Caged

▪▪Chapter Three▪▪

Chapter Three

I sat in my house, listening to my favorite station, 98.5.

Ellie Goulding blared from my speakers as Flora pulled into my driveway.

"Hey!" I called, stepping out the door.

She drove a red convertible. She was wearing huge sunglasses. "Hey, girl!"

I got in on the passenger side. She handed me a pair of red sunglasses. "They match your outfit." she said.

I grinned.

She stuck her tongue out and revved the engine. "Ha. Xavier's gonna kill me."

"This his car?" I asked.

"Yeah. I'm gonna warn you, I live in this...complex thing. There's one big house, and a bunch of smaller houses. We kind of own our own subdivision. "

"Oh. Cool." I said.

"Gum?" she asked, holding out a pink package.

"Sure," I took a piece and popped it in my mouth. "Who's Xavier?"

"He's the al--principal's son." she said.

Al? Weird.

The voice inside of me groaned. I cannot believe you!

I rolled my eyes at myself.

We drove only a few miles, to a secluded subdivision surrounded by woods.

I gasped.

The house was huge, plantation style. It was white with blackish green shutters. There was a wrap-around porch, and several people sat on it. White columns supported the porch. Black wrought-iron fences surrounded them, and there was a huge gate in front. On the gate, in iron lettering, read Half-Moon.

It was intimidating. I'll admit.

Flora pulled into a garage and helped me out of the car. "So, yeah. I live in the big house. C'mon,"

I followed her inside the main house. I marveled at the antique decorating.

She waved and smiled at some of the people. She jogged up the stairs, and I followed.

We entered her room. She sat on the bed and patted the spot next to her.

"You realize this isn't going to be a study session," she said.

"I figured you just wanted to hang out," I smiled.

"Yep!" she said, popping the 'p'

"So," she said. "How'd you get into Half-Moon?"

"My parents put in an application without me knowing. I didn't really want to go. I was happy going to public." I said.

"Do you have any friends in public school?" she asked, resting her head on her elbows.

"Yeah. Grant, Matt and Miranda. We're in a band." I said.

"Cool! Do you play an instrument?" she asked.

I blushed. "I sing," I said softly.

"Ooh! Sing something for me!!" she said the usual response.

"Nah," I said. "I'm not good. I'd make your ears bleed."

Uh-huh. Sure. Sing, Carter." she said. "I won't let you leave."

She stood in front of the door.

"Haha, what if I don't want to leave?" I asked.

She turned on the radio. "I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!!" she said.