Smile Like You Mean It (One)

Chapter One

The sun rose over the horizon, lighting the small town for a start to a new day. A small wind blew through the streets, letting the first fallen leaves of the season sweep across the roads, not a soul in sight. The little town of Drago had everything needed, with the added sentimental touch of being small enough that everyone knew each other. All of the children grew up with one another on the streets, attending Drago Elementary, right the way through to Drago High School. The majority of adults worked out of town, in order to bring their families the life that they wanted.

As a single ray of light beamed through the window to one house, peaking through the curtains, and casting against the bed, the boy awoke from his slumber. Salvatore Vulcano, a 17 year old boy; who had dark hair, bolting green eyes, and a smile that was impossible not to love, slammed his hand against his alarm clock, silencing the aggravating beeping noise. He wasn't a popular student amongst the school, he had the three friends that stood by him, and that's all that he wanted. He got along with everyone, charming his way through school by getting on the teachers' good side. Just as he was sitting up, he heard a knock at his bedroom door.

"Sal, Sweetie, are you up for your first day back at school?" His mother called to him, as he rubbed at his eyes.

"Yes, Ma." Sal responded, standing up on his feet, before shuffling over to his dresser. He studied himself in the mirror, seeing the slightly darkened hair growing on his upper lip. Pulling open the drawer, Sal retrieved a pair of jeans and his favourite t-shirt. He got himself dressed, grabbing his school books, throwing them into his rucksack, as he slung one strap over his shoulder. He grabbed his hoodie and sneakers, before making his way downstairs, to find his family sat around the breakfast table.

"Morning, Son." His father greeted, as Sal grabbed a slice of toast, taking a bite, as he rushed about the kitchen.

"Morning, Pa." Sal answered, as he held the toasted bread between his teeth, attempting to head back upstairs.

"You're not staying for breakfast?" His mother queried, as Sal shook his head, removing the toast from his lips.

"Brian said he was picking me up in his new ride. He says he has some cool new trading cards to show me before school starts."

"Nerd." His younger sister of 7, Jenna, scoffed. Sal pulled a face at her, before running up the stairs to brush his teeth.

Just as he was about to leave, a sudden thought crossed the teen's mind, as he darted back into his bedroom. He doused himself in spray, preferring to go against the stereotypical view on a teenage boy's hygiene, before racing downstairs and out the front door.

"Say hi to the boys for me!" He just about heard his mother say, as he closed the door behind him, and ran down the path, taking a seat on the curb. He slung a comic book out from his bag, studying the images, when the sound of a car horn seeped into his ears. He glanced up, seeing a bright red Ford Thunderbird. Sal stared in awe, as the driver stepped out from the vehicle, leaning against the bonnet.

"Ain't she a beauty?" His friend, Brian, a boy with deep brown eyes that matched with his Elvis influenced styled hair, chuckled, as Sal nodded his head eagerly. He strolled over to the vehicle, studying the features, as his heart raced in his chest.

"Dude, this is going to be some serious chick magnet." Sal chimed, finally breaking his stare from the car, looking towards Brian.

"I don't need a chick magnet, I've got Beth...remember?" Brian laughed, as Sal nodded his head, peering into the back seat of the car.

"Hi, Beth." Sal smiled, as the girl rolled her eyes, letting a laugh slip.

"You forgetting about me already?" She toyed, as Sal shrugged his shoulders sheepishly. He and Brian clambered into the front seats, as they buckled themselves in. Sal stared around the car, mesmerised by the stereo, the features, and even the flooring.