|
Chapter 1: Before Leading Edge
"Jarred! Jarred! The mail from the school is here!" my mother yelled at me up the stairs. I quickly ran downstairs to see the mail for me. On the envelope had the Leading Edge insignia of a night. Surely enough I ripped it open and read the contents of the letter. I only needed to read the first few sentences of the letter:
To:_Jarred Stein_
Congratulations! You have been accepted into Natomas Charter's Leading Edge Program.
Yes! I was accepted into the school! I couldn't wait to join the school! I hoped it would be very exciting since I dreamed of it since the fifth grade. I called up my friend Preston to see if he got the letter also. He was accepted into the Leading Edge also. So was his friend Nathan, who I haven't met yet. I spent the rest of summer vacation working on the Natomas Charter summer reading project.
Chapter 2: First Day
A week before school started, I had an excellent idea to start off a good time at Natomas Charter School.
"Hey dad, since you have a limousine service, can I go in the limousine on the first day to school?" I asked him.
"Yeah, sure Jarred, you can invite Nate and Preston too," he replied to me. So I called up Nathan and Preston and told them my idea. They accepted so we met at my house on the first day of school.
I got to meet Nathan for the first time. He is blonde kid slightly smaller than my height who likes playing video games just as much as I did. I soon learned that he jokes...a lot.
We rode in the limousine heading for the school. The limousine was a white 14 passenger, which was very comfortable limousine. We were all excited because we knew we would have such a good time at Natomas Charter.
"Dude this is gonna be so awesome!" I said to Nate and Preston. They agreed and said what they'll do there. We were all in the same core teacher, Mrs. Wheeler, which is being substituted for two months by another teacher named Ms. Larios. Since we're all in the same class, we knew we'll hang out often. Actually, Preston was in another core teacher, Ms. Meindl
The limousine soon parked outside of the school. Kids already outside gazed in awe at the sight of the limousine. Nate, Preston and I got out of the limousine and were asked on our core teachers by several students. I must admit, I liked the attention. I'm sure my friends did also. We got in line to go into class. I looked to see the students of my class. I quickly scanned and saw many different types of people. Also, some kids were treated higher because an older sibling was at the Leading Edge. I laughed to myself. "Talk about inheriting popularity", I said to Nate. He laughed and looked at the kid being treated highly by the seventh graders. I soon saw that he was in my class also. His name is Kyle Blank, he is a bit short, but I see that that doesn't matter. I looked at the classmate list on the window and stopped when I saw a familiar name. Katie Anna? Oh god no! Please tell me that it's not her! I thought to myself. I sighed and hoped it wasn't her.
The bell rang and kids began to line up into class. Ms. Larios opened the door and let us in while we all chose seats around the classroom. The teacher introduced herself and soon the class had to share their name and interests. I got to know everyone, and by the first break. Somehow consumed in my fear, I knew that that girl was in fact the Katie Rojas I knew since I was five. I really hoped she didn't recognize me so I didn't make eye contact.
Class began to end for lunch and I quickly got out and dropped my stuff into fourth period. I just hope I was wrong, that this was just a coincidence.
Chapter 3: Old Friend and a New Friend
"Hey Jarred", a girl called out to me. I turned around and saw her. From what I slightly remember in class, her name was Rina.
"Um...Hello", I said a bit shyly.
"You know Katie Rojas from childhood, right?" she asked me. From the corner of my eye, I saw Katie far away in a corner. Well looks like I'm being interrogated, I thought to myself.
"Yes, yes I do" I replied to her. She said ok and just walked away out of the hallway. I had a gut feeling this was going to get ugly. Anyways I'll just fast-forward events of today. I made a couple of friends and such, but still a nerd like always.
The end of the school day ended, and I waited for the bus. I looked near me and saw a kid in my class. Philippine I supposed by the look of his face and skin tone. I decided to be nice and start a chat with him. I got to know that his name was Vincent Versoza. The bus came and we got on.
Few weeks later from these events and we started to talk about everything. Eventually I asked him a very important question.
"Well Vince, I'd hate to be the people who'd ask you this, but who do you like?" I asked Vincent.
"Oh...well...promise not to tell anyone, Jarred?" he said.
"Sure" I replied.
"Well...It's Rina Konishi"
"Really?!" I said in shock. Was it shock...or was it a slight bit of jealousy? I doubt it though. Putting my thoughts down, I listened to him on why he liked that girl. He told me that he liked her looks, personality, everything basically!
Later at home, I thought and thought. When will I actually like someone?
Chapter 4: Hurting Conversations
Monday soon same and I was dropped off to school as usual. The day went on as usual until break. I wondered if I was missing something, since I thought it felt a bit different today. Then I noticed a large crowd. It wasn't like a six person group kind of crowd. There were a lot of kids, mainly sixth graders. I failed in trying to see what they were doing, so I tried to listen in on them. Couldn't really make out types of what they were saying either! Anyways I feel bad for the kid that this paparazzi was picking on. Weeks passed and I soon got used to seeing large crowds and kids like Ben doing things to get attraction and hugs by girls.
One day after P.E. I was looking for Vincent, since I had no one else to hang out with. I saw him up on the track, walking with Brianna. I caught up with him and overheard the most important information of my life.
"So, Vincent, just why do you want to?" Brianna asked to Vincent.
"Rina was just being a little showoff during Taiko, and I hate that!" Vincent yelled to her.
"I don't think that's a good reason to break up with her".
What the hell? Vincent and Rina? Together? And he didn't tell me! I kept that in my head and luckily didn't yell that to Vincent. I bet those two were out for a month and no one told me! Boy, I was extremely angry at him right now. I forgot about trying to hang out with Vincent and headed back to the campus. Katie and Rina soon intercepted me and bundled me in questions.
"Jarred! What did he say!?" Rina asked me. I really don't know how my eavesdroping had important information, but it was right to the subject.
"I'm really positive you don't want to know that", I replied to her and tried to run off. Katie caught me and held my arms back, making me feel like I'm a prisoner now.
"Tell us now, Jarred!" Katie yelled in my ear, which hurt. Rina stared at me with a worried look. Oh good, finally a time to show how evil I can be. With an evil smile, I responded. I hope this would be my revenge against Vincent. Then again, I mess up a lot.
"Well, since you really want to know, Vincent wants to break up with you, Rina", I said to Rina. I can tell that she felt like reality struck her, and hard.
"Why?!" she wailed. I told her what I eavesdropped; the conversation between Vincent and Brianna, and every detail to it. She ran into the field and out to Vincent. Katie let me go and I ran off.
I felt really guilty about this. My revenge against Vincent turned out to hurt a girl inside. It was all my fault, I should never have told her, but it was too late.
Chapter 5: Glo Ball 04
About a month or two past after the last event, and things started to cool down. Vincent and Rina finally sorted things out (I guess) so they were back together before Christmas. Of course I helped him, but I guess I better only give you the tip of the iceberg. I told him to write a letter to Rina, which I told him girls just love that.
Ah, December, my favorite time of the year. Cold, no annoying sunlight and of course, an upcoming dance, Glo Ball. Such us little 6 graders asking each other out to that dance made me laugh a little. Just how high school-like is this school, anyways? Of course it was very like high school drama.
Speaking of people asking other people out, I wasn’t surprised to see Vince ask Rina.
"So Jarred, are you gonna ask anyone?" Vincent asked one day.
"Of course not" I replied.
"Why?"
"Because I’m a lifeless geek and no one would say yes" Plus I hate asking, makes me look desperate. I was also a bit sad of that fact. And now to continue on this day.
Later, when I was at home I told my parents that I wanted to go to Glo Ball. Boy was that a mistake. She made me wear one of those suit shirts for the dance. When it was about time for the dance my dad gave me a ride. I walked to the multipurpose room. I hope I know what I'm going to expect. Of course I didn’t. What I first noticed was how loud it was. Anyways most of the time it was a bunch of fast music, 8th grader girls freak dancing on guys, and food! Yay, food!! I was hungry, I always am.
About an hour into the dance, of course the DJ played slow songs. I saw Vincent and Rina quickly together to slow dance, and of course I didn’t have a partner. Although Katie and Maysa kept forcing me to dance with them. I really didn’t want to dance with them. Oh well, so much for selected dancing. I knew that it was either them or no one, but I still avoided them. I’m such a shy little kid. I looked at the corner of my eye and saw Vince and Rina out by the door. I knew what he was doing, giving Rina that letter. I hope those two stay together.
Surprisingly the dance ended; boy did it go by fast. So did the week. I couldn't wait for Marin Headlands, a school camp thing the teacher talked about a lot. I was going there after Xmas break. When I went to bed at home, I stayed up late. Of course I wondered when I will like someone, but also I wondered what would happen to Vince if I didn’t help him at all…
Chapter 6: Moo-Moo, Name Game, and a "Night Hike"
Today is the start of a great week, I thought as I woke up early. Today is the first day of Marin Headlands. I was to go with Preston and his dad to Marin Headlands. The institute is at San Francisco, not that far from Sacramento. We had to leave early today because of this. Mom gave me a ride to school, which was good.
At the front of the school, all the 6th graders waited for the charter school. Wow, I didn’t know there were that many 6th graders. Oh well, knowing my unsocial self, there was a lot of kids there I didn’t know, but at least I might get to know some of them. Soon the charter busses came, but unfortunately I wasn’t taking it. Preston and I went into Mr. Tucker’s van and soon enough everyone was off to Marin Headlands.
I easily forgot how bored I got on long car rides. All we were doing for about two hours is singing “99 bottles of beer on the wall” and listening to Points Of Authority by Linkin Park. Soon enough Preston and I spotted a Taco Bell, and convinced his dad to take a pit stop there. With a quick bite to eat, we were soon back on the road to Marin Headlands.
At last! San Francisco! The Pacific Ocean breeze! I might just enjoy my week here. Oh how right I will be, but unaware of that. Preston saw a cow, and, with his weirdness shouted "Welcome to San Francisco! Home of the Moo-Moos!" We were bored on the car ride there so we called all the cows ‘Moo-Moos’. I didn’t want to say anything to look like an idiot, but I couldn’t stop laughing!
The car soon went up to the mountainous area of San Francisco, and Marin Headlands came into view. We were late, but that didn’t really matter. At least it was worth the Taco Bell. The 6th graders were gathered around what looked like a giant campfire gathering. Two Marin Headlands instructors were explaining what was going on at the institute and gave all of us a tour. Soon the tour stopped at a big room, which looked almost like a prison. Ha-ha, so much for a resort. Three columns were spread vertically down the middle of the room, the walls were pale white, and there was a chalkboard in the middle. The instructors soon let us eat lunch. I sat next to a couple of friends of mine, but there were so many people I didn’t know!
Soon about six Marin Headlands instructors came out and greeted the 6th graders. They gave a quick announcement of what will go on in the day, like when our meals are, upcoming events, etc. One by one the instructors told everyone who will be in our group.
Preston, Nate and I were in the group, but I didn't know anyone else in my group…yet. After everyone was in groups, we all went outside and started to play a name game. First we announced our name, and passed a ball around. You had to say the persons name in order to pass the ball to them. So one by one we announced our name. I wasn’t paying attention, but some of the names at the time were hard to remember. Neggeen? Harpreet? No one is American anymore! Even worse, I don’t know who said the names besides Preston and Nate. Nate said Jarred and passed the ball to me, now I eyed and looked at someone who wasn’t called on.
"Um…Neggeen", and made a wild pass to one of the girls and I prayed to be right.
"Hey! I’m Neggeen!" the girl next to the one I passed the ball to said. I found out I passed it to Harpreet. Good first impression of memory. My god! Worse than people yelling and correcting me is my conscience! Luckily girls don’t hold grudges long and soon continued on with the day.
Most of what was left of the day was hanging out with everyone else. Dinner soon came, and we lined up for it. The Marin Headlands lead director announced it was dinner and reminded us when dinner was, and then everyone went inside to be served. The chefs gave us spaghetti, and everyone sat with their friends, which isn’t really easy for me, but I somehow got a seat next to Jacob. Eric Lovejoy sat near us, but I didn’t like that kid. So pale...and lifeless. Looks like someone will get a rude awakening tomorrow. I planned out how I will annoy Eric when I got to sleep.
Anyways dinner was over soon and we all went back to the room where we all had our lunch. The instructors talked but I doubt any of us, including me, was paying attention. What I did get to hear, was the night beach. All the groups went into separate rooms and taught us a type of insect found in the beach at night. Then our instructor, Caron, led us to the beach, which is part of Marin Headland campus.
Looking for stupid glowing bugs is pointless! At least it killed about an hour, and maybe a few bugs (not accidentally). When the time passed, it was time to head back to the dorms and get ready for bed. I hated where I slept, under Eric. Quietness came...and how soothing it was. Despite a bunch of kids squirming around in their bunk beds and their somewhat noticeable B.O, this camp was actually pretty cool. About two in the morning, I decided to annoy Eric, since I slept under him, I kicked his bunk until he woke up and quickly went back to sleep.
Chapter 7: Wake Up Call
The next day was the most tiring day of my life! We had the loudest and cheapest wake up call ever; Preston's dad yelling us to wake up until we all eventually woke up. Once I got dressed, I went outside of the room to go line up for breakfast. The line-up was the same, some bossy person up front of their group commanding them to shut up to go in first.
"C’mon! We need to go in first so shut up!" this one girl yelled. I could tell by her threats she was defiantly an 'all-bark' girl. Her name is Carlisha Washington. Eventually when the Marin instructors came to greet us, they opened the doors to the lunch room (in this case, breakfast room) to eat. For breakfast I had pancakes, and lots of it. Well this sure beats cold cereal. I sat down next to my friends Martin, Jacob, some weird kid like Eric except lighter hair and buck teeth named Thomas. I really wanted to sit somewhere else, but these…losers are the only friends I have. Vincent is also my friend, but he always sits next to the 'cool' kids. A stereotype I’ll never be branded.
"So this food is pretty good", I mentioned while gulping down the syrup saturated pancakes.
"Yeah, but there’s one thing better than pancakes", Jacob said.
"Oh, and what’s that?" I asked.
"Eggs!" he yelled and we all laughed. Jacob loves eggs…a lot.
Surprisingly breakfast was long enough to enjoy more blueberry pancakes and talking, but eventually we all had to clean up and leave to get started for the day. We walked into the 'Prison Room', I nicknamed it. Our instructors told us what we were doing today, hiking around the nearest hill, Three Quarter Dome. I saw it on the way here, it wasn't a big hill. Afterwards everyone went outside and lined up to their Marin Headlands instructors. They began to talk about the hike their and what we’ll see. Thank god! We’re not playing the name game again! Well at least by today I remembered everyone’s name and who it belonged to.
Soon enough we began the walk to the big hill. It actually didn’t take very long to reach the point of getting half way there. It only took around ten to twenty minutes to get to the wimpy summit where we stopped for lunch and get a view of the place. Most people were looking at a bird’s eye view of the place, except me. I couldn’t help but to eye Neggeen from time to time. Once she noticed.
"What?" she asked.
"Nothing" I responded.
"..."and walked off to the group of girls, ending the horribly small chat. Smooth Jarred, smooth.Oh shut up stupid conscience.
Now the walk down the Three Quarter Dome began. Instead of walking down the same path, we took a detour. Slightly longer, but near the Pacific Ocean so we could all stare off into the far reaches of the sea. When the group and I went back to the camp, we all walked to the beach to play some games and talk. I accidentally made eye contact again...except longer. Stop Jarred! I kept repeating to myself in my head. Maybe she was thinking the same thing too. Quickly hours had passed and we had to return to camp to just relax and prepare for dinner. I finally caught up to Vincent.
"Hey Vince" I said to him.
"Hello" he responded. We talked about the day and I walked back to the dorm room to grab my jacket. I finally reached towards my bunk and noticed something different. Some beds were all messed around, a few suitcases knocked over and opened barely, and also my jacket was missing!
Such slobs, I thought. Well it was either that or that other school here was thieves. Anyways I went back outside and got to Vince again.
"Hey Vincent, I kind of misplaced my jacket, can I borrow yours until I find it?" I asked him. He said sure and I went back inside and got his jacket. I looked to my left at the girls' dorm and saw Rina having an awkward stare at me. Probably trying to see if I'm Jarred or Vincent I thought to myself and laughed at the thought of it. The dinner bell soon rang and we all lined up as usual. I went back to my dorm quickly to drop of Vincent’s jacket and I saw my sweatshirt on my bed. Awkward I thought, but I put it on and hurried it line up. I turned around to see how late everyone was, and I saw Neggeen right behind me in the line. Why do I keep noticing her?
"Taekwondo" she said all of a sudden to me.
“What?” I said, confused.
“Your sweatshirt, it says Taekwondo in Korean…I’m 98% sure. I have a 2% possibility it’s not” she said while pointing at the Korean writing.
"Oh, I’m pretty sure it does also, I got this at Zapata’s ATA academy at South Natomas", I said to her. Haha, two percent chance. The line started to move as we all went inside for dinner. Vincent, Ben, Nate, and I and some other kids made fun of Maysa in a non-harmful way by repeatedly yelling her name over and over.
I put out to my tray and got hamburgers and a kid in front of me was complimented on his patriotic beanie he was wearing. Tonight I didn’t want to sit with some friends so I just ate by myself at the window. Chewing down the hamburger, I stared off into the dark blue sky and the sea that blends with another shade of blue and thinking about the korean girl, Neggeen.
Chapter 8: Chinatown with a Side Dish of Gelato
Today, being a Wednesday, was our trip to Chinatown, I was looking forward to this, since I haven’t been to Chinatown. Also, I heard that we’re going to the Golden Gate Bridge. I got dressed quickly and went to breakfast. Blueberry pancakes, I guess this is the Marin Headlands specialty. I sat next to Nate; we haven’t talked in a while so I figured we should hang out a bit more.
"So Nathan, excited we get to go to Chinatown?" I asked him.
"Nah, Not really. I heard that we have to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge." He sighed and played with the pancake.
"Oh, I doubt that’s true." I replied. Well, I hope it wasn’t true, that bridge is long! The rest of breakfast was awfully quiet. I looked around and I saw Preston. He seemed to be eyeing Jocelyn, if I didn’t know any better. He quickly turned around when she turned near his direction. I chuckled.
"What?" Nate asked me, a bit confused about the sudden outburst of laughter.
"Ah, nothing important" I said. He didn’t reply back, I guess the pancakes seem to be taking control of him this morning. As soon as we were excused to get ready for Chinatown, everyone rushed out to the cabins. I looked around for my watch, it was no where to be seen. I checked my suitcase, not there.
"Hey Vince" I called out to Vincent. He jumped down his bunk bed and went to me.
"Yeah?" he asked.
"Is it just me, or is people’s stuff starting to get taken around here?" I asked him.
"Yeah, I’m starting to lose stuff too. I bet it’s that other school here that’s doing it" he said. Another kid joined the conversation and said his stuff has been stolen too.
"We’ll work on a plan later, but in the meantime we better get ready for Chinatown" I said. They all got their stuff and went out of the cabin. We all were gathered together and went into the bus, a nice charter bus to, might I add. I was stuck sitting next to Stephanie. I was bored at the time. So instead of seeing all the buildings pass me buy, I whistled that annoying Vonage Broadband commercial.
"Ugh! Stop that! It’s irritating!" Stephanie yelled to me. Haha, shouldn’t have told me that, I was about to stop soon I thought to myself. I continued the whistling for another ten minutes then I decided to stop. She sighed with relief. I felt like whistling it again, but I got tired of it.
The bus stopped at the side of the road. Hey, we’re not at Chinatown, I thought to myself. I looked at the front of the bus and saw that we stopped at the front of the Golden Gate Bridge. Aw man, looks like we are walking it. Groaning, I walked out of the bus and lined up with everyone to cross the bridge. (Editors note: Due to giant length of bridge, I’ll fast-forward the story).
When we finally crossed the bridge, we gathered up and walked to the park. I really hope there’s no more walking. Our groups were all scattered throughout the park as we got ready for lunch. I choked down my first bagel, loaded in cream cheese, the way I love it. From the corner of my eye I saw a few girls looking at one side of the park. I turned my head at what they’re looking at. Then I saw it. How hideous it was, a fat man napping on a bench.
A fat man, terribly obese man was napping on the park bench. Oh my god. I thought to myself. Oh yeah, and his shirt was probably a size too small. I could see his lower stomach. Ew! It’s HAIRY! I screamed in my head. I turned around, facing the opposite direction of the obese man and continued to eat my sandwich in peace. Except every now and then I would hear the girls squeal on his every movement when he naps.
Pretty soon we all gathered up together and went exploring around Chinatown. Hours and hours I looked around alleys and shops of this foreign city. I hardly knew anyone in my group except Nathan and Preston. Pretty soon it became around 1:30, and I got hungry.
"Hey, is anyone hungry?" I said to my group. They all said yes and we walked around for a fast-food place. A sign came into view: Gelato. What’s a Gelato? Yeah, I’m pretty stupid to not know what a gelato is. Anyways I had no cash in my pocket, but I ran in the store anyways.
Another group was there, Stephanie's. I hope she can buy me gelato, if she forgot about the bus. I laughed at the thought. But I know I’m wrong.
"Hey Steph" I said to her. She just stared at me like I’m some kind of evil person. Then again, I am.
"Can I borrow some cash so I can buy some…gel…atoo?" I tried pronouncing it, but failed. She had a puzzled look, and pulled out some cash from her pocket. I stared out it.
"Ya want it?" She asked me. She's trying to tempt me. Sadly I always lose when it comes to being tempted. I asked and asked for ten minutes. Eventually she gave me the money.
"Don’t pay me back" She told me as she handed me the cash. I quickly went up to the counter and bought plain gelato. It was cold and tasty, like ice cream. If you could tell a lot about someone on how they eat, you would think that I’m a speed devil.
The rest of the trip I learned two things about Chinatown: There’s a lot of porno and weapons shop every corner.
Chapter 9: Written and Unwritten Notes
That night, when we got back from Chinatown, we were given orders to get ready and go to bed. I just finished brushing my teeth and was about to go to asleep in my bunk. I looked at the bunk next to me, Vincent's, and saw him reading a note. Cool graphics on the paper. I laughed at my stupid laugh. A few kids looked at me confusingly. Smooth Jarred, Smooth. I could easily tell that the letter from Rina. Being a little pain in the neck as I usually am, I decided to get a closer look at the note. Feeling stupid once more, I noticed there was a crowd around Vincent as he read it, so it was no big deal that I added on to the crowd.
Just then, some kid tried to make a grab with the note, but failed, but accidentally ripped part of the note.
"You idiot!" Some kids yelled at him. He ran off laughing. Whatever, I thought.
"Well it's not a big deal I guess" I told Vincent, trying to calm him down.
"Yes it is! I don’t have paper to reply! So I was gonna reply on that!" He replied, trying to calm down the best he can.
"Well then, just write on the back, and be sure to mention that that one kid ripped it, or she’ll get the impression that you are uncareful" I said.
"Smart Alik" he said, staring at me.
"Just doing my job!" I replied. I went back to bed and went on to my almost the last day at Marin Headlands, nothing much happened, just went up a hill and got a bird's eye view of the place. But I was so excited! I’m about to go home!
Tonight is the last night I spend at Marin Headlands. Finally! I get to leave tomorrow! I just finished the last dinner, and everyone was outside hanging out. I decided to just kick back with friends back in the dorm. Nathan was there partying in peoples bunks. Where's Preston? I thought. Usually he’s the one throwing the party, but I’m the one who throws the party on Eric’s bunk-bed while he gets jumped on when he reads. Funny stuff if you ask me.
"Hey Nate, where’s Preston at? Usually he’s the party animal" I said to Nate. Nathan shrugged and went outside. There he was, on a table, with a paper and pencil next to him. Was he writing something? To whom? We didn’t go up to him, because he was grabbing his stuff and heading in our direction to the room. Nathan and I quickly ran to my bunk and acted like we never saw anything, and waited for him to go to his bunk to continue writing.
“What do you think he’s writing?” I asked Nate. I was pretty sure he wanted to know the same thing.
“Well I don’t know. I’m guessing it’s a love letter to Jocelyn” Nate replied. “He’s kinda been crushing her for a while since we got here”. To find out the question to our answer to our question, we decided to “interrogate” him by surprise. We quickly jumped onto his bunk, and as we thought, there was writing on it, but I didn’t get a glimpse of it in time, Preston quickly erased it just in the knick of time.
“Hey there Preston” Nate said to Preston casually. He stared at him for a second. Haha, I’ve got him now!
“Uh…hello Jarred and Nate” He said, a bit stuttering. I could tell he was hiding something. Luckily we caught him off guard.
“So, whatcha writing?” I asked Preston. Then came a longer pause from Preston. Nate smirked at me. I could tell from Nathan’s facial expression he was saying good job.
When Preston finally responded he said “Oh, writing? I’m drawing. Yeah. That’s what I’m doing.”
“What are you drawing?” Nate asked him. I bet by now Preston knew what Nate and I knew. Just why isn’t he giving in? Maybe he’s telling the truth.
“I was trying to draw a...katana, but apparently it’s not...uh...working out. I guess drawings not fit out for me. I might as well just quit for the day.” He replied, trying to keep his cool from our little interrogation. He put the paper and pencil into his backpack and set it aside. Nate and I decided that was enough, so we left him alone then.
While we talked away, I turned around. Preston already had the paper out, and from the movement of the pencil, he was defiantly writing a letter. To Jocelyn? I thought to myself, who knows? To end today, I decided to throw Eric an unfortunate party in his bunk once more.
Chapter 10: Losing the Evil Touch
Finally! I thought to myself as I put the last dirty clothing into my suitcase. Today finally came, the last moments of Marin Headlands. I really need to take a shower as soon as I get home. I haven’t taken one throughout the whole trip. I won’t tell you why, but I think the phrase "Don’t Drop the Soap" suits it well. With a big satisfied sigh, I walked out of the dorm and to a small crowd of people and suitcases to the bus and cars. I wish I took the bus, more people to talk to, I thought to myself as I headed to Mr. Tucker's car to put my stuff in. As I went back to get another back Cat came up to me.
"Can I use your headphones?" she asked. Sounded more like a demand in disguise.
"No! This is my only one!" I exclaimed. I wasn't even her friend anyways. Why should I? Do I even look like a Good Samaritan? I laughed at the thought.
So I carried my bags, and headed up to the car for a final drop-off of my stuff. Tyler was coming along in the car. That was ok with me, but I never talked or saw him much. Everyone was ready, the car was revved up, and the kids began to load up in the cars and bus. It’s time; I can’t wait to get home!
I went into the van and looked at the back window. Neggeen…I thought to myself. Wait! Snap out of it! I seemed to be spotting her out amongst the crowd. Why? Why why why? I need to get her out of my head. So I put in a stupid CD mix into the car stereo, but no one seemed to mind. I was never really current into music; some of my songs weren’t popular, and some my mom bought and put it on. Luckily, Preston and Tyler liked the mix, so I luckily didn’t look like a total loser.
A half hour passed, Preston started singing 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall. Just great... I moaned. We were at the Rio Linda district by the time I was annoyed.
"67 bottles of beer on the wall, 67 bottles of beer, take one-"
"Shut up!" I yelled at Preston, cutting him off. We were almost home now, just a few miles to go before we reached Natomas. It seemed faster, probably because that’s how the brain is during car trips.
Soon enough, the van pulled up to the school's parking lot. The bus beat us there, but kids were piling out, so we weren't that late. I got my stuff and ran to the silver 1998 Cadillac, my dad's car. Eventually I was home. I dropped my bags at the front door and looked into my house. I was glad to be home now, but my dad was disgusted.
"Jesus Jarred! Take a shower!" he yelled, plugging his nose.
"Alright!" I said as I headed up to the shower. I felt bad for him during the ride.
It's good to be back home.
| 