All I've Ever Needed

Chapter 1

May 19, 2015

I’m not really into flashbacks and reminiscing. I like living life in the moment. Life doesn’t offer regrets, only lessons and that’s how I’ve lived my life. My very short life. But you know what, I’ll make an exception for you. I mean, there’s a reason why you’re here. You want to know me. You want to know about me. You’re interested in my life, although I can’t really understand why. It’s always been pretty mundane. Well, It was before I met him. Let me tell you a bit about myself before you start snooping around in my memories. I am Zendaya Coleman. I’m a senior at the Palisades High School in Los Angeles. Yeah, I live in L.A. Lucky me right?  

I’m a good student. I have a keen interest in social studies and English but my true passion has always been in the visual and performing arts. Drama, music, you name it. I was never that much of a dancer, unless you count hip-hop. Which most people don’t. I’m getting a bit ahead of myself here.

I’ve never been the most popular student in school but I’ve always worked well with what I’ve been given. I’m stubborn, ambitious, cautious, dependable. A true friend to those who take the time to get to know me. Am I describing myself in a way that is appealing to you? Would you like to know more? The good and the bad, the beautiful and the ugly? I know why you want my story. And I’ll start you off with the day I met him.

  

September 20, 2013

 “That’s not a solution for math. That’s some sort of a spell by numbers.”

“Very funny Spencer. Excuse me while I choke on your wit.”

“Hey! You asked me to tutor you. And I graciously said yes. It’s not my fault that you suck. so. bad.”

“I have dyscalculia.”

She saw Spencer looking at her like he would a two-headed dog.

“It’s a real thing. It’s like dyslexia but with numbers… Stop looking at me like that!”

She cracked a smile as he started grinning. That picture perfect movie star grin of his. Spencer had been one of the first to befriend her when she was a freshman. She had, of course, immediately signed up for the drama club and Spencer was one of the stars. He was tall, extremely handsome, smart and popular. Still, her association with him didn’t rub off. She didn’t become popular just by being his friend. She didn’t become popular at all. And she liked it that way. She had her circle of friends; Dom, Deja and Trevor. They all shared the same interests. She liked having a small but trustworthy group of friends.

She saw Spencer’s fingers moving inches way from her face. She had zoned out. Again.

“You’re not gonna do that in your audition, are you? I didn’t spend valuable time training you only for you to go down in a blaze of glory.”

“I’m not a seal, you didn’t train me. You helped me realize my potential. And stop squeezing Bon Jovi song titles into every conversation.”

“Never! It’s my life. Have a little faith in me.”

“Oh my god stooooooop.”

 “Jon is the ultimate artist. A singer, songwriter, actor.”

“That hair though.”

“Don’t diss the mullet.”

“How is it that you’re as popular as you are?”

“It’s a mystery isn’t it? I’ve gotta go. I’m gonna go outside and lay down in a bed of roses.”