Heather and Andrew both laughed. “Don’t worry,” said Heather. “If I can do it, so can you.”
Allison squeezed Heather’s hand and glanced down at her friend’s outfit: a blue plaid skirt with a white blouse topped by a blue vest. “Heather, you look smashing!”
“Thanks to Grace,” said Heather with a bright smile.
Allison took a deep breath, dreading bringing up the next subject. “I need you two to promise me something,” she began.
“What is it?” Andrew asked as he steered the jalopy onto the main road.
“I know you both know all about my mom, but I really don’t want anyone else to know. It always makes things more difficult, if you know what I mean.”
Heather nodded. “Like at camp?”
“Right. I want people to get to know me for who I am, not for the fact that Marsha Madison is my mother.”
“Not a problem for me,” said Andrew. “Mum’s the word as far as I’m concerned.”
“Thanks, Andrew.”
“And your secret is safe with me,” said Heather. “Although, I think once people get to know you they won’t care a wit about who your mother is or isn’t.”
“I hope so, Heather. But for now, I appreciate your help.”
By the time they walked into the school, Allison’s palms were cold and sweaty. She hoped she wouldn’t need to shake hands with anyone. Her first class was English. That was good since it was one of her better subjects. She saw Heather’s friend Caroline approach, and after a quick introduction Allison and Andrew bade Heather good-bye. Andrew lingered a moment more to point Allison in the right direction.
“Relax, Allison,” he said reassuringly. “You’re going to do just fine. Besides, you look like a million bucks!” Then he winked and strolled off down the hall.
Allison took a deep breath, then smiled to herself. Everything was going to be okay.
“Hi there, Allison,” called a familiar voice.
“Hi, Shirley,” Allison answered almost without looking. “This must be our English class.”
“Yep.” Shirley peered over Allison’s shoulder. “Was that Andrew Amberwell? Did he actually walk you to class?”
Allison felt her cheeks grow warm. “No, he was just showing me where it was.”
“Oh good,” said Shirley. She sounded relieved.
Allison liked the English teacher. Her name was Mrs. Jones, and she seemed to enjoy her work. She reminded Allison of the sweet woman she had met on the train last summer, the one who had introduced her to Emily Dickinson. Maybe she would show Mrs. Jones the signed book about Emily Dickinson’s life later in the year.
After Mrs. Jones explained the class’s writing assignment, she gave them twenty minutes to prepare an outline. Allison launched right into it. Writing was her strong suit. It didn’t seem to matter that she had missed the first two weeks of school. This assignment was something she could do.
“Allison,” Shirley whispered, poking Allison with a pencil and completely disrupting her train of thought.
“What?” she asked, looking up from her paper in irritation.
“You’re not actually doing the assignment, are you?”
“Of course I am. Why not?”
“Well, it’s your first day. No one expects you to.”
“But I want to do it. I like to write.”
Shirley looked at Allison as if she had two heads, then changed the subject. “Are you going to the football game tonight?”
Mrs. Jones was walking toward them now, clearing her throat. Allison immediately turned back around and focused on her paper. Mrs. Jones paused briefly by Allison’s desk. She felt her cheeks grow hot. How awful to be caught whispering on her very first day, and all thanks to Shirley Jenson!
“Allison,” said Mrs. Jones quietly. “Stop by my desk when class is over.”
Allison looked up with wide eyes and nodded without speaking. She turned her attention back to her paper and tried to continue writing, but it was too late. She couldn’t even remember what it was she had been trying to write. And to think she had every class with Shirley!
At last the bell rang, and the classroom emptied quickly. Allison walked up to Mrs. Jones’ desk. She squared her shoulders and swallowed hard. “You wanted to see me?” she asked in a tiny voice.
Mrs. Jones smiled. “Yes, I just wanted to welcome you and to see if there is anything I can do for you.”
Allison blinked in surprise. “No, I don’t think so. You see, English is my favorite subject. I’m sorry I was talking, actually I was listening—”
“I know, Allison. But I should warn you, I don’t put up with chitchat in the classroom. It’s one of my little peeves. You may want to try to sit in another seat tomorrow.”
Allison nodded. “Sure, Mrs. Jones. That’s a very good idea.”
Now Mrs. Jones’ eyes twinkled as if they understood each other. “Good. Now, you better hurry or you’ll be late for second period.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Jones.”
Allison found her way to her next class just as the tardy bell rang. It was biology. She slipped into an empty seat in the back. Thankfully, it was not near Shirley.
The biology teacher looked to be about a hundred years old, and he spoke in a slow lecture mode the entire time. Allison tried to concentrate and take notes, but she found herself more interested in observing her classmates. It was nice sitting in the back because it allowed her to freely stare at everyone in front of her. Judging by the way some of them slumped in their chairs, she suspected they were less interested than she in the slow-moving lecture. The bell rang after what felt like several years, and Allison slipped quickly from the class before Shirley could catch her.
Somehow Allison managed to get through her third-period class without actually speaking with Shirley. The history teacher had assigned seating, and Allison was given a desk near the door, making another quick getaway opportunity. Finally it was fourth period. Now, if only she could find Heather—
“Allison!” Shirley’s high-pitched voice echoed through the hallway. She ran up from behind and hooked her arm into Allison’s. “It almost looked like you were trying to get away from me. You weren’t, were you?”
“Uh . . .” Allison paused, thinking of a way to answer Shirley without lying. “I was just looking for Heather.”
“You’ll see her soon enough. We have the next class with her. Now, just let me show you the way. And did I mention how cute you look today, Allison? Just like a real schoolgirl.”
Allison didn’t like Shirley’s tone, but she refused to let it get to her. She glanced at Shirley’s outfit as they navigated their way down the busy hallway. Another straight pencil skirt, this time in black wool. It was topped with a gold sweater that actually made Shirley’s face look a bit sallow. Naturally, Allison didn’t mention to fashion-minded Shirley that gold might not be her best color. Something about the black and gold seemed familiar. Then she remembered Andrew’s jacket, as well as several banners she had noticed in the hallway.
“Shirley, are black and gold the school’s colors?” she asked.
Shirley nodded. “Yes, I like to wear these colors on game days to show my support for the football team.”
“That’s nice. Sort of like a cheerleader?”
“Sort of.” Shirley’s voice sounded slightly bitter. She threw her head back. “They had cheerleader tryouts during the first week of school. Of course, I didn’t have a chance—being the new girl and all. But I’m sure I’ll be a cheerleader next year.”
Allison’s brow lifted. “How can you be so certain?”
“I usually get what I put my mind to,” Shirley said with a laugh. “Here we are. Home economics, where we learn how to become proper little homemakers. Just wait until you see this teacher, Allison.”
Allison looked across the room. The tables were arranged in a U, and in the far corner sat Heather and Caroline. An empty seat was next to Heather, and Allison started to make her way toward it.
&nb
sp; “Wait for me,” called Shirley.
“I want to sit with Heather,” Allison said. “I’ve barely seen her today. But there’s a seat next to Caroline if you want to take it.”
“Ugh, I wouldn’t sit by that pig if you paid me,” Shirley whispered harshly.
Allison quickly glanced at Caroline to see if she had overheard, but Caroline’s face appeared blank. Allison turned and frowned at Shirley, but Shirley just giggled.
“Meet me after class,” Shirley commanded with a smile as she took a seat on the other side of the room. “We’ll have lunch together.”
The bell rang before Allison could answer, and she slipped into the seat next to Heather, whispering a quick hello.
“Good morning, ladies,” said a woman at the front of the class. She wore a dress that resembled a giant calico flour sack, cinched around her thick waist with a wide orange belt. It was obviously homemade, but not in the neatly tailored way that Grace made clothing. How could this woman possibly teach anyone home economics?
“We have a new student joining our class,” chirped the teacher as she glanced at a card in her hand. “Miss Allison O’Brian? Will you please stand up?”
This was the first time today a teacher had made her stand up. Allison felt her cheeks grow warm, but she scooted back her chair and stood. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Welcome, Allison. I’m Miss Wrigley, and I hope you’ll be happy here at Port View High.”
“Thank you,” said Allison quietly. She sat back down, and Miss Wrigley moved on to a colored flip chart to review the food groups and the basics of menu planning.
“Remember, ladies, all of your menu plans are due next Tuesday. Then we will all go on our grocery shopping trip on Thursday.” She said it as if shopping for groceries was more exciting than skydiving.
Allison glanced at Heather, but it was hard to read her expression. Caroline, on the other hand, seemed to be quite interested. Across the room Shirley yawned dramatically.
This time when the bell rang it was time for lunch, which was good since Allison was ravenous. It seemed like ages since she had consumed that tiny breakfast.
“Do you want to eat lunch with Caroline and me?” Heather asked.
Before Allison could open her mouth, Shirley began to speak. “Allison is going to eat lunch with me, aren’t you, Allison?”
“Actually, I was hoping to join Heather.”
Shirley’s face grew cloudy. “But I already asked you—”
“Maybe we can all eat together,” Heather offered sweetly.
Shirley studied Heather and Caroline with a look of disdain, then rolled her eyes. “Maybe some other time.”
Allison wanted to cheer as Shirley walked away. “Which way to the cafeteria?” she asked. “I’m starved.”
“I’ll show you,” offered Caroline with a shy smile.
When they were settled at a table with their trays of food, Allison looked around her contentedly. This was much better than eating in the stuffy dining hall at Oakmont. Just as she took a big bite of macaroni salad, Andrew walked up and asked to join them. She grinned up at him with a full mouth.
“Sure, have a seat,” Heather said. “If you’re sure you want to be seen with lowly freshmen.”
“Thanks, sis. I don’t think it’ll hurt just this once.” He sat down across from Allison. “So how’s it going, Allison?”
“All right, I guess. Everyone is pretty nice, and I think I’m starting to know my way around.” She glanced over at Caroline, who was staring at Andrew with buggy eyes.
“That’s great. See . . . I told you it would be fine.” Andrew took a bite of his sandwich.
“As usual, you were right—well, mostly . . . Allison noticed that Shirley was quickly heading toward their table. She had another girl with her—a pretty blonde who was also dressed in school colors.
“Mostly?” Andrew repeated.
Allison pressed her lips together and nodded.
“Hi, Allison,” Shirley crooned sweetly. “I want you to meet someone.” She stopped and looked at Andrew as if she hadn’t noticed him sitting there. “Well, hello, Andrew! What are you doing sitting with a bunch of freshmen?”
“Hi, Shirley,” Andrew said politely. “As you may remember, one of these freshmen happens to be my sister. And, of course, Allison is my good buddy.”
Allison beamed proudly.
“Speaking of freshman, that applies to you, too, doesn’t it, Shirley?”
“Oh, I know, Andrew,” gushed Shirley, slapping him on the back. “You know me, I just like to give you a hard time. So are you all ready for the big game tonight?”
“I guess so.” Andrew glanced over at the girl behind Shirley. “I thought you had someone to introduce to Allison.”
“Oh, silly me,” said Shirley, pulling the girl forward yet still ignoring Allison completely. “You already know Karen Brown, don’t you, Andrew?”
“Sure, I see her with the other cheerleaders at every game. How’s it going, Karen?”
“Just fine, Andrew. Shirley wanted me to meet her new friend.” Karen looked down at Allison and smiled as if she really did want to meet her.
“Yes, this is Allison O’Brian,” said Shirley quickly. “And I suppose you’ve already met Heather Amberwell—she’s Andrew’s sister, of course.”
Heather smiled politely up toward them. “Actually, we haven’t, but it’s nice to meet you, Karen.”
“Hi, Heather. I sure love the way you and Andrew talk—the English accent and all.” Karen turned her gaze back to Allison and smiled. “How do you like Port View High?”
“So far I like it just fine, thanks,” Allison replied honestly, then suddenly realized that poor Caroline was being completely ignored. “And perhaps you’ve also met Caroline,” she said. “Being new and all, I wouldn’t know.”
Karen nodded toward Caroline, who was looking up hopefully. “Yes, I think I’ve seen you around, Caroline.” Then Karen looked to Shirley as if she were ready to move on now.
But Shirley didn’t budge. “Karen is a freshman, too, Allison. She’s the only freshman to make it on the cheerleading squad.”
“Yes,” said Karen. “I was pretty lucky.”
“So are you all going to the game tonight?” asked Shirley.
“You bet,” said Allison. “I’ve never seen Andrew play before.” She grinned over at him. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”
“We’re playing a pretty tough team tonight,” Andrew said grimly. “So far, they’re undefeated. I hope you won’t be disappointed.”
“Of course she won’t be disappointed,” Karen injected. “Anyone who’s seen you play wouldn’t be disappointed, Andrew.”
Andrew looked up at Karen. “Thanks.”
Karen laid a hand on his shoulder. “And in case I forget,” she said in a low voice, “good luck tonight, Andrew. I’ll be cheering especially for you.”
Allison stared up at Karen, seeing her with new eyes. Karen was very pretty. In fact, she almost seemed to sparkle with prettiness. She reminded Allison of the Blue Fairy in Pinnocchio. Her blond hair glistened like spun gold, and her eyes were a bright, shining blue. Even her teeth seemed to shine, white and straight, as she smiled down on Andrew. And he smiled back.
“See you all later,” said Karen. Then she turned and walked away, her pleated cheerleader skirt swinging jauntily from side to side. Allison saw Andrew’s eyes follow Karen across the cafeteria where she joined her other cheerleader friends. Suddenly, Allison’s world seemed to grow dark and cloudy.
Shirley remained by their table with a slightly puzzled expression, also watching Karen as if she didn’t quite know what to think. Allison wondered if Shirley had been working on some little plan that had somehow backfired.
“Allison, are you ready to go to gym class?” Shirley asked bluntly.
Allison glanced at her empty plate, then at her watch. “Is it time?”
“Yep,” said Andrew, standing. “See you girls later.”
Allison dumped her tray with the others, then allowed Shirley to lead her toward the gymnasium and dressing rooms. She stopped by her locker to pick up her gym clothes, and for a pleasant change, Shirley remained quiet. When they reached the dressing room, Shirley finally spoke.
“I think Karen likes Andrew.”
Allison nodded glumly. “It seemed that way.”
Shirley looked at Allison with renewed interest. “Does that bother you?”
Allison studied Shirley, not liking the curious gleam in her eye. “Of course not. Karen seems like a very nice girl. And she sure is pretty.”
“She is, isn’t she?” Shirley’s voice cheered up. “I want to get to know her. I thought it might not hurt my chances for being a cheerleader next year. She wanted to meet you guys, and I told her I knew you. I guess she mostly wanted to meet Andrew.” Shirley frowned for a moment. “But that’s okay. I can still be her friend.”
Allison bit her lip. Better to keep her mouth shut. If Shirley wanted to buddy up to Karen in order to gain prestige, that was Shirley’s problem. Allison had known girls like that in boarding school—girls who thought it wasn’t what you knew but who you knew. Some would stoop pretty low just to get in with the “right” crowd, but in the end they usually paid for it in one way or another. She had also seen Marsha play this way, and it was a game Allison refused to participate in. Friends were not something you used. Friends were for keeps.
Allison liked P.E., and the teacher was young and energetic. While they played soccer, Allison tried to keep a distance between herself and Shirley. It seemed that all Shirley wanted to do was complain, and Allison wanted to play, and play hard. It was a good way to keep from thinking about Andrew.
Unfortunately, Karen was also in P.E. with them, and she was playing on the opposite team. Like Allison, she played competitively. Several times she and Allison went head to head, scrambling for the ball. Under different circumstances Allison would have admired Karen, maybe even sought her out as a friend. But not today. Today Karen was the enemy, and Allison played as if her life depended on it, kicking the ball with every ounce of strength. Finally the teacher blew her whistle and told the girls it was time to shower and get dressed.
Allison O'Brian on Her Own, Volume 2 Page 5