The New Kid

Chapter 25- A Not-So-Happy Birthday

"Do you think she'll like the necklace I got her?" I asked Drake.

"You could buy Jessica an apple for her birthday and she'd be happy. So yes, Scott, she'll like it," Drake stated.

We had been walking for about a mile and a half. My feet were so tired. Something cool had better happen, otherwise this walk wouldn't have been worth it.

"There's her house, bro," Drake said. He was pointing to this large white house in the rich neighborhood. The grass at her house was green as golf course turf. Her house was about three stories high and a large window was on top of the front door, revealing a chandelier in the foyer. She even had a fancy doorbell. I looked at Drake with an envious look on my face, "I want this house."

"Me too, bro," Drake said.

Jessica greeted us at the door wearing an old-school MTV tank-top and white short shorts. "Hey guys!" she greeted.

She walked outside onto the concrete steps, her sky-blue pedicure made brighter by the sunlight.

"Is there anyone else here, Jess?" Drake asked.

As if on cue, Savannah, Candy, Tiffany, and Bailey came up to the door. I shrugged my shoulders, "Looks like we're the only guys here." I had spoken too soon because Cameron walked next to Jessica and put his arm around her.

Drake snickered, "You jinxed yourself."

I sighed, "Well, let's go ahead and go inside."

We headed inside and stood under the looming crystal chandelier. It reminded me of Preston's house. Speaking of Preston, he sat in the dining room on his phone.

"Preston!" I called.

He turned and looked at me, smiled and nodded to me. Jessica's mom came downstairs.

"Oh, hi there! Jessica, who's this?" she asked.

"Mom, this is Scott Wynter. He's the new kid at our school," Jessica introduced.

"Well, Jess, I've been at Phoenix since September. I'm not really new anymore," I explained.

"Either way, it's very nice to meet you," Mrs. Greene said.

Mrs. Greene smiled. Again, I could feel Cameron looking at me with malice. I didn't care, though. I was here to celebrate Jessica's birthday, not fight her boyfriend.

Soon, we all went upstairs to their party room, where I indulged on all the sweet buttercream-frosted cake I could. Drake elbowed me slightly to get my attention. I turned to him, my mouth stuffed with cake.

"I still got your back in case Cameron gets mad about the gift," he said.

"I don't think Cameron would try to do something like that at his girl's party," I replied.

Jessica's mom cleared her throat, "So tell me, Scott, where'd you come from originally?"

"I came here from Indianapolis, Mrs. Greene," I clarified.

"I admire the way you call me Mrs. Greene, but you can call me Hannah, if you'd like."

I smiled, nodded and indulged on more cake. Jessica gave me uncomfortable looks whenever Cameron touched her. I nodded in understanding. I whispered to Drake, "Jess looks uncomfortable around Cam."

Drake nodded, "She probably isn't in the mood for that, I guess."

I shrugged my shoulders. For a happy event, there were a lot of sad demeanors present. Jessica gave off a sad vibe, as did Bailey, and surprisingly Savannah. My mind flooded with curiosity.