The "Good Life"

The "Good Life" (Chapter One: Danielle's POV)

Danielle's POV

    Everything felt normal. That was the first thought to enter my mind as I leaned against my locker at the end of 7th period with Zachary to my left, Chase to my right, and Autumn directly in front of me. I mean, of course, there was the typical romantic tension between Zach and I, and the budding attraction tension from Chase and Autumn, but it was... normal... typical high school stuff. Nothing that wouldn't happen to any typical high schooler, and it took everything in me not to let out a sigh of relief. Maybe, I could finally relax?

    "So, Molly Shead's party next week?" Chase asked the group for confirmation, as my twin older brothers, Nathan and Lucas joined the group. Everyone nodded their head, though Autumn, my best friend, did it a bit more hesitantly than the rest, which was expected. She was new and so far she'd met a bitch or two... or five; it was hard to keep track; hesitance was expected.

    "Yeah, Autumn and I aren't riding with you guys though." I informed the guys, which made them give out shouts of protest, the loudest objections coming from my older brothers, of course. I rolled my aqua blue eyes, expertly, at them. I was used to this.. over protective thing, but really? What was going to happen to us from Aud's house, to us driving to Molly Shead's house in my big ass Lincoln Navigator? Nothing.

    "We need girl time. End of story." I stated with finality, it was partially true. I honestly just wanted time to bug her about Chase, and talk about Zach without my brothers giving me the third degree, about dating so soon after everything that happened during summer. Everything that everyone refused to talk about, which I didn't mind. I liked to pretend nothing happened.

    "We'll talk about it later." Nathan put in, giving me a look with his ice blue eyes. I opened my lips to protest, but Lucas cut in before I could get a word in edgewise, successfully changing the topic of conversation.

    "Alright, who wants to come to our house to hit the pool since there are no practices today?" He asked the group, being his usual peacemaker self and I resisted the urge to continue on with my voice of protest and let it go... for now.

    "That sounds good to me." Zachary put in, probably eager to stop the typical fight of epic proportions, between me and Nathan, as he subtly took hold of my hand and squeezed it gently before letting go.

    "I'm for it." Autumn agreed, eager to get in the pool. She was a complete summer girl. She adored anything to do with the hot summer months, and next to the beach the pool was number one.

    "I can't. I'm hanging out with Morgan after school." Chase replied, almost apologetically, I caught his eyes flicker to Autumn, whose face fell ever so slightly. Morgan, the bitch that hates my guts for making dance team captain, when she's only co-captain... what a whore. She had tried to sleep with my brothers, Zach, come to think of it... the whole football and basketball team... and it was common knowledge that she'd been with Chase.

    'Way to go Chase. Hang out with one of the school's whore's after school.' I thought annoyed,  as the guys made suggestive comments to him, all of which, might possibly be true. I gave a "gag me" look to Autumn, hoping to make her smile a little less forced, but it didn't work.

    "Well, Chase remember to wash thoroughly before I see you next. I rather not catch an STD." I told him, giving my attention to him, with disgust coating my tone slightly. I could hear Autumn, holding back a laugh and I smirked at her.

    "Aw, come on Dani, don't be that way!" He laughed giving me a one-armed hug. I made a face at him, and tried to push him off of me, but he held me tighter, moving my back off my locker and wrapping both his arms around my waist before tickling me. I struggled against him to no avail, until I couldn't take it anymore.