Blackstone

Chapter III

      By the time I arrive at school, it’s already 2:45. Taking Jasper home and cleaning up took me a bit longer than I expected. I rush through the lobby and down the main hall towards Mom’s office. I hope they haven’t started the tour without me. 

    As I near Mom’s door, I hear talking and laughter. Thank goodness! They’re still finishing their schedules. 

      “Oh, Andie! I promise we’ll never stick you in Agriculture. Goodness! I shudder at the thought.” I hear Mom chuckling. Everything must be going well. I knock on the door and enter her office.

      “Hey, Mom..er Mrs. Collins! I apologize for being late. I got caught up at the park.” I turn to look at the two new students.

    The one sitting closest to me has long, dark blonde hair and sparkling hazel eyes. Her lips are upturned in a small, bemused smile directed at me. There’s another girl sitting against the wall. She has dark brown hair and a guarded expression. She looks tough, but still approachable. Her light blue eyes have a skeptical look. 

      “There you are, Bryan! We were just finishing their schedules. This,” she points to the dark blonde, “is Lucy and this,” she motions towards the skeptic, “is Andrea.”

      “Nice to meet you!” I shake each of their hands.

      “You can call me Andie,” says the girl who’s looking less skeptical by the minute. “That’s Andie with an ‘ie’ not a ‘y’. I hold no claim to Woody or Buzz Lightyear.”

       I chuckle, and it brings a smile to her face. “That’s good to know, Andie!”

     “Bryan,” my Mom interrupts, “Why don’t you go ahead and start the tour? I’m sure these girls would love to see the rest of Blackstone High.” 

      “Sure! Ladies, if I could have the pleasure.” I motion towards the door. 

      “Certainly!” Lucy quickly moves away from her seat. “We’ll see you later, Mrs. Collins.” 

      “Yeah,” Andie adds, “thank you for the help. Don’t forget your promise about Agriculture! Remember- I don’t do daisies.”

       Mom smiles. “I won't forget, Andie!”

      We walk down the hall and into the old wing. Lucy interrupts the silence. “So, you’re Mrs. Collins’s and the Mayor’s son, right?”  

      “Yep. Proudly since 1997.” I try and succeed in making her smile.

      “What’s it like? I mean, your parents must be so involved in everything you do.”

      “It’s different. I’m put under a lot of unwanted stress sometimes, but I guess it’s worth it.” She nods at my answer. “So, where do you guys live? Which houses did you move into?”

      “I’m over on Aspenvale. Our house is right at the end of the road.” Lucy replies.

      “What about you, Andie?”

      “We’re on West End. The old apartment complex.”

      “Cool. I live in the big white house on Black Creek. You probably passed it on your way to the school. It’s right where the National Forest meets town limits.” They nod, and I try to keep the conversation rolling. 

     “Lucy, if you live at the end of Aspenvale, aren’t you near the cemetery?” She looks up and gives a shy smile.

      “Yeah. It’s on the hill behind my house. I guess we were just that lucky.”