The Price of a Gift (The Price of Secrets Series) (9 page)

I looked over at Jaycee, wanting to share my news. I saw by her expression that the entire table thought I had lost my mind. "Are you ok Han? You're just sitting there looking like you are constipated and happy about it." Of course that question came from Jaycee.

"Yes, I'm sorry. I was just seeing how all this could work." Jaycee caught on and arched one eye, looking impressed. I continued talking to Kayla. "You just have to get your parents talking to my mom. You should call your mom now. Tell her not to get mad at you for telling us. We won't tell a soul and neither will my mom."

I knew Kayla was worried about telling her parents that the three of us knew. She walked out toward the bathroom so she could have a conversation with her mom without background noise from the food court making it hard to hear.

Phoebe had been quite this whole time. She waited until Kayla was on the phone and said. "How much money can you spare from your clothes fund? Because there is no way one of my best friends is walking out of here, on our tradition day, empty handed."

I don't know if I was picking up on her thoughts, or if they were my own, but I was getting ready to say the same thing.

I spoke up. "I have eighty dollars in cash." Between coffee, a pair of earrings and lunch, I had already gone through twenty of my money.

Phoebe checked her purse, "I can do fifty."

"I can do a hundred. But it has to be at these two stores." Jaycee held up two department store credit cards.

Kayla walked back over to us. "Well, Mom wasn't as mad as I thought she would be. She figured I would tell the three of you sooner or later. Hannah, she is calling your mom right now. She told me to tell you thanks."

Phoebe didn't waste any time. She put her arm through Kayla's and announced. "We are taking you shopping for school clothes, our treat. Don't even try to argue cause it won't work."

Jaycee joined in saying, "It's three against one and you're just a skinny little thing."

"You wouldn't stand a chance." I added.

Kayla was able to buy four new outfits, two pairs of shoes and a blue and white striped bikini. She was so grateful and
happy, she made us all cry again. It felt really good being able to help out one of my best friends, but I wasn't done yet. I’m gonna help her get Jacob. So at least she can have a happy ending for one part of her life.

Chapter 7

Dear Diary, It's the first day of school!!! And I'm completely ready and don't even have to leave for another thirty minutes. That will probably be the last time I write that sentence for the rest of the year. lol After trying on three outfits, I decided on a cropped light jean vest, with a simple white tank top, and a ruffle skirt that has little pink flowers on it with a brown background. And yes, the skirt is fingertip. It was so embarrassing being sent home last year cause my skirt was just a hair too short. I picked out my favorite brown sandals, hoop earrings, and a long necklace. I’m going for looking hot, without looking like I’m trying to look hot. It's a very complicated process, but I think I did pretty good. I kept my hair down and kinda flipped to the side. I am, however, bringing a pony tail holder just in case my hair starts to frizz. I have a good feeling about this year. I hope I'm right. Jaycee is going with me after school to the public library. I'm gonna try to do some research on Samantha. I haven't seen her in a while and it's starting to bother me. I've tried to contact her the last three nights, with no success. I'm getting kinda scared that she might be gone for good. But for now, I'm gonna go put on a second coat of pink on my fingers and toes, then off to school. Cross your fingers!

Well good ole South Caldwell High School hasn't changed since last year and, for the most part, neither had the students. There were a few exceptions, some had new hair styles, some had gotten taller, and some had developed IF you know what I mean. But not me, no, I get to have the same B-cup as last year. I don't think I'm ever
gonna have cleavage without the help of Victoria Secrets. I got my schedule, and went to find Jaycee. It took me awhile to make it to the lockers because I kept stopping to catch up with classmates I hadn't seen over the summer. When I finally made it to the sophomore hall I saw Jaycee, Pheobe and Kayla was already there comparing schedules.

"Well it's about time. Love the outfit.
Whatcha think about mine?" Jaycee asked as she did a little twirl. She was wearing a pair of black sandals with a small heel, white shorts and a black, shiny, one shoulder top. Of course she had black and white bracelets, earrings and a ring on to match.

"You look awesome, but how are you
gonna get away with a bare shoulder?"

"Easy, I just do this." She pulled her hair around to her bare shoulder side, covering it up.

"You're brilliant." I laughed. I looked Phoebe and Kayla up and down. "Phebs, you look hot. I love your shirt!" She was wearing a very tight Aztec print shirt and a pair of blue jean capris. Did I mention the shirt was tight? Although I was most shocked with Kayla. "Kayla you wore the dress we picked out for you! I didn't think you would. You look great." Of course she blushed. She did look beautiful. We choose a horizontal stripe maxi dress for her. The brown and coral colors showed off her blonde hair. And the brown belt gave her curves. That was Jaycee's idea.

"Thanks," she said, "but I feel
self-conscious."

"Well don't, you're beautiful. You are
going to make... guys fall at your feet.” I almost slipped up and said Jacob. "Ok, I have English 1st period, algebra 2nd, A-lunch, biology 3rd, then gym 4th. Please tell me you guys are in at least some of my classes."

I ended up having Jaycee in my English class and all of us had the same lunch and gym. I guess that was better than nothing. We said our goodbyes and planned on meeting up at lunch to claim our same table as last year. On our way to Mrs.
Bumgarner's class, Jaycee and I heard whistling coming from behind us. Jaycee turned to look, then gave me a nudge. It was Mike, and that nudge was a reminder of my promise to her.

"Hey, who do you guys have for 1st? I have stupid algebra." Mike asked. I let Jaycee do the talking while I tried my best to focus and take a peek inside Mike's thoughts. He had an image of her in his head. She looked just like I see her, which could be a good sign
cause I think she is gorgeous. The only thing that was throwing me off is he was picturing her with guys and their faces kept changing. "Hello, earth to Hannah. Have you seen Josh?" Mike asked bringing me out of my vision.

"Oh sorry, no I haven't." Why are my ears ringing? "Jaycee, I'm going on into to class to get us a seat in the back."

How am I gonna put into words to Jaycee for what I saw? I walked into the classroom and headed toward the back row. Luckily there were two seats left. I sat down and went through the routine of getting out a pencil and notebook. My stupid ears are still ringing. Oh please don't let my skirt be stuck in my panties or something. I checked to make sure.

Jaycee came in with a s
mile on her face. "Good seats, in the back but on the right side so it's still close to the door." She put her purse on the back of her chair and sat down. "Ok spill. What did you see?" We spent the last three minutes before the bell rang dissecting my vision of Mike's thoughts.

"Good morning class and welcome back." Mrs.
Bumgarner took her place in front of the class, leaning against her desk. She looks to be around forty-five and is pretty, for her age. She had left her face frameless with her hair pulled back into a ponytail. I think when she was getting ready this morning she was going for the ‘I'm fair and nice but I won't take your crap’ look. If so, she succeeded. She had just started going over the syllabus for this semester, when a knock on the door interrupted her. "Hold that thought." She said as she walked to the door and opened it. I heard her mumble and then the word transfer. Then she said, "We are happy to have you. Come in and find a seat."

I knew. I didn't even have to see the person following
Mrs Bumgarner into the classroom, because I knew.......it was Daniel! Only having a few seconds to prepare myself, it was still a shock to my system to see him walk through the door. Oh my gosh, he’s hotter than I remembered, if that’s possible. He was wearing a white t-shirt, cargo shorts and Sperry’s. His black hair still looked a little wet from his shower this morning. What the crap is he doing here? He is supposed to still be in Oklahoma or in college or somewhere besides here. Of course there were only two seats left. One on the front row, and he doesn't look like a front row kind of guy, and the other is one desk up from me on the next row. He scanned the room, and I was right. He passed the front row and came my way. He locked eyes with me, those delicious brown eyes, and it wasn't surprise that I saw in them, it was recognition. He gave me a half smile, exposing a dimple. That's not even fair, that cute AND dimples! I couldn’t help but wonder that if in the history of mankind has anyone actually got their wish of the ground opening up and swallowing them and if not, could I be the first? Please. There is, however, a little part of me that is jumping up and down doing a happy dance. I have chosen to ignore that part.

Jaycee leaned over to whisper to me, "Is that Daniel?
The one who bought your house?" I could only nod yes. "He's kinda cute. Nice body." Kinda cute! Is she freakin blind?

"Sorry I'm late Mrs.
Bumgarner. I was helping the freshman find their classes." Said the short, big nosed, bottle blonde girl walking into class. It was Megan. Great. I take back my wish. Let the ground open up and swallow her.

For the rest of the hour I tried to pay attention to Mrs.
Bumgarner talking about what we will be doing in her class. Kayla was right, we are gonna have to read Wuthering Heights. I wonder if Daniel likes to read as much as I do. Maybe he doesn't like to read at all. I could feel that my eyes had glazed over and I hadn't heard a word of what my teacher has said for the past few minutes. Don't panic, I will copy Jaycee's notes. Oh my gosh what am I saying? Relying on Jaycee for school work is a sign of desperation. Ok just look straight ahead and clear your mind. Don't look at him. Don't look at him. I have to look at him, just a little glance. I am really surprised Jaycee only thinks he's ok. Even his side profile is hot. He was laid back in his chair looking relaxed as he takes notes, which I should also be doing. I turned my focus back to Mrs. Bumgarner and started writing. I did catch him looking at me once. I felt someone's stare and I did a brief scan of the room and caught him. But when I did, he turned his gaze to Jaycee. I had all my stuff packed up so when the bell rang, I was outta there.

Jaycee stopped me in the hall. "What was that about? Why did you take off like a bat outta hell?" I had hoped it looked more like a graceful exit.

"I just wanted to leave before I had a chance to say something stupid to Daniel. I mean what should I say or do next time I'm around him?” I asked.

"Well right off the top of my head I'm
gonna go with don't act like you ride the short bus like you did the last time." Jaycee giggled.

"Jaycee!
Be nice." I scolded.

"Oh please," she shrugged her shoulders, "political correctness is for whiners, and don't you fuss at me, I've always said what I thought. That's why we are best friends. We are yin and yang, good cop bad cop. Hey we should do a TV series.”

I interrupted, "Let me guess. I will be the good cop and be boring and wear blazers with shoulder pads. While you are the gorgeously dressed bad cop and get all the witty lines."

"Oh so you have already seen the season’s pilot episode?" She laughed.

"Shut up." I playfully pushed her arm. "For once I want to get the role of hot girl with a take no prisoner attitude."

She arched her brow looking over my shoulder and said, "Well then act like it and you can. Here comes your chance.” She looked back at me. “Oh for the love of God Hannah, a take charge woman does not lose all color in her face when a guy approaches. Pinch your cheeks or something."

He was behind me. I could feel his body heat and energy radiating off him. I took a deep breath and turned half way around so I could see Daniel but still see Jaycee. "Hey Chief." Jaycee said and walked away before Daniel had a chance to speak.

He's just a guy, be cool. Or at least sound normal. Oh
my gosh, he smells so good. "I'm sorry about that, and by that I mean Jaycee. She's really a good person. Sometimes she just likes to say things to get a reaction."

He smiled. "It's ok. How long have you two been friends?" Please tell me he
is not wanting me to help him hook up with Jaycee.

"Um, we have been best friends since
kindergarten. Why?"

He looked down at his feet like he was shy. How cute is that? "I could just hear in your voice how close you are with her." Hmm, he is perceptive. I like that. Would it be wrong to just reach up and touch those cute dimples? "Could you point me in the direction of my next class?" He asked, handing me his schedule. Disappointment hit me right in the chest. I didn't want to stop talking to him, or standing this close to him.

Looking at his schedule made me feel a little bit better. "I'll do better than point. Come on, I'll walk you. I have algebra next, it's close to your psych class. After that, you are stuck with me for the rest of the day. With the exception of 2nd period, we have all the same classes." He looked pleased. That’s gotta be a good thing. I can't think about that right now cause I'm just so darn proud of myself. I have been talking to him without drooling or sticking my foot in my mouth or anything else stupid. He has no clue that he has been the star of the last few dreams I've had. "Here's your class. You will like Mr. Phillips. He is funny and makes the class interesting." I started to walk away, when I felt the most wonderful, sizzling, exciting feeling. He grabbed my arm. It was like scooting your shoes across carpet, then touching someone, but much, much better. He let go just as soon as he touched me so I know he felt it too. I know he did, even though I couldn't see it because his mind is closed up tighter than Fort Knox.