Sweater Weather

Chapter 2

I woke up, my shoulder still sore, and walked to the bathroom. I turned on the shower and slipped my clothes off. I examined my body in the mirror. A deep purple bruise had formed on my left shoulder. My skinny frame had a few light bruises in a couple of different places. My long red hair brushed my hips. Eyeliner from the night before, smudged on my cheek. I sighed and climbed into the shower. I washed my hair, washed my body, and washed my face. I stood in the shower a little longer before shutting off the water and grabbing the towel which was hanging on the wall right outside the curtain. After I dried my body I stepped out of the shower and pulled on my favorite pair of jeans, which I rolled the legs up on, and I pulled on a basic striped shirt. I towel-dried my hair a little more, hung my towel back up, and walked back to my room. I slid on my black Converse and grabbed my backpack. I looked over myself in the mirror and shrugged. 

"I guess this will have to do." I mumbled as I grabbed my keys and walked out of my room and into the kitchen. 

"Are you ready Kev?" I asked as he ate the last bite of his Eggo. 

"Yeah. Are you not going to eat anything?" He asked, seeming concerned. 

"No, I'll be fine." I said calmly. 

"Okay." He responded, not believing me. With his disbelief we headed out the door. 

After I dropped Kevin off at middle school I went to a convenience store and bought some Cheetos and two Slim Jims before heading back to the school. I pulled up in the parking lot as I finished the bag of Cheetos. You had teens standing beside their cars talking, teens in their cars making out, and clusters of people scattered about who were chattering. I ate one of my Slim Jims as I heard 'Rock You Like A Hurricane' playing outside in the distance. A car pulled in and I looked over to see a guy with a blonde, curly mullet. He looked around and then walked towards the school. Every girl was staring at him as he walked through the parking lot. I noticed my mouth slightly agape and slightly shook my head and closed it like I was snapping back to reality. I quickly finished my stick of meat and walked into the school. When I walked through the door Tina, a popular and preppy girl, handed me an invitation to her Halloween party tomorrow. I rolled my eyes lightly and I went to my locker and pulled out the books I would need for my first class. I folded up the invitation and slid it into my pocket. 

During lunch, I went outside to smoke a cigarette and eat my other Slim Jim. I walked over to the sidewalk outside, laid down my books, sat my backpack down, and sat down in front of my belongings. I ate the Slim Jim first and then pulled out my pack of cigarettes. As I lit a stick I saw the new kid walk outside and lighting a cigarette as well. I studied him quietly. He carried himself with confidence. He kept his eyes narrowed as he looked around. I took a long drag of my cigarette as Steve came outside and joined me. 

"Hey Nicky." Steve said, plopping down on the hard sidewalk. 

"Hey Steve." I said back, smiling over at my friend and then looking back to the new guy. 

"Are you going to Tina's party?" He asked, trying to figure out where my eyes were roaming. 

"I'm thinking about it." I said, nodding and taking another drag. 

"Who are you staring at?" Steve asked, seeming annoyed at my lack of attention. 

"I don't know but, he does have great taste in music." I said, glancing at Steve, a small giggle escaping my lips. 

"You are the most intriguing human on this planet and you are intrigued by someone based on their music preferences. You never cease to amaze me." Steve said, chuckling. 

"Don't you have a girlfriend to argue with?" I asked, rolling my eyes, and smiling as I tapped my cigarette to get the ash off. 

"I'll see you later Nicky." He said, standing back up and walking away.