Shake, Rattle and Roll

POV JESSICA

Isn't the sea beautiful? It always calmed me. I love how one minute it could be entertaining families at the beach and the next it's destroying towns, houses, lives. Whenever I stand with my toes digging into the sane, water around my ankles, I wondered who else was like me.

My name is Jessica Matthews and in case you can't tell by now... I'm not like most people. I'm what you would call a "freak". At least that's what most people at school call me. I spend most of my spare time in the library. If I'm not being made fun of, I'm being ignored. I only have one friend in this world. Joshua Parks. He's not even a real person. He's a book character. Tall with pitch black hair that falls over his piercing blue, eyes in tight curls, and a slightly crooked nose. If only he was real.

Sitting during form time, reading as usual, the teacher makes an announcement. "Today we have a new student starting. He has transferred from a private school in the city. I hope you will treat him kindly."

"Not a snobby private school kid. I want nothing to do with him." One of the popular girls, Hannah, said. The door opened and someone walked in. I didn't really notice as my book was much too exciting. Joshua Parks was just about to save his girlfriend from her kidnappers. This is my favourite part. I read on, 'As Joshua ran towards Amelia he knew he was running out of time. Joshua...'

"Jessica" the teacher said impatiently "you are to show our new student around the school."

"Miss" Hannah interrupted "I really think that I should be the one showing him around as I am head girl."

"No Hannah, Jessica will. Right Jessica?"

"Sure" I agreed still not looking up from my book.

"Good"

Hannah mumbled something under her breath. I wasn't entirely sure what. Probably something about her hatred for me blah blah blah. Back to my book. 'Joshua cut the ropes holding Amelia captive while simultaneously beating her kidnappers to almost nothing. He did it, he saved her. She gave him a kiss on the cheek to express her gratitude. All of a sudden her eyes flew open and her body fell to the floor, blood showing through her white prom dress. He held her in his arms and cried over her dying body.. "Joshua" she whispered "I lov'. Someone tapped me on the shoulder.

"What!" I yelled turning to my right.

"Sorry" a voice apologized "I didn't see you reading". I looked at him in disbelief. Blue eyes, crooked nose, black hain in tight ringlets. "Joshua" I mumbled. My jaw must have hit the floor.

"No..." he said "Austin. Austin White. You're meant to be showing me around today?". I can see why Hannah changed her mind. He's even more attractive in real life than he is in my head.

"Ah...y...y...yeah" I stuttered. God Jessica, talk like a normal person.

"You ok?" he asked.

"Yeah" I replied. "You just look like a character in a book I'm reading."

"Let me guess. Joshua Parks?"

"How'd you know?"

"My sister wrote it. For some reason she modelled him after me. The book didn't do too well. Her next book was a best seller. Where did you find it?"

"At the book shop. It was the only copy. It looked interesting so I grabbed it". He looked down at the pristine book cover.

"How long have you had it?" he asked "A month or so?"

"Five years" I answered timidly.

"Wow" he replied in disbelief. "It looks so new".

"I try to keep them looking as new as possible." I looked up at him awkwardly. Thankfully the bell rang to indicate the beginning of first period. "Can I see your timetable?" I asked after clearing my throat. He got a piece of paper out of his pocket and handed it to me. "OK" I said after analizing the schedual. "We have first, third and fifth period together". I handed him back the paper. "I'm sure my brother will be happy to show you to your other classes. I think you two have options together second and fourth together." I started to walk to my first class. "Come on. We have English with Miss Laney."