Rocks and Stars

by Sam Ledel

  Several people in the auditorium raise their hands. After a moment, Mr. Kaufman calls on a guy sitting to my right. I half listen while continuing to stare at my phone screen.

  “Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.”

  “Very good,” Mr. Kaufman responds with a smile. Meanwhile I fiddle with my pen, doodling circles in the margins while glancing back at my phone, wishing desperately that I knew what Jax was up to.

  Mr. Kaufman continues. “Let’s start with igneous rocks.” He gestures to a slide on the projector screen behind him. “These are formed when the molten lava, or magma, from beneath the earth’s surface cools and solidifies. There are also two types of igneous rocks. And those are?”

  More hands raise.

  “Intrusive and extrusive,” the girl who’d side-eyed me earlier answers.

  “Excellent.” Mr. Kaufman beams, then clicks to another slide. I look up finally and see Intrusive and Extrusive written at the top of the screen, followed by some bullet points beneath each. “First, there’s intrusive. Intrusive igneous rocks form from the solidification of magma beneath the Earth’s surface. Second, we have extrusive. Who can give me some characteristics of this type?”

  Rereading Jax’s message, I hear the rustle of more hands going up.

  “Ms. Lyndsay? Care to rejoin the class?”

  I look up, realizing Mr. Kaufman is staring right at me. Crap. I rearrange myself, hoping to hide the cell phone in my lap.

  “Sorry,” I mumble.

  “Extrusive igneous rocks,” he says. “Some characteristics, please.”

  Thankfully, I remember these well from last semester’s exam. I sit up then clear my throat to speak. “Extrusive igneous rocks form when magma reaches the Earth’s surface, like from a volcano. Most extrusive rocks tend to have small crystals due to their quick cooling process. Some examples include basalt, rhyolite, and obsidian.”

  Mr. Kaufman nods, and my shoulders relax a little. “Can you expand upon one of those examples?”

  I glance down at my phone when the same picture of Jax pops up with a message beneath it. “Sure,” I say, meeting Mr. Kaufman’s gaze. “Obsidian.” I remember reading about this one last semester. It was fierce looking. Dark. Bold. “It’s a dark rock, usually black, made of volcanic glass. It’s formed when the magma from a volcano cools extremely quickly. In fact, the cooling process is so rapid that crystals aren’t actually able to form. And since it’s considered a glass, obsidian is very chemically unstable. Also, due to its sensitive nature, it’s rare for an obsidian to reach old age. Oftentimes the rocks are damaged and destroyed by outside factors like weather, heat, or other processes.”

  “Beautiful but unstable,” Mr. Kaufman says with a smirk. “Sounds like some people I’ve dated.”

  The class chuckles as he moves to click a new slide. “Very good, Ms. Lyndsay, thank you.”

  I sigh and open up the message from Jax as Mr. Kaufman continues with the lecture. Sedimentary is on the screen now, and I briefly hear him go into this one before reading Jax’s text.

  Saw some Facebook pics of your holiday. You look better than ever.

  My stomach does a flip-flop. Jax is picking up her flirting game. Why she’s choosing to direct that game at me, I still have no idea. I mean, she’s stunning. She’s the type of person to draw a crowd just by walking into a room. And what am I? Regular old Kyle, with her plain T-shirts and confused libido. What the hell can someone like me offer someone like Jax?

  Staring at her message, I imagine those piercing eyes under their dark sheet of eyeliner. That knowing grin.

  Why in the world is she so interested in me?

  “And finally, we come to our third type of rock,” Mr. Kaufman says, and I force myself to refocus. But just as I look up, my phone vibrates. This time, though, it’s Joey’s photo that pops up. “Who can tell me the third type?” Mr. Kaufman asks.

  “Metamorphic,” somebody calls out from behind me as I slide open her message and read the text.

  Where do geologists like to relax?

  I can’t help but grin at the screen, waiting for Joey’s second message, and the subsequent answer, to come through. Sure enough, about five seconds later, there it is.

  In a rocking chair!

  I cover my mouth to stifle my laugh, then type out a reply.

  It ain’t easy being cheesy.

  Joey replies quickly.

  Oh, there’s more where that came from, short stack.

  Mr. Kaufman clears his throat, and I force myself to listen to the lecture. “Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of preexisting rock types. So, in layman’s terms, you have something stable, some rock formations that already exist, but then it is transformed through what we call metamorphism into something new, something different. And how does this occur? Mr. Willis?”

  I glance over to a guy a few seats in front of me. “Metamorphosis occurs when the original rock is subjected to heat and pressure, which then causes physical and/or chemical changes.”

  “Very good,” Mr. Kaufman replies. “Metamorphic rocks are usually formed deep within the Earth. They can take longer to form before they reach the earth’s surface. Can somebody give me an example of a type of metamorphic rock?”

  I force myself to close my phone, despite wanting to send another quip back to Joey. But instead I slide my phone back into my pocket and turn my attention to the class.

  “Marble,” a girl from my row says. “During metamorphism, the calcite within the rock we know as limestone recrystallizes and the texture of the rock changes. In the early stages of the limestone-to-marble transformation, the calcite crystals in the rock are very small. So small, in fact, that they really only look like a sugary sparkle reflecting from the surface when the rock is held up to light. It’s kind of like a preview of what’s to come.”

  “Very good. And then,” Mr. Kaufman says, “as metamorphism progresses, the crystals grow larger and become more easily recognizable. This recrystallization process is what marks the separation between limestone and marble. Marble that has been exposed to low levels of metamorphism will have very small calcite crystals. The crystals only become larger as the level of metamorphism progresses. And eventually, the rock transforms into what it was always meant to be. Something strong, complex, and ultimately beautiful.”

  I jot down Mr. Kaufman’s ability to make even rocks sound poetic. Without thinking, I fiddle with my necklace as I write, smiling over sharing the lecture with Joey next time I see her.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Joey holds open the locker room door for me. “You know you don’t have to wear the necklace all the time.”

  “Are you kidding? It’s beautiful.”

  “She hardly takes the thing off,” Emily adds behind us.

  I shoot Emily a look, but catch Joey smiling as we walk into the locker room for the team meeting Coach Gandy has called. Joey shrugs. “I’m just saying. It’s been a few months; it’s almost April. I wouldn’t be mad if you switched it out for something different after a while.”

  We take a seat in front of our lockers on the other side of the room. Emily gives my arm a squeeze, then goes into Coach’s office. I watch them start to go over the meeting agenda as Joey stretches her legs. She peels off her jacket and puts it over her backpack. I sit cross-legged on the bench next to her, my sweatpants baggy over my knees. I grab hold of the pendant dangling over my university T-shirt.

  “Joey, relax.” I nudge her shoulder with my own. She brushes back her hair with one hand. “I love it.”

  T. and Haley wander into the room with a few other upperclassmen. Jax strolls in behind. “Hey.” T. waves. “I’m starting to think you two are glued at the hip.” She smirks at me and Joey. Haley throws her backpack in her locker and plops down next to me. Her leg brace is gone; the only hint that it was ever evident is the faint tan lines running down her leg. She leans over, grabbing my necklace and turning it in her hand.

  “Whoa. This is gorgeous.”
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  I smile and carefully pull it back. “Thanks.”

  T. settles next to Haley. “Gift from your girlfriend?”

  I blush and run a hand through my hair. Joey clears her throat and sits up. “We’re not girlfriends,” she says, her voice low. I catch her eye for a second, then Jax makes a show of throwing her own bag next to Joey before sitting. Eyeing us, she says, “Cute,” then leans back, one leg up in front of her on the bench, her wrist resting casually on her knee. Her eyes stay on me as Coach Gandy, in her traditional sweatpants and fitted T-shirt, follows Emily out of her office. Emily takes a seat while Coach moves over to the whiteboard on the wall near her door.

  “Good afternoon, ladies. Thanks for coming. I know finals are fast approaching and you have a lot of studying to do. But I wanted to get together since the off-season is winding down.” She hands a stack of papers to Emily, who starts going around the room, handing each of us a sheet while Coach continues. “These are your summer workouts. I know it’s a little early, but we can’t afford to lose any time. The second your classes end in May, I need you girls taping this to your fridge, to your car window, to your forehead—whatever is necessary to ensure you’re doing these between then and July.”

  “We know a lot of you all go home for the summer,” adds Emily, handing me my copy. “But when you’re not with family, or working, or whatever it is you do,” she pauses at Jax, who snatches a copy from the pile, “please keep yourself ready for next semester. There will be a conditioning test once we’re back in July. And I don’t know about y’all, but I’d rather not be regretting a lazy summer when that test rolls around.”

  “Don’t worry, Cap’n,” T. says, leaning back against her locker, “I’ll be here all summer, making sure the young’uns hit the gym.”

  Callie and Sarah share nervous glances in the corner, but Joey scoffs. “By gym, do you mean bar?”

  There’s stifled laughter around the locker room. Emily looks ready to jump between Joey and T. when Coach clears her throat. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.” She places her hands on her hips. “You ladies did well this year. Each and every one of you. So don’t let yourselves down over the summer. Keep working hard. We’ve got two weeks left of practices. That means two weeks to get to where we want to be before summer hits. And it’s up to you ladies to get there. What do you say?”

  Cheers fill the locker room and Coach looks pleased as the noise dies down. “Wonderful. Also, before you all go, a quick announcement.” Haley sits up next to me. When I glance at Emily, she throws me a wink. “First, a round of applause for Joey Carver, who stepped up this year as a rookie and did big things for us in the goal when we needed her most.”

  Joey sheepishly waves while a few people whistle over our cheers. T. and Jax applaud a few times but quickly fold their arms over their chests. “And congrats to Haley for being cleared by the doctor and trainers with a clean bill of health on her knee.” This time, louder cheers from Jax and T. “However,” Coach continues, holding up a hand, “we can only have one starting goalie. And as of now, that honor will stay with Carver going into the summer.”

  The freshman, including myself, whoop and holler while Joey gets pats on the back from Emily and a few others. Jax stays seated, as does T. Haley leans over me and gives Joey a handshake. “Congrats.” I feel a little bad for Haley as they share a hug but am grateful for the respect she shows regarding Coach’s decision.

  “Thanks,” Joey tells her. “I learned from the best.”

  “Congratulations, Joey,” Coach adds after everyone sits back down. “All right, ladies. That’s it for now. See everyone in the morning.”

  “Let me know if anybody didn’t get a copy of the workout!” Emily shouts over the commotion as everyone stands and moves toward the door. “See you at practice tomorrow!”

  I stand with Joey, who grabs her backpack. “Congrats,” I tell her. “That’s so awesome.” I stand up on my toes and wrap her in a hug. She pulls me closer. The hug is quick, but I can’t ignore the small rush that comes with being so close.

  “Thanks, Kyle. It is pretty cool, huh?”

  “Lucky break,” mutters T. as she walks by, not looking back on her way out of the room. Jax moves over. She glances between Joey and me, sizing us up like two art pieces she’s not sure are worthy of her gallery. As she’s about to say something, Emily hops over to us.

  “Joey, congrats!” They share a hug, then Emily turns to Jax. “Sorry about Haley. But she’ll still see the field. Seniors always get a respectable amount of playing time.”

  Jax raises an eyebrow and nods. “Sure.”

  “Well,” Emily says, bouncing anxiously as more of the team streams out of the locker room until only the four of us are left standing. “See you at practice tomorrow. And don’t forget about the end of the year party. I’ll send out evites next week!”

  “Right,” Jax says slowly, then turns to go. When she’s out of earshot, Emily sighs.

  “Just a bundle of sunshine that one, isn’t she?”

  Joey and I laugh and follow Emily outside.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  “Kyle, I love you.”

  I turn around and Emily stumbles toward me, an unmistakable wobble in her step. She’s on the arm of Haley, who helps her over to where I’m standing alone at the edge of the basketball court at Emily’s apartment complex during our end of season party.

  “She’s a little tipsy,” Haley says, struggling to place Emily against the basket. Emily adjusts her glasses and throws a hand up.

  “I am not.” She hiccups. “I’m just trying to let everybody know how much I love them. And I want to talk to my future neighbor. Did you know Kyle is moving into that building over there next semester?” Emily sloshes her drink.

  Haley pats her back. “That’s great, honey. Well, I’ve got next at beer pong,” she tells me. “And she’s your best friend. Do you mind keeping an eye on her? She keeps hugging everyone. It’s kind of distracting.”

  Emily gives a retort in Spanish, and they get into a brief exchange. I try to follow it but only catch bits and pieces. When I recognize the familiar, playful warning of “Ay, cuidado,” as Emily pulls her shoulders back, I step between them.

  “Easy, tiger,” I say, wrapping one arm around Emily. Then I tell Haley I can take it from here. She nods gratefully and heads back over to the group.

  “I’ve got you.” Emily manages to stand herself upright against the basket. While I’m not super sober myself, I can’t help but laugh at Emily as she takes another drink and stares up into the coral-colored sky. The spring wind brushes past.

  She hums to herself, then says, “Kyle, you made it.”

  I sip my drink, eyeing Emily as she sways. “Made it? Yeah, I didn’t really have much trouble finding your place. Been here once or twice.” I smirk and even through her blurry eyes Emily manages to give me a look.

  “No.” She draws the word out. “I mean you made it through your freshman year.” She holds out her arms again. “I’m so proud of you!”

  The music coming from our team’s stereo system set up under a patio awning isn’t loud enough to cover up the excitement in Emily’s voice. A few of our teammates turn and holler excitedly back at Emily from around the pool, returning her enthusiasm. Emily cheers back at them, then spins closer to me. She grabs me by my shirt, tugging me closer so that our faces are only inches apart.

  “Um, Em?”

  “You know, I bet Joey asks you out soon.”

  I blush. “Emily, come on.”

  She grabs the pendant that dangles in front of my chest. “She’s awesome.”

  My eyes drift across the pool, over to the patio. There are several chairs scattered around the beer pong table, where most of my teammates lounge lazily, enjoying the soccer-free weekend that is our end-of-season party. Joey sits next to a table we’ve packed with coolers of beer, chatting with Callie and Sarah. One ankle rests on her opposite knee. She’s in a purple cotton V-neck under a brown jacket
. Her hair falls down over her shoulders. It waves hypnotically when she laughs at something Callie says.

  My stomach flutters. “She is pretty amazing.”

  Emily’s voice is low, even though no one is around. “You guys should date.”

  I look down, shaking my head. “I’m not arguing that Joey isn’t awesome. I’m just not ready for that. Not yet.” And whatever connection she and I have terrifies me, I almost say.

  “I know.” She sighs dramatically, then pulls me into a hug that makes our drinks slosh in their cups. “I just want you to be happy.”

  I hug her tightly. “Thanks, drunk Em.”

  She shoves me off her and I laugh. “You’re lucky you’re my best friend.” Then she waves good-bye before calling after Katie and making her way back over to the crowd. A voice behind me makes me jump.

  “We’re friends, right, Kyle?”

  I turn to Jax as she struts up to me. Her black jeans sit low on her hips, exposing her midriff. Her signature tank top seems tighter on her chest than it’s ever been before. Laughter from the beer pong table pulls my attention. Emily is hugging people again.

  “Kyle?”

  “I’m sorry?” I ask, realizing my gaze had drifted back over to Joey.

  “I asked if we were friends.”

  “Oh,” I swallow some more of my vodka-cranberry mix. “Yeah. I mean, I guess so.” I consider telling her about how she’s done nothing but confuse me all year long. But I think better of it when she smiles, and I see something forming in her eyes.

  “Good,” she says. “Because you see that guy over there?” Jax points to a group of students walking toward us from the parking lot. I squint into the fast fading light but can’t figure out which guy she’s referring to. Out of the five people approaching the volleyball court, three of them are guys. So I just nod. “He’s my ex.”

  I’m not sure what my face does in reaction to this statement. But suddenly Jax is tugging at my elbow. “Hey,” she practically purrs, her face close to mine, so close that I smell the beer on her breath. “Don’t worry. We’re friends, okay? You and me.”