The Races : HS

chapter two | lana

"Alannah! Come down stairs I have something for you." My mother called, feeling quite cheery. I guess it was because my dad was home.

Once I made it down stairs my mother wasted no time, she ran towards me and held a peach and white pleated skirt to my waist being sure to keep one eye shut, avoiding the smoke from her cigarette.

"Go try this blouse on quickly, and this skirt as well. We have to go to a press conference for your father today and I want you to look nice," She smiled handing me the clothing. "Also take those things out of your hair already!" She rolled her eyes playfully, taking cloth ties from my hair.

Once I was finished getting dressed I headed back downstairs. I looked in front of our large mirror and I must say, I hated the whole outfit but I wore it anyways to please mom. The horrendous skirt had cloth shorts with them that rode up my bottom and the shoes were harshly tight on my feet.

•••

A honk of a horn and a tug of my wrist signaled my dad was home and it was time to go to the event. I could hear my mom fussing at me but I ignored it once I noticed our neighbor, who I has embarrassed myself in front of, leaning against someone's car that was parked in his drive way. I couldn't hear what he was saying, but I could see his shirtless body leaned against the glistening car door. As if I was in some kind of zone, my eyes were fixed on him and him only.

"Alannah what are you waiting for! Get in the car before we're late!" My father snapped at me.

I shook my head, entering reality once again. "Oh yeah, s-sorry." I mumbled getting inside the car.

I positioned myself so that I could still see him from my small dusty window. I leaned my head against the car door frame and watched him as the car pulled away. I grinned brightly as he grinned. He had nice teeth. He had pretty lips. I wanted to kiss them.

As if I jinxed myself, my smile quickly faded. I watched him kiss some women before opening the car door for her. I was green with envy. I was so incredibly jealous because of a man I never formally met. That should've been me kissing him, not her. Whoever she was.

...

The whole rest of the day went by so very slow. There was tons of cameras flashing, cameras, questions, fake smiles, lies. That was your typical political press conference though. There was nothing pure or truthful about politicians. I was in agonizing discomfort during the whole conference. It made me so uncomfortable to have have strangers flashing pictures of me, asking questions, etc. I couldn't even dig my shorts out of my bum without someone getting a picture of it.

By the time I made it home it was already nine o'clock at night. My parents decided to go out and celebrate 'a successful conference' or whatever my mom said. Either way they were leaving me alone and that's what I wanted. I went downstairs to make some oat meal and decided to watch television.

After about 15 minutes into 'Leave it To the Girls' I heard a knock at the door. Mom told me not to answer the door if I didn't know who it was so I tiptoed over to the window. It was our neighbor. He's at my house. My gosh.

I quickly had a mental debate on if I should answer the door or go hide in my room. I decided to answer the door.

I choked. Alannah, you're a phony. "Oh h-hi." My voice cracked.

"Hi there, is your parents home?" He asked gazing into my eyes, making me very uncomfortable.

"Oh, no sir. They won't be home until later." I cleared my throat, forgetting to be polite and invite him in.

"Oh, okay love." He smiled. "I'm Harry by the way." He reach me his hand.

I took it, shaking it quickly. "How rude of me, would you like to come in?" Was I supposed to say that? That's what my mom always says...

He squeezed my hand tightly, making my grip go limp before letting go. "Oh, well sure dear." His teeth were so white and straight. If only mine were that straight.

I moved out of the door way, allowing him to enter. I watched as he studied the living room before glancing back at me, smiling slightly. I smiled back awkwardly, picking at my nails behind my back.

"Oh, you may sit." I gesture towards the couch earning a nod from him.

"Would you like something to drink?" My words came out quieter than expect. I clear my throat once again, so my voice doesn't crack.

"Oh no love, no need to bother." He chuckled, sitting back in the couch.

"It's no problem at all, would you like tea?" I paused for a moment. "Or coffee?"

"I'm fine doll." He changes the subject. "So, you like to write, yeah?"

"Oh yes, very much so!" I get a bit too excited, he smiles. "How'd you know?"

"Well I see you outside writing quite a lot. What do you write about?" He asked scooting closer.

"Um, anything really. My life mostly, just anything that pops into my head." I began to feel more comfortable.

...

I ended up showing Harry my room with all my records and drawings. He was so funny and kind.

I liked him.

As it got later he had to leave, which made me very sad. He gave my heart great joy.

"I guess I better get to going, it's quite late." He sighed grabbing his leather jacket from my bed.

"Oh." I sigh feeling despondent.

"Are you gonna be okay alone? When will your parents be your?" He asked concerned.

"Oh uh, momma said they would be home in a few hours. I was to be in bed by ten o'clock."

"Oh, I'm sorry to have kept you up."

"It's okay. I wasn't planning on going to sleep, though I won't let my mother know." I giggle.

"Well, your secrets safe with me." He winked.

Harry and I ended up talking for another hour about music and things. I never wanted him to leave, he was the only person who seemed to take an interest in me. I couldn't help but wish he would stay a little longer but I would never ask him. Momma and daddy should be home any minute.

"Well it was a pleasure visiting with you but I must get home, Diana is probably wondering where am." He chuckled to himself walking towards the door. Who's Diana?

"Oh, is Diana your?"

"Fiancé." He informed.

I mumbled a slight 'oh' feelings a little sad. I wasn't sure, I mean he probably thought of me as a little girl or something. I was still very jealous, this Diana was a very lucky women.

Harry opened the door allowing the cool air to come in contact with my bare legs.

"Oh, I never got your name?" He chuckled.

"Oh, it's Alannah.'' I glanced down at my bare feet.

"What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl." He thinks I'm beautiful.

"Well, I-I thank yo-"

"I bet your friends call you Lana?" He tilted his head slightly.

"Oh, I don't really have friends an-."

"Well, Lana, you have one now." And with that, he left.

Dear Diary,

He called me Lana, and I liked it.