by S J Crabb
Chapter 5
“Hi Grace, over here.” Pushing my way through the bodies clamouring for their lockers I make my way to my new friends. Cally looks at me and I can tell that she is itching to tell me something.
“What’s up Cally?” I can see the excitement flashing in her eyes. “My mom says that I can go to the party on Saturday night.” I can also see Piper’s excited expression and say, “What party?”
Piper turns to me her eyes shining. “It’s the end of summer beach party that the school has every year to say goodbye to the old year and hello to the new. Everyone at the school is invited but some parents don’t like their kids going in case there’s trouble.”
Their excitement is contagious and I hope that Aunt Sarah will let me go. Cally grins at me. “You must ask if you can come too Grace. It will be so much fun and everything.”
Laughing I say, “Everything?” Blushing Cally lowers her voice. “It’s not unusual to pair off with someone at one of these. I am so long overdue for a boyfriend. Not that I have anyone in mind though.” She blushes and Piper shoots me a knowing look.
Hearing a commotion we look around and see Skylar banging her locker door shut. Her friend Teagan looks wary and we hear Skylar say, “Not even a phone call. I mean what’s he playing at? I must have call and texted him millions of times over the summer and yet nothing. Well I’m going to have a lot to say to him when he bothers to show his face.”
Teagan looks at her warily. “If it’s any consolation Jacob hasn’t heard from him either. I think he went to stay with his father for the break. Jacob did hear from Jace that he will be back by the end of the week though.”
Slamming her locker Skylar stalks off, closely followed by Teagan. Looking at the others their eyes are wide in amazement. Cally lets out a deep breath. “Wow, the Queen of cool is anything but. Mind you it must be a nightmare having him as your boyfriend.”
Piper nods and I say, “What were they talking about?” Pulling me in closer Cally says in a whisper. “Ash took off for the summer and hasn’t been seen since. Skylar is obviously pissed that he hasn’t called her. Despite her words though I bet as soon as she lays eyes on him she’ll be all over him like a rash.” Piper laughs. “Who wouldn’t? The ultimate bad boy. Who can possibly resist him?” The bell rings and we head off to our first lesson.
Once again I have a good anonymous day and enjoy discovering more about my friends. I discover that Cameron has a wicked sense of humour and has me in fits at break, mimicking the teachers that took our morning lessons. He appears to have relaxed around me now and I have enjoyed his company.
It amuses me to see Gabe at lunchtime being followed by a group of girls who gaze adoringly at him. Nudging Cally I nod towards them. “Who are they?” Her mouth twitching Cally raises her eyes up. “Wannabees. They want Gabe and wanna be his girlfriend. It’s some badge of honour to be the girlfriend of the Captain of the football team, especially one as hot as Gabe.” Laughing to myself I vow to tease him about it later.
The day flashes past and soon I am excited to be heading into town to Violet’s with my friends.
As we push our way in through the violet coloured doors I am blown away by the place. It is spotless and done out in a retro style. The waitresses have on really cool violet tunics with white frilly aprons wrapped around their waists. The place is filled with loud music and it is quite difficult to find a seat. Luckily we do and wait for our server.
Looking around I am mesmerised. The vibe is relaxed and fun and it would appear that business is booming and we have to wait some time before we are served. Our waitress is a pleasant woman whose eyes twinkle as she takes our order. Just before she goes I am interested to see a striking woman come out from the kitchen. She is obviously the manager as she has on a different uniform to the rest and watching her command attention I realise that this must be Violet. It is obvious that she runs a happy ship and there is a lot of laughing and joking amongst the staff.
I watch as she places a notice on the door. Craning my neck I see that she is advertising for staff. Nudging the others I point to it saying, “Should we apply?” Their eyes wide Cally and Piper say, “You should Grace. We can’t because we already have jobs and our mom’s won’t let us have another in case it interferes with our studies, but you go for it.”
Jumping up I decide to do just that. I would like a job as I want to be able to contribute something to my keep, or even just treat my Aunt once in a while. Nervously I pull my hat off and wipe my sweating palms on my jeans. I approach Violet and wait for her to finish talking to another waitress. Soon she spins around and I cough nervously and indicate the ad. “Um I would like to apply for a job if that’s alright?” I watch as she appraises me and then notice her expression change as she takes in my appearance. A puzzled look comes across her face. I recognise the look. The locket acts as a filter. It confuses people and directs their brain away from my appearance. Usually they just think that they have seen me somewhere before.
Gesturing to a nearby chair she sits down next to me. “So tell me about yourself,” she says looking at me with interest. “Well my name is Grace Gray and I have just started at Falcondell High. I am staying with my Aunt Sarah Rivers and my cousin Gabe and I would like a job to help contribute to my keep. I am a hard worker and can be flexible.”
Violet looks at me and smiles. “Well, I could certainly use the help and I have a feeling that this may the safest place for you young lady. When can you start?” Smiling happily I say incredulously, “You mean I’ve got the job?” Frowning Violet looks at me and I am suddenly aware that I have let my guard slip a little. Looking perturbed she says, “I have a feeling that you are going to need this job more than you realise Grace. However to start with I think I’ll put you to work in the kitchen, probably for the best.”
Seeing my quizzical expression she says lowering her voice. “It’s not often that somebody as beautiful as you comes to town. I have a feeling that you may attract some unwanted attention and for all our sakes I think it might be best to keep you away from prying eyes for your own safety. How about putting in a shift after school tomorrow? If your Aunt has any questions she can come and see me, ok?”
Gratefully I say, “Thank you Miss…” “Call me Violet dear. Now go on back to your friends. You may as well enjoy yourself whilst you can.”
Cally and Piper whoop with delight when I tell them and Cally beams at me. “Good old Violet, she’ll look after you. You don’t have to worry about any of the cool kids coming here. They don’t set foot inside the place. They prefer Monty’s on the other side of town.”
Relaxing back into my seat I feel happy that I have sorted out two jobs now. Things are definitely working out well here for me.