The Beginning
I never fully understood, of all the excitement about turning 16. Yes, you finally are able to actually drive, and you're two years from adulthood, four years from the legal drinking age, even though us teens these days, drink, smoke weed, drugs in general. Point is, sixteen is supposed to be an excitement age, just like twenty-one, but not for me. I didn't really care about turning sixteen, which I turn 16 in about a week.
I guess I should introduce myself to you. My name is, Kathryn Turner, I'm fifteen years old. I go to Leewood High School, in the tenth grade; I have two best friends, Joanna Clarks and CleaMarie Chase. CleaMarie is one name. It's how her parents chose it, so it's her first name, Jo and I just call her 'Clea' for short. I grew up with CleaMarie, since we met back in the first grade, at Jefferson Elementary School. CleaMarie, Joanna, and I all met in Clarks Woods Middle School, in the sixth grade, and ever since then, we've been inseparable. All three of us want to go to the same college...Dartmouth.
We're all the same age, just a few months apart. CleaMarie is the oldest; she's two months older than me, and four months older than Joanna. We're your typical teenagers.
It's the first day of school, August 5th, 2017. I was at my desk, using my laptop, managing our babysitting website, before heading downstairs for breakfast, Mom usually yells to me to come downstairs, and eat before the bus gets here. I had a half hour to spare, so I figured to check on our site to see if anyone needed any babysitting jobs.
Clea, Joanna, and I started this website back when we were fourteen, so we could make money on our own, and ever since then, we've been doing pretty good. We usually end up with a couple babysitting jobs a few times a week, depending on how many hours we babysit for, and how much they're willing to pay. We usually have about $250 by the end of the week, all of our money together, then we split it three ways, depending on those hours during the week, and the pay, sometimes we'd make less, or sometimes we'd make more, just depends. We all have one babysitting job, which we all do once or twice a week. They pay good, and they like us watching their kids.
None of us have ever had a single complaint so far, and I hope it stays like that, just until we all go off to college.
I checked one more time, to see if any of us had any babysitting jobs, but none so far, it's still early. I looked over to the alarm clock, that was sitting on my light purple end table, next to my bed, '7:15am.' it read.
"Crap!" I said, to myself. I get up from my computer chair, and run over to my closet, and start going through my clothes, thinking to myself, "What should I wear for the first day of school?" I asked myself. I looked over at my black and purple skirt that was hanging at the end of my closet, and reached to grab it. "Now, what to wear for the top?" I said. I went through my T-shirts, tank tops, and even my long sleeves, and found nothing that would actually go good and match with my skirt.
I closed my closet doors, and sat at the end of my bed, thinking. I sat there for a few more moments, and got up, then walked out of my room. The hallway upstairs was long, with wooden floors, and staircases. Across from my room, was the bathroom, next to the bathroom was my Mom's and Dad's bedroom, and at the end of the hall, was my little sisters Haylie's room, who is 14, and has shirts that would fit me.
So I headed towards Haylie's room, and slowly opened the door. The door creaked open, and I saw Haylie sitting on her bed, already dressed for school. "Kathryn, what do you want?" She hissed as I walked in. She was in her teal sparkly dress, with her baby blue heels, and her heart shaped locket necklace. Her blonde hair was down, and straight. I was actually jealous of her hair, as mine would never stay straight, either frizz, or it would be wavy. There was no in-between. I walked over to her, and sat down beside her on her bed.
"Haylie, you look beautiful today" I told her. She looked at me, dead straight in my eyes, and laughed. "Are you serious, Kath?" She asked, while still laughing. Her laugh has always been weird, and then she would snort, which always makes me giggle. "Shut up, Kathryn!" She hissed. She hated when I laughed at her laugh, which made it even funnier than it was, but I secretly loved her laugh, and she knew it.
"I'm sorry; you know how I am when it comes to your cute laugh." She glared at me, and got up from her spot on the bed, and walked over to the bay window. "So, I assume you want something, or you want to borrow something?" She continued. "Because you only say I look nice when you either want something, or to borrow something." She said, as she sat down on her bay window. She wasn't wrong, I usually only say those things, because I do, and I can never get away with lying to her.
"No, that's not what it is at all." I said as I got up, and walked towards her closet. Her closet was just like mine, except that it didn't have shelves in it like mine did, which was actually pretty cool if you asked me.
"You're lying, and you know you're lying, considering you're standing at my closet door. What do you want to borrow now?" She asked. I opened the closet doors, and started going through her shirts, we both would wear each other's clothes, so I know borrowing a shirt from her, wouldn't be a problem.
"I was wondering if I could borrow a shirt from you." I continued. "I don't really have anything to go with my black and purple skirt that I want to wear to school today." She got up off the bay window, and walked over towards the closet, where I was. She started to go through her shirts, and handed me a silver and purple sparkly tank top, with the words 'Come Closer' on it. I grabbed the tank top from her hands, and looked it over, and compared it to my skirt. I looked it up and down, front to back.
"You know, you really have a thing for fashion, Hase." I said.
I walked over to her bay window, and sat down. The window was slightly open, and a cool breeze came through. "I'm not sure if I should say ' thank you', or take that as a sarcastic remark." Haylie replied. Haylie had a huge thing for fashion. It's her main thing she wants to do when she gets older, 'A fashion designer'. "Haylie, I'm being serious!" I continued. "You really do have a thing for fashion. You're excellent at it, I've seen some of your designs, in your portfolio." I said.
She walked over to me, by her bay window, and sat down next to me.
She looked at me with a smile, and looked out the window.
"You really think so, Kath?" She asked. Haylie and I always had arguments, fights, so on, but when it came to us and our careers, especially me, it was always a serious thing. I wanted to go to college, to become Veterinarian. I've always loved animals, taking care of them, healing them; it's something I've always wanted to do. Haylie wants to become a 'Fashion designer', and she definitely has what it takes to become one, too.
"Hase, you have what it takes, trust me, you do." I said, as I started to hug her, she hugged me back, and I got up, and walked to her door. I stopped, and turned around. "Thank you for letting me borrow one of your shirts definitely saved my day." I said, with a smile a cross my face. I turned the knob, and opened the door, the second I put a foot out into the hallway, I heard my Mom yelling, not just my name, but Haylie's also.
"Kathryn! Haylie! It's almost 7:30, and neither of you have eaten anything for breakfast, and your bus will be here by 7:45, let's go!" Haylie and I both rolled our eyes, and laughed, I walked back to my room, and put my clothes on, and some lip gloss, and a little bit of eye shadow, and just tossed my hair up in a stylish messy bun, and headed downstairs to the kitchen.
As I walked into the kitchen, I grabbed a cereal bowl from the cabinet and a spoon from the full strainer. I walked over to the table, where Haylie and our parents were sitting at. I put the bowl and spoon on the table, and grabbed a Captain Crunch box of cereal. I leaned over the table, near Haylie and grabbed the carton of skim milk.
Haylie and I both ate our cereal in peace, and headed out the front door, just in time as the bus strolled up.
We both got on, and found our friends. I sat down next to Clea, who was across from Joanna and Michelle. Michelle Hanks was Joanna's friend from grade school, before she met CleaMarie and I in middle school. Michelle Hanks was just like Joanna. Her long brunette hair, front bangs, and perfect teeth. She was snottier than Jo, but we tolerated her anyways, only for the sake of our relationship with Jo. They both partied like the night would never end and they drank along with smoked onto the next morning. They are like night-owls, and I wouldn't be surprised to ever find them up throughout all hours of the night.
"Hey Clea, Hey Jo," I said. Michelle looked at me with her snotty hazel eyes, and continued to talk to Jo as she knew I purposely never greeted her in the first place. I turned my attention to Clea, who was on her iPhone, listening to music. As they all occupied themselves, I watched all the trees and houses that came into place. I would say the nature is quite beautiful around here, but I don't give any of it that much attention. Not like anyone I know would even gave a first glance to it all. It seemed sad to me, but I'm still partially blind to this world, along with the others but I don't care to really look at it. I know it's there but I don't know much about it.
As we headed off the bus, I watched as Michelle glanced back at me then rolled her eyes, as if any of that was completely necessary. I never knew what her problem was; maybe it's just because of how so damn bitchy she is?
However, I don't let her bother me as Clea and I walked through the schools doors to see quite a few of unfamiliar faces. Meaning most were probably freshman's trying to find their lockers, schedules and their homerooms. The school hallways seemed to be more filled with students than I have ever seen before, and I'm assuming there's going to be a lot more students this year, than lasts.
Clea, Jo, Michelle, and I, walked over to the boards, where the class schedules were. Last year, Clea and I both got Homeroom together, and 3 other classes together, so I hope this year, it's similar like lasts years. I glanced at the boards, and saw 'Homerooms', and saw Clea's name, Jo's name, and my name on 'Homeroom 6". All three of us got homeroom together, but left out Michelle, which I didn't mind, considering how she is.
Michelle walked over, and noticed that she wasn't in homeroom with Jo at all, and glared back at me.
Michelle walked over, and noticed that she wasn't in homeroom with Jo at all, and glared back at me.
"Glad you three got homeroom together." She hissed, as she stepped beside Jo. I looked back at the boards, saw Haylie's name on 'Homeroom 4' I walked over to Haylie, to make sure, she would find all the rooms, she was in.
"Hey, Hase." I said, as I walked over to her. She turned around, and faced me with a smile. "Hey, Kath! What's up?" She asked, still with a smile on her face. I saw two other girls, who I'm sure were her friends. From middle school. "Just came over to make sure you were set with finding all your classes?" Her friend, who was on the right side of her, gave me a dirty look, like I didn't belong. I glanced back at Haylie, waiting for her to reply.
"Yeah, I'm sure I'll be able to find all my classes." She continued. "Megan and Taylor will help me, if I get lost." She said, as Megan, the short one, walked over to me, and gave me a smirk.
Megan was short, with red hair, blue eyes, skinny, and has pale skin. Taylor on the other hand, was tall, brown hair, with brown eyes, tan skin, and with a little bit of weight onto her. Both girls had long hair, one with side bangs, and the other with curly hair.
"So, you're Kathryn?" Megan asked, as if she never heard about me. I looked at Megan with an intense gaze, already realizing that her and I most likely won't be getting along any time soon.
"Yep," I simply said, not exactly wanting to talk to her. I didn't exactly need another Michelle to be around me constantly. I gave Haylie a nod, and walked back over to Clea and Jo. As I got back, I heard Michelle talking about something, but couldn't quite make it out. I stood in between Clea and Jo, so I could hear more of what Michelle was talking about with Jo. Michelle turned her attention towards me, and gave me a smirk, and walked over.
"If you wanted to eavesdrop, you would've made it less obvious." Her voice seemed to be mixed with annoyance and slight hatred.
"Sweetie, I don't have to eavesdrop with that big mouth of yours." I told with a snotty attitude, mimicking her. I stood proud with my arms crossed, watching her as she was getting red in the face. Sadly, before she could give back a snarky attitude the bell rung, indicating that we were about to be late for homeroom.
Clea, Jo, and I walked into our homeroom, and found our seats in the back. The teacher walked in, and told us to quiet down. "Settled down, everyone!" Mr. Chapman said. The class quieted down. He looked to be in his early 40, dark hair, no wrinkles, but a little chubby, and an unfriendly demeanor onto him. We eventually finished in our homeroom, and all three of us went our separate ways. I headed towards math class, as Clea went to English, and Jo went to social studies, with Michelle. I walked into math class, and sat down next to Chris Hans, who basically was the smartest kid in our grade, as cliché as it was.
I gave him a simple smile, and looked up at the teacher as she was about to start the lesson.
There was still one more class before lunch, Clea and I were in English together, so we partnered up. Mr. Hasson - our English teacher, gave an assignment on the first day, which actually sucked, because it was the first day of school in all, but we didn't let it phase us. The bell rang, and it was time for lunch, Clea and I walked out of English, and headed outside to find Jo.
We found Jo, Michelle, and some other older looking guy by the football field outback. We walked over to them, and I couldn't help but just stare at him the whole time as we made our way towards them.
"Kath, Clea! Over here!" Jo yelled, from across the bleachers. We stepped up on the bleachers, and reached Jo, Michelle, and that guy that I could not stop staring at. "Hey, Jo, how has your day been?" I asked, as I sat down in front of her, beside Clea. She looked at Michelle and then at that guy, and looked down at me. Who was this guy? I've never seen him before, he must be new. I turned my attention back to Jo, afraid that he'll realize I had been staring at him and decided that I am some creep.
"It wasn't too bad, I had two classes with Michelle, so it went pretty well," I continued. "Well other than Jessica Florist, who by the way is still a baby bitch?" She said while giggling. Jessica Florist is a girl who cries and gets her way with every single thing. She's also the biggest bitch we all know, well then again, there is Michelle, and could equal out. I started to laugh out loud, and they all looked at me like I'm stupid. I stopped and gave a dorky look.
"I was actually wondering who your guy's friend is." I said, while looking over at him and quickly looking back over at Jo.
Jo looked at Michelle, and gave her a weird smile. "Well, Michelle and I are in Chemistry class together, and the teacher introduced the whole class to a transferred student." She said. A transferred student? I thought to myself. "His name is François Stevens, he's from France." Michelle said, as she blew a kiss, as if she were from France herself.
I looked at Michelle, and looked at François, who was smiling with Michelle. His light brown eyes shined so bright in the sun ray. His wavy brown hair, was blowing in the wind, as if he were in a movie. His muscular body gave away, that he worked out, but it was his smile that caught me off guard. His smile was just so sweet looking.
"Earth to Kathryn!" Clea said, as she nudged my shoulder. I snapped back to reality, and looked at Cle. "Sorry, was just daydreaming." I stated. Clea looked over me, and saw through that I was looking at him the whole time, she knew me too well. "Yeah, I'm sure you were." She said, while laughing. I nudged her, and gave her a playful glare.
"Anyways, like I was saying." Jo said. "We met him in class, and things just went from there." She continued. Michelle and the cute new guy decided to pay us attention.
"It's nice to meet you, François. I'm Kathryn, this is CleaMarie." I introduced us. He looked at Clea and I with Smile across his face. "It's nice to meet you lovely ladies as well." He said, ladies? Gentlemen, I said to myself. We both smiled back at him, and turned around. We looked at each other, and we knew we thought the same thing. I looked back at him to see Michelle reaching in her bag, and pulling out a bag of weed.
"Michelle, are you seriously going to smoke that here, at school, you know, where we all could get into trouble?" I said, as I was turning around. She gave me a dirty look and started laughing.
"Are you shitting me right now, Kathryn? Who cares?" She snapped at me, as she handed the bag of weed to François. I really don't care that she smokes it, I just don't like the smell of it, so I don't like being around it. "I don't care if you're smoking it, I just hate the smell of it." I hissed back. "Kath, we all get your point, why don't you just try it once, and then you can hate it later?" Jo pointed out, as she handed a Weed pipe to Michelle.
I looked at Jo, and couldn't believe she asked me that.
She's gotten awful since her Mom left, and her Dad always being gone on Business trips. She basically has no one, but us, her friends.
"Jo, did you seriously just ask Kat-." Clea said, as I cut her off. "Give me that damn thing!" I hissed at both, Jo and Michelle. They both stopped and looked at each other, shocked the least to say.
"Wait just a second I haven't even finished packing it yet, once I am, I'll let you have the first hit." Michelle said as she was finishing putting the last of the Weed in the purple pipe. Once she was finished, she handed me the purple pipe and a lighter, and told me to just breathe in.
I took the hit, and felt hot in the face. Too big of a hit, I thought to myself. My eyes watered, and I gave the pipe back to Michelle, while I started coughing. Jo and Michelle both started laughing like they have never seen anything so funny. Clea was next to me, patting on my back to help control my coughing. François just stared at me, probably thinking to him. He's probably thinking that I'm a weak and prude little teenage girl.
"You okay, Kath?" Asked Clea. "She's fine, Clea." Jo said, as she got up, and sat down right next to me. "Yeah, I'm fine, it doesn't taste as bad as it smells." I said. They all started to laugh, so I joined in as well as if none of this is bothering me.
I looked over at François, and saw him reach into his bag, and pull out a baggy that had some sort of white powder in it. He went into the front where a small zipper was and pulled out a cut straw, and zipped his bag up, and turned around. Whatever he was doing, it only took him a few minutes, because the bell rang, and we all got up.
"We'll see each other after school?" Jo asked, as we were walking down the bleachers. I smiled at her, and gave her a nod. "Good, because there's something else I want you to try, Weed is good, but this other one is even better" She said, as we came up to the school. I stopped and looked at her. "Other stuff? I only said, I'd try it once, and that was that" I said, with an angry looking face. She knew I wasn't happy. "Kath, I was just joking." Jo told me, as she rolled her eyes.
"But seriously, I want you to try something different, something that'll give you the best night of your life." She told me again. It can't be that white powder stuff, can it?
