First Kiss

25

Oh wait. Drama class. I forgot.

My seat is empty for the first time. It's kind of strange.

"We have a visiting student today class," Miss Stacie announces. "Caleb Ruiz."

I could almost see the girls behind me swoon.

"Yo, he's hot," I hear Vanessa giggle.

If Caleb heard them, he doesn't show it as he sits next to me.

"Yep, here we go again," I mutter to him.

"What do you mean?" he asks, trying to look puzzled, but there's mischief in his eyes. He knows exactly what I mean.

"All the girls are falling for you and you haven't been in this classroom for more than ten seconds."

He smirks and says nothing.

"You're used to this," I accuse him. He laughs.

"Nah."

Miss Stacie glares at me, and when she turns away, I roll my eyes at him mockingly.

Liar, I mouth to him. 

He shrugs and faces forward again. His eyes still shine with humor.

He actually is a great Peter Kavinsky even though he claims never to have read the books. It's kind of funny hearing him so smooth and flirty. He's a natural actor, I'd say. He can conform to whatever character traits he's given, no matter how different he actually is in real life.

"That was fun," he says as we walk home. "I might take drama next year." 

Lex is being driven home. She lives slightly further than the rest of us.

"You should," I reply. "It's pretty fun, and you're a natural."

He smiles, pleased.

"I'm not. I wish, but thanks anyway."

We stop at a crossroad and he checks for incoming cars before gesturing for me to follow him.

"Hey, whatever happened to Kade?" he asks.

Oh. I almost forgot about him.

"He sort of was only friends with me for Cole. I don't know what his deal was. I guess he never was interested in being friends with me and Lex."

He frowns.

"Oh. Ouch."

I shrug.

"He never really liked me anyway. I wasn't the fondest of him either."

There's a long silence.

"Do you miss it here?" I ask. "In California?"

He keeps his eyes ahead.

"Yes," he answers finally. "But I love traveling. So does my family. There are beautiful things out there, Bri."

If only you knew, his expression said.

"But...you should stay," I say. "We all miss you. It hasn't been the same."

He seems to slow his steps slightly, side glancing at me.

"I'm sorry about your parents. Lex gave me the rundown in one of our classes that we have together."

I must look surprised because he quickly corrects himself.

"She didn't go into detail. You know how she is."

I nod.

"It isn't a secret," I tell him.

Then I pause.

"Did she mention how I saw my mom the other day?"

He shakes his head, but his eyes widen.

"No way," he says, shocked. "Did you talk to her?"

I shake my head.

"She has her separate life in Europe, being fancy and rich."

When he doesn't answer, I continue. 

"Like you said, there are so many things out there. Things I've never experienced before. I guess my mom loves them."

This wouldn't have bothered me so much if I was one of those things.