pushed out of everything.

I could feel the anger welling up in my and Simone looked up suddenly as if she could feel my glare.

“What are you looking at freak?!” she yelled across the room.

“Oh nothing. Just you….Skittle.” I knew it would pissed her off. No one ever messes with Simone. I’ve seen her kicked some serious butt.

As soon as the words left my mouth I took off running. Simone loved to chase down her ‘prey’ I guess you could call it. But I had no intention on getting caught. I was smaller and lighter and wearing more practical clothing for a chase than she was. I’m 5’4” and very slender. I was a pretty good runner and on the track team. Simone was 5’8” and always wears combat boots.

Weaving in and out of the kids in the hallway, I was pretty sure I had the lead but then all of a sudden my head jerked forwards and I looked behind me. Simone had decided to stop her pursuit. Guess she figured I wasn’t worth it. But I was rather curious about the large smirk on her face. Then I felt it. I reached back and pulled a glob of mashed potatoes for my ponytail.

I turned back around and started running with tears in my eyes. I refuse to cry with everyone around. Especially Simone. Then she would know that she got to me. I could not have that happen. School would get worse.

I made my way quickly to the doors hoping to avoid any teacher and the principal. Luck was on my side this time. I made it out the doors and to the cars no problem. Crouching down below the hood of the cars so I wouldn’t get seen, I cleared the parking lot. Safety, I thought to myself, for now anyways. Just wait until Uncle John hears about this. I should probably tell him before he gets a call for the principal.

Yup, as you can see, my school definitely sucks. I was kicking cans and stomping on dried leaves all the way home. I don’t know why but the crunching of the leaves always makes me smile no matter how bad I’m feeling. I rounded the last corner and saw my house. Sanctuary. And a hot shower I thought with a smile.

I walked in and put my bag in the front hall closet. Wanting to surprise Lane, the babysitter and one of my few friends, I tiptoed into the living room and tapped her on the back. A small squeal escaped her lips before she could cover her mouth.

While I was laughing uncontrollably at her reaction, she lightly smacked me on my arm.

“Shut up. Your daughter is sleeping right behind you. Why are you home from school so early anyways? Are you feeling ok?”

“Yea, I’m fine. Just a wounded pride. Nothing that wont heal.”

“So what happened?” Lane asked

“Well you know that girl Simone that has all the different colors in her hair. Kinda looks butch?”

“Yea, who doesn’t. Her dad pretty much owns that town.”

“Well Simone threw mashed potatoes in my hair because I got tired of taking her crap and called her skittle.” I had no problem telling Lane what was going on. se has been baby sitting for me ever since Hope was born 2 ½ years ago and has become a good friend. “And I’m sorry but I have no money right now. Just write down how much I owe you everyday and I’ll pay you when I get paid on Friday.”

“No problem,” She said through her laughter, “Besides this will give me time to take a nap before my next kid. See you tomorrow.”

I waved good by and looked at hope sleeping on the couch. I figured she’ll be out long enough for me to take a shower and wash this crap out of my hair. Twenty minutes later, I stepped out of the shower smelling like my favorite citrus shampoo and matching body wash. Nothing like a hot shower to help you relax, I thought to myself.

When I got in the living room, Hope was up and wanting a snack. I cut her u an apple and sat her down to watch her favorite show. She tried to sing along but couldn’t quite get the words. Her speech has been a little slow but me and Uncle John have been taking her to a therapist to try to improve it.

“Oh Wow!!” I exclaimed as I sat next to her, “Yup you definitely need a diaper change.” Yea… potty training wasn’t going to well either. Hope may be a little behind but I still love her with all my heart anyways.

After I changed Hope, I figured I better find out what to make for dinner and have it ready for Uncle John when he gets home. I wanted to soften the blow about me missing the last half of school. He cant yell if his mouth if full.