The next time I woke up, three male faces were hovering over mine.
“I think she’s dead!” Someone whispered.
“Zach, I f that’s you suggesting I’m dead, you better be glad you’re my cousin, and that I don’t believe in beating up my family.” I muttered, sleep thickening my voice. I sat up, and saw that Noah, Zach, and Jack were waiting.
“Welcome back, Sleeping Beauty.” Zach said with a grin. I glared at him.
“Where am I, exactly?” They looked sheepish.
“You’re back in our room. Jack found you passed out in the library, and carried you back here.” I frowned at Jack, who wouldn’t meet my eyes. I shook my head.
“Thanks. Other than the fact that you called me a whore, I think you’re a pretty nice guy.” I told him. He looked at me in shock. “But that doesn’t mean I like you.” I added hastily. He gave a stiff nod.”What time is it?” I asked.
“11pm.” They said in unison. I frowned.
“I don’t understand how I fell asleep. I’m usually up until, like, 2am doing- never mind.” They looked at me suspiciously.
“Well, I’ve got to go. I have to get back to my room before 11:30, as that is the curfew for Saturday nights.” Jack gave a short wave and left. I watched him leave, in curiosity. What a difficult person. One moment, a total ass, another a total sweetie. I shook my head and stood up. I was still in my clothes and my shoes.
“I’ll be back.” I walked into my closet, and changed into my red silk short shorts, and a lacy black tank top. I put a pair of slippers on and headed back out. “Hey guys, I’ll be out on the balcony. I, uh, need a smoke.” They scrunched their noses, in disapproval. I grabbed my pack of Marlboro’s and walked out. There was a swinging chair, that was swaying slightly with the breeze. I sat down and lit up. I took a long drag, and instantly felt at ease.
“You know, smoking is not very good for you.” I looked over to the balcony next to ours. A boy, about 5’10, with light cocoa hair and pale blue eyes, was looking at me with a smile.
“I beg to differ. Sure, it’s gonna be hell on my lungs in years, but they make me feel good. It’s better than doing marijuana.” I retorted. He smiled and laughed.
“I guess if you look at it that way…” He put his chin in hands.
“I’m Charlotte Elise.” I told him.
“Oh, I know. I think everyone does.” I blushed. “I’m Jake Griffin. I’m from New Jersey.” Jake Griffin? The Jake Griffin?!?!?! I played it cool.
“Your Maria Griffin’s son, right?” I asked.
“Yeah. I am.” He grinned at me.
“Well, Jake, It’s great to meet you.” I dropped my cigarette, and stepped on it with my slipper. “I’m afraid, if anyone wants me up before 10am, I have to go to sleep now. “ he bowed his head.
“It was lovely meeting you Charlotte Elise.” I stopped before going in.
“Call me Char.” I walked back in with a smile on my face.
“What’re you all smiley about?” Zach asked.
“I just met someone.” He looked up from his book.
“Who?” Noah called from his closet.
“His names Jake.” Noah came out with his nose scrunched.
“Jake Griffin? He’s bad news, bro.” It was my turn to make a face.
“Don’t call me bro. I’m not a dude. He’s seems nice enough to me.” Zach shook his head as I sat on my bad, and pulled my slippers off.
