Everything in Between

Chapter 1

The bell rang, signaling that class was over and lunch time has started. I collected my stuff from the desk and stuffed them in my book bag, "Are you going to your locker or the cafeteria first?" I asked Nicholas, one of my best friends.

He slung his book bag over his right shoulder, "I'll grab my Calculus textbook and then I'll meet you guys at the cafeteria," he smiled as we left the classroom and went on the opposite direction.

I headed to my locker to grab my sports bag for soccer practice afterschool and then made my way to the cafeteria to find the others. Once I spotted Lily and Matthew I went to sit at our usual spot, "Hey guys, I'll just grab something to eat," they nodded and Matthew asked if I could grab a few napkins for them. As my eyes scanned the menu for today I decided on a club sandwich with french-fries and a soda. It's Friday so it's fair to treat myself to a little junk food after all. "Hello Mrs. Allen, how are you?" I smiled at my favorite cook from the cafeteria.

She smiled back, "Good! Thank you for asking Anna, what can I get for you today?" I told her what I wanted and she prepared the sandwich while I grabbed my soda and napkins for the guys and myself.

Mrs. Allen handed me the tray with the food, "Thank you so much Mrs. Allen, it looks delicious! Have a nice weekend, I'll see you Monday!"

I grabbed the tray and she smiled at me, "Thanks sweetie, you have a nice weekend as well," she winked and I smiled at her before heading to our table again.

I placed my tray on the table and seated myself, I handed Matthew and Lily their napkins, "Thanks," they said in unison.

"No prob," I answered back and took a sip of my coke. I spotted Emma and Nicholas walking towards us and smiled up at them, they settled their trays at the table and greeted us.

"What are you so happy about?" Emma directed her question to me.

I shrugged, "It's Friday, I'll do my homework today and that means I can watch movies and eat all weekend," I couldn't help but grin at the thought of my plans for this weekend.

They all laughed and Lily spoke next, "Wait, don't you have to attend a ball of some sort tonight with your family?"

I stopped mid bite as I registered Lily's words; I had completely forgotten about the fancy birthday party of a family friend to which we were invited. I grumbled slightly, "Agh, I had forgotten about the party tonight, thanks for reminding me Lily," I smiled at her.

"What's the celebration for if we may know?" Matthew asked.

"It's a birthday party for one of my dad's friends, they met in college at London, he's Irish if I'm not mistaken," I explained.

"Oh! Does he have a cool accent?" Emma asked excitedly, we all laughed at her enthusiasm.

"Well I haven't met him yet, I've only had dinner with his wife because she's friends with my mom and we went out together. She's American, she met him here in New York years ago, they been married for a long time," I explained what I knew about the Callahan's. The one time I met Grace Callahan I remember she was so elegant but carefree and funny; she's very nice and sweet. I couldn't help but smile at the memory. "Well, the party can't be that boring, I remember my dad said Alex had to attend as well. I'll have my brother to entertain me if the room is filled with adults." I heard snorts and laughter coming from my friends, I wish they could come to the party with me.

Nicholas patted my shoulder as he sobered up from his laughter, "Don't worry Anna, you'll find someone to hang out with at the party. If not, you'll have Alex and your parents like you said."

I pouted slightly and looked at Lily, "Or maybe you can find someone to, you know, maybe make out with and finally have your first kiss," she wiggled her eyebrows at me.