Perfection's Past

2

Carter

I watched her from the back of the classroom, her posture was straight, and she had her left ankle gracefully crossed over her right ankle. I observed the smooth skin of her legs's and then her petite figure, and end with her dark, cascading hair. She was attractive, no doubt, devastating really, but that wasn't what stuck me about her. I grew up with the wealthiest of the wealthy, I've witnessed bratty girls, I've seen cold people who care only for money and power, but that doesn't seem to be the case with her. She seems to be more empty than anything, hollow and alone.

I grew up in a wealthy neighborhood outside of St. Louis, I went to a prestigious private school, I even studied abroad in London last semester, so when my parents informed me that we were relocating to the small town where I spent my summers as a child, I wasn't necessarily thrilled.

The bell rings and everyone begins to shuffle out of their seats and into the dusty hallway, I make a move to catch up with the slim figure that was quickly exiting the classroom, but I'm stopped by a group of guys.

"Hey man!" a brunette boy with an athletic build a kind face says to me, "I'm Lucas Samson." He says extending his hand.

"Carter Greene."

We shake hands and I'm introduced to the other two boys, a hispanic looking guy by the name of Marc, and a blonde named Caleb. We all exchange handshakes and pleasantries as we descend down the dingy, narrow hall.

"So baseball practice starts today, you play?" Lucas inquires.

As matter of fact I do. Back at my old school, I was quite the accomplished catcher, with a state championship ring sitting in a display box on my desk at home. I glance at the boys trailing me, obviously attempting to befriend me. I suppose they'll do, I had a group of close friends before, they used to follow my lead quite happily, and I suspect with these fellows it will be similar.

"Need a catcher?" I ask, not because I'm worried, I'm sure my talent exceeds every player from this quaint underfunded school.

Lucas grins.

"Our catcher graduated last year. I hope you're decent."

"I hope I meet your expectations." I say, as Lucas and I enter the calculus classroom, Marc and Caleb bid us farewell and head for a lower math class.

I catch sight of those haunting green eyes, sitting in the front row, looking as if she didn't't notice the kid in the desk next to her trying, and failing, to hide the fact that he was checking her out. I want say something to her, I'm not sure what, but I want to see if I can get a reaction out of her lifeless face, but Lucas ushers me to the back of the classroom and away from the hollow girl. I glance around the room, wondering if anyone else noticed how empty she was, how cold. Other than the scrawny nerd checking her out, everyone seemed to ignore the fact that she was practically a robot.

The teacher walks in and informs us the copy machine was broken, so we'll begin lessons tomorrow. Everyone turns towards their friends and begin shattering. Everyone except Alexandra.She simply pulls out her text book and begins working on something from the back of the book. I wonder if she is working ahead.

I turn toward my new pal Lucas.

"Her," I say gesturing to the girl who dismissed me so easily this morning,"What's her story?" it comes out more like a demand than a request.

Lucas follows my gaze and makes a strange face, before answering my demand.

"Ah, um well, that is Alexandra Reid. Hot, but not worth your efforts man." He responds with a clap on my shoulder.

I raise an eyebrow at him for his disobedience, "I asked what her story was, not if you thought I should ask her to the prom." He gives me a sheepish look as he takes in my condescending tone.

"Well, her names Alexandra." He amends, "She's rich, her mom is a big shot lawyer and comes from old money."

"And her father?" I inquire.

I get the impression she might have some daddy issues.

"Um, he came from a decent home, raised here in Greeneburne, met her mom in law school. He died right after eighth grade. The family never really elaborated on what happened." He whispers, nervously glancing over at Alexandra. Right, so definitely has or had some daddy issues.

I motion for him to continue.

"She used to be normal. I had a crush on her in middle school, most guys did, she's always been pretty." He pauses and ghost of a smile appears on his face before he continues.

"But then after her dad died, she did a complete one-eighty. I mean, the last day of eighth grade she's fine, then we don't hear from her all summer and when freshmen year rolls around she goes all zombie on us. Like she forgot what emotions were. I don't think I've see the girl smile, laugh, get angry, cry, or anything in the past three years. All she does is her school work. Usually she's months ahead of everyone. I mean, the girl is smart, like freaky genius smart. She even got a perfect thirty-six on her ACT. I'm pretty sure I heard someone say that she's going to Georgetown, early acceptance. Apparently, to major in Forensic Science and Criminology with a minor in Phsycology. Gonna be a FBI agent or something."

I'm intrigued, I've always loved a good mystery, always had a knack for loving puzzles.I think Alexandra Reid just might be my next great challenge.

***

The small lunchroom is crowded with noisy teenagers chattering amongst their peers, but my eyes search for one girl that I'm sure is sitting alone somewhere. Lucas, Marc, and Caleb were sitting at a table surrounded by what I assume to be the popular students, and Lucas informed me that I had a seat reserved. I politely declined and but assured him that tomorrow I would be joining him. Today I had mission, a mission to see just how far I could push Alexandra Reid before getting a reaction. I do love a good game of cat and mouse, and I am positive Alexandra will prove to be a worthy playmate.

I finally spot her, sitting at table, alone of course, furiously typing on a silver Mac, a large iced coffee sitting next to her. My feet guide me toward the cold beauty until I'm standing on the other side of the table across from her. She doesn't even acknowledge my presence as I take a seat and begin unwrapping my turkey sandwich. I take a bite, and a swig of my Coke before I make my first move. She never even glances my direction, perfect.

"So, Alex was it?" I inquire, knowing full well that she really didn't seem like a nickname kind of girl.

"Alexandra."She corrects blandly as she continues typing and looking at her screen. I grin to myself for assuming correctly, she's not a fan go nicknames. Great, it looks like she's just earned herself the permanent nickname from me.

"Right, so tell me Alex dear, where does one purchase quality footwear in this town. I'm sure those Loro Piana's aren't from that quaint shoppe I saw on my drive to school this morning." She continues typing for a moment, then takes a sip of her ice coffee, and returns to typing before answering. Her eyes never strayed from the screen.

"I'd suggest doing your shopping online." She says cooly. Nothing but cool indifference in her voice. I watch as she tucks a lock of her dark hair behind her ear and I admire the simple grace of the girl, she is quite stunning. She still hasn't spared me a single glance. I suppose I'll grant her a victory of this round.

But I don't worry too much, I never lose.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Alex darling."