Chapter One
Jezebel had to run for it. It’s 7:30 AM and the seconds ticked faster than her. She haven’t been slow at all. Easily crossing the concrete with a bad cold. What gotten her to stay at home downgraded. Colds can escalate or cut down the sick. She always told herself at home. Becoming late can be so unlike her. She knew she couldn’t miss this day. Midterms.
The Autumn breeze made leaves float to the ground. It's a windy morning in Manhattan, New York. Running on sidewalks got her to meet up her boyfriend quickly. Daniel huffed warm air because of the weather. Breathing warm air against the cold. He began to think his opinion on her. She’s still sick?! It is in the middle of the year. “You and getting sick. There’s no excuse about staying home this late.”
He insisted on keeping up with her. Their running pace quickly gone down the block to their school. She talked in between her breaths.
“I stayed to recover—it’s sickening to—” Jezebel covered her sneezing mouth with her right arm.
They stopped in front of their school. Daniel wanted to avoid anything contagious. Yuck! Germs. Jezebel lowered her arm. There was a dream convince she avoided telling him. But it’s like Daniel had hunches that are correct.
“Are you sure nothing is wrong? You can’t miss Midterms this week.” Daniel informed her. Always being a guy who surprised people.
“I had a nightmare, okay?” Jezebel admitted. “It’s a bit confusing to be mistaken for someone else. It got me to stop slacking off and get out of bed.”
“Good! You need to. Lose a chunk of grades if you don’t.” He warned. A faint smile hinted a topic change. “Let’s go inside already! Fight through the cold.” He willed her on. Daniel swung open the entrance door. Jezebel and him entered through. “I am rooting for you!”
* * * * *
High School Of Fine Arts
It took twenty minutes to get there. Walking in the Lobby sparked Kaoru Fujiwara’s interest. She had seen them together throughout the year. These two are right on time! Kaoru saw a familiar and not so fresh face. “Jezebel Jenkins. Your return is unexpected.” She moved her pink and black sneaker off the wall. The floor wasn’t so perfect. It’s like them with flaws of scratches in their relationship.
“Glad to see you both. Jez and Dan.”
She knew that turned a few heads. Literally. The passing students did to see who was nicknamed. They whistled and walked upstairs. Holding in the laughter on what the Freshman had done. Jezebel felt she made a huge mistake. “You don’t have to name us, Kaoru.”
Daniel saw her humor tasteless as unsweetened oatmeal. Maybe I should take it easy on her. He despise his name shortened. “You ignore Jezebel’s request to stop nicknaming her? You shouldn’t. It’s childish.”
Kaoru dug her hands in her pink and black Varsity jacket. A big K on the outerwear. He sees this childish among friends? She sighed. “I got here this year. If you’re not used to it, then I can’t apologize for who I am.” She wished the couple lightened up around her more.
Jezebel heard her low whisper.
“Cheer up! It’s not all work. It can be kinda fun at this school.
She changed her voice naturally. They heard it sweet as honey. “—Okay, it is eight o’clock. Catch you two at lunch. Just don’t worry so much. I can tell!”
She wanted to rush upstairs. It’s a bit awkward to joke around with Juniors. Feeling her discomfort persuaded him to talk. “There’s a better way to talk!”
Jezebel was followed upstairs with him. “It’s busier these days.” She got her to smile.
The couple worn not so stylish jackets like her. Jezebel had on a blouse and leggings. Daniel’s T-Shirt stood out. White with Chemistry Flasks and Test Tubes. They did not care much about fashion.
Jezebel and Daniel managed to make it to a half-full homeroom. A group of old and new people sat for instruction.
