You Don't Know..What you Don't Know

Chapter Sixteen: Fall- Freshmen Year

With Wednesday behind me, I am feeling more confident. Thursday was fun. There are numerous conversations all around me. The student body is trying to figure out who Phillip's new girl is. I am laughing to myself. Who knew Athena could be popular?

Jake and Gary decide to start bowing at my feet every time we walk past a group discussing who Athena is. God, they are embarrassing me. Randy places a permanent scowl on his face all day. He hasn't said a word about the parade. I guess he didn't know Phillip was a part of the court. I think he is a little jealous with all this buzz around me. He is in a mood and is taking it out on Tammy. My glow is not very ladylike but I'm human and can't help it. Take that Tramp. Athena raises an eyebrow.

Phillip and I talk about Athena before practice. He is not telling a soul who I am. I think he likes this air of mystery about as much as I do. I like it because it keeps me in the shadows. He likes it because it is increasing his popularity. He told me before practice, all his friends want my number. Of course, he refused. "You think I would give you up to anyone at this point." he whispers as we head into the locker room.

Friday rolls around and its game time. Mom lets us out early again. She stayed home today because my cousins are on their way. "Cousins??" I say. "Yeah, Maria, George, Steve and Mike. Aunt Mary is driving them and Aunt Soph is coming too." Oh boy. Why are my Dads coming? This can't be good.

"Ok??" I am so confused.

"Hey, they wanted to visit. They understand ya'll will be gone tomorrow night." Mom tells Jim and me.

This is not going to throw me off my game. My concern needs to be filed away for now. The Red Dress needs focus. I am unsure if I can pull it off.   Mom assures me it is perfect. Maybe it is perfect for Athena. Athena is who I need to be. 

With the red dress, I go with Black Cat Eyes. I am getting good with the You Tube instruction. My hair is half up and half down. It is long and straight to half way down my back. Wanting to mess with Torri some more, I send him another picture. Let him catch a glimpse of what he is missing. It will drive him nuts. I won't see him until Christmas. The reply comes back of "Go Change"-T. I laugh and slide my phone in my purse.

Phillip is already there talking to Jim downstairs. I didn't hear him come in. I walk into the living room and they both turn. My brother yells, "Um no. I tolerated the white dress but come on Tia. I can't defend you with that on. The school is going to go crazy."

Phillip stares at me. I start to shift back and forth. After a moment, he stammers, "I have..I have..Oh yeah. Here is your wristlet." His hands are shaking as he puts the red rose wristlet on my wrist. It is bigger then the last one with full red roses and baby's breath. The wristband is Rhinestone.

"Thank you." I courtesy and put the single red rose on his black suit. This time he is wearing a red tie with a red handkerchief in the pocket. I take a step back to admire the view. He is quite handsome on and off the court. No wonder, he is so popular.

Jim is still looking at me shaking his head. "Mom did you approve of that? This is not fair." Mom is snapping pictures laughing.

"Jim you need to let her grow up. She is beautiful." Mom has tears in her eyes.

Phillip chimes in, "If you look like this today, I can not wait until tomorrow. I will be the talk of the school. Shall we." He offers his elbow and leads me through the front door and out to the drive way.

From behind us Jim yells, "Remember who's sister that is." I shake my head as we head down to the car.  I am stunned by the Candy Apple Red Corvette parked by Mom's Mercedes.

Phillip grins as my mouth falls open. "Um..we are not driving onto the field, right?" I squeak.

"No, I thought you deserve the best, Tia." he winks.