Emerald Cove

Chapter 3

Charlotte's POV

I arrived in home room just as the bell was beginning to ring. I couldn't help, but notice a few odd glances or stares from my classmates. This only fueled my anger for Katherine. How can one person ruin another person's day so quickly. I dropped in my seat and my best friend Jessica leaned over a whispered, "I don't mean to judge, but what are you wearing? Is this a new style you're trying out?" I glare at her wishing I could just disappear. She notices my discomfort and tries to back peddle. "I'm not saying you look bad, but when did you trade in your dresses for athletic clothes?"

"It's a long story. One I'll tell you later. How's the boyfriend this morning?" I ask. Jessica has been dating the same guy for 3 years now. It's insane. They are so in love and I know bringing him up is the easiest way to get her attention off of me and on to him.

"He's good. He picked me up this morning. He's so sweet! He had breakfast for me and everything. I hope we have classes together this year! I can't stand being away from him. I hope I have classes with you too! I miss my bestie and you're so much easier to study with than he is." She begins her ramble and continues, but I'm no longer listening. Mr. Parker, our home room teacher is beginning to pass out our schedules. I'm actually panicking right now. What if I have classes with Katherine? That would be the worst. Not to mention I'm so humiliated by what she did that I'll probably never be able to look her in the eyes again.

"So how's Luke?" Jessica suddenly asks.

"He's fine," I respond.

"Fine? Did you guys finally hook up after the party on Saturday? He was all over you when you guys left." She dramatically winks at me and then waits with anticipation.

"Sorry to disappoint. No we did not hook up. I don't think we are anywhere near being ready for that. Or at least I'm not ready for that." I state.

She doesn't have time to respond because Mr. Parker has finished passing out our schedules and is now going over his required first day home room checklist. Unfortunately, this gives me time to consider the conversation Jessica and I were just having. Luke has been getting more touchy-feely lately. I'm just not ready to take our relationship that far. Maybe I just need more time. I wonder if this is a conversation I should have with Luke? Should I tell him that I think we're moving too fast and that I want to put on the brakes a bit?

When we started dating 6 months ago, I really didn't expect it to last more than a few weeks at most. Luke pestered me and followed me around for a month before I finally agreed to go out with him. At the time I was worried about being distracted by him and losing my focus. The only way that I can go to college is if I get an academic scholarship. Which means I can't slip at all.

Anyways, Luke asked me out and ended up taking me for a hike through the state park at the beach. It was super romantic. He planned out a picnic and everything. It was perfect. I couldn't think of anything that would have made that day better. When he dropped me off at home that evening, he kissed my cheek as we stood on my front porch. He then said, "Charlotte, I hope you enjoyed today as much as I did. It was amazing. Thank you. I hope you will let me take you out again... Like as your boyfriend." I thanked him and then told him I needed time to consider his offer.

I couldn't help, but feel like I should give him a shot after he went out of his way to make the date special. Now our dates are parties with friends or either cocktail or dinner parties with his partners. He did come over to my family's annual cookout this summer. I felt guilty that it wasn't as fancy as he was use to, but he seemed to have a blast. That's the thing. He always seems to be having a blast when he is with me. I just hope I start feeling the same way for him soon. I'd hate to let him down.

Luke is the first person I've ever dated. Sure I've kissed guys before for fun, but I've never dated anyone or hooked up with anyone for that matter. I've always just been so focused on my school work or working at Jessica's parents restaurant. The restaurant sits right on the beach. I work there in the afternoons after school. When I first started I would leave most of the money I made on momma's dresser. She wouldn't accept it, but I wanted to do my part. I've stopped giving the money to her. Now I go by the utility company and put what I have on our bill. I don't need much money for myself. The nice thing about our town is that it is small and compact. Before I started dating Luke I road my bicycle everywhere. So I don't even have need of a car, even though daddy has told me several times to save my money and buy myself a car.

Most of the day has passed. Today was one of those crap days where the teachers have to go through their first day stuff and the students are all still rowdy from summer break. I'm not complaining, but we literally have done nothing today. My day actually brightened up a bit. I didn't see Katherine all day long and Luke didn't ask about my change of attire and he even surprised me at lunch with my favorite candy. I've only got one more period to go and then the day will be done. As I walk into my advanced economics class with Jessica behind me chatting away, I catch sight of the golden locks of Katherine sitting in the first desk next to the door with her back to me. I stop dead in my tracks. Jessica walks straight into me from behind knocking me into Katherine.

She turns and looks at me and then gives me the biggest million dollar smile I've ever seen. "We've got to stop running into each other like this," she stated with a smirk. She really is stunning, but God she infuriates me.