Chapter 3: Chapter 3: New Kid
Jasper and I have been going through class after class all morning long. Obviously. It’s school. What else would we do? Jasper and I only have English and History class together this year, so we barely get to see each other.
In between classes, before going to English class, I went to my locker to put my bag away. Carrying Ariel nearly all day every day is beginning to break my back and my will to live. I’m going to have sciatica by the time I graduate high school. If Ariel wasn’t so adorable, then I would’ve given up carrying her around the house a long time ago.
My mind has floated back to the new kid too many times since this morning. I don’t have a reasonable excuse, but I can’t seem to get him out of my mind. I’ve seen him around nearly every corner of the hallway and it doesn’t help that his locker is in the same row as mine.
“Lucy!” Jasper shouted, rushing towards my locker. “My favorite bookworm. We have English class in five minutes, let’s go. I heard Sofia Raymond and Maddie Jacobs are in our class!”
“Joy,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.
“Did you hear the stupid rumors going around about the new kid?” Jasper asked. I shook my head, not wanting to think about him anymore. I have no intention of ever speaking to him, so there’s no reason to talk about him. “People are saying that he was picking up drugs from that car this morning. I’m also hearing that he was dealing drugs to the guy in that car, because the driver is obviously from the southside.”
I rolled my eyes at the thought of the southside. Privileged people who are up to their eyeballs in money. Giant homes with extra rooms that are used for nothing. Mountains of food in their cabinets. Fancy cars in the driveway. People from the southside flaunt their money like it’s what defines their personality.
Exhaustion and books define my personality. That and my level of dedication to my kids, but nobody knows that about me. I do a good job of hiding who I am in front of people.
“I doubt the new kid knows where to buy drugs on his first day,” I whispered.
I kept my head down as Jasper and I walked into our English class. His eyes lit up and his heart fluttered at the sight of Sofia and Maddie already in seats; they were whispering to each other. The poor boy has had a crush on those two girls all his life. Jasper doesn't have the ability to pick one of them, so he admires both from afar.
I took an empty seat in the first row against the wall. Jasper took his usual seat behind me. Whenever we have classes together, he finds it beneficial to subtly cheat off me. English is my favorite subject, so he was set in his seat before I even had the chance to fully sit down in front of him.
“It’s him,” Jasper whispered. “He doesn’t look like he’s on drugs. I don’t get why people make up rumors.”
I kept my eyes focused on my uninteresting desk, not wanting to look him in the eyes. I’ve barely seen his face, yet I couldn’t get him out of my head. I don’t want to give my brain any more ammunition to keep thinking about him.
The new kid took a seat directly next to me.
My eyes betrayed me when I turned to steal a glance in his direction. He’s not wearing the same thing as this morning. Smart. He’s now wearing a pair of black jeans. The same light blue t-shirt is still visible, making his tanned skin seem even darker up close. On top of the t-shirt, he’s wearing a zip-up hoodie. I can’t see any logo or name on the jacket, so it looks like a normal black sweatshirt.
“She’s late to class on the first day. This must be a new record,” Jasper snorted behind me.
On cue, our borderline hazardous English teacher came charging through the doors.
“I’m sorry I’m late! This building is like a maze!” she exhaled, panting through her uneven breaths. Ms. Lockhart is the sweetest woman alive. She is overly enthusiastic about Literature, which is why she and I get along so well. I’ve been taking her courses since freshman year. “First order of business, what’s everyone’s favorite book?” No one jumped at the opportunity to answer. I sunk down deeper into my seat, praying that she would take mercy on my introverted soul. “No one? Lucy?”
No! No. “The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling,” I whispered.
“Excellent choice,” Ms. Lockhart smiled.
She continued going around the room asking people their favorite book. Some people didn’t have an answer, so it was clear they named the first book that popped into their minds.
Jasper being Jasper responded with, “Anything with a happy ending.” He’s such an angel.
I kept my face focused on my insanely interesting desk when she finally called on the new kid. Wesley. That’s his name. I finally have a name to place with him. I’ve yet to look him in the eyes, but I listened closely to his answer. I was intrigued to know the answer.
“Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson,” Wesley answered, without hesitation.
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to stop myself from looking at him. If he’s read that book, then I’m suddenly more impressed with the new kid. He’s a mystery to me. His favorite book is an incredible choice. I’m suddenly feeling the desire to have a book discussion together.
Soon we’ll be discussing your upcoming senior projects. The project will be completed over the course of the semester, so you’ll have plenty of time to complete it to the best of your abilities,” Miss Lockhart explained.
I felt Jasper lean forward onto my left shoulder, “We’re going to have the best project!” I turned to smile at him as my answer.
I’ve been waiting for this project my entire high school experience.
***
Once the last bell rang, I was finally finished with my last first day of school. Senior year has begun, and I must run and pick up Ariel from preschool and make sure Seth and Serena aren’t waiting for me alone.
“Did you know that we go to school with a bunch of idiots?” Jasper asked as he stalked his way over to my locker. “During study hall, a bunch of guys from the football team were talking about asking Wesley to hook them up with drugs. The kid looks so innocent. I can’t believe people are so gullible to believe rumors.”
“You’re surprised?” I questioned. “People here still think that I’m the daughter of drug addicts. The best rumor was when they said that my birth parents sold me to the Hastings to pay for either drugs or outstanding debts.”
“People would be bowing at your feet if they knew the stuff you go through on a daily basis,” Jasper sighed.
Having Jasper as a best friend was the greatest decision I've ever made. He helps me with the kids whenever he can and his attitude towards life is contagious. Our friendship grew stronger once I told him the truth about my life and he is supportive and kind to my family.
“Don’t be sad. I love listening to people talk about people I don’t even know, as if they know them,” I smiled, not meaning an ounce of the happiness I’m projecting. I don’t know my birth parents. I don’t want to know my birth parents. Eric and Clarice are the only parents I need, even though they aren’t around.
“Now that's just sad,” Jasper said, changing the topic from my horrible upbringing. He leaned against my locker staring over my head. In all honesty, I don’t think he has a locker. He carries one folder and one pen. That’s it. “The new kid is standing at his locker looking like a lost puppy. Why don’t we go say hi?”
I glanced over my shoulder to see the new kid in the flesh. Again. Looking at him fills my brain with nothing but questions. Between his choice of books, the stories about him, and the sad expression on his face—I wouldn’t know how to start a conversation with him.
“No thanks. I don’t feel like getting punched in the face,” I mocked, thinking of the ridiculous rumors about him. During lunch, people were talking about how he’s in an underground fight club. Ridiculous!
“Seriously? You of all people are going to start believing in those stupid rumors?” Jasper questioned.
“Of course not,” I clarified. “With the exception of you, I don’t have the time for friends. Group projects are enough social interaction for me.”
“Well, I’m going to be a nice human being and say hi to him,” Jasper grinned from ear to ear, beyond proud of himself for being a nice person. “I’m on pickup duty for Derek and Oliver. If there’s no ice cream stop, we’ll be home on time!” Jasper shouted, walking backwards down the row of lockers towards Wesley’s locker.
“Jasper!” I exclaimed. “No ice cream! The boys know the rules, no ice cream before dinner!"
I couldn’t help but smile at my best friend for being a social butterfly. It’s a skill that I don’t possess. I rushed to get away from the student body to get Seth and Serena so that we could pick up Ariel from preschool.
First day of senior year: complete.
I’m getting the feeling that this is going to be a long year.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone