Searching For Rebecca

Chapter 8: How the Other Half live

CHAPTER 8: HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVE

By the end of the day it appeared word had gotten around about a hot girl in junior year. Final bell had just rung and I was making my way down the main steps with Stacie who was nattering about perfume or shoes. I wasn't sure which.

Maybe it was my imagination playing tricks on me, but I could swear everybody's eyes were watching me intently. Keeping my chin high I ignored their glances and whispers and tried to concentrate on Stacie's chitchat.

We passed the main doors and walked across the parking lot. I was about to bid farewell and escape home, when I realised I'd ignored a question from my companion.

'Sorry Stace, what was that?' I queried.

She rolled her milk chocolate eyes, 'I said honey, that everyone's going to the beach tonight. You know the one down at Parklands, where all the big houses are? Well it's kind of tradition here that everybody goes and gets drunk together on the first night of school as a sort of homecoming.' She grins, 'you in babe?'

How can I say no? By my heart is beating faster, somehow I doubt my loving yet seriously overprotective parents will let me go out on a school night. Especially to a piss up on a beach.

'Um, I would love to, but I don't think my parents will allow me...' I flushed magenta. I mean seriously, how lame did I sound?!

'Oh babe, that sucks! Tell you what; say you're coming round mine for a slumber party! I'll tail you home so you can drop off your car and grab some stuff, then come round mine and we can prelash together!!'

It did sound tempting. And what better way to secure my way into the popular crowd? 'Okay! Well I'm probably gonna go home now, so you follow me, yeah?'

'Sure thing sweetness! Oh em gee this is going to be so much fun!'

I grin and make my way over to my car. I watch in the rear view mirror as I see Stacie climb into a sporty convertible BMW. 'Ostentatious.' I mutter aloud, upon seeing the tomato red color.

Hitting the gas, I watch as she does the same and follows me out of the parking lot. I only live about fifteen minutes away in a little inland estate so the drive goes fairly quickly.

I pull up onto the driveway, which leaves Stacie only space on the curb. She grins at me and flicks her car door open, 'you house is so cute!'

'Um thanks?' I say. We walk together up the pathway and I unlock the door.

'Mom?' I call out.

'You home honey, how was your first day?' she bustles into the hall, a nervous smile on her face. Then she sees Stacie behind me, looking like she just stepped off a Seventeen magazine shoot. 'Oh hi.' My mom squeaks.

Before I can say anything Stacie takes charge. 'Hey Mrs Jackson, I'm Stacie one of Bex's new friends. I just wanted to ask whether it would be okay to invite her round to mine for a slumber party tonight?' she ends with an angelic smile.

Mom's eyes were wide and astonished as she took in this girl. Stacie really truly looked like butter wouldn't melt. 'Um okay yeah that's fine.' Her brow furrowed. 'But remember Rebecca, it's a school night, so don't stay up late!'

I could have died I was so mortified. But again Stacie got in there first, 'oh we won't Mrs. J, just a quiet night in, you know?'

My mom smiled, 'okay then honey, remember to text me!'

'Mom!' I said embarrassed.

'Sorry about that,' I told Stacie when we'd finally reached my room.

'I thought it was cute, shows she cares you know'

'I guess...' I was still flushed in the cheeks.

Distinctly aware of her presence I started throwing pyjamas and other essential in an overnight back as quick as I could. What I hadn't bargained on, was Stacie looking through my closet and smelling my perfumes and making faces when she saw things she didn't like.

'Hey girl, what's this?' her face bore obvious disgust as my eyes drifted to what she was holding. Namely my favourite pair of faded gray sweatpants.

I shrugged, 'they're comfy.'

'Nope, they're hideous.'

'Okay then, chill out! What's everyone wearing to this party anyhow?'

'It's a beach party Bex! Try a bikini...'

Duh stupid! I frown to myself; I haven't got any decent swimwear. Opening up a drawer I hold up a simple back underwired two piece. 'What about this?'

'ew. No. What else do you have?'

I show her all my swimwear and her face contracts, displaying shock. 'Is this all hon?'

'Yeah unfortunately I had to chuck a load cause I outgrew it.' I lied.

'Well, you'll just have to borrow one of mine then. Better get going!' she says with a grin. My heartbeat quickens slightly as I wave goodbye to my mom (thank god dads not home from work yet!) and climb into her two seater.

Stacie grins at me before slipping some Chanel sunglasses on and hitting the pedal. The car purrs onto the road and we join the throng of cars making their way to the coast. I begin to notice immediately when the houses grow larger, set back from the road with walled gardens and electric gates. This neighbourhood is where the serious rich kids live, and apparently where Stacie is taking me. Her BMW begins to climb up a steep hill curving round past large mansions that would rival the Kardashians. Across the horizon I can see the turquoise ocean and the docks closer to shore.

Suddenly Stacie's car pulled to a stop outside some fancy modern silver gates. With a click of a remote they begin to leisurely slide open and we move forward again. Stopping her car by the front door way I take a look up at the house. It's mainly white and glass, a combination of ultra modern and art nouveau - which creates a startling yet beautiful home.

'Your house is gorgeous.' I say, truly meaning it.

She shrugs and begins to walk up the driveway toward the porch. She doesn't bother clicking the locks on the car or putting the roof up. I guess in a neighbourhood like this, thieves are the last thing to bother you.

I sigh quietly, my heart sinking. How was I supposed to fit in with people who treated money like it meant nothing?

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