Chapter 5

                                                          Chapter Five 

                    ~~~~~ Alex – Do Not Draw Any Attention to Yourself ~~~~~

The day I had been dreading for the past week had arrived. I knew it would come eventually, but I did not expect to be this… nervous about it.

‘Why in the world are you nervous? You’ve done this far too many times to be nervous.’ it’s different this time. ‘How so?’ I actually want to give it my best. ‘Don’t. You. Dare.’ But why? Why not try something new?

“You ready?” asks Rachel from the driver seat while I just stare out the car window looking at what is going to be my new school. I turn to face her trying to hide the fear but she notices it right away. I look away quickly avoiding her worried gaze.

“You have my number as well as mikes on your phone. If anything happens just give us a call” Rachael reaches over and gives me a hug. I hug her back needing all support and thankful that she is there to provide it.

“Go on and have a great first day.” Rachel says opening the window. She smiles and drives away. I turn and look around.

The building itself is huge with its cream color bricks and banners of honors it has won. The yard is filled with students of all shapes and sizes. Everyone is segregated in their own little groups. Some are in large groups while some are in smaller groups or even alone.

The emo students are in the back discussing a new rock concert that was announced yesterday. The loners are sitting alone scattered all over either reading a book or looking around. The texters are sitting in a table texting the person right next to them. The nerds are in the front of the school with their textbooks out discussing a math problem, while a group of cheerleaders point and laugh at them. The jocks are just sitting on a table looking at the cheerleaders in their short skirts and shirts that leave no room for imagination. 

Rachael had said that this was one of the most prestigious high schools in the region. It has won multiple awards for academics and for its service to the community. 

‘Are you sure she was talking about this particular high school.’ Well the rock sign says “Trinity Academy” so I guess this is it. 

“Heads up!” Someone shouts from the other side bringing me back. I lift my head and see a football coming my way. My reflexes kick in as I grab the football with ease. Everyone around me stops what they are doing and turn to stare at me as I toss the ball from hand to hand. 

“Hey can you throw that. But don’t break a nail now, you hear!” The same guy says running a little further away grinning. Putting my things down and adjusting my cap I take the football firmly in my hands. Once I have all my fingers in the right spot, I take a deep breath and aim for the guy. 

‘Give him everything you’ve got. Don’t hold out on me.’ Oh trust me, I won’t. 

The football spins in the air above everyone’s heads as it slips off my fingers, making its way to the guy 10 yards away. He catches the ball but the impact knocks him to the ground. He cries in pain as he holds his stomach and rolls on the ground. 

“Jason!” his friends yell and go to his aid. The cheerleaders immediately stop what they’re doing and run to him asking if he’s okay while glaring at me. 

‘Now that is multitasking.’ 

I grab my things and make my way towards the entrance not wanting to draw even more attention to myself. They all just stare and move out of the way I as make my way up the stairs into the massive school. 

Once inside, I find the office and get my schedule as well as a school map. The secretary smiles and wishes me a good day. Smiling back I leave the office and head to my locker. According to my calculations, the locker is located on the other side of the building. I memorized the rest of the map as well as the schedule and plan the safest and fastest routes. 

‘This is going to be a long day.’ you’re telling me. 

I threw the schedule in the recycling bin since I had no use for it. I know where everything is located and what time I have to be in each class.

‘As long as you don’t draw any attention to yourself, we should make it out of here in no time.’ Let’s hope you’re right. ‘Alex listen to me, do not draw any more unwanted attention yourself.’ who are you my mother? ‘No I’m your way better looking and smarter self.’ you sure about that? ‘Yes I am.’

“Hey, Parker! Watch where you’re going nerd.” someone yelled as I came around the corner. Everyone just stood there as they watched and laughed as a guy knocked down Parker and threw his books to the ground. The guy points to the books on the ground and tells Parker to pick them up. Parker fixes his glasses and bends down to pick up his things making the guy laugh even harder. The Guy’s buddies high five each other in celebration as they watch Parker surrender to them.

Just as Parker was about to pick up his math book, it was kicked by the same guy who knocked him down. I stopped the book with my foot as it came in my direction and picked it up. I walk up Parker and give him the book making everything around us stop laughing immediately. Everyone just stares at me with wide eyes and some even gasp, including Parker when holding the book out for Parker to grab.

“Who the hell are you?” asks the guy angrily. According to his blue jacket he is the captain of the football team. They are all football players. ‘Figures.’ 

“My name is Alexandria Santiago.” I tell him while helping Parker stand up. Parker gives me a weird look but then smiles gratefully. He thanks me and walks away quickly avoiding everyone. I turn the opposite direction and start to head for my locker again.

“Now who do you think you are coming-” the guy came behind me grabbing my shoulder as he spoke. I didn’t let him finish. I grabbed his wrist and twisted it causing him to scream in both surprise and pain. Getting momentum, I fling his body in the air so he lands face down on the floor. He cries in even more pain as I have his arm behind his back and my knee on his lower back.

“If you want to keep that hand of yours, I suggest you never touch me again. Got it?” I say applying more pressure to both my knee and his arm. “Ok! Ok!” he yells between breaths. I apply yet more pressure but let him go and walk away. I adjust my bag and keep walking as his buddies help go to help him up.

‘You have not even been here 10 minutes and you are already making enemies.’ he asked for it.

When finally making it to my locker, I put some notebooks and things I did not need for the first part of the day. Then, I walk to my first class of the day. 

‘Yay!’ Seriously. ‘I was being sarcastic.’

Biology was first on the list, but the subject itself holds no interest to me. The teacher gave me a text book and sat me between two guys, with no introduction which I was extremely thankful for. They were still on the human heart so I opened the book and read random pages refreshing my mind on certain topics. I sat there for the whole class reading until the bell rung ending my misery.

Second period was no better. History bored me to death. They were barely on chapter 4 while I was done with the entire book. With nothing else to do, I took out my headphones and plugged them to the phone Rachel had bought me yesterday. I told her I didn’t need it and refused for her to buy it, but she bought it anyway. Thanks to the jean jacket I had on, the headphones were almost invisible.

After history came Algebra. This class was by far the most boring class yet. The problems assigned on the board were way too easy, so I did the entire page in about 5 minutes. I just sat there thinking about what happened during the week until my name was suddenly called.

“Alexandria, will you do problems 3-7 on the board please?” asked the teacher bringing me back to reality. Mrs. Hall had a marker on her hand pointing it at me urging me to go to the board.

I got up and took the marker out of her hand. The answer to each problem came to me in 5 seconds. After writing the answers down, I gave the marker back to Mrs. Hall and walked back to my seat watching as every eye was on me again.

“How did you know what to do when I haven’t even taught it yet?” She asks me her expression showing nothing but surprise. Looking up I see everyone’s eyes on me.

‘Great, more attention.’ You seriously need to cut the sarcasm. ‘No I don’t think so.’

I simply tell her what I did since I did not show my work. She walks up to me and picks up the piece of paper I had on my desk. ‘This is not good.’

“Were you on another chapter at your old school?” She asks putting the paper down. “Yeah,” I say. “Chapter 12.” I wasn’t a total lie. I am done with algebra. Math is the easiest subject to me. I’m now currently learning calculus, not that I would tell this teacher though.

The room went completely silent. No one talked nor moved. You could literally hear a pin drop. Just when she was about to ask something else the bell rang. I grabbed my stuff and quickly ran out of the room before the teacher or anyone could stop me. 

‘damn saved by the bell, classic.’ never been so grateful for the classic things till now.

My stomach growled at me, so I went to the cafeteria to get some lunch. The cafeteria like the rest of the school is huge. Tables are set out everywhere around the room with the same segregation as before shown. Everyone is already with who they should be or are told to be with. 

“Alexandria Santiago!” I know that voice. It can’t be. ‘You have got to be kidding me!’

I turn around only to see Ismael up on a stage that I had yet to notice. ‘How can you not notice a stage in the back of the room where most of the school is gathered?’ Shut up I just didn’t notice it.

“You may have beaten us at the skate park, but there is no way you’ll beat us here!” he says talking through a mike. Once again everyone stops what they are doing and stare at me. 

‘Nice going.’ now this is so not my fault. ‘Just keep it cool, we don’t want any more enemies.’

“Did you not learn your lesson about messing with me last week, or do you need me to embarrass you in front of your peers again for you to figure it out?” I say loud enough for him to hear me. 

“Thank you.” I tell the lunch lady as she hands me my lunch. She smiles a bright smile my way as I pass her by.

“This is different. No one can beat us here. We own this school!” the crowd seemed to agree since they cheered and clapped. Some guys in the back of Ismael were also at the skate park. 

“Is that so? Do they know about your little adventure in the mall, ladies?” I tell him when getting my lunch money to pay for the food.

‘That shut him up.’

The guys looked at each other with scared expressions.

‘I don’t think they have told anyone.’ shall we fill them in? ‘I think we should.’

Within a minute the video is streaming on every phone in the school. I used the hacking techniques I was taught in middle school and made sure to leave no trace.  

‘But why stop there?’ I got up on a table and plugged in the phone to the projector that was displaying school announcements on the wall.

The entire room erupted with laughter as soon as they saw the guys in dresses. The male students were whistling and clapping while the females laughed their heads off.

“Nice legs ladies!” Someone yelled behind me. I was still on the table so when the video ended I unhooked the phone and crossed my arms. Ismael’s face was beat red as soon as I put the video for everyone to see and was redder due to all the comments about his legs and body.

After about five minutes the crowd finally settled down. “so what do you say?” he says after he settles down.

‘que le pasa a este tipo?’ (What is wrong with this guy?) What up with the Spanish outburst? ‘Just decided to use it, got a problem with it?’ No Ma’am.

“What do you want me to do?” I ask giving up and jumping off the table. I flip in the air and land perfectly on my feet wanting to stretch my legs since I had been sitting all day. Some people gasped but I just approached the stage as the students made way for me to pass by without any interference.

“All you have to do is beat me in a singing completion and I’ll leave you alone.” he says with a smile confident he will win this time.

‘Seriously, what is wrong with this guy?!’ His mom probably dropped him when he was born. ‘That must have been one hell of a fall.’

“And if I lose?” I ask him jumping on the stage. ‘As if!’ just play along.

“You’ll have to kiss Me.” his grin grew even bigger.

‘I swear he will need a plastic surgeon after I’m done with him.’ chill.

“How about I just face your whole band?” Ismael looks amused. He turns to looks at his band mates and asks them if it’s okay with them. They nod their heads in agreement and get ready. The drummer is first to accept my challenge.

“You’ll regret it.” he says hitting his sticks together. As soon as he started to play the crowd cheered for him. He got up and smiled as he handed me the sticks when done with his performance. “Beat that.” he says as he joins his band mates on the side. I test and adjust the drum set to my liking and start with a slow beat. I increased my speed in a matter of seconds making the transition nice and smooth switching between jazz tempos to something louder. Suddenly the crowd clapped louder than they did for the previous drummer. When I was done the crowd had doubled in number.

“Who’s next?” I asked facing another guy. 15 Minutes later I had beat the guitarist, pianist, the bass player, and even the guy who played the triangle. Don’t ask why they have a guy to play the triangle, because I have no idea.

“Well I’ve beat your entire band, even that guy on the triangle. You are the last guy to beat and shut up.” Ismael glared at me but recovered and asked for a band meeting. Seconds later they all got to their positions.

“Let me show you how it’s done.” he says as the music starts to play. Suddenly the crowd gets wilder than before instantly recognizing the song. He vocalizes and then begins the song.

“Girl, change into that Victoria Secret thing that I like 

Alright 

Ok, tonight you havin’ me your way 

Perfume, spray it there 

Put our love in the air 

Now put me right next to you 

Fitting to raise the temp in the room 

First rub my back like you do 

Right there, uh-uh, right there 

You touch me like you care 

Now Stop 

And let me repay you for the week that you’ve been thru 

Working that 9-5 and staying cute, like you do 

Oh, oh, oh 

I love it (I love it) 

You love it (You love it) 

Everytime (Everytime) 

We touchin (We touchin) 

I want it (I want it) 

You want it (You want it) 

I’ll see you (see you) 

In the morning (In the morning)”

Everybody knew the song so they sang along. Ismael closed his eyes really getting into the song his voice getting stronger. ‘He has a nice voice.’ Too bad he’s an a-hole. ‘Since when do you hold your tongue?’

‘Nervous?’ a little, you? ‘Maybe.’ we can do this. Right? ‘um yeah sure.’

“Wanna put my fingers thru your hair 

Wrap me up in your legs 

And love you till your eyes roll back 

I’m tryin to put you to bed, bed, bed 

I’ma put you to bed, bed, bed”

Ismael kept looking at me every time he said “I’ma put you to bed”. He touched his body as he sang making all the girls scream and pretend to faint in each other’s arms.

Now I don’t know about you, but I can decline that offer faster than a speeding bullet. ‘Well although he looks hot in those jeans, I’ll also have to decline the offer.’ Did you just stare at his butt? ‘If you are talking about the most perfect shaped butt I’ve ever seen, then yes, yes I did.’

Once he was done people were screaming his name. “Your turn.” Ismael says giving me the microphone. I thought about a song that would beat his singing. 

‘You can’t use his band so pick and instrument and sing while playing it.’ Alright.

Having decided on the song I grabbed the microphone and went to the piano. “May I?” asked the guy who was sitting on the seat. He moves and motioned me to sit down. I put the microphone in the little stand on the top of the piano and tested a few keys making sure I still remember the notes to the song.

“I’m going to slow things down for you guys. Now, if you have that special someone standing before you, grab their hands and instead of telling them, “I want to put you to bed”, I paused because everyone was now laughing. “Tell that special person of yours this,” couples were now all holding hands and looking in each other’s eyes. I cleared my throat and began singing.

“If I should stay, 

I would only be in your way. 

So I’ll go, but I know 

I’ll think of you every step of the way.”

I started playing and got lost in the song as everyone began to dance.

“And I will always love you. 

I will always love you. 

You, my darling you. Hmm.”

I was afraid I would hit the wrong note due to the difficulty of the song, but I held it together and hit every note perfectly. The couples were enjoying themselves as they danced and held each other close. Others just sang along or danced by themselves.

“Bittersweet memories 

That is all I’m taking with me.  

So, goodbye. Please, don’t cry. 

We both know I’m not what you, you need. 

And I will always love you. 

I will always love you.”

Without asking, Ismael’s band joined in. Now everyone just sang along and danced with their significant other or a friend, while Ismael just stood there with his mouth wide open as he witnessed everything.

Then came the time for an instrumental solo, I added a little extra to the beat and it went smoothly. My hands were going crazy and everyone seemed to love it. The whole school was now in the cafeteria. Teachers were both trying to control the students, since some were dancing and touching each other in a manner that is not school appropriate, and still manage to enjoy the music in the process.

“I hope life treats you kind 

And I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of. 

And I wish to you, joy and happiness. 

But above all this, I wish you love. 

And I will always love you. 

I will always love you. 

I will always love you. 

You, darling, I love you. 

Ooh, I’ll always, I’ll always love you.”

As soon as I played the last note everyone began to clap and cheer. Ismael still stood there with his eyes wide open and his mouth still open.

“But, ladies we all know guys are never perfect. So if this song speaks to you, sing it to him.” I needed a song to finish off strong a particular song standing out in my mind. I like the original version but I prefer the Reba version, so I got up from the piano and went to get a guitar from a stand. I sat down on a stool, adjusted the mike plugged the guitar and began to sing the country version of “If I were a boy”.

“If were a boy even just for a day 

I’d roll out of bed in the morning 

And throw on what I wanted and go.” 

When the girls recognized the song, they went crazy. The guys groaned and glared at me but I paid little attention at them. Some girls looked at the guys in the eyes and sang to them, meaning every word.

“Drink beer with the guys 

And chase after girls 

I’d kick it with who I wanted 

And I’d never get confronted for it 

‘Cause they stick up for me.”

By now once again, I was lost in the song. The band joined once again making a smooth entrance not missing a beat. The music could be heard throughout the whole school but I just focused on the song. Music is the one thing I can get lost in, so when I play an instrument or sing, I tune out everyone and everything.

‘Even me?‘ Yes. ‘Liar! Since you can hear me, and just answered my question, you cannot tune me out.’ damn you! ‘Smartass you just damned yourself.’ God just shut up, will you?!

“If I were a boy 

I think I could understand 

How it feels to love a girl 

I swear I’d be a better man 

I’d listen to her 

‘Cause I know how it hurts 

When you lose the one you wanted 

‘Cause he’s taking you for granted 

And everything you had got destroyed”

The people who apparently had no significant other had their phones out recording or taking pictures. The flash was beginning to get on my nerves, but I closed my eyes and kept singing.

“If I were a boy 

I think I could understand 

How it feels to love a girl 

I swear I’d be a better man 

I’d listen to her 

‘Cause I know how it hurts 

When you lose the one you wanted 

‘Cause he’s taking you for granted 

And everything you had got destroyed 

It’s a little too late for you to come back 

Say it’s just a mistake 

Think I’d forgive you like that 

If you thought I would wait for you 

You thought wrong” 

I’ve never been close to someone other than my parents and Case. With the life I have, love is just an obstacle. The word is too exotic. I read and have sung about it, yet I have never felt a thing for another person other than admiration or something very close to hatred.

“But you’re just a boy 

You don’t understand 

And you don’t understand, oh 

How it feels to love a girl 

Someday you wish you were a better man 

You don’t listen to her 

You don’t care how it hurts 

Until you lose the one you wanted 

‘Cause you’re taking her for granted 

And everything you had got destroyed 

But you’re just a boy”

These girls are crazy. I pity the guys whose girls sang to them. Teachers were laughing at the scene in front of them. They kept the crowd in control, while still enjoying the moment pointing fingers as other teachers sang along off key.

“Alright settle down, settle down!” Ismael says trying to calm everyone as I strum the last note. 

“The moment of truth has arrived. Who do you guys think is the better singer?” like in game shows he first pointed to himself first. The crowd clapped and cheered. When he pointed in my direction, you could actually feel the stage vibrating. Students and the staff were cheering at the top of their lungs. A smile came upon my face as I saw the scene in front of me.

“So Ismael, I think that means you lose… again.”‘ I laugh as I jump off the stage never looking back. People gave me high gives as I passed them by. While I was walking someone bumped into me almost knocking me into another person. 

‘I believe you bumped into the person.’ whatever.

I felt like everything was now in slow motion. I turn around trying to apologize to the person as my hair flings blocking the persons face.

‘Oh. My. God.’

It’s her, the girl with blue eyes. She stares at me for a few seconds never breaking eye contact as we both start to walk in opposite directions. She is about to say something but is pulled into a kiss before she can get a single word out.

~~~~~ Kylie – You Again ~~~~~

     Her plan was working. Kylie thought less about the mysterious girl with each passing minute. She did her homework and went out with Anthony. Her dad had returned which meant her mom was beaten yet again.

For the first time in what seemed like forever, Kylie stood up to her father and told him to stop. What she didn’t expect was for him to leave. Adriana has been locked in her room since he left.

Kylie felt horrible for causing her mother so much pain. She knows how much her mother loves her dad, yet Kylie was not sorry. She would rather have her father be out getting drunk than hitting her mother or God forbid, Gabriel any day..

“Gabe, you ready?!” she yelled to him from the kitchen. They had already finished breakfast but Gabe had forgotten his homework in his room.

“Coming!” He yelled to her. Kylie got her keys and headed out the door. Her mom’s car was gone which meant she was at work. Kylie felt tears forming in her eyes but she quickly blinked them out as soon as she saw Gabe walking closer to her.

She drove Gabe to school and said her good-byes to him. Anthony was waiting for her in the parking lot when arriving at her own school. She got out of her car and went to greet him with the best smile she could manage. Of course Anthony did not notice how fake the smile had turned out.

“Hey babe.” he said kissing her clearly not seeing Kylie’s discomfort at the word. His hands were rough as he roamed her body. She felt his hands getting closer and closer to her butt which was enough for her to stop him. She knew that Anthony hated when she pushed him off in front of people so, with swift movements she grabbed his hands and spun him around. She pushed him playfully as she walked inside the school building.

“We’re going to be late.” she tells him. Anthony kisses her on the cheek and leaves in the other direction without another word. Kylie laughs quietly to herself and goes inside. She creases her eyebrows as she notices the absence of cheerleaders at her lockers talking about the latest gossip, especially since it involved a teacher and a student. They would never pass the opportunity to gossip about things like this, since it involved the hottest teacher in the school. 

When opening her locker she sees a forming crowd in front of her. Curiosity did not get the best of her this time. She simply puts her text books away and heads to class.

“My name is Alexandria Santiago.” That name again, I know that name from somewhere. Kylie though to herself. She stopped and turned back to look back at the crowd. Without hesitating she went towards the crowd.

When finally getting to the front, she saw Anthony lying on the ground wincing in pain. She quickly went to his aid.

“Anthony what happened?” she asked him helping him up. “Who did this to you?”

Kylie was at a loss for words. What she has witness is something you don’t see every day. Everyone knows not to mess with the quarterback. It’s just asking for a beat down after school, or in Anthony’s case, a trip to the hospital. She winced as she remembered what Anthony did to the guy who bumped into him making Anthony spill his drink. The guy never returned and had to have physical therapy due to his injuries. 

Kylie always wondered why Anthony was never expelled for that, but then remembered that he is Anthony Anderson, son of Chris Anderson who is one of the richest people in the city.

Anthony glared at Kylie and kept walking. The crowd was now getting smaller so they passed them easily. Kylie tried to make him tell her what happened to him, but he would get mad and walk away every time she asked.

Frustrated, Kylie went to class. The day went slower than usually. Kylie was on the verge of falling asleep in most of her classes but somehow managed to stay awake. She kept hearing the girls name in her ahead over and over again. “Alexandria Santiago.” she said to herself.

“What was that Miss Balthazar?” asked Mr. Francis. She quickly looked up. The board was filled with equations which she had yet to do.

“Number two is wrong.” she said looking at the board. Mr. Francis stared at her and asked her to explain.

“If you want all the answers to be no solution, then the problem is wrong since the answer is 10.” The class looked at her weirdly as well as the teacher. Mr. Francis did the problem on the board and found out the answer was indeed 10.

 “Good job Miss Balthazar.” He told her and kept teaching his class. That was close. She thought. 

When lunch came around, Anthony was still mad. Since she did not have any classes with him, she thanked God with every part of her being for that, she couldn’t ask him anything.

“Want to go eat somewhere?” she asked him. Anthony gladly agreed. Minutes later they were at McDonald’s eating off the dollar menu. She didn’t want to spend too much money since they were falling behind on paying the house bills. She only spent $5 and was enough to get her extremely full.

“Please tell me what happened.” she asked him once they were in his car. Anthony just kept driving to school looking forward in his own little world avoiding Kylie. No one was in sight, as they arrived at the campus. They figured everyone was inside due to the loud cheering and clapping coming from the cafeteria building.

“Come on, let’s go check it out.” Anthony took Kylie by the hand and walked to the cafeteria. 

The cafeteria was packed. People were everywhere they turned. The whole school was there including all the staff and students. Some students stood up on the chairs and tables in order to get a better view while some girls were on someone shoulders.

The crowd was screaming at the top of their lungs. Kylie was guided to the middle by curious Anthony. She followed him trying to avoid bumping into someone as Anthony dragged her. 

When Anthony got frustrated with her pace, he pulled her hand causing someone to bump into her. She was about to say something but then saw the person who bumped into her.

It can’t be. She thought to herself. They looked into each other’s eyes never breaking the trance as they both kept walking. Suddenly Kylie was pulled into a kiss by Anthony. The kiss was hard, possessive even, a kiss that held no emotion on Kylie’s part. It only lasted seconds, yet when Kylie tried to look for the girl, she was gone.

~~~~~ 

What did you think?

Should I continue?

Thanks for reading!

-Alba Luz :^)