ROSES & THORNES

Abby Marx is back

During the short ride back to the house, I couldn't help but think about what Trevor said. Admirers? At school? Liking me? The thought was ridiculous, and it almost made me laugh. Yeah, I knew people at school, and I had even made a few "friends", but I was sure that since Serena found out about Jeb and I, she would stop at nothing to trash my name. You gotta love high school.

I slept semi-peacefully. When I woke up, the sun was just putting in an effort to rise. There was probably about a good two hours before my alarm went off, but I couldn't stay in bed, I was too anxious. I took a long shower, doing my best to relieve my head from all its prior pressure. After getting out, I'd done what hadn't been done since I moved. I pressed my hair bone straight. Although it was probably fryed, I came out looking a lot like the old sunny Cal Abby. My grey eyes seemed less dull, while my brunette hair looked somehow lighter. I had a strange euphoria to me. There was no telling where it came from, but I embraced it.

I actually took my time on picking out an outfit. I choose some shredded acid-wash jeans that I put on with a fringed low cut top. I could already feel a breeze on my mid-drift. To make school appropriate, well as school appropriate as it got for me, I slipped on a jean jacket that I had ripped the sleeves off of. Looking in the mirror after putting on my ruby red, I felt a lot like the old me. Screw those damn guys and those petty girls. I was Abby Marx, and I could kick some serious ass if I wanted to.

My parents let me take the car again. I was going to have to talk to them again about getting me my own wheels. Getting me a new car would benefit both parties nicely. They wouldn't have to worry about tailgating me places, or lending me the car. To and on to that, mom was pregnant. Sooner or later her mid-section would be bloated and they'd need the car for various reasons that should be obvious. Buying me a car would be the smartest thing to go.

I pulled into the parking lot at least ten minutes before students were even allowed in the building. I sat in the car listening to The Beatles as time slowly ticked by. My mind drifted off into various places. I shut the thoughtt of him completely out, and instead I let it wander to Mere and Sarah.

I could only imagine how different my best friends lives were from mine now. I was sure they were having the time of there lives as Upperclassmen now.

It was the first day of October, which meant that my old high school would be starting to plan for the Halloween bash fundraiser they held every year.

As juniors on Executive council this year, Meredith and Sarah would be the top-dogs making most of the decisions. Juniors ran fall and last days of school events. I'd been excited about being in charge of the Arts program.

I had had all kinds of things planned for upcoming events. Like the giant pumpkin we planned on sculpting. Now that all slowly trickled down the drain for me.

A light rape on my window almost had me out of my skin. I sighed, relieved to see that it was only Trevor. I rolled down the window, allowing him to communicate with me instead of a hunk of glass.

"Hey." He breathed. "Did I scare you?" His eyes were full of laughter.

I pushed a few strands of hair behind my ear. "No. I was just, surprised."

He laughed in a deep, velvety bellow that almost gave me the shivers. "Sure." His eyes rolled in their sockets. "Nice to see you back in school by the way."

I cleared my throat and tried to sound airy. "Eh. I needed a break from this hell hole."

He leaned against the car and smiled crookedly. "Don't we all?"

I had to blink a few times. Did he just dazzle me?  I was not going to let another guy's dashing smile confuse or elude me. I was sick of having my heart stepped on, so I wasn't even going to begin to go down that road again.

I unstrapped my seatbelt while he stepped back so that I could get out of the car. "Uh, I should go inside." I smiled nervously.

He cleared his throat and smiled. "Yeah me to. I'll see you around."