Protected

The Flair of Blair

I look into Carsons eyes and sigh.
"I'm sorry for getting upset at you Carson. It's just that, right then you seemed more like a father than best friend. Telling me about what's appropriate and everything."
Carson nods, "I'll try not to do that, Lexi. What would you like me to do instead?"
I shake my head. "Nothing. Nothing you're capable of anyway."
He leans forward, "Try me."
"Well most best friends would listen to my end of the conversation and giggle, flattered that the hot boy is talking to me. But you can't do that. It's just another thing I miss out on with not having a girl best friend."
Carson stares hard at me. "Would you rather a girl best friend?"
"If I say yes, you'll get offended. For me, it would be perfect to have one of each. Then I don't miss out on either. Guy best friends are cutely overprotective and girl best friends... PIC."
"PIC?" He asks, bewildered.
"Partners in crime. I may not hang out with girls much, but I do know the lingo."
Carson laughs and we rise.
"Let's go pack. We leave for the airport in an hour." He says.

I flop onto my bed in Vermont, happy to have every last detail of this summer taken care of. It been 2 weeks since the trial, I still have nightmares. I don't think those are going away anytime soon.
A new girl came and looked at our school. I've been thinking a lot about my conversation with Carson, unable to get the idea of a girl best friend out of my mind,  and decided to make my wish a reality. I'm hoping to snap her up before Sandra does, and today is her first day.
As I'm in the bathroom spending more time on my makeup than usual, my phone dings. It's Noir.
Hey Lexi. Good luck with that new girl today. I'll call tonight and you can tell me how everything went. -Noir

We've been chatting on the phone almost every night and texting throughout the day. He knows my life pretty well.
Thanks dude. Good luck to you too today. I know you'll make the team. -Lexi

His basketball tryouts are today. The boy never fails, he's gotten onto literally every sports team he's tried out for. 11th grade basketball will be no different. Yes, he's a year older than me.
      I checked my outfit in the mirror and sighed, "I suppose this is as good as it's going to get."
     I had on black jeans, with a blue long sleeved shirt that has a sparkly swirl design going down one side. Sparkly silver flats on my feet complemented the sparkles on my shirt. Small silver hoops in my ears, and light silver eyeshadow on my face. Mascara and blush competed the look.
        This is one of the fanciest, girliest outfits I own. The shoes were for when I was in my uncles wedding and the top was a gift from a fashionable cousin. Except for the black jeans the whole outfit was something I would never wear.
     I made a face at my reflection. "I look too fancy. Oh well, I want to make a good impression."

      I walk into school and meet Carsons eyes down the hall. His eyes widen and he immediately starts elbowing his way to me.  
     "Wow Lexi you look stunning! I've never seen you so fancy! Except when I escorted you at your uncles wedding last summer."
       "What makes me look so stunning?" I ask coyly, wanting to see him squirm.
          I'm so mean.
    But he takes it in stride. "Well your hair is such a different color than your shirt that it really pops. And the silver stuff on your eyelids sets off the green of your eyes, and even your red hair. The shirt and your eyes clash a little, but not too bad."
    I beam. "Thanks, and the "eye stuff" is called eyeshadow. I do normally wear it, but in a natural color."
     He smiles at me too and we head off to class.

       I have two classes with the new girl, but not until after lunch, which I also have with her. As I enter the cafeteria I spot her getting in line for lunch. I take a deep breath and march over to her.
   "Hello." I say, and she turns around.
This girl is sophisticated, I can tell. My heart sinks. She's just the type to make friends with Sandra.
    She has dark, lovely brown hair which is braided on the side and dark eyes. She wears a long-sleeved, lacy off-white top with a coral tank top underneath. She has coral colored jewelry to match. Blue jeans and high black boots finish the outfit. I notice her makeup is on point and I feel a twinge of jealousy at her beauty.
     "Did you say hi to me?" She asks, looking surprised.
    "Well yeah. I wasn't talking to the wall." I cringe, I should've held back my sarcasm until I knew her better.
    The beautiful girl just laughed, a lilting, soft sound. "I'm Blair. You are?"
    "Lexi. Nice to meet you Blair. How are you liking it here?"
   "It's cold. Really cold."
"Wait until later, it gets way worse. I'm shocked there's no snow, seeing's how it's the beginning of November. "
   Blair shivers. "Brr. I like your shirt, by the way."
She looks me over, scrutinizing every detail of my outfit. "I also love your eyeshadow. Where did you get it?"
    "Oh I don't know." I said lightly. "Kohls? Macy's? I don't usually pay attention to that stuff. Today was a dress-up day for me."
   "Well your whole ensemble is adorable."
    Ensemble? Hola this girl was cutting-edge.
"Thank you!" I say with a smile. "You caught me on a good day, I'm never this dressed up."
We continue chatting and I just know, Blair and I will be good friends. After a little while of working up my courage, I finally ask her a question.
"Blair, I know you just moved here and all, and you're probably busy with unpacking but, um, would you want to come over this afternoon?"
"Would I?" She squealed. "Oh Lexi! Definitely! Thank you!"
"My mom will pick us up and take you home so you don't have to get a ride." I offer.
She beams and agrees, and I find myself looking forward to this afternoon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How do you guys feel about Lexi getting a chick friend? I don't know about you but I am super excited about this new character! She has such an awesome personality I can't wait for you all to get to know her better through what's left of the book!

Don't forget to vote!

I love you!

-M.R.