Stand by Me

Three

"Okay. The first thing that you need to know about this school is: Never mess with the jocks unless you're hot. Which by the way you need to work on" , he stresses on the word need.

"That's the most stupidest thing I've ever heard!", I roll my eyes at him. Seriously?

"Hey, don't worry, gurl! I gotcha back. It's gonna be so much fun to give you a makeover! I know just what you need.", he says, winking.

"I'm sorry, I never caught your name..."

"Cody. Cody West.", he smiles.

We sit down on a lunch table by a window. It is lunch hour. So far, I've had Math and English. Math was fine. English was really relaxing. Ms.Luna was the sweetest. She even introduced me to the class. I have Biology and Health class next. After that, straight back to pavilion.

"The other time you told me that you'd been there. Like , what happened about the jocks..."

He takes a deep breath.

" Well, I was a transfer to Riverwood High in middle school. I dealt with the same shit. All that bullying... You're lucky you just got hit by a ball. I was all dripping with pumpkin juice all over me and shit being thrown at me. And it was my freaking first day! And I am still shamelessly low-key crushing on those boys. Aah! Aren't they just irresistible?", he says sighing dreamily.

"Ya. Sure" , I couldn't help but laugh.

" Edith is gonna be here any minute. FYI, she's ma best gurlfriend. Yeh'll love her!!", gosh he seems excited.

I just look around to catch a glimpse of the cafeteria. There is a table full of girls who are all lost in their talks beside our table. I miss my friends. Well I didn't exactly have those many friends. It was just me, Hannah and Julie. I group message them.

That was when a girl comes and sits beside Cody. My eyes lock with hers. She has an absolutely pleasing ombre shade of blue hair with the body of a supermodel. Something about her eyes give out the secret that they are camouflaged against a transparent layer of contacts. She is really beautiful wearing her prominent features.

"Vanessa, Edith. Edith, Vanessa"

" Hi, Cody told me about you.", she gives me a warm smile.

I smile back."He did?"

" Well, ever since what happened to him, he's been on a crazy mission vowing that he shall protect anybody who's gonna be in his position. And as always, failed miserably. You're not the first one. Have you even opened Facebook yet? It's flooding with the video where you got hit by the ball."

"What?!!". Honestly. Is this really happening? Why? Why, me?

"Hey, chill Vanessa. Don't let them get to you. This is how kids at this school welcome you. It's like a tradition. Also, on the bright side, you'll get noticed.", Cody is half smiling. I was fuming red!

But I have no reason to get mad at him. But I want to break something right now. Perhaps, someone's head. Especially one of those scums who did it!!

I try to contain myself. I remember my Dad's words. Face your fears. Calm down.

---
The day was finally over. Mom is here to pick me up. She informs that she can't do this every day and soon I'll have to use the school bus. No.... Not the school bus!

Before I moved here, I used to work part time in a coffee shop as a singer. Not an actual singer though. It was just a source for my pocket money. 5$ an hour. I was not very regular. I prefer singing alone with only me and Dex.

Dad, somehow seems to have better contacts in this town and helped me get to sing in a restaurant. The De Tour Diner. Quiet fancy, to be honest. Well, I remember auditioning ( yes there was like this contest for the job). I am one of the five people who were offered. The pay was not really appealing. Who cares? Something is better than nothing. My working days were Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays , the evening shift.

Today is Tuesday. I have about an hour to make it. I get dressed. A full length sleeved white top, a dark taupe scarf, black jeans and my favorite converse. I grab Dexter, who is super excited.

Yes. I can speak guitar.

Mom and I decide to go together. I am planning to sing something really special and one of my favorites.

The sun begins it's journey off set as steady darkness slowly begins to holler it's presence.

We make it to the restaurant in about the ride time. I go backstage where a lady addresses me.

"You're late!"

"I'm sorry. The school left late.", I lie, not knowing what else to say.

"Don't let this happen again. You're on in 5. Get ready."

Mom wishes me luck. I just hug her. And I'm not gonna lie, I am nervous, even though this is literally my passion.

" Good evening ladies and gentlemen. We have amongst us a new member, Vanessa Clark. Sit back and enjoy your food whilst she entertains you." People clapped.

Worst introduction ever! Is it just me or do people here suck at introduction?

I step forward, Dex hanging by my neck. As I face the audience as I nervously force a smile.

" Good evening, everybody. I'm Vanessa. And today, I think I'll be singing my forever favorite and a very special song."

There. This is my cue. I start to play the strings as I begin to sing.

"I met you in the dark,
You lit me up.
You made me feel as though,
I was enough.
We danced the night away.
We drank too much.
I held your hair back when,
You were throwing up.

Then you smiled,
Over your shoulder.
For a minute I was stone cold sober.
I pulled you closer to my chest.
And you asked me to stay over.
And said I already told ya
I think that you should get some rest.

I knew I loved you but,
You'd never know know.
Cuz I played it cool when I was
Scared of letting go.
I knew I needed you,
But I never showed.
I wanna stay with you
until we're grey and old.

Just say you won't let go.
Just say you won't let go."

I take in a heavy breath, whilst playing the chorus tune and continue.

"...
...
Just say you won't let go"

There , I did it . The song came to an end. I look up, as the curiosity within me thrives out, expecting a reaction.

_________________________________________

Hey there! Did you enjoy the story? Don't forget to vote and share.
:)