A Life Like Mine (16 page)

              “Bye,” Annie said as she headed back into her house after getting her mail. As I got inside my house I thought about meeting Annie. She was a really nice person. I was kind of looking forward to becoming friends with her. I turned on the T.V. and relaxed for a little while. And once it got late enough I trudged up to my bed, falling asleep.

When I woke up I suddenly realized that I’d have to face another day on bad terms with Adam. It just didn’t seem to be getting any better.  I got up and hurried to get ready for school. I grabbed myself one of those single bar meals as I headed out the door. Ugh! It tasted awful. No wonder this crud didn’t sell. It tasted like the stuff that made up tires! Not that I ever tasted tires…Okay. Just once! I was young and foolish! Quit pressuring me!

I walked all the way to school and went inside to get stuff from my locker.  I was suddenly really sad. The thought of not being able to talk to Adam wasn’t a very good one. The more I thought about it, the more I sunk into a pit of sadness. Why couldn’t things just be a little easier? I still had no news on what became of that recording. So far, Lena was still in school, which means she hasn’t gotten into trouble yet. I really wasn’t looking forward to this day. As I opened my locker I saw a little note taped to the inside of my locker door.
I opened it up with curiosity. Who knew my com?

Ash,

              I’m really sorry about how I’ve been acting. It’s just I haven’t been able to see you much, and I know that’s not an excuse. Although, if you would just tell me why you’ve been acting the way you have been, I would never have gone off the way I did. I’m sorry, but now it’s your turn to apologize, because you really started all of this. So tell me you’re sorry so we can get over this.

              The guy did have nice handwriting, but what kind of an apology was that? He totally just blamed it all on me! This was supposed to make me forgive him? No, wait. I’m supposed to have him forgive me because I was
so
in the wrong! Ugh! What a little jerk. I wasn’t sad that I didn’t get to talk to him now. After reading this, why should I care? I turned his note over and wrote him a note back.

Adam,

              I don’t think you really understand

what this is all about. I never wanted this to go on for very long, but you’ve taken this way too far. Blaming everything on me doesn’t help the situation. You just made it worse. All that you’ve done through your note is show another reason why I’m angry with you in the first place. I understand that you’re in a tough situation right now, and it’s hard for you to handle it all at once, but I have stuff to handle too. You’re not the only one who isn’t having the best time right now. I want to be there for you, and help you through this, but I can’t do that when you’re insulting me. Next time you apologize don’t use the word “but” at all. That just means that it’s not an apology; it’s an excuse.

                                                                                                  Ashley

Suddenly, I felt really old. Why did I have to write like some old counselor? I should just write, “I hate you! You’re stupid. Kiss it, you loser.” Okay, so that would be just a tad childish, but it would make me feel better. Maybe I shouldn’t give the note to him…Then again, he had the nerve to give me his note. Whatever, I had to get to class. I started to walk quickly to my class. I was afraid that I was going to be tardy.

              “Ashley, wait up.” It was Annie calling me.

              “Hi, Annie. I totally forgot. Were we supposed to walk to school together?” I felt awful, what if I had totally ditched her?

              “No, we were supposed to walk home together after school. That’s kind of why I needed to talk to you…”

              “Is there something wrong?” I asked.

              “No…not really.” Annie was being vague.

              “Well, why don’t you tell me on the way to my next class? I’m kind of in a hurry. Sorry.”

              “Oh, no big deal. I understand. You don’t want to be tardy. What I have to say won’t take long. In fact, it’ll only take a minute.” Annie smiled, acting like a quarterback getting past the defense of the other team as she tried to get past all the other students.

              “Then shoot,” I replied absent-mindedly.

              “Well, I can’t walk with you after school today.”

              “Why?” I sounded more disappointed than I actually was. It took Annie off guard almost as much as it did me.

              “Well, there are these try-outs for a school club that I want to join. And it starts after school,” Annie explained.

              “Well, what club? Maybe I’ll join it with you. I haven’t gotten involved at this school at all. I probably should.”

              “That would be great! I really need someone to cheer me on!” Annie grinned excitedly.

              “What club is it?” I asked.

              “Cheerleading,” Annie answered.

              “What?” I stopped in my tracks. “Why would you want to be a cheerleader? Don’t you have to do splits and stuff? Don’t you have to be dumb?”

              “What are you talking about? That’s not a very nice thing to say. You’re thinking of the stereotype. Not all cheerleaders are like that.  Where I used to go, the cheerleaders were all very nice.” Annie answered.

              “Not the ones that go to this school!” I tried to talk her out of it.

              “Oh, then I guess you trying out with me isn’t going to happen?” Annie looked sad.

              “You think? There’s nothing in the world I would rather do than cheerlead. It’s the highlight of my life! Rah, Rah!” I answered sarcastically.

              “That wasn’t very nice.” Annie frowned. “I thought you were nice.”

              “I am nice.” I looked at her.

              “Why are you making fun of a group of people as if they are all the same? I’m a cheerleader. I wish you wouldn’t insult me like that.” Annie was eerily calm.

              “I’m not making fun of you. I’m making fun of them.” I rolled my eyes.

              “Them?”

              “The cheerleaders,” I told her.

              “I’m a cheerleader.”

              “That’s not what I meant.” I was getting irritated.

              “Then what did you mean? I want to try out for something. It’s the only thing I’m good at, and I enjoy doing it. All you want to do is knock something that brings me joy. I just met you, and I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot. Could you just not make fun of cheerleaders?”

              “Sure.” I felt really stupid. “I’m sorry. I never should have said any of that stuff. I don’t want to get off on the wrong foot either. Just be careful of those girls. Don’t let them get to you. I don’t really have a good background with them, but don’t let me get in your way. They’re not very nice to me, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll be mean to you. I’m sorry. I’ll catch you later.” I walked into my classroom glad to get away from Annie.

A nice cheerleader? What was the world coming to? Of all the things in the world that she could do, she wanted to become a cheerleader at our school. What are the odds? Maybe Annie could teach me something though. Could she teach me the true meaning of seeing the person and not the pom pons? Could Annie show me the real side of a good cheerleader? Would she reveal a world that was totally parallel to the one that I knew and rebelled against? NO WAY! Like any of that could ever happen. You don’t think that this could actually mean something good, do you? I hope not. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think Annie is going to like Lena. How could anyone? She’s really nasty. She’s as nasty as seeing one of your teachers outside of school with a spouse or boy/girlfriend. Ewwww! Teachers aren’t supposed to have lives! They are supposed to be moles that don’t leave the school and never see the light of day. That’s the rule. Whoops! Sorry, got off the subject…again. That happens to me a lot. Well, anyway, that’s how nasty Lena is.

              Class came and went. It really wasn’t all that eventful. School really isn’t the place that a teen focuses on the learning aspect. Sure that’s important, but the social part is much more attention grabbing. It was time to go to lunch. I wasn’t looking that forward to it because Adam would be there. I didn’t matter where I went; I knew he would be there. It was like some little trap. The funny thing is, I never really noticed him until after I met him. He had a pink Mohawk before, and I still never really noticed him. Speak of the devil…

              “Ash, I think we should talk.” I heard that same deep voice coming from behind me that had been stuck in my head for days.

              “Funny, I said that this morning, and it didn’t sound like a good idea to you.” I kept walking.

              “This has nothing to do with this morning. It’s about Lena.”

              “What about her?” I wasn’t very interested.

              “I know what you did. You got her to admit to taking the money. I didn’t think she was capable of that until now,” Adam admitted.

              “And?” I didn’t really care what he had to say, but he was going to say it whether I wanted to hear it or not.

              “Did you have a warrant? That John dude you were talking about was the cop wasn’t he? Did he help you?” Adam was full of questions.

              “Well, well. When did you get all this information?” I opened my locker.

              “Last hour. I got called down to the office. Lena knows what you did, and she says that you don’t have the authority,” Adam informed me.

              “Well, I did. So can we move on to something else?” I pulled out my lunch.

              “Who was John?”

              “Well, now that you know…Yes, he was the cop. He got the warrant so get the dirt on Lena, show that she was the real pain in the butt, get her in trouble, and help lessen your sentence,” I answered in one long breath.

              “Well, you didn’t have a warrant.” Adam said to me.

              “What are you talking about? Of course we had a warrant. Otherwise, I never would have gotten that recording. If I didn’t have a warrant, then I wouldn’t be able to have John use it in court.” I said.

              “That’s the point.” Adam looked at me seriously.

              “What? You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

              “Yes I do. The station called me up to give me the 411 on my situation.” He leaned against the locker next to mine.

              “I don’t believe you. I won’t believe you, and I can’t believe you. If you think you’re so right, then why are you even talking to me about it?” I was really angry.             

              “The recording was turned in. There’s no warrant. It can’t be used. I’m going to have a trial in three days.” Adam rolled off the facts.

              “What? John told me he got the warrant!” I was shocked, what else can I say?

              “I know he did, he was misinformed. He never got the warrant approved. All that he got was the papers he needed to apply for it signed.”

              “But why wouldn’t he realize his mistake?” I asked.

              “He did, once the judge pointed it out to him.” Adam looked at me sadly, “I’m sorry about what I said and wrote. I shouldn’t have said or done any of that. I was wrong. You were right.”

              “Okay, I don’t really want your apology right this second, because what you just told me is still penetrating my brain. Why do you have to be in so much trouble anyway?” I asked.

              “I don’t know. It’s all really crazy, but they’re my problems, not yours. Once I’m done serving whatever sentence I get, we can go out sometime.”               Adam smiled that perfect set of teeth at me.

              “What if I don’t want to go out once you’re finished serving your sentence?” I asked him.

              “Well, I…” Adam started to stutter.

              “You just think I’m going to wait around for you?”

              “No, I…Wait. I don’t like where this is headed. You’re going to start yelling at me, and all I’m going to be able to do is just fumble over words. Well, not today. I’m sorry. I truly am. I don’t expect you to wait around for me, but you have got to relax. What do you want from me?” Adam interrupted me.

              “What do I want? I want you to be a little bit nicer. I don’t know. I could really use a pick-me-up. I’m not having the greatest week myself. I’m a mess, I don’t feel like anyone is paying attention to me, and I’m running low on fuel.” I was steaming. It felt justified at the time, but now I realize I was being a butthead.

              “Fuel?” Adam was curious about the weirdest things.

              “Fuel. I don’t have the energy to fight. And I don’t have the energy to like you when there’s nothing to keep my feelings for you alive, like giving me flowers. It’s really difficult to almost go out with you when this kind of thing is going on. I just need some space. I’m sorry about how I’ve been acting, but I think what I need is some time to relax. I’ll talk to you later.” I walked away from him. It was one of the most painful things I’d ever had to do. I knew I had to do it, because if I didn’t Adam and I were destined to part on bad terms. I didn’t even know him that well, yet I felt awful just knowing I was parting from him. I wasn’t sure if he would come after me or not, but I needed this. The crazy thing is, I’d fallen for a guy who never really even romanced me. I liked him before I even knew who he was. Maybe I rushed into liking him. It didn’t seem to matter at this point. I sighed heavily as I walked away from him. I could feel his eyes on me.

              “Ashley, why are you so dramatic?” I heard Adam yelling after me.

              “I’m not being dramatic!” I turned around. “You just told me that nothing is going to happen to Lena. I did all of that work for nothing. I even sang ‘You’re on Ashley’s Camera’ and all of that good stuff.” I said. That was a darn good song!

              “That’s not what I was talking about.” Adam grabbed my arm.

              “What are you doing?” I looked down at my arm, trying to wriggle free.

              “I just don’t want you to walk off in another one of your huffs. I really care about you, but you’re very high maintenance.” Adam was blunt.

              “Well, aren’t you the romantic? I’m sure you get all the girls,” I retorted.

              “I never got a second glance from a girl until I met you. No girl ever paid attention to me except to look at my hair.”

              “Isn’t that why you had your hair like that?” I asked.

              “No.”

              “Oh, come on. You’re trying to say you didn’t have your hair in a pink Mohawk because you wanted attention?” I gave him an oh-yeah-right look.

              “Yes, that’s not why. I did it because it was a form of self-expression.” Adam explained.

              “Sure, whatever. I totally…”

              “If it wasn’t for you I would never have changed my hair like that and even considered myself to be in the same league as Brad Pitt.” Adam chuckled.

              “Jeez! That joke is so old it’s not even funny anymore!” I said, flustered as I tried to wriggle out of his firm grip.

              “You’re beautiful.”

              “Oh, please! That is such a line. You’re just trying to get to me,” I answered.

              “So? Is it working?”

              “Maybe.” A hint of a smile showed on my face. “I just feel like you don’t think about me
that
way.”

              “I’ll prove it to you.” Adam smiled mischievously. “I really need you right now. I’ll tell you what, we’ll cool it on the pressure of us maybe dating, and focus on the matters at hand. Together we can plan on how to get Lena. Okay?”

              “Okay, but what are you going to do to prove you like me?”

              “Let’s just say that you’re going to be thirsty for a drink of some Adam!” He snickered.

              “Oh, you think so? Well, I…”

              “I better go, I’m under tight watch these days. I’m off to Hank’s. Later.” Adam leaned in toward me, and I knew he was going to give me one of his mind numbing kisses. I’d wanted this since I could remember. I closed my eyes and then I felt his lips… on my nose. What? Hey! What a rip-off! I’m ready for a make-out session here! Aren’t guys supposed to be driven by hormones? Oh well, for some odd reason, when his kissed my nose, it was better than my mouth. It was so sweet and unsuspecting.

              “I’ll see you later.” I leaned over and kissed him on the nose back. Hey, that was kind of fun!

              “Bye.” Adam walked away from me and I watched him get farther and farther away. I never really understood what women saw in butts, but now…let’s just say I get it.

Chapter 9

The Park

              The park was a little hang out that my friends and I went to frequently. We had tons of fun. It was a little routine of ours. The girls would put on their skimpy clothes and entice the guys. The guys would drool over the girls, and pretend that they were talking about “man stuff” whenever the girls walked by.  It was the time of year when everybody started hooking up. Everyone was going out with everyone. Well…except me. I was always the oddball out. Well, I wasn’t the only single one, but it still felt like it. It was kind of gross because if I went to the park with my friends they’d make-out on the swings. I could either watch…YUCK! No! Or, I could find something else to do, and then go home. Today was strictly a non-make-out day. Jack and Betty had promised not to make-out while I was there. Their relationship was going along really well. They were so cute. Keri and Ben were starting to get closer and closer, too. Today I was finally going to meet Hank, and Tom was going to show up for once. The only people who couldn’t come were Jennifer, Tad, Big Al, and Allie. (They were all going to be on a date with somebody. Jennifer and Tad had just gotten together the other day.) Today was going to be an interesting day since I was going to be one of the only single people there. Maybe I should get a ride home before I feel bad about not having a boyfriend.

              “Hey everybody!” I heard Tina shouted happily to Annie and me. Annie drove me because I was out of gas, and had no money to refuel. Besides that, my car had gotten practically totaled by another car. They just ran right into my car in the street. It was parked, and I was okay. But…needless to say, I had to get a ride from someone.

              “Hey, Tina!” I answered her. “Where’s your boyfriend?”

              “He had to work.” Tina stuck out her lip for a moment to show how sad she was. She’d been going out with this guy from another school. Nobody had met him. I, personally, was beginning to think she was making him up. Either that, or he was some inflatable guy she had at home. I know, I know, that’s awful of me!

              “Well, he has to come sometime.” I heard a high-pitched voice call from behind me. Betty.

              “Hey, Bet.” I turned to give her a hug. “How’s it going?”

              “Great!” Betty was so enthusiastic.

              “So where’s lover-boy?” I asked.

              “Well…” Betty blushed.

              “I’m right here.” Jack came up from behind her and put his arms around Betty’s waist. He kissed her on the neck, which was cute, but I liked Adam’s approach better! Jack looked at Betty so lovingly that I felt bad that I was the one keeping them from being alone together.

              “You guys go ahead on your own. I’ll catch up with you later. Tina and I will hang out. Right, Tina?” I smiled.

              “Huh?” Tina was staring at a guy on the basketball court without his shirt on.             

              “Never mind.” I shook my head.

              “Are you sure?” Jack and Betty said together.

              “Yes, go have fun,” I replied.

              “See you,” They said together and ran off.

              “It’s just you, Annie, and me now, Tina. What do you…?” I turned around to see that Tina wasn’t there. She was over talking to the guy on the basketball court and laughing as if it was contagious. “Okay, then. It looks like it’s just you and me Annie.” I smiled and turned to Annie.

              “Yup. Does everybody in your group of friends have a boyfriend or girlfriend?” She tossed her hair behind her shoulder.

              “No. Keri and Ben aren’t official yet. You’re free. I’m free. Big Al, Allie, and Tom are still free. It’s just a matter of time though.” I giggled.

              “Oh…Well, actually. I have a boyfriend now.” Annie grinned excitedly.

              “Who?” I asked.

              “Well, I don’t know his real name because he and I didn’t want anyone to know. To keep it secret, we gave each other fake names so in case the other person wanted to tell, the name wouldn’t be real anyway.” Annie explained.

              “Okay, sure whatever. That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me.” I didn’t really want to make fun of her, but that sounded totally stupid. “What school does he go to?”

              “Ours.” She answered. “He’s coming today. We decided to go public.”

              “Oh, cool.” I answered, trying to give her the idea that I was excited. In reality, I could care less. I know that sounds heartless and stuff, but come on. I was being nice enough to invite her to join my group of friends, but she just decided to bring somebody without even asking. That’s okay, though, maybe I’d make another friend.

              “Well, I’m going to go look for him, and see if he’s here.” Annie walked away before I could reply.

              “Yo, Ashley!” It was Keri. Well, wasn’t I the popular one?

              “Hey!” I turned around to find Keri and Ben. Interesting…

              “Well, what are you two doing here together? Are you guys an “item” or something?” I laughed as I made little quotes with my fingers.

              “Yeah.” Keri giggled at me.

              “What?” You’re kidding me right?” I looked at Ben in disbelief.

              “No, we’re going out now. We decided on it last night.” Ben grabbed Keri’s hand and played with the rings on her fingers.