Beautiful Lessons

by Rebecca Brooke

  “That one started when we came back to school for practice this summer.”

  “I’m guessing you weren’t this big last year?”

  I shake my head. “Not exactly. I wasn’t small, but I hit a growth spurt at the beginning of the summer. Plus, I started working out with my dad, knowing that I’d be starting this year.”

  “Do you want to tell me why they make that stuff up about you?”

  And thankfully, our number is called. Saved by the bell. I’m giving her a chance right now, but no way am I near ready to tell her something she could use against me. And I know there’s no way Chaz is going to admit what actually happened that night.

  Without answering her question, I get up and head for the counter, where our food is waiting. Slowly, I bring the tray back to the table. The moment I set it down, I ask her what she wants to drink, grab the cups, and head to the soda fountain. When I come back, she already has the baskets off the tray and set up in front of us. I hand her the diet soda she asked for and sit across from her once again.

  The silence stretches on, until Seona starts up the conversation again.

  “So, what kind of art do you like?”

  Thankful she didn’t ask about Chaz again, I answer her. “Mostly painting. My mom’s one of the art professors here, but I want to major in graphic design when I go to college.”

  “I’d like to see one of your paintings someday.” She smiles

  “I guess.” For the first time in a long time, I feel myself relaxing around someone besides Alyssa or Brendan.

  “I’m going to hold you to that. I’ll admit, you don’t look like the artist type, but hey, who am I to judge.”

  I chuckle. “I’m not sure if I should take that as an insult or not.”

  Shaking her head, she starts to laugh. “Not an insult, trust me.” When she looks up again, there’s something different in the way her gaze runs over me. Hell if I can figure it out. All I know is that this is turning out much better than I thought it would. “My brother always says I have trouble saying what I mean.”

  “Your brother’s cool. He helped me get ready for the season this summer, while he was working out with Dad and the team. He never said you were coming to live with him.”

  Her eyes drop to the table and she begins to fidget in her seat a bit. “Yeah, well my dad’s traveling for work. It was a last minute decision.”

  Something seems off, but knowing how it feels to not want to talk about things, I leave it alone and focus on the food in front of me. We sit in silence eating and slowly, her mood improves and she’s back to smiling again. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I feel better knowing that she is smiling again. A few more minutes pass and she’s back to asking questions.

  “What kind of music do you like?”

  “A little bit of everything, but mostly alternative. What about you?”

  The questions go back and forth, until a buzz in my pocket pulls me away from the hazel eyes that have held me captive. I look down and notice the time. “Crap.”

  “What is it?”

  I turn the phone around and show her the time.

  “We’ve been here for almost an hour?” She sounds as surprised as I am. The practice is almost over.

  “Come on, let’s get back.” I stand up and reach out to take the tray with our trash on it. She smiles at me and follows me towards the door, where I dump the trash and throw the tray on top.

  Seona leads the way back to the field. As we get closer, I can see Travis, showered and changed, waiting for us with my dad. Both Travis and my dad stare at us as we walk up. Travis’ brows are drawn together and I can’t decide whether its confusion or annoyance. Either way, it’s my dad’s smirk that catches my attention the most.

  When we reach them, Seona turns to me and winks. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Jayceon. Thanks for hanging out with me. Hope we can talk later.” She slips a piece of paper in my hand and jogs over to Travis.

  I look back at Dad, who’s still watching me. “Is there something you want to tell me?” He asks, a knowing smile on his face.

  I roll my eyes. “Nothing to tell. I just met her a few hours ago.”

  “It looked like there was a little more to it than that.”

  “We had dinner together, but only ‘cause of you. Why did you push me into going, anyway?”

  He wraps his arm around my shoulder as we walk to the lot. “I saw the way you two were looking at each other. It’s been way too long since you spent time with a girl other than Alyssa.”

  “I wasn’t looking at her any way special.”

  “Sure, Jayceon. Tell me another one. Did you at least have fun?”

  I thought about it. I can’t deny that I had a good time, because I did. It was nice to just talk to someone and not have them assume the worst about you. “I did.”

  “Good,” he says and ruffles my hair. “Let’s get going. Mom’s waiting for us.”

  We each climb in our own car and head out of the lot. The drive home gives me time to think about the day and Seona. Could there finally be someone else at school that won’t listen to the bullshit Chaz and Vanessa spread around?

  God, I hope so.

  Lying in bed, holding her number in my hand, I think about if I should or shouldn’t text her. Without thinking, I grab my phone and send her a text.

  Me: Hey it’s Jayceon. I had fun tonight.

  Chapter 6

  Seona

  Back in Michigan I went on dates, but nothing was serious. I was more focused on partying and having fun than being a girlfriend. Getting into a relationship never crossed my mind. I thought boys in my high school were immature and annoying. No one was really worth my time and a lot of people thought I was a bitch, so I played that role really well. No guy kept my interest. They were boring.

  Until now.

  I’ve been looking at my phone throughout the night and restarted it about ten times. I feel so dumb thinking he’s going to text me.

  “He’s gonna text you. Stop worrying,” Travis says, throwing a pillow at my face.

  “Well, I don’t know. He’s different.”

  “How?”

  I think about Travis’ question. I’m sure he doesn’t want or need to know about my extracurricular activities from back home. “I’m used to guys like Chaz, not Jayceon.”

  Travis rolls his eyes when I mention Chaz’s name. “I’m glad you aren’t going to date him.”

  “He’s not someone I want to spend time with. It bothers me the way he treats people.” I think about what happened and can’t believe how much of an ass he is.

  A beep from the computer comes through and Travis flies out of his seat and goes straight to the computer. In a few moments I see Mark’s smiling face.

  “Hey Dad!”

  “Hey you two. Seona, honey, how are you?”

  Giving Mark two thumbs up, he nods his head. “Good! Thank you again for everything, Mark. I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me.”

  “No need to thank me. I’m glad I can talk to you. Tell me how school was? I’m sorry I can’t be there with you.”

  “School was good. I’m on the cheerleading team and things are going well.”

  Mark smiles. “Good, Seona. I’m glad to hear that. I know it’s tough to transition from your old school to here, but I know you’ll be okay. Whatever you need, let Travis know.”

  “I will.”

  “Travis.”

  “Yes, sir?”

  “Take care of each other and know that I’m thinking about the both of you. I should be home in a few weeks. Travis, I trust you’ll behave, same with you Seona.”

  “Yes, sir,” we both say in unison.

  “Good,” he smiles. “I miss the two of you. Behave and I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Be safe, Dad. Love you.”

  “Love you too, son. And Seona?”

  “Yeah, Mark?”

  He clears his throat before talking. “Glad you’re here, honey.”

&
nbsp; The Skype call disconnects and I suddenly feel sad. Wrapping my arms around my middle, I sit back on the couch and feel my phone vibrate in my jeans.

  Hey it’s Jayceon. I had fun tonight

  I save his number to my phone and think about what I want to say.

  Me: You had fun? Really? After being so mean and cold to me =p

  Jayceon: I’m sorry about that

  Me: It’s okay...Hope we can be friends?

  Jayceon: Friends?

  Me: Yeah you know two people who are nice to one another and hang out

  “What are you doing?”

  “Texting Jayceon.” I smile. Soon my phone is out of my hands and Travis is texting Jayceon. “Travis Michael Fisher!” I scream, but Travis runs out of the room. Cornering him in the kitchen, he smirks and hands me back my phone.

  Me: Wanna get together Friday night? Travis has a date and his dad’s outta town. We can watch movies and I’ll make dinner.

  I’m honestly going to kill him. My phone vibrates again and I quickly swipe the unlock tool and read Jayceon’s response.

  Jayceon: Maybe another time

  “Oh,” I mutter.

  “Text him back, Seona. I’ve known Jayceon for a while. He’s a good guy.”

  I hand Travis my cell and slump in the couch. Okay, this isn’t what I was expecting.

  Me: Yeah, maybe some other time

  I wait for Jayceon to text me, but he doesn’t. Getting up from the couch, I head to the freezer and grab vanilla ice cream and Heath bars from the pantry. Travis remembered my favorite night time snacks. Making two bowls, one for me and one for him, I head back to the living room and we enjoy our ice cream while watching Law and Order SVU.

  Walking into school the next day, Claire comes to my locker and immediately starts asking me questions about Jayceon.

  “Where are you getting all of your information?” I laugh, closing my locker.

  “Oh you know,” she says, “Someone saw you and Jayceon yesterday getting in his car. So I thought you were into Chaz?”

  “I’m not into anyone. I’m getting to know people, and that’s all. Nothing to tell.”

  Inside I’m laughing. High school is a big rumor mill. Just because a girl hangs out with a guy doesn’t mean she’s into him and they’re doing anything. Seriously, I can’t wait to be done and leave the high school life behind.

  “Whatever you say,” she nudges my shoulder. We walk into English together and sit in the back. Vanessa and Gina are sitting down already and we talk about practice for today. I listen to Vanessa explain the routine and mentally I’m taking notes to change some of what she’s saying. How can she be the captain and make her squad do moves and dances from last year? It’s no wonder the squad doesn’t do well.

  Right before the bell rings, indicating the start of class, Chaz comes in and heads over to us. Of course, there’s an empty seat next to me. Vanessa looks at him and smiles. I watch her and then him. He ignores her and has his eyes on me. You’ve got to be kidding me!

  “Come out with me tonight.”

  “No.” A simple answer for a simple boy.

  Mrs. Miggah starts class, talking about our reading of Into the Wild. I take notes and listen to the class. We discuss the first three chapters and I actively participate, surprising myself. Usually I’m quiet and confused, but the way she’s explaining the book and makes literature come alive is helping me understand the book better.

  When the bell rings, I get my things and walk out with the girls, completely ignoring Chaz. He stops me and pulls me to the side.

  “What’s going on with you?”

  “Chaz, I don’t know what your deal is, but I don’t have a problem.”

  “Then why don’t you wanna go tonight with me?” Before I can answer, Brendan comes next to me and nods at Chaz.

  “Come on. Let’s get to class.”

  “I’ll see you at lunch, Chaz.” I turn away with Brendan and squeeze his hand.

  “Thank you so much for saving me. He’s being an asshole.”

  “He wants to score with you. Don’t worry about him. I got you.” I look up and we smile at each other.

  The rest of the day goes by without any problems. Chaz stays away and instead pays attention to Gina and leaves me alone. Thank God.

  In history, the class has a test while I’m given the study guide and notes. Hopefully soon, I’ll be caught up with everyone else in my classes. I review the notes and refer to my text book, but Jayceon keeps grabbing my attention. When I look up, he’s coloring or something.

  What are you drawing? I write on a piece of paper and pass it to him. He looks up and then opens the letter.

  There’s no emotion on his face as he writes his response and hands it to me.

  No talking or passing notes. We’ll get in trouble and I don’t wanna get detention

  I look at him and he’s back to drawing or whatever the hell he’s doing. Letting out a huff, I take out my homework and focus on that, not the boy who keeps pushing me away.

  The bell finally rings and Jayceon heads out before me. I have no idea why I’m trying to be his friend. He obviously thinks I’m annoying or whatever. I don’t care. Nope, I don’t.

  Walking into the locker room, I change into my cheer shorts and a tank top. Claire sits on the bench next to me, “How was your day?”

  “Okay. Nothing too major. You?”

  “Same. We’re all heading out for dinner at the pizza parlor, if you wanna come along?”

  “Sure, that sounds fun,” I answer, closing and locking my locker.

  “Awesome!”

  We head out to the gym together and stretch with the other girls.

  “Seona, come here and check out this mix,” Vanessa excitedly says, grabbing my hand. I follow her and listen to the mix of Justin Timberlake’s “Sexy Back” and Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse.” The combination makes no sense and the mix isn’t that great.

  “Vanessa.” I have to be nice about this or else I’ll be on the bottom of the pyramid. “What do you think about Roar by Katy Perry? It’ll really get us pumped for nationals.” I pull out my iPhone, plug it into the dock and let Vanessa listen to it.

  “Love it.” She smirks. “I’m so glad to have you on the team with us.”

  “Me too.”

  We turn off the music and gather with the other girls to stretch. “So, is something going on between you and Chaz?”

  “Chaz?” I stammer. “No.” I shake my head.

  “So, no one has gotten your attention?”

  “Nope. No one. I’m still trying to get used to everyone. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the guys here are really cute.”

  “Oh for sure,” she agrees.

  We finish stretching and practice the routine a few more times. I can’t shake what Vanessa asked. I meant what I said about the guys being cute, but one is staying with me. I texted Jayceon this morning and asked if I could pick him up breakfast since I was at Starbucks but no response. I don’t know why I care.

  “Seona!” Vanessa calls for me, “Show the girls your dance you were telling me about.”

  I nod and get in position in the front. Getting focused, I close my eyes and let go. I jump in a clap, raising my arm, cheering and get in position for a cartwheel, round off and a flip.

  “So that’s what Vanessa and I will do,” I call out, “And this is what you girls will be doing in the background.” I show them the cheer a few times and see them watching. This squad is good, but we’re going to get them better.

  “Okay girls! Let’s do it!”

  As we’re shaking our asses, twirling and jumping, the football team comes in from outside and takes a seat on the bleachers, cheering for us to keep shaking our asses and to dance for them. I roll my eyes and we continue our cheer.

  “From the start,” I yell.

  “Let’s go girls,” Chaz shouts, and the others cheer, telling us to start over.

  “Come on girls; let’s show ‘em!” I run to the iPod dock and r
estart Roar. Looking over, I see Jayceon staring at me. I give him a small smile and head back in line. Vanessa counts us off and we start our stunting routine.

  I’m lifted in the air, popping my right leg up and jumping into a flip. The guys go crazy and we finish our routine strong.

  Chaz walks to me, smiling. “Damn girl, you looked hot out there.”

  “Thanks,” I’m short with him, hoping he’ll get the damn clue. Persistence is cute, but Chaz is making it creepy.

  “Wanna get ice cream?”

  I shake my head, “Getting dinner with the girls. See ya later!”

  Chapter 7

  Jayceon

  The moment I step out of the locker room, it’s hard not to notice the commotion in the gym. The cheerleaders are dancing around, while half the team is yelling at them to keep shaking their asses. The glutton for punishment that I am, I stop to watch the fiasco in front of me. It’s hard not to notice Seona at the front of the group.

  She’s gorgeous and I’m pretty sure she knows it.

  “She’s hot, right?” I look to my left and there’s Brendan.

  “If you say so.”

  “Aw, come on. You can’t still be pissed about the car.”

  Sighing, I turn to look at him. “No, but I’m not sure what to think about her, either.”

  “At some point you’re going to have to realize that not everyone is like Chaz and Vanessa.”

  “Yeah, doesn’t really help that they all believed the lies.” My eyes drift back to Seona talking to Chaz.

  “You’re an idiot if you don’t take a chance on her. I’ve talked to her. She’s not like the other assholes here.”

  Seona’s gaze lands on us for a moment before she turns back to Chaz, saying something.

  “Yeah well, I’m not jumping into anything with her, if it’s just going to make this year more of a nightmare than it’s already shaping up to be.”

  Seona steps away from Chaz, heading to the bleachers where all of the girls stuff is lying around. Before she can reach them, she makes a detour to where Brendan and I are standing.