The Good Girl

Chapter 1

It had been a week since the Breakfast Club had our first meeting in Saturday detention. Monday had gone well, despite our doubts about each other. I was especially surprised when almost everyone joined Alison at her lunch table where she normally sat alone. Claire had been the only one who decided to stay with her friends.

The rest of the week remained that way, but I was determined to keep us from drifting apart. So I invited the five others to get together at my farm on Saturday night. If we wouldn't hang out at school, I knew we could hang out by ourselves.

Everyone said they would come, even Claire, and sure enough they all showed up at 6pm at my place. I lived on a 30 acre farm called Windy Creek. My parents owned it and raised myself and my four older brothers to work hard and be independent. This lifestyle bled into my school life, which meant I always got my work done on time, I got along with everyone I met, and almost always ended up the teacher's pet in my classes. I didn't mind, but there were the occasional bullies who labeled me as a "goodie-two-shoes". But after last Saturday, I didn't mind being the Good Girl of the group.

I was as happy as ever sitting around the bonfire with the Breakfast Club. We sat on hay bales in a circle, roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and wrapped in blankets to block out the cold. We talked and joked with each other just like in detention. Andy was excited to announce that he had won his wrestling meet that morning. Bender teased him about it, but it didn't seem to bug Andy as much as it normally would. His and Alison's relationship had lasted through the week and they were officially boyfriend and girlfriend at this point. They both seemed happier than they had every been. Alison was more confident in herself. She wore lighter colors and pushed her hair back with a headband. She wasn't afraid to join in the conversation.

"So did you get anymore detentions today?" Claire asked Bender.

He puffed on a cigarette that dangled from his mouth. A smile spread across his face. "Nope. There was no one to impress today."

"You thought we'd be impressed by you getting into more trouble?" Andy asked.

Bender shrugged and reached behind him. He pulled up a six pack of beer that he had apparently snuck out of his house. He broke the band and offered one to Brian who sat next to him.

Brian shook his head. "My parents almost killed me when I came home smelling like weed last week." He told Bender. "I don't think they'd like it if I smelled like beer too."

"More for us." Bender said and tossed the can to Andy who caught it easily.

The rest of the cans were passed around. I cracked mine open and took a sip. I had only had alcohol one time before this so the taste was still new to my tongue. But I drank it anyway, not wanting to spoil the party. I figured since it was only one can, it wouldn't get me very drunk.

"Hey, Rocky." Bender picked up a marshmallow and tossed it at me.

I opened my mouth and caught it between my teeth. The group clapped and cheered and I laughed past the glob of sugar in my mouth.

"Nice catch!" Bender grinned and high fived me.

"Nice throw." I said. I looked down at a small creature who had entered the circle of light. It was my dog, Jack. "Hey, buddy." I reached down and pet him. He whimpered and jumped onto the bale next to me.

Claire leaned over and stroked his head as well. "He's such a good dog." She remarked as he nuzzled her hand.

"Yeah, he's well trained." I said, smiling. "He's our sheep dog."

"Did you train him yourself?" Alison asked.

"Yeah." I said. "He was a Christmas present three years ago and I had to take full responsibility of him."