Julia swirled her straw in her milk shake. "Oh come on you guys. You're not still mad about the Hanson thing, are you? It was SO last week!"
"Everything you screw up is 'SO last week.'" Sarene glared. Apparently Hanson had cancelled an appearance just after the club incident because Taylor "wasn't feeling well." He had called Sarene, who's sister was planning on attending, and confided that he was undergoing psychiatric counseling to help him deal with the stress of fans. Now her sister wouldn't stop playing "Mmmbop" and crying, as far as Sarene could tell, it was all Julia's fault.
"Look, I had a good reason."
"Really." Kalli's voice spoke for them all when it's tone showed irritation in response to Julia's actions. This wasn't the first time she'd done something like this. She had stolen Kalli's Hole tickets and auctioned them off. Using the ticket give away as a method of getting a larger audience at a fair show. She had also announced that Kalli was dating Justin Valeto, a bassist from a newly signed band. She even went to far as to place an add in the paper advertising the band as "Justin Valeto's Grirlfriend's Band." Justin was bombarded by press attention, being newly signed, about having a girlfriend that he broke up with Kalli.
Julia sighed, frustrated. "Look, Kirsten Dunmire has her annual party. It's the biggest event in this school. Maybe even in the town. If we could play that gig we could go somewhere. Remember, her Dad is a record company executive."
"So how does getting Hanson molested by a bunch of crazy girls get us that gig?"
"Kirsten invited last years band because they said they knew Third Eye Blind. That band didn't know them at all and they sucked, big time. I'm saying, since we actually know Hanson it'll make Kirsten think we're more like professionals. Since Hanson are professionals. Do you get what I'm saying?" The nodded, slightly amused. "I talked with Kirsten. She already wants to have us play the party. Publicity is the key. And because of my so-called 'antics' we got some."
Sarene and Trish nodded, repulsed but grateful. She was right about the party. It was the biggest thing in town. She was also right about Kirsten's father. He had signed numerous up and coming bands. But still, her tactics for 'publicity' were rather disgusting.
Julia smiled, and ran off to join some of her friends as the bell rang. Kalli grinned. "If only she knew, eh?"
"What are you talking about?" Trisha laughed at Kalli's stupid grin.
"Kirsten's owed me a favor since I caught her and Lance Christen in the park. Our parents are friends and all I'd have to do is say a little something and she'd be royally screwed. I told her we had a band and we would put on a good show. She was more than happy to oblige and relayed her invite to Julia."
Sarene laughed. "Why didn't you tell Jules that?"
"I don't know, secrets are just so much fun."
"Mr. Jenkins?" Trisha took a deep breath, she hated admitting she needed help. She had taken care of herself since she was 12, after her father left. She was independent and stubborn, and asking for favors was a hard thing to do.
"Hey, Trish. What's up?"
She simply pushed a note from her mom onto his desk. "Can I stay after today?"
He smiled. "I'll have you home by 4:30."
"Open, open, open." Trisha stared at her locker. She twirled the dial again. "Open up! Dammit!" She kicked it. "Ow!" Someone laughed from behind her. "What the hell!" She whirled around. "Just the fuck do you..."
"A little angry Trish?" Chris Conelly stood behind her, chuckling to himself. She wiped the hair off of her face.
"Sorry. Hey, Chris. My locker wouldn't open, and..." She smiled, a nervous 'God I feel stupid' smile.
"What's your numbers?"
"34-23-35" God he's gorgeous She thought.
"You locker combination not your measurements." He grinned.
"That was my..." He cut her off laughing.
"You're still the same, Trish. You're too self conscious to have a sense of humor."
"I do to have a..."
"And you're defensive to."
She grabbed some books from her locker. "Look, I don't know why you bother, if all you're going to is insult and mock me."
"Hey, it's not like that."
"It's not, huh?"
"No. I was wondering if you were busy Friday."
She thought for a minute. This had to be some sort of joke. Chris was a basketball player. He was popular, and he was very good-looking. Guys like that didn't go out with her. Actually, no guys went out with her. "Why?" She tried not to sound afraid, or hostile.
"I don't know, to go hang out at McDonald's. Be friends."
She looked at him. He had a large grin, sweet, sparkling candy eyes, and a mop of blonde hair. Gorgeous. Why was he even talking to her? "You've known me since 7th grade and you've never wanted to be friends."
"So I changed my mind. People do that ya' know?" She smiled. "Where ya' headed?"
"Home. Well, the bus stop actually. I think the school one left without me."
"A bus? No way." He shut her locker door and grabbed her books with one arm. He draped his other arm across her shoulders. "I'll give you a ride."
"Thank you."
Main Page
Story Page
Song 14
Song 16
E-mail me with comments or suggestions
