Xoxo

Chapter One-Everleigh

Beautiful has never been a word to describe me. Know-It-All, Goody-Two-Shoes, sure. But never beautiful. I have exactly one friend, and her name is Cara. I love her so much more than words can express, and she knows more about me than anyone.

It was this I was dwelling on while I walked right into a solid wall. Or rather, what I perceived was a wall. I stumbled and fell, landing hard on the floor. My poor tailbone. A hand was extended to assist my rise, so I took it, unknowingly slipping my hand into the hand of James Witaker, the second most popular boy in school. He then proceeded to begin to lift me up, then let go, allowing me to drop to the floor.

"Jerk." I muttered under my breath.

"What was that?" The jerk asked me, feigning ignorance. I ducked my head and moved to pass him, but he pushed me against the wall and got way too close for my liking. I squirmed to get out of his grasp, and he released me, laughing. I ran all the way to my next class, and slid into my seat. This was going to be a long day.

Page Break

I walked out of my last class for the day and once again walked right into a person, this time it being Hunter Warren. He flashed me a flirtatious smile and grabbed my waist to steady me.

I shoved his hands off and practically screamed, "What are you doing?"

"Um, saving you from falling. Shouldn't you be thanking me right now?" He said, and I wanted to wipe that stupid grin off of his face. I looked at the ground, wanting to get out of this situation.

"Thanks." I muttered. I turned to walk away, and he let me. I walked outside to the bus and boarded, prepared to be at home in my comfy soft bed. Then Cara texted me.

'Sup Everleigh? You ready for your babysitting gig tonight?' I groaned as I remembered that Anna was coming over, but then I smiled. The four year old was very cute.

I smiled and texted back, 'Yup! But I am almost home, and I have to get ready, so bye!' Then I ran off the bus. My mom wasn't home yet, so I went in the kitchen and fixed myself a snack. After my delicious snack of Cocoa Crispies, I ran upstairs to find an outfit suitable for babysitting. After donning that one, I walked (I couldn't run anymore) back down the stairs as the doorbell rang.

"Hi Anna!" I greeted as I opened the door, but the face that was dropping her off wasn't the usual. It was none other than James Witaker.

"Hi Ever!" Anna greeted. "This is my brother, James." She said with enthusiasm. Then she ran inside and plopped onto the couch.

"So, you are her brother?" I asked politely.

"Yeah. Um, I seem to remember you bumping into me in the hallway, but I never got your name." He said awkwardly. I began to get angry.

"I'm Everleigh. What time will you pick her up?" I asked as a clean dismissal.

"Nice to meet you Everleigh. And in about two hours. I gotta go for now though. See you around." He muttered as he turned away and walked back to his car.

I walked over to Anna and popped in a movie, Moana. We watched TV for a long time, and ate some snacks.

Finally, she turned to me and said, "I like hanging out with you, its fun!" I was taken a little bit aback, but I smiled at her.

"I like hanging out with you too!" I said happily, tickling her stomach until she giggled. Then the doorbell rang. I ran to it and saw Hunter Warren. I flattened my hair and straightened my shirt, then opened the door.

"Hey there. I'm here to pick up my sister." He looked a little bit awkward, again, but I couldn't understand why!

"Yeah, no problem. Anna!" I called over my shoulder. She came running and gave her older brother a big hug, and he lifted her onto his shoulders.

"Thanks for watching her." He said, looking fondly at his younger sister.

"No problem. Goodbye." I close the door and sit on the couch, texting Cara.

 Cara is everything that I am not. She has blonde hair, always flowing around her shoulders, while mine is brown and in a ponytail or braid. Her face is tan, and flawless. While mine is tan, my skin is far from flawless. She is tall and willowy, the only thing that we can say is the same. In fewer words, she is beautiful. She is bubbly, kind, and on the popular side of things. I am the sheltered individual in a corner of the library. But that is exactly what makes us perfect for each other. She is the people person, I am the informant.

Realizing how tired I am, I tell Cara goodbye and put my phone on the charger. I get into my pajamas and I straighten my bedcovers. I head downstairs for one last snack, and my mother still isn't home. She works hard to ensure that I get the best, and I love her for it. After my snack. I run to my room, plop onto my bed once again, and I fall asleep.