Running Scared.

Chapter Nine

We got off the subway and walked to school. We stopped and he said, “Welcome to Wrigley High School… my palace.” He put his arm around me and walked me inside to the front office. He made sure no one bumped into me. The school was nice. It didn’t seem like it was falling apart, like my school in Georgia. We walked into the front office to a middle-aged woman with black hair and round glasses. “Hey Mrs. Frank, this is Lola.” I waved at her and she got up and handed me my locker number, my schedule, and my homeroom. We walked out of the front office laughing. “Well she seems like a ray a sunshine,” I said while laughing. He walked me to my locker and helped me put some of my things in. He snatched my schedule and said, “Huh, as luck would have it you’re with me… for everything.” I grabbed my schedule and said, “Everything.” He laughed and said, “Wow your first day here, and your stalking me.” I closed my locker and said, “You wish.”

    He showed me to my homeroom and I sat in the seat in front of him. Some people started staring at me. “Don’t worry,” he whispered in my ear, “They’re staring because your new.”

    For the rest of the day, I stayed close to Jeremy. A couple of his friends introduced themselves. Eric, blonde hair blue eyed. Reese, dirty blonde hair brown eyed. Lucas, black hair blue eyed. He had some good looking friends, but he was cuter. The more I stared at Jeremy, the more I thought he was cute. After school, he took me around New York. Showing me the local places. He brought me back to the same photo booth. “Wanna have another photo shoot?” he asked. We got in and made some silly poses, but for the last flash. I kissed him. We got out in silence and he let me keep the pictures. “So tell me Lola, what are you doing tomorrow night?” Was he asking me out? “Nothing, maybe chill at home and watch a movie.” He gave me a lollipop and said, “Well change of plans. My parents are going on a little romantic getaway and I’ll have the house to myself. So I get to throw a party, you should come it starts at seven-thirty.” He wasn’t asking me out. He was inviting me to a party.

    He walked me to my front door. “Hey Jeremy, you wanna come in and actually have a conversation with my dad?” “Yeah, why not. The first time we met was pretty awkward.” I brought him inside and said, “Dad Jeremy’s here.” He came out of the kitchen and shook Jeremy’s hand. “Hey Jeremy, how your parents doing?” “Oh pretty good, my dad’s still arrogant.” Dad laughed and said, “Lola, I like this guy. Oh and your mattress came in.” Jeremy and I sat in the living room and watched a couple funny movies. I got some snacks and we started a little game with them. “Okay,” he said chewing a grape, “That’s six, go.” He made it all the way to fifteen. I made it to eleven. Dad soon left to get groceries so we were home alone. We sat upside down on the couch watching TV. “So Lola, you ever smoked?” I looked at him and said, “Nope… you?” He laughed and said, “Of course. I tried it once at a party. Pot and cigarettes.” I hesitated and said, “Can I try one?” I leaned up and said, “What, no? Lola your still pure,” I looked away, “That’s not what I mean. You don’t have drugs in your system. I don’t want to be a bad influence.” I leaned up and said, “You’re not a bad influence. I want to try one… please.” He sighed and pulled out a cigarette and a lighter. “Really, you have a cigarette with you.” “Hey I only smoke one. I’m not addicted to it.” I put it between my lips and he lit it for me. I took one puff and coughed. He pat me on my back and said, “That happens the first time.” After a couple of puffs, I was okay with it. We shared it and we talked about Derrick. “He’s a jackass. I knew my mom was rushing into things too quickly. The first time I met him, my mom was giving him head in the kitchen. Ever since then, I’ve hated his guts… until… you know.” We took one last puff and put it out before we tossed it out the window. He left the window open to air out the smell, while I sprayed the air freshener.

    Dad came back a while later and didn’t suspect a thing. I walked Jeremy to the door. “See you tomorrow,” he said while kissing my hand. “Tomorrow.” I closed the door and leaned against it. “So,” dad said standing by the archway, “Tell me about Jeremy.” I followed him back into the kitchen and said, “Well if you must know dad, he’s my best friend.” He laughed and said, “Yeah… best friend.” I jumped off the counter and said, “And what’s that supposed to mean?” I helped him put away some of the groceries. “Well,” he said while taking the Oreos out of my hand, “Best friends don’t kiss each other’s hands. That boy likes you… might even love you.” I started to blush. Jeremy might like me.