Changed for Eternity

Chapter 2: Tuesday, November 28 (Senior Year)

Today had started out like every other day. Nic had come to pick me up for school at 7 o'clock sharp and we'd walk. So we got to school and I instantly saw Brianna, her bright blonde hair standing out like a lightbulb against the red brick of our high school, Roosevelt High School. It seems like everything in Washington DC is named after at least one president of the United States.

Brianna, or Bree, is one of my closer friends and is also Nic's cousin. Brianna is a perky and hilarious band geek. She plays French Horn in the high school's wind symphony and in the Community Advanced Band and Orchestra Symphony. They usually practice daily, in the morning, in our school's band room. Bree says it's a privilege that our community selected our school to practice and perform at. I think that it's just taking away time from getting to hang out with Bree, and Bree's best friend, Claire. Claire plays clarinet in both bands as well.

Bree comes running up to me, pushes Nic to the side and whispers in my ear.

"There's a rumor going around that Chase just transferred into your Creative Writing class. Despite the fact that I don't like seeing you crushing on him, I figured I should tell you before you head to class. You know, so you don't faint at the sight of him."

I just shake my head and roll my eyes but inside I'm having a party. Nic leans in by us and whispers, "What's so important that Bree had to shove me into the nice girl? Hey, do you guys know her name? She's cute."

Bree gives me a disapproving glance and before I could stop her, replies, "Her name is Sandra, and we were talking about Chase Gardner."

I see Nic tense up. Why does everyone get upset at the sound of Chase's name?

"Bree! I thought that was between us!" I say more harshly than necessary.

Bree ignores me and Nic, his voice full of concern, says, "You know Chase isn't an appropriate guy right? He isn't following church standards."

I let out an exaggerated sigh and snap, "Nic, Bree. I know I said I would follow your church standards when I'm around you guys, but when I'm with Chase, I'm not with you guys. I'm not Mormon, and there aren't Mormons around Chase so, I don't have to act Mormon do I?"

I see Bree's face get red and she balls her fists. Bree doesn't have the best temper. Nic on the other hand, as hard as he tries, he can't hide his disappointment.

Nic looks at the ground and says quietly, "You have your agency, I guess."

Bree gives a little wave and heads off to band. At the front doors, I see her look at Claire and shake her head.

Bree, Claire, Nic, and a handful of other kids at our school are Mormons, or LDS, as they like to be called. They are part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There are a lot of kids who say they're Mormon, but don't act like it. They say they're forced to go to church. Chase Gardner is one of those kids.

Chase Gardner.

For once, I'm not crushing on the most popular boy in school. My life isn't always a cliché. I met him 3 years ago, at freshman orientation. We're not very good friends, but he says "hi" to me when he sees me in the hallway. Chase has brown hair and dark, almost black eyes. He's on the basketball team but is usually benched because he is only 5 foot 4 inches. Thankfully, I'm only 5 foot 2 inches. I hate it when I'm taller than a guy. That rarely happens.

ANYWAY, I have Creative Writing first hour with Nic. Nic and I walk in discussing our favorite bands.

I shake my head furiously.

"Nic! The classics. Beatles and the Beach Boys! They are perfect! Nothing better!"

He gives me an uncertain look and then sighs.