Alaina Clark

Chapter 1

The annoying buzzing coming from my alarm clock pulls me from my peaceful state. I slam my hand onto it, silencing it. I sit up and glance at my calendar, it reads November 1st with a word scribbled under it. That settles it, today is going to suck. I stand up and walk to my dresser, I pick up a black picture frame, I can't help but stare at it. Staring back is Elizabeth and I. She has her arm around my shoulders and the most beautiful smile, paired with her perfect green eyes. Her light brown hair falling around her face in soft curls. I was pouting in this picture because I was not in the mood for pictures after having failed an important test, we had gone out for ice cream to cheer me up. Liz had of course gotten a perfect score (perfect just like her). Her ice cream cone was a reward unlike mine. My eyes fill with tears remembering how much fun we had that day, despite that awful test. Carefully, I set the picture frame back in it's place and I walk out of my room. At the top of the staircase I can hear my parents whispering, I take loud steps down the stairs to announce my presence. As soon as I walk in the whispering stops. My parents are both sitting at the dining table with a stack of fresh pancakes situated in front of them. Staring at me with sorrow in their eyes and offering me a sympathetic smile. I sigh and walk up the the fridge, pulling out a carton of orange juice. "Please don't do that" I plead. "Do what honey?" my mother sweetly replies. "Don't treat me like I'm made of glass, I know today will be hard for you it will be hard for me too. But I would really appreciate it if you'd stop looking at me like I'm one of those dogs that has wheels for legs". I grab a glass out of a cabinet and fill it with orange juice. My parents are still staring at me cautiously. I took a seat in front of them where they had another set of pancakes just for me. My father was the one who broke the silence "We're just trying to be supportive". I sighed "I know dad" I said in a quiet voice that they almost didn't here me. "So, what time is your interview?" my mother asked quickly changing the subject. Crap I forgot about that, I should really pay more attention to my calendar. "It's not till nine" I replied as I poured syrup on my pancakes. "Well it looks like you have just under two hours left" my father chimed in glancing at the clock hanging on the dining room wall. "Yup" I said as I shoved a fork full of pancakes into my mouth. The rest of breakfast went by without a hitch. Filled with small talk about the weather, sports, work, anything but her. None of us even dared to bring up that dreaded subject, much less say her name. It was as if she never existed, the thought sent chills down my spine. After my parents went to work I quickly loaded the dishwasher and headed upstairs for a shower. I had picked out my outfit for today a few days ago, making getting dressed an easy task. I stood in front of my bed room door where a full body mirror hung. Pleased with my outfit, a black pencil skirt paired with a white dress shirt and topped off with a black blazer. I swiftly put my long brown hair up in a bun and slipped on my black wedges. After curling my eyelashes and applying mascara, I applied a minimal amount of makeup making my best features stand out. Eyebrows plucked in a perfect arch. Cheek bones lightly highlighted. Soft eyeshadow magnifying my emerald eyes, and reflecting them in the perfect shade of green. Plump lips colored in a light pink lipstick you'd never even know was there. I look into to mirror on my dresser. Loving this look, but I'm missing something. Accessories, of course how could I forget the accessories? I walk up to my dresser and pop open my jewelry box. A plain silver necklace and matching earrings complete my outfit. I quickly slip on my silver watch, and once again I stand before the full body mirror. Damn, I can't help  but admire my handy work. If I do say so myself I look fine. I look at my watch, it reads 8:04 way ahead of schedule. With my phone my hand and my purse hanging of my shoulder I walk out of my room and head down stairs. I quickly call a cab, then head out the front door locking it behind me. My phone buzzes in my hand as I stand in the front yard waiting for the cab. A smile tugs at my lips the morning trouble easily forgotten as I read a message from Dean "Coffee before your interview?". "Sure, meet me at Starbucks". "See you in 5" Dean didn't even skip a beat. The cab finally arrives, I pull open the hideous yellow door and sit down in the foul smelling backseat. After giving the driver the address I shoot Dean a quick text ":) ok see you soon". Minutes later I'm standing in the middle of the coffee shop looking around, trying to spot that unmistakable mop of brown hair. Once I do I quickly approach him and call out "Dean". He immediately turned around at the sound of my voice, a huge grin overtook his face as his eyes landed on me  "Sparkles!" he beamed. "Alaina" I quickly corrected him as he wrapped is arms around me, in response to my correction he playfully rolled his eyes. "I don't think so Sparkles" he said with a smirk pulling back from our embrace, his bright blue eyes shining with mischief. It was my turn to roll my eyes. "What do I have to do to get you to forget about that stupid nickname?" I said faking annoyance. "Mmmmh" he hummed as he rubbed the light stubble on his perfectly chiseled chin pretending to be deep in thought. "Nothing, cause the nickname stays" he stated firmly. I huffed out a laugh and that conclude this nickname argument just like it had countless times before when I had tried to get him to drop the ridiculous pet name. Dean lead me to a table for two and pulled out a chair for me like the gentlemen he is. He took a seat directly on front of me a goofy grin and the matching crinkles at the corner of his eyes are the first thing that catches my eye. I love the crinkles by his eyes. They're not a sign of age, no on the contrary, they are a sign of youth. They always appear when he smiles uncontrollably. "So Dean" I'm about to strike up a conversation when I'm suddenly interrupted by a barista calling out Dean's name, telling him his order is ready. "Just one second" Dean quickly replies, I nod and he stands up and walks up to the counter to retrieve his order. He comes back with two drinks in hand. "I got you a small coffee black with two sugars just how you like it, I didn't get you a medium or large because knowing you you'd be peeing all through the interview". He finished with a laugh. Wow he knows me so well, and I know him well enough to know he has the exact same drink as mine."Thank you for always being so considerate of my bladder" I said with appreciation in my voice. He laughed, and I couldn't help but join in. The sound of his deep laughter has been contagious ever since I could remember. That's one of the reasons he's been my best friend my whole life. "So you ready for your interview?" he said once the laughter died down. "Yes" I stated confidently. "Liar you always overthink things and get nervous for no reason" he said catching me on my lie, he knows me too well. "Fine" I sigh and continue "I'm just not sure I'm what they're expecting". "Of course you're not what they're expecting, you're much better than anything their entitled asses could imagine." Dean spoke with such confidence I couldn't help but believe him. "You're just saying that to make me feel better" I muttered, I believed him but i wouldn't be me if I didn't show at least some resistance. "Stubborn as always, aren't you Sparkles" Dean huffed out a laugh with a slight smirk. "Gee I thought you'd be use to it by now" I said clicking my tongue in a disapproving manner as I tried to keep a straight face. It didn't work, within seconds both Dean and I had burst into laughter. I took a sip of my coffee realizing it was cool enough to drink, Dean did the same. We sat in silence for a while taking delight in the comfortable silence. Enjoying the fact that neither of us felt the need to fill the air with needless words, each others company was just enough. Dean's ocean blue eyes caught mine and we had a silent staring contest my barely there smile matched his. Dean's phone rang but he instantly declined the call. Suddenly his eyes visibly widened and he quickly said "Shit it's 8:45". I felt my own eyes widen as I processed the information, a quick glance at my watch confirmed my fear. I was going to be late to the interview I worked so hard to get. Great, I put in all this effort just to not make it on time. "Sparkles!" Dean pulled me out of my thoughts "Come on, I'll drive you there so you won't waste any time waiting for a cab" He was standing in front of me extending his hand out, waiting for me to take it. Swinging my purse over my shoulder I grabbed my almost full coffee cup in my left hand and placed my right hand in Dean's. Pulling me onto my feet he held my hand as he lead me out of the crowded coffee shop. Hand gripping mine as he lead me to his car, a matte black 69' Camaro. He opened the passenger door for me and helped me in before closing the door and swiftly making his way to the other side of the car. Once he was sitting in the drivers seat he buckled his seatbelt, reminding me to buckle mine he turned on the ignition making the car release a deep purr he sped out of the parking lot. My thought's were on his car, admiring it. If his looks couldn't get him any girl he wanted his car was guaranteed to do the trick. Wait what am I saying his looks could definitely get him any girl he wanted, not just girls but anything. All Dean had to do was give a pleading look that made him look like a pouty prince charming and bam he gets his wish. My eye sight shifted from the road to Dean. Classic rock softly playing in the background but I barely even noticed it as I shamelessly stared at Dean. Beautiful brown hair smoothed perfectly to the side, his pointed nose along with his sharp jawline look absolutely stunning together. His jaw clenched in concentration as he is solely focused on driving make his jawline look even sharper than usual. If i gently traced his jawline like I've done countless times before, it would probably cut me. His electric blue eyes are narrowed and matched with perfectly long naturally curled eyelashes most girls would kill to have. Just looking at them gives me goosebumps. All of those features along with the fact that he's tall and his personality is a blessing to this world make him a God amongst humans. I've always admired Dean's physical attractiveness, just like he's always admired mine. Most of the time we've talked about it we just end up making up dirty jokes about each other. Even the simple thought of how lucky I am to have a best friend like Dean brings a smile to my lips. "Hey Sparkles, like what you see?" Dean said in a teasing tone once he caught me staring. "You can bet your sweet ass I do!" I reply cheerfully with a flirty wink. Dean's rough yet soothing laugh is music to my ears. When I realize the are in the parking lot of Cooper Incorporated I grab a small mirror from my purse checking to make sure my make up is still intact. "You look great" Dean answers my unasked question, and from the tone of his voice i can tell he's being sincere. Yet I can't stop myself from asking "Are you sure?" insecurity dripping off my tongue along with my question. "Yup" Dean replies with without a second thought, popping the p in a child like manner. "Respectable as fuck" he continues when I don't reply . Laughing I let out a shaky breath calming the nerves that somehow returned. "Thanks Dean" I say slightly breathlessly slipping the small mirror back into my purse. My right hand is gripping on to the door handle as I'm about to step out of the car when a hand grabbing my left hand stops me. I turn to look at Dean as he pulls my hand to his lips and whispers "Knock em dead Sparkles" against my knuckles before placing a soft kiss on the back of my hand. I nod and grab my coffee cup from the cup holder in-between us. Then I step out of the car walking up to the front door. I take a deep breath, Dean's words of encouragement effectively banishing my nerves as I am back to my confident self. Felling relaxed I pull open the glass door and step inside the building. I notice that Dean doesn't drive away until I am safely in the building. Oh Dean, always the protective older brother. I jokingly roll my eyes at my own thought. A glance at my watch reminds me I'm a few minutes late making me walk faster. I rush up to a receptionist's desk Crystal according to her name tag. Crystal? more like slutty Crystal according to her outfit. Slutty Crystal is obnoxiously chewing gum as I inform her that I'm here for an interview for an internship. She takes her time handing me a visitors tag as I ask her for directions to Mr. Cooper's office. "Don't you already know where his office is?" she exclaims raising an eyebrow at me. "Uh, no" I reply in a confused tone. "Mmhmm" she hums in disbelief giving me directions to Mr. Cooper's office. As I speed walk down the hall still holding my coffee cup in one hand and trying to clip on the visitor's tag with the other. "Shit" I say bumping into someone and almost loosing my balance. Two strong hands on my shoulders keep me from falling. "I'm so sorry" I immediately apologize to the stranger. "Don't worry about it" He kindly replies. I look up from the coffee stain on his shirt and my eyes meet with a pair of stunning blue eyes.  A tall guy with dirty blonde hair is staring back. "Um, are you ok?" He asks in a worried tone. "Yeah... I'm fine. I'm really sorry about your shirt." I said in a soft tone once I found my voice. "I'm just glad you're ok" he said extending his hand. "I'm Noah" He said offering me a smile that showed off his perfect white teeth. He's cute. I snap out of my hypnotic state and shake his hand. "I'm Alaina" I reply smiling back. Suddenly the internship pops into my head "And I'm late on the first day" I say my smile quickly fading. "Well then I should let you get going". He replies in an understanding tone. "Again sorry about your shirt". He waves me off and says "You should probably get going". Offering me another perfect smile. "Of course, if all goes well I'll see you around" I smile back and wave as I start walking down the hall once again. Dropping the now empty coffee cup in a trashcan. I stop in front of an elevator, clicking the button to the top floor. The door opens and I'm relieved to find the elevator empty. Once inside I watch the door close and I impatiently tap my foot. Soon but not soon enough the door opens once again and I quickly walk to Mr. Cooper's office. Standing outside his office I softly knock three times on the door. "Come in" Mr. Cooper's voice says slightly muffled by the door. With a swift twist of the doorknob and a soft push to the door, I step inside and close the door behind me. Standing awkwardly as Mr. Cooper is is focused on a stack of papers in front of him. Not knowing what to do I clear my throat. Watch as his eyesight travels from his desk to my face. Watch as his eyes go impossibly wide.