Torn Souls

by Cattabriga, crystal

  I noticed when he laughed his mouth was a little crooked. I didn’t find it weird though, instead I found it rather cute. He reminded me of the actor Gerald Butler, but only because of his mouth. Looking at him from head to toe, he was just some average guy that seemed really cool.

  “Sorry for laughing at what you said. I wasn’t trying to be rude or anything,” he said sounding really sympathetic.

  “Oh, no, I didn’t think anything bad. In fact, I know I sounded like an idiot, so you had every right to laugh, I would have,” I said reassuring him that it was fine.

  “By the way, I’m Alex.”

  “I’m, Julia, Julia Stone all the way from Ohio,” I said sounding even more like an idiot. Good Lord, what was wrong with me. If I keep this up he’d probably run from me.

  “Well, Julia, all the way from Ohio, whose class was you heading to?”

  “Mr. Walkers, room 211. Can you point me in the right direction, Alex?”

  “I sure can, but how about I just walk with you,” he suggested.

  While we walked down the hall, I asked him what classes he had. Of course, we had none together. He did however say if I wanted to meet him at his locker for lunch, I could sit with him so I wouldn’t be alone. I was so glad he offered. My second period class seemed to by go so slow and there was nothing I wanted more than to hide under my desk. Mr. Walker had me get up in front of the class and introduce myself.

  “Welcome, Julia. Class this is Julia, and she’ll be joining us. Why don’t you stand here and tell us, where you’re originally from and why you moved to New York,” he said sounding like my story was going to be fascinating.

  I wanted to run out of the class. It was bad enough that I was starting in the middle of a school year, but to have me stand in front of all the students and talk was humiliating. I already hated Mr. Walker. Staring out into the class, I could tell by the look on everyone’s face that they could care less what I had to say. At one point, I heard some girls that were sitting in the front sigh heavily as to say “Really? We could care less, Mr. Walker.”

  I was thrilled when the bell rang. Instead of rushing out of the room though, I waited until everyone was out. There was no way I want to fall or be pushed again. After surviving my third period class it was time for lunch. Alex was just putting his books in his locker when I met up with him.

  “Wow, you’re fast. You already went to your locker,” he asked.

  “Crap, I forgot to ask Ms. Crane for a lock. I think somewhere on one of my papers it has the locker number,” I said sounding more like an idiot.

  “No problem, we’ll swing by there when we finish eating lunch,” Alex said as he pointed in the direction of the cafeteria.

  During lunch Alex didn’t pry too much into my personal life which was nice. Instead we talked about things we liked. We both enjoyed pretty much the same kind of music and neither one of us liked watching sport or playing them. While getting to know a little bit about Alex, I realized that he was pretty cool and uniquely different than most guys I knew.

  Once Alex and I finished our lunch we headed over to Ms. Crane’s office so I could get myself a lock. The bell was going to ring any minute and I didn’t need to be late for my next class. Just as I was about to thank Alex for going with me to get a lock he turned toward me and grabbed my hand. I wasn’t sure what he wanted with my hand, so without thinking, I pulled it from him.

  “What are you doing?” I asked sounding a little freaked out.

  “Julia, I was just going to write my number on your hand in case later on tonight you wanted to give me a call, that’s all I swear,” he said sounding really sincere and a little embarrassed.

  God, I felt like a complete idiot. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t know what to say. Instead, I just stuck my hand out and smiled a little.

  As we parted ways in the opposite direction, Alex turned back looking over his shoulder and said while biting the inside of his lip, “I probably won’t see you until tomorrow, Julia, so maybe you’ll call me?”

  Before I had the chance to answer him, the bell rang and he said, “Sorry, got to go. Don’t want to be late for class.”

  “Crap, class,” I said to myself as I ran down the hall, making it just in the nick of time. Chemistry was the last class I had before school was over. I was seated with a girl who kept staring at me like I had come from a different planet. The teacher had called on her to answer a question, so I knew her name was Bridget and for some reason I was getting a vibe like she didn’t like me.

  Not sure of what reason she’d have not to like me. I just tried not paying much attention to her. However, she was still making me feel uncomfortable and I couldn’t wait for the bell to ring. As soon as the class ended, I hurried out this time and I didn’t have to worry about being pushed out of the way because my seat was actually closest to the door. After putting the books I didn’t need into my locker, I headed outside to wait for my dad.

  I noticed a lot of kids getting in their own cars and driving off. I couldn’t wait to have my own car. It’d be so nice not having to ride a bus or wait for one of my parents to show up. Pacing back and forth, I waited for Dad, but he hadn’t shown up yet, so I decided to go sit on the bench that was on the side of the school. While waiting patiently, I felt my phone go off in my pocket.

  Answering it, I said, “Dad, where are you? I’ve been waiting outside the school now for over ten minutes. Please don’t tell me you forgot to pick me up?” I was actually a bit panicked. Plus, the thought of having to wait any longer was going to drive me nuts.

  “No, I didn’t forget, Julia. It’s just that I’m stuck in traffic. I’ll be there as fast as I can.”

  Not knowing how long Dad was going to be, I pulled out a homework worksheet I was given in Spanish class and decided to do it while I waited. A few minutes had gone by and Dad was still not here, but standing in the distance was that girl, Bridget. She had noticed me while she was standing with two girls. I could see her pointing me out to the others girls while laughing. I couldn’t figure out what her deal was, but I was definitely staying far away from her.

  I was so absorbed in my own thoughts of avoiding Bridget and her friends that I didn’t even notice that my dad had pulled up until I heard him yelling out from the car window, “Julia!” Boy, I swear my dad can be a little embarrassing sometimes. Why couldn’t he just honk the horn like normal parents? Trying to hurry, I put my homework away and rushed over to the car. Once I was in, I slid down in my seat so no one could see me as we drove off.

  “Sorry, I was late, Julia.”

  “It’s fine. I mean you didn’t know you’d get stuck in traffic. Is Mom home?” I asked.

  “Yes, she’s preparing dinner as we speak. I don’t know about you, kid, but I’m starving. By the way, I forgot to ask you, how was your first day?”

  “It was alright. I was late for my first class. I did however make a friend,” I said with a little smile on my face.

  “I’m glad to hear that. What’s her name?” Dad asked automatically assuming it was a girl.

  “Let’s wait until we get home for me to finish telling you about my day. This way Mom won’t miss out and then I won’t have to repeat it,” I suggested.

  Dad wasn’t lying when he said he was stuck in traffic. It took us longer getting home than it did going to school this morning. Once we were home, Dad pulled out his phone and headed for the bedroom. That reminded me to call Alex, but I knew Mom would make me tell her all about my day first. Before heading to the kitchen to greet Mom, I went in my room to kick off my shoes and toss my backpack on my bed.

  “Hey, Julia, how was your first day? Tell me everything,” Mom said as she pulled out rolls from the oven.

  “It was fine,” I said already knowing what she’d say next.

  “Just fine, that’s it? Come on, tell me. Did you make any friends? Do you like your teachers?” She asked being very inquisitive.

  “Well, I did meet a boy,” I mumbled under my brea
th.

  “A boy? Wait! Don’t tell me anymore until we’re sitting down.” I can’t remember the last time I saw Mom this excited.

  “Okay, then I’m going to go finish the rest of my homework in my room. Can you call me when dinner’s ready?” I asked.

  “Sure, honey,” she said smiling from ear to ear.

  Once my bedroom door was shut behind me, I pulled my phone from my pocket and laid across the bed. Staring at my hand where Alex had written his number, I noticed one of the numbers was missing. Stupid, stupid sweaty hand, I kept saying to myself. Now, there was no way I could call him. Getting aggravated, I jumped up from my bed and stormed out of my room. Plopping down on the couch, I folded my arms and sighed really loud.

  Mom turned toward me from the kitchen and said, “What’s the matter, Julia?”

  “Ugh, it’s nothing. Is dinner almost done?” I was definitely trying to change the subject.

  “Yes, just putting the finishing touches on,” she said as she smiled.

  As I was hanging over the arm of the couch, Dad came in the room and sat beside me. As he rubbed my back with his hand, he said, “Life gets better, Julia.” I thought it was a nice gesture that Dad didn’t even know what was wrong with me, but he still took the time to console me. I was taking it all in and loving every minute of my dad’s company until he said, “Julia, you didn’t happen to see where the remote went, did you?”

  Lifting my head up, I turned toward my dad and said, “Really, the remote! And here I thought you just wanted to hang out with me on the couch. Huh, I should have known.”

  It only took a complete millisecond for me to realize that I should’ve shut my mouth, but it was too late. The words had escaped without warning. I waited for him to tell me to go to my room and think about how I had just talked to him, but he didn’t. Instead he said, “Julia, you’re right. I don’t spend enough time with you and I’m sorry.”

  “All right you two come and eat,” Mom said while waving her hand toward the dinner table.

  I didn’t know what had gotten into me. Maybe it was the fact that I couldn’t call Alex or maybe it was just that I was tired and hungry. In any case, I knew I needed to apologize to Dad. Everything looked and smelled delicious. I was happy about one thing. Dad had put the kitchen table together, so we no longer had to sit at the island in the breakfast nook if we didn’t want to. I think it should only be used for breakfast. I was pretty sure that’s why they call it that.

  “So, Julia,” Mom said while scooping mashed potatoes onto her plate, “tell me about this boy.”

  Before I could say anything, I saw my dad’s face turn beet red. I wasn’t sure why. “Julia, what is your mom talking about?” Dad asked very seriously.

  As I opened my mouth trying to find the right words to say to Dad, Mom interjected. “Oh, honey, relax. So, Julia met a boy. It’s not like she came home telling us she’s knocked up or she ran away and got married,” Mom said which didn’t seem to make Dad less red in the face. If anything, Dad was probably now thinking of a way to confine me to the house for good. I knew my dad was protective, but geez, really?

  “Dad, it’s not like that. I mean, come on. I just met him,” I said.

  “Then what is it like? Explain it to me,” Dad commanded like I was on trial for a horrible crime.

  In some ways I wanted to laugh, but knew he’d only get more upset. So, while I sat and ate, or at least tried to, I told my parents exactly what happened at school and how Alex saved me. Thank God, after hearing the whole story Dad’s face was a normal color again. I did tell him, that Alex had given me his phone number just in case I needed help with my homework. I also told him because Alex had written it on my hand it had wiped off before I could store it in my phone.

  “Why would he write it on your hand? Doesn’t this boy know you could get ink poisoning?” Dad asked.

  “Dad, don’t be ridiculous. I wouldn’t get ink poisoning. It’s not like I make it a habit to write all over myself or let others.” I was laughing at him for saying such a crazy thing.

  He didn’t say anything after my little remark mainly because my mom was laughing as well.

  Chapter Eleven

  After dinner I helped Mom clean up the kitchen and then decided to go relax in the tub. I thought about reading a book while I was relaxing, but instead I figured I’d just close my eyes and drift away. The water started to get cold after being in there for a half an hour. I knew it was still early and had nothing better to do, so I added more hot water and stayed in.

  I was so comfortable, that I had dozed off only to wake when I sunk under, swallowing water and chocking. Trying to breathe as I coughed, I heard banging on the bathroom door and my mom yelling ,“Julia, are you all right? Julia, answer me!”

  Catching my breath, I answered, “Yes, I’m okay, just dozed off.” I knew that was the wrong thing to say to her. Now she was either not going to let me use the tub anymore or she’d only allow me to fill it so high like I was a child. After climbing out, I rinsed off in the shower and got dressed. I feared she’d be on the other side of the door when I opened it, and I was right.

  “Are you all right, Julia? You scared me to death,” Mom said as she touched my face.

  “Yes, I’m fine. I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to scare you,” I said feeling bad that her hands were trembling.

  After Mom made sure I was okay, I headed into my bedroom. I was going to watch some TV, but I knew I’d only be thinking about not being able to call Alex, so I just went to sleep. The next morning I woke up before my alarm clock went off. It was only five and I didn’t really have to get out of bed for another hour. I tried going back to sleep, but I couldn’t so I climbed out of bed and headed to the kitchen where I found my mom, of course, making breakfast.

  “Good morning, Julia,” Mom said. “I made strawberry crepes. How many would you like?” She asked in such a cheery mood that it made me want to die. I mean really, who’s that cheery in the morning? I thought.

  “Don’t be mad, but I’m not that hungry. I’ll just grab a yogurt.”

  “That’s fine, that just means there’s more for your dad and you know how he loves these.”

  I took my yogurt in the living room and turned on the TV. Flipping through the channels, I stopped at a show called Tabatha Takes Over. It seemed interesting, so I kept watching. Just as I was getting into it, Mom said it was time to get to school. Part of me was excited to be going and another part of me wasn’t. I couldn’t wait to see Alex. I wanted to explain to him why I didn’t call, but I was dreading my chemistry class. There was something about that girl, Bridget, which scared me. Maybe I was just being paranoid. In any case, I’d try to make the best of it.

  Once in school, I caught up with Alex by his locker. I explained to him about my hand being sweaty and smearing one of the numbers off. After hearing what I said, I wanted to crawl in a hole. I couldn’t believe I’d said sweaty. I thought he was going to laugh at me, but instead he said, “It’s fine. Do you have you have your phone with you?”

  “Yes, but what if I get caught? Won’t it get taken away?”

  Laughing, Alex replied, “No, but that’s funny. Who would take it from you, the phone police?”

  “Hey, quit laughing at me. I don’t know the rules here,” I said shoving him a little.

  “The only way a teacher or a staff member would take it from you is if you were using during class,” Alex said smiling.

  After handing over my phone to Alex, he punched in his number and handed it back to me saying, “Now, the only way you’ll lose my number again is if you lose your phone, so please don’t.”

  Looking at my phone, I realize we had three minutes before the bell rang, so I told Alex I’d meet him for lunch at his locker like I did yesterday. Hurrying to my locker to put my books away, I ran smack into that girl. Yes, Bridget. Immediately, I apologized, but she didn’t seem to care. Instead, she shoved me and said, “Seriously, next time watch where you’re going!” and then walk
ed away.

  During lunch I didn’t say anything to Alex about what happened with Bridget. I didn’t want to spoil the little time we had together. He was a pretty fun guy who kept me laughing and I enjoyed his company. At one point though, I had asked him if I was the only person he hung out with seeing as I had never heard him or seen him talking to anyone else. If so, I couldn’t imagine why. I would think with his personality he’d have lots of friends.

  “I have some acquaintances, but I wouldn’t call them my friends. I’ve always seemed to stay to myself. That is until you came along,” he said smiling.

  I was sure hoping he wasn’t getting the wrong impression. I mean, he’s cute and all, but really not my type. Plus, my dad would chase him out of the country. I was now down to my last class, and I really didn’t want to go, but I sucked it up and dealt with it. Surprisingly, Bridget didn’t stare at me or say anything to me while in class. It wasn’t until I was at my locker that I heard Bridget saying to a couple of girls that were standing around her, “She’s so pathetic.”