Hiding In the Open
Chapter 9: Changing
-::Mickey's POV::-
"The limo?" I asked.
"The limo." he nodded. And so we ran off...
... I know what you're thinking. I can't tell him I love him but I can... you know. But we didn't. We
just made out. The next day I felt awful. How can someone like me not be in love with him, but
make out with him? I don't do that. That wasn't me. I grew up on morals that I have to love the
man before I lust him and I mean even kissing. I was changing. I could feel it and I didn't like it.
He was too. But he was going down a different path. It was over time, but I could see he was
getting... protective. Borderline overprotective. I just thought it was cute. But then one beautiful
summer day in June, right after school got out, it hit me. He was going to be a senior. He was
leaving in a year. So I attributed that to the fact of his... protectiveness. But there was that stupid
gut intuition feeling again... deep down, I knew something was up. I just didn't want to admit it.
Who would?
-::Bret's POV::-
I couldn't let her out of my sight. I don't know why. If we weren't together, I'd call and text her to
make sure of where she was and what she was doing. She was special to me and I didn't want her
to be with any other guys. If she was with Ash, I felt a bit better. I wouldn't call or text as often.
But I still did. One day she wouldn't text me back. I got so worried. So I called her house.
"Hello?" she answered the phone.
"Mickey, oh thank god." I said.
"Oh hey Bret! What's wrong?" she asked innocently.
"What's wrong?" I asked shocked. "You haven't called me, you haven't answered any of my texts.
I've been worried sick."
"Oh, hun, I'm so sorry!" she said. "My phone was off 'cause I was out with my parents and I forgot
to turn it back on."
"Really?" I asked, wanting to believe it, but for some reason, not.
"I swear." she promised.
"Alright." I said, easing up. "So how was your day... with you parents?"
"It was good." she answered. "We went out to breakfast then we went shopping for a new
dishwasher. The one we had broke because someone stuck a fork in it and it got caught. Well
it actually broke because someone try to yank it out and said "Oh I can fix that." How about
NOT!" she said emphasizing each "someone" as if they were in the same room and putting on a
dumb voice for "Oh I can fix that". Then she added "Gosh my dad can be so clueless."
"Hey I heard that!" said a male voice in the background that definitely belonged to her father. She
giggled. That giggle just washed the rest of my tension away.
"Sound like fun." I said laughing softly along with her.
"Oh yeah. Tons." she answered sarcastically. "So what's up with you? Well, other than worrying
about me."
"Oh nothing." I replied. "Just went out to the field to practice throwing..."
"So basically you were just worrying about me." she said. I love how she knows I really throw to
think unless I'm at practice or if I have a big game. It was summer. No games and no practice until
August.
"Yeah, pretty much." I said.
"I'm sorry, really. Please don't be mad." she begged.
"I'm not mad, I'm not mad." I assured her. And I wasn't... totally.
"Well, how about I make it up to you?" she said.
"How?" I asked.
"Well, part of it would be a date night." she said.
"And the other part?" I asked, intrigued.
"Well that would be a surprise." she said.
"Oooo, I like surprises!" I said.
"Hmmm, I think you'll love this one." she said mysteriously, but as if she was dropping a hint.
"I can't wait. So when?" I asked.
"You doing anything tonight?" she asked.
"Nope." I said.
"Then tonight." she said. "I'll call and get reservations. Hopefully I can this late in the day."
"Great. What time?" I asked.
"6:30 reservation for 7:00." she suggested.
"Sounds perfect." I said. "Wait what should I wear?"
"Oh a nice shirt, tie, slacks and a blazer would be appropriate." she said.
"Cool. So I'll see you at 6:30 when I pick you up?" I asked to clerify.
"Yep." she confirmed.
"Great, see you then." I said.
"Yeah." she answered dreamily, obviously day dreaming about how our date will go. "I promise
it'll be a night neither of us will forget." Then she hung up.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Chapter Eight Part Two! - Dancing Queen
Hiding In the Open
Part One: the Beginning
Chapter Eight Part Two: Dancing Queen
-::Mickey's POV::-
I had a grand entrance. Me! It was truly amazing. Jeanie and Jake went first, followed by Will and
Asheigh. After them it was Bret and I. The place was amazing. It was a mansion. The decorations
were fantastic. The theme was "Enchanted Rose Gardens" There was a dance floor inside and one
outside too. Also outside were the rose gardens.
"Whoa, the school sure pulled out all the stops." I said.
"Yeah, thankfully the head of the comittee has a filthy rich dad who owns this place." he said.
"Who?" I asked.
"Sierra." Bret answered nonchalantly.
"Of course." I said. "So, now what?"
"We dance." Bret smiled. My eyes widened. "What?" he asked. "It's Prom. There's dancing." I shook my
head. "Come on, sweetheart. Don't worry. I'll lead."
He took my hand and I instinctly followed him to the dance floor. We started slowly, then I started
to get into it and rock out. Then Jeanie, Jake, Ash and Will joined us. After a while it was slow
dance time. I cuddled close to Bret, my hands in his. The smell of his colone, the beat of his heart,
the thump of the bass... I was in heaven. But deep in my gut, I felt something was wrong, really,
really wrong. But I pushed it away. I wanted to enjoy the dance and not have it ruined by any
stupid women's intuition. Unfortunately, it did almost did.
-::Bret's POV::-
The night was going... ok. She was a bit quiet. I took her outside to one of the rose gardens. I
turned my back for a second, to take a breath.
"Bret?" she asked.
"Yes?" I answered, stilled faced the other way.
"Don't tell me you're going to be cheesy and tell me you love me." I whipped around.
"How'd yo-"
"Don't say it." she said, or more like pleaded.
"OK, I won't." I said.
"Good." she said looking relieved.
"But I do." I whispered.
"No! I said, not to Bret!" she said frusterated.
"I didn't." I said defensively.
"It was implied." she said crossing her arms.
"What's so wrong about me loving you?" I asked.
"Because, we're kids!" she said. "We're not old enough to know what real love is."
"But... Ash told me you told her you are in love with me." I said.
"Yeah, well I told her that when I thought I was. I just realized like two and a half hours ago I'm
not." she said. My heart sank. "Look, don't take this the wrong way. I still like, like you. I'm just not
ready for love."
"I can deal with that." I said. "I respect that. You're not ready, so no pressure."
"Thank you." she said.
"You know," I smirked. "You're way, too mature for your age." She smiled.
"I get that a lot." she answered.
"Wann go back inside?" I asked.
"Not until after this." she came over too me and wrapped her arms around me and kissed me. It
was so passionate I almost fell over. I guess it was her way of thanking me. I pulled away.
"I wasn't done!" she said.
"Well then why don't we take this else where?" I asked.
"The limo?" she asked.
"The limo." I nodded. And so we ran off...
Part One: the Beginning
Chapter Eight Part Two: Dancing Queen
-::Mickey's POV::-
I had a grand entrance. Me! It was truly amazing. Jeanie and Jake went first, followed by Will and
Asheigh. After them it was Bret and I. The place was amazing. It was a mansion. The decorations
were fantastic. The theme was "Enchanted Rose Gardens" There was a dance floor inside and one
outside too. Also outside were the rose gardens.
"Whoa, the school sure pulled out all the stops." I said.
"Yeah, thankfully the head of the comittee has a filthy rich dad who owns this place." he said.
"Who?" I asked.
"Sierra." Bret answered nonchalantly.
"Of course." I said. "So, now what?"
"We dance." Bret smiled. My eyes widened. "What?" he asked. "It's Prom. There's dancing." I shook my
head. "Come on, sweetheart. Don't worry. I'll lead."
He took my hand and I instinctly followed him to the dance floor. We started slowly, then I started
to get into it and rock out. Then Jeanie, Jake, Ash and Will joined us. After a while it was slow
dance time. I cuddled close to Bret, my hands in his. The smell of his colone, the beat of his heart,
the thump of the bass... I was in heaven. But deep in my gut, I felt something was wrong, really,
really wrong. But I pushed it away. I wanted to enjoy the dance and not have it ruined by any
stupid women's intuition. Unfortunately, it did almost did.
-::Bret's POV::-
The night was going... ok. She was a bit quiet. I took her outside to one of the rose gardens. I
turned my back for a second, to take a breath.
"Bret?" she asked.
"Yes?" I answered, stilled faced the other way.
"Don't tell me you're going to be cheesy and tell me you love me." I whipped around.
"How'd yo-"
"Don't say it." she said, or more like pleaded.
"OK, I won't." I said.
"Good." she said looking relieved.
"But I do." I whispered.
"No! I said, not to Bret!" she said frusterated.
"I didn't." I said defensively.
"It was implied." she said crossing her arms.
"What's so wrong about me loving you?" I asked.
"Because, we're kids!" she said. "We're not old enough to know what real love is."
"But... Ash told me you told her you are in love with me." I said.
"Yeah, well I told her that when I thought I was. I just realized like two and a half hours ago I'm
not." she said. My heart sank. "Look, don't take this the wrong way. I still like, like you. I'm just not
ready for love."
"I can deal with that." I said. "I respect that. You're not ready, so no pressure."
"Thank you." she said.
"You know," I smirked. "You're way, too mature for your age." She smiled.
"I get that a lot." she answered.
"Wann go back inside?" I asked.
"Not until after this." she came over too me and wrapped her arms around me and kissed me. It
was so passionate I almost fell over. I guess it was her way of thanking me. I pulled away.
"I wasn't done!" she said.
"Well then why don't we take this else where?" I asked.
"The limo?" she asked.
"The limo." I nodded. And so we ran off...
Chapter Eight Part One! - Dancing Queen
Hiding In the Open
Part One: The Beginning
Chapter 8 Part One: Dancing Queen
-::Mickey's POV::-
How did it happen? I have no idea. One day I'm a klutzy freshman the next I'm Prom Queen. Yes, I
said it. I won Junior Prom Queen as a freshman. Bret won King of course. I realized, if I'm still with
Bret next year, I will go to Prom every year of high school! But let me back up and tell you the
story of my first prom night.
--------------------------------
I woke up extra early and I was too excited to do anything. The anticipation of the night to come
was killing me. So I decided to write. No, not an article. A song. You see I'm actually very musical. I
sing, play piano and I've taught myself guitar. But the thing I do most is write lyrics. But this time I
combined all four in one song.
Great and Grand
V1: I've always been one for romance.
And this boy's got me in a trance.
Since I met him, I can't sleep at night.
He just makes, the world all right.
I see him walking down the hall.
Oh to me I know he's got it all.
And now I can, hold him close.
That's the one thing, I love the most.
Chorus: Oh isn't it great when your dreams come true?
Isn't it great to hear "I like you too?"
Isn't it grand when he kisses you in the moonlight?
Isn't it grand when he talks with you 'til midnight?
Isn't it nice how he whistles a happy tune?
Isn't it nice how he only does that when he's with you?
Isn't it sweet how holds your hand?
Isn't it sweet that life can be... so great and grand?
V2: I never had dreams about my life.
And now he's there every night.
I love how he texts me, "Good Morning."
It just gets me, up and going!
Chorus: Oh isn't it great when your dreams come true?
Isn't it great to hear "I like you too?"
Isn't it grand when he kisses you in the moonlight?
Isn't it grand when he talks with you 'til midnight?
Isn't it nice how he whistles a happy tune?
Isn't it nice how he only does that when he's with you?
Isn't it sweet how holds your hand?
Isn't it sweet that life can be... so great and grand?
Bridge: Every time I look in his eyes,
I can see his feelings match mine.
Every time I see his smile,
I know everyday is worth our while.
Every time he holds my hand,
The meaning is easy to understand.
Every time he kisses me,
I know we are so meant to be.
Chorus: Oh isn't it great when your dreams come true?
Isn't it great to hear "I love you too?"
Isn't it grand when he kisses you in the moonlight?
Isn't it grand when he talks with you until midnight?
Isn't it nice how he whistles a happy tune?
Isn't it nice how he only does that when he's with you?
Isn't it sweet how holds your hand?
Isn't it sweet that life can be... so great and grand?
(Great and grand, great and grand.)
So great and grand.
(Great and grand, great and grand.)
Isn't life great? Isn't life... grand?
I recorded it on my Mac with Garage Band. Then I finalized everything and sent it to iTunes. Then I
burned a CD and made a cover for it. It was going to be a little Prom present for Bret. By the time
I was done, it was time to get ready.
"Awww, sweetheart!" my mom cooed when I was done. "You look so beautiful!"
"Thanks Mom." I said.
"You do look beautiful." my dad agreed.
"Thank you Daddy!" I could tell he was choking back tears. His little baby girl is growing up, just
like Alysa did.
"Photo opp!" my mother sang. She ran to get the camera.
Thankfully my parents already met Bret. Apparently, he'd come to my house to ask
permission to take me to Prom and to date me. This all happened while I was at a study night with the
girls. My parents were so impressed with him being such a gentleman that they couldn't say "no". So
tonight there won't be any awkward talks. But I trusted Bret.
Then the doorbell rang.
"He's here!" I said. I ran up the stairs and hid in the hall for my entrance I'd prepared for him. My
father opened the door to let Bret in.
"Ah, Mr. Gibson." my father stuck out his hand.
"Good evening Mr. Reese." Bret said firmly shaking the outstreched hand.
"Bret. So nice to see you." My mother came back with the camera in hand.
"Mrs. Reese." Bret said taking her and and giving it a gentle kiss. "How are you this fine evening?"
"I am quite well thank you." she blushed.
While Bret was looking away I poised myself and appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Hello Bret." I said lightly.
-::Bret's POV::-
"Hello Bret." said an angelic voice from above. I looked up to see the angle I heard. I gasped. She
was stunning. She started to glide down the stairs. I quickly positioned myself to greet her. I took
her soft hand and looked into her eyes.
"You look... breathtaking." I said. She looked down embarassed.
"Well, you look handsome yourself." she said smiling. I couldn't help but smile back. This is
going to be a good night.
"I have a surprise for you." I said when we left the house.
"Oh?" she questioned, excitement glistening in her eyes.
"Look." I pointed to a white stretch limo Hummer.
"OMG!!! No way!" she enthused. I laughed. "Oh god, how bad is this for the environment?"
"It's just one night." I said. She smiled.
"This is our driver, Mr. Lewis." I said.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. Lewis." she said, shaking his hand.
"The pleasure is all mine Ms. Reese." he answered. Then he opened the door for us.
"You get in." she said.
"Ladies first." I insisted.
"No, just get in." she continued. "I have a surprise for you."
"Oh, OK." I said. Now I'm excited. I hopped in. But I saw her hand something to the driver. She
said something to him as well. Then she got in.
"Whoa!" she said when she saw the inside of the limo.
"I know." I said. "Cool, huh?"
"Uh, YEAH!" she answered. "But how?"
"My uncle owns a limo company." I said. "But I have another surprise for you." We stopped at a
park. That's where Will was with Ash and Jake was with Jeanie.
"OMG NO WAY!!!" she exclaimed. She threw open the door. "You guys didn't tell me you were
coming!"
"Well, YEAH!" Jeanie said. "It's Junior Prom and we're popular. It's in our given right to go."
"Sure." I said smiling while Mickey giggled. I almost died. I loved her giggle. They all piled in the limo,
also exclaming how cool it was.
"You guys are just in time!" she said. "I was just about to play a surprise I made for Bret. Hit it, Mr.
Lewis." A beautiful song came on.
"You wrote this?" I asked her. She nodded.
"I did the piano and the guitar too." she added. We listened to the song then turned on some
other songs. Then we arrived at the dance.
Part One: The Beginning
Chapter 8 Part One: Dancing Queen
-::Mickey's POV::-
How did it happen? I have no idea. One day I'm a klutzy freshman the next I'm Prom Queen. Yes, I
said it. I won Junior Prom Queen as a freshman. Bret won King of course. I realized, if I'm still with
Bret next year, I will go to Prom every year of high school! But let me back up and tell you the
story of my first prom night.
--------------------------------
I woke up extra early and I was too excited to do anything. The anticipation of the night to come
was killing me. So I decided to write. No, not an article. A song. You see I'm actually very musical. I
sing, play piano and I've taught myself guitar. But the thing I do most is write lyrics. But this time I
combined all four in one song.
Great and Grand
V1: I've always been one for romance.
And this boy's got me in a trance.
Since I met him, I can't sleep at night.
He just makes, the world all right.
I see him walking down the hall.
Oh to me I know he's got it all.
And now I can, hold him close.
That's the one thing, I love the most.
Chorus: Oh isn't it great when your dreams come true?
Isn't it great to hear "I like you too?"
Isn't it grand when he kisses you in the moonlight?
Isn't it grand when he talks with you 'til midnight?
Isn't it nice how he whistles a happy tune?
Isn't it nice how he only does that when he's with you?
Isn't it sweet how holds your hand?
Isn't it sweet that life can be... so great and grand?
V2: I never had dreams about my life.
And now he's there every night.
I love how he texts me, "Good Morning."
It just gets me, up and going!
Chorus: Oh isn't it great when your dreams come true?
Isn't it great to hear "I like you too?"
Isn't it grand when he kisses you in the moonlight?
Isn't it grand when he talks with you 'til midnight?
Isn't it nice how he whistles a happy tune?
Isn't it nice how he only does that when he's with you?
Isn't it sweet how holds your hand?
Isn't it sweet that life can be... so great and grand?
Bridge: Every time I look in his eyes,
I can see his feelings match mine.
Every time I see his smile,
I know everyday is worth our while.
Every time he holds my hand,
The meaning is easy to understand.
Every time he kisses me,
I know we are so meant to be.
Chorus: Oh isn't it great when your dreams come true?
Isn't it great to hear "I love you too?"
Isn't it grand when he kisses you in the moonlight?
Isn't it grand when he talks with you until midnight?
Isn't it nice how he whistles a happy tune?
Isn't it nice how he only does that when he's with you?
Isn't it sweet how holds your hand?
Isn't it sweet that life can be... so great and grand?
(Great and grand, great and grand.)
So great and grand.
(Great and grand, great and grand.)
Isn't life great? Isn't life... grand?
I recorded it on my Mac with Garage Band. Then I finalized everything and sent it to iTunes. Then I
burned a CD and made a cover for it. It was going to be a little Prom present for Bret. By the time
I was done, it was time to get ready.
"Awww, sweetheart!" my mom cooed when I was done. "You look so beautiful!"
"Thanks Mom." I said.
"You do look beautiful." my dad agreed.
"Thank you Daddy!" I could tell he was choking back tears. His little baby girl is growing up, just
like Alysa did.
"Photo opp!" my mother sang. She ran to get the camera.
Thankfully my parents already met Bret. Apparently, he'd come to my house to ask
permission to take me to Prom and to date me. This all happened while I was at a study night with the
girls. My parents were so impressed with him being such a gentleman that they couldn't say "no". So
tonight there won't be any awkward talks. But I trusted Bret.
Then the doorbell rang.
"He's here!" I said. I ran up the stairs and hid in the hall for my entrance I'd prepared for him. My
father opened the door to let Bret in.
"Ah, Mr. Gibson." my father stuck out his hand.
"Good evening Mr. Reese." Bret said firmly shaking the outstreched hand.
"Bret. So nice to see you." My mother came back with the camera in hand.
"Mrs. Reese." Bret said taking her and and giving it a gentle kiss. "How are you this fine evening?"
"I am quite well thank you." she blushed.
While Bret was looking away I poised myself and appeared at the top of the stairs.
"Hello Bret." I said lightly.
-::Bret's POV::-
"Hello Bret." said an angelic voice from above. I looked up to see the angle I heard. I gasped. She
was stunning. She started to glide down the stairs. I quickly positioned myself to greet her. I took
her soft hand and looked into her eyes.
"You look... breathtaking." I said. She looked down embarassed.
"Well, you look handsome yourself." she said smiling. I couldn't help but smile back. This is
going to be a good night.
"I have a surprise for you." I said when we left the house.
"Oh?" she questioned, excitement glistening in her eyes.
"Look." I pointed to a white stretch limo Hummer.
"OMG!!! No way!" she enthused. I laughed. "Oh god, how bad is this for the environment?"
"It's just one night." I said. She smiled.
"This is our driver, Mr. Lewis." I said.
"It's nice to meet you Mr. Lewis." she said, shaking his hand.
"The pleasure is all mine Ms. Reese." he answered. Then he opened the door for us.
"You get in." she said.
"Ladies first." I insisted.
"No, just get in." she continued. "I have a surprise for you."
"Oh, OK." I said. Now I'm excited. I hopped in. But I saw her hand something to the driver. She
said something to him as well. Then she got in.
"Whoa!" she said when she saw the inside of the limo.
"I know." I said. "Cool, huh?"
"Uh, YEAH!" she answered. "But how?"
"My uncle owns a limo company." I said. "But I have another surprise for you." We stopped at a
park. That's where Will was with Ash and Jake was with Jeanie.
"OMG NO WAY!!!" she exclaimed. She threw open the door. "You guys didn't tell me you were
coming!"
"Well, YEAH!" Jeanie said. "It's Junior Prom and we're popular. It's in our given right to go."
"Sure." I said smiling while Mickey giggled. I almost died. I loved her giggle. They all piled in the limo,
also exclaming how cool it was.
"You guys are just in time!" she said. "I was just about to play a surprise I made for Bret. Hit it, Mr.
Lewis." A beautiful song came on.
"You wrote this?" I asked her. She nodded.
"I did the piano and the guitar too." she added. We listened to the song then turned on some
other songs. Then we arrived at the dance.
Part One: Chapter Seven - Turning Tables
Hiding In the Open
Part One: The Beginning
Chapter Seven: Turning Tables
-::Mickey's POV::-
Ever since that day at lunch, Ash, Jeanie and I all became... well... popular. People said hi to us in
the halls. Guys started flirting with us. Girls were asking us for advice. We were invited to parties!
It was great. I even became not only a reporter for the paper but the advice co-columist as well. I
got a leading role in the school musical too! I was doing so well socially that I started doing better
in class. I became sort of a teacher's pet. Things couldn't have gotten better. But they did.
Who: Bret
Where: Cafeteria
When: Lunch two and a half months til summer and two weeks til Junior Prom
What: Asked me to Junior Prom meaning he's also asking me to be his gf
How: Standing on stage and singing a song he wrote for me
Why: Only he and God know
"Um, so, I'm not much of a singer or a guitar player but... here goes." he said into the mic. "This
song is called "Hey Mickey."" Then he started stomping and clapping a familiar beat. Stomp, clap,
stomp, stomp, clap. Stomp, clap, stomp, stomp, clap. "Hey Mickey you're so fine You're so fine you
blow my mind. Hey Mickey! Hey, hey! Hey Mickey!" Then he started playing some chords as the
crowd did the stomping and clapping. "Hey Mickey you're so fine You're so fine you blow my mind.
Hey Mickey! Hey, hey! Hey Mickey!" Then he did an ending chord. "That was just a warm up. But
here's the serious ballad."
V1: Last night I had a dream about a girl.
She was more beautiful than any in the world.
When she smiled, I just melted.
Love was a joke, 'til I felt it.
Now my life isn't the same.
It's not about winning the big game.
It about keeping the ones you love,
Close enough to touch.
Chorus: Hey, hey Mickey,
I know you're the one for me-ee-he-ee.
Hey, hey Mickey,
I know we're meant to be.
I can't stop thinking about you.
I hope you feel the same too. Oh.
Hey, hey Mickey,
I love the way you walk.
Hey, hey Mickey,
I love the way you talk.
If there's one thing I know,
it's when you're here the day glows.
Yeah. Hey, hey Mickey.
The song was heartfelt and bueatiful. After he was done, he came down from the stage to me. He
stood me up, took my hands and bent on one knee.
"Mickayla Joy Reese, will you go to Prom with me?" he asked.
"I-I-I-I..." I stuttered on my words.
"She means to say yes!" Ash said for me.
"I want the answer from her." Bret said.
"Y-Y-Y-Y-e-e-s-s. Yes!" I said. The whole school went wild. Bret smiled the biggest smile I've ever
seen him give. His eyes were glistening with happiness. He stood up, looked at me for a split
second the pulled me in and kissed me. The wildness turned into close to chaos at that. But I
didn't hear it. I was in the arms of the man I loved. I was kissing my knight, my Prince Charming.
And I knew I was ready for it.
-::Bret's POV::-
I couldn't believe it. She was mine.
Finally.
Part One: The Beginning
Chapter Seven: Turning Tables
-::Mickey's POV::-
Ever since that day at lunch, Ash, Jeanie and I all became... well... popular. People said hi to us in
the halls. Guys started flirting with us. Girls were asking us for advice. We were invited to parties!
It was great. I even became not only a reporter for the paper but the advice co-columist as well. I
got a leading role in the school musical too! I was doing so well socially that I started doing better
in class. I became sort of a teacher's pet. Things couldn't have gotten better. But they did.
Who: Bret
Where: Cafeteria
When: Lunch two and a half months til summer and two weeks til Junior Prom
What: Asked me to Junior Prom meaning he's also asking me to be his gf
How: Standing on stage and singing a song he wrote for me
Why: Only he and God know
"Um, so, I'm not much of a singer or a guitar player but... here goes." he said into the mic. "This
song is called "Hey Mickey."" Then he started stomping and clapping a familiar beat. Stomp, clap,
stomp, stomp, clap. Stomp, clap, stomp, stomp, clap. "Hey Mickey you're so fine You're so fine you
blow my mind. Hey Mickey! Hey, hey! Hey Mickey!" Then he started playing some chords as the
crowd did the stomping and clapping. "Hey Mickey you're so fine You're so fine you blow my mind.
Hey Mickey! Hey, hey! Hey Mickey!" Then he did an ending chord. "That was just a warm up. But
here's the serious ballad."
V1: Last night I had a dream about a girl.
She was more beautiful than any in the world.
When she smiled, I just melted.
Love was a joke, 'til I felt it.
Now my life isn't the same.
It's not about winning the big game.
It about keeping the ones you love,
Close enough to touch.
Chorus: Hey, hey Mickey,
I know you're the one for me-ee-he-ee.
Hey, hey Mickey,
I know we're meant to be.
I can't stop thinking about you.
I hope you feel the same too. Oh.
Hey, hey Mickey,
I love the way you walk.
Hey, hey Mickey,
I love the way you talk.
If there's one thing I know,
it's when you're here the day glows.
Yeah. Hey, hey Mickey.
The song was heartfelt and bueatiful. After he was done, he came down from the stage to me. He
stood me up, took my hands and bent on one knee.
"Mickayla Joy Reese, will you go to Prom with me?" he asked.
"I-I-I-I..." I stuttered on my words.
"She means to say yes!" Ash said for me.
"I want the answer from her." Bret said.
"Y-Y-Y-Y-e-e-s-s. Yes!" I said. The whole school went wild. Bret smiled the biggest smile I've ever
seen him give. His eyes were glistening with happiness. He stood up, looked at me for a split
second the pulled me in and kissed me. The wildness turned into close to chaos at that. But I
didn't hear it. I was in the arms of the man I loved. I was kissing my knight, my Prince Charming.
And I knew I was ready for it.
-::Bret's POV::-
I couldn't believe it. She was mine.
Finally.
Part One: Chapter six - Surprise
Hiding In the Open
Part One: The Beginning
Chapter Six: Surprise
-::Bret's POV::-
After the dream I couldn't look at her the same. I almost felt like a sinner. But then I realized how
stupid I was. I had no control over my dreams.
"Hey Mickey." I said sitting down with her like I'd been doing for the past few lunches since... that
day.
"Hey, Bret." she said matter of factly. "I need an interview for the school newspaper and I was
wondering if you'd be willing."
"The school newspaper?" I asked.
"Yeah, I'm the newest recruit." she smiled. "My mom said I needed more extracuirrculars than
just drama and choir and since I love to write I figured it would be fun."
"Oh cool." I said. "Interview away."
She asked me about how I juggled football, school and my social life. She asked me about my
plans for after high school. Than she asked me about a bunch of little things like my favorite food
and my favorite hang out where I got my clothes. Every answer I gave she was writing vigorously
in her notebook.
"Thanks Bret." she smiled. "You might make front page."
"No problem." I said smiling back.
The next day at school was... strange. People were saying hi to me in the halls and the boys were
giving me high fives. After the break up with SiSi and since I started eating with freshman, my
popularity had gone down. What was going on?
"Heeey Bret!" SiSi waved. "You're looking cute today."
"Um, thanks?" I asked confused.
"Why haven't you been eating with us?" she asked as if nothing happened. "We miss you."
"SiSi, cut the crap please?" I said.
"What crap?" she asked innocently. "You're the most popular guy in school, so you should eat with
the other popular people."
"S, my popularity is gone after... what happened." I said.
"Well now it's back." she smiled, handing me a packet. I looked down. It was the school
newspaper. On the front page was a picture of me.
BRET GIBSON: A QUIET KNIGHT IN HIDDEN ARMOR
by Mickayla Reese
We all know of him. He's QB of our football team, the most gorgous guy in the school and
probably the most charismatic. But many people don't know him. I do. Recently he has had
some tough times in his life. Through decisions he made on his own, his popularity was diminished. But why? If he really was popular, people would like him for who he is, not because he fits a mold that our social student body has sculped for him. I've known Bret since the first day of this year. He's become a good friend to me. I know him better than more than half of you. I know that he is a quiet but beautiful, caring and kind person. He willingly gave up his popularity to be my friend. I once accused him of not being chivalrous. But I was wrong, horribly wrong. He is a quiet knight in hidden armor, secretly, silently sacrificing himself to be a friend.
The article then went into the interview. I couldn't believe it. She stood up for me. I could feel the
tears in my eyes. I don't cry... except at my grandma's funeral. I quickly blinked them back before
anyone could see.
"She's right." SiSi admitted. "The freshman's right." She took my hand. "During our relationship
you always were doing something for me. And I never thanked you once. So thank you." She
kissed me on the cheek and left.
-::Mickey's POV::-
"I can't believe it worked!" Ash squealed. "No one reads the paper!"
"That's why it's helpful that the editor of the paper is a senior that has a blog." I smiled. "She
spread the word."
"Mickey, I have never met anyone like you." Jeanie said. "I'm glad I did meet you."
"Awww, thanks Jeanie." I threw my arms around her and engulfed her in a hug.
"Mickey?" The voice that called my name was filled with emotion. I turned to se Bret's eyes filled
with gratitude. "Thank you." I stood up and took his hands.
"If anyone deserves it, it's you." I whispered. He pulled me into a bear hug. When he let go he said,
"Come on, there are some people I want you to meet." He took my hand and led me to the
popular table.
"Hey guys. This, is Mickey." he said.
"Hi Mickey!" the group said in unison.
"Hi." I said weakly. "It's so nice to meet you."
"Hi I'm Sierra!" the goddess jumped up and stuck out her hand. "I can tell we're going to be great
friends."
"Uh right." I said. In your dreams chica.
"This is Megan, Jake, Brock, Lily, and Will." he introduced me. Lunch was nice with the populars
but it wasn't the same without Ash and Jeanie. I said this to Bret and he nodde his head. He got up
to go get them. The moment he was out of earshot, the group turned on me.
"What?" I asked.
"Oh you know what." SiSi snapped.
"Yeah, I thought you'd turn out to be a bitch." I said almost conversationaly.
"Excuse me?" she asked shocked and so was the group.
"Yes, you're excused." I said. "But only this once. You treat me like that again and you could be
socially murdered by a pen and paper... or more like a computer and paper."
"Oh you think that just because you are a school newspaper reporter you have power over us?"
Megan asked.
"Shut up Megan and let me handle this." SiSi sneered. "So you think that just because you are a
school newspaper reporter you have power over us?"
"Um you took that from Megan. She has as much of a right to speak as you do." I said. "And I'm
sure she's sick of not having her own voice."
"Yeah!" Megan said. "And Sierra there's one thing I'd like to say... well there's more than one thing
but an important one is..." she took a deep breath and said, "I'm in love with Bret and I think he
deserves more that a selfish, self-centered, fake, bitch-whore like you!" Sierra gasped and so did
the rest of the group.
"You did NOT just say that!" Sierra cut at her.
"I did. And I won't take a word of it back." she said. "I've had enough of your crap." She turned to
leave the table. But Sierra, not knowing how to handle being stood up to like that, went wild...
literally.
"Yeeeeeee- yah!" she ran and jumnped on Megan's back tackling her.
"Sierra! What the f**ck!!!" Megan screeched. Of course the whole school was watching. It turned
into a full blown cat fight... or bitch fight. Then Bret and the girls came over to me.
"What'd I miss?" Bret asked confused. I told them. They weren't so shocked about SiSi turning on
me but thet were shocked Megan turned on her. Soon some teachers came to break up the fight.
Bret and I introduced the girls to the rest of the group and we finished up an interesting lunch.
Part One: The Beginning
Chapter Six: Surprise
-::Bret's POV::-
After the dream I couldn't look at her the same. I almost felt like a sinner. But then I realized how
stupid I was. I had no control over my dreams.
"Hey Mickey." I said sitting down with her like I'd been doing for the past few lunches since... that
day.
"Hey, Bret." she said matter of factly. "I need an interview for the school newspaper and I was
wondering if you'd be willing."
"The school newspaper?" I asked.
"Yeah, I'm the newest recruit." she smiled. "My mom said I needed more extracuirrculars than
just drama and choir and since I love to write I figured it would be fun."
"Oh cool." I said. "Interview away."
She asked me about how I juggled football, school and my social life. She asked me about my
plans for after high school. Than she asked me about a bunch of little things like my favorite food
and my favorite hang out where I got my clothes. Every answer I gave she was writing vigorously
in her notebook.
"Thanks Bret." she smiled. "You might make front page."
"No problem." I said smiling back.
The next day at school was... strange. People were saying hi to me in the halls and the boys were
giving me high fives. After the break up with SiSi and since I started eating with freshman, my
popularity had gone down. What was going on?
"Heeey Bret!" SiSi waved. "You're looking cute today."
"Um, thanks?" I asked confused.
"Why haven't you been eating with us?" she asked as if nothing happened. "We miss you."
"SiSi, cut the crap please?" I said.
"What crap?" she asked innocently. "You're the most popular guy in school, so you should eat with
the other popular people."
"S, my popularity is gone after... what happened." I said.
"Well now it's back." she smiled, handing me a packet. I looked down. It was the school
newspaper. On the front page was a picture of me.
BRET GIBSON: A QUIET KNIGHT IN HIDDEN ARMOR
by Mickayla Reese
We all know of him. He's QB of our football team, the most gorgous guy in the school and
probably the most charismatic. But many people don't know him. I do. Recently he has had
some tough times in his life. Through decisions he made on his own, his popularity was diminished. But why? If he really was popular, people would like him for who he is, not because he fits a mold that our social student body has sculped for him. I've known Bret since the first day of this year. He's become a good friend to me. I know him better than more than half of you. I know that he is a quiet but beautiful, caring and kind person. He willingly gave up his popularity to be my friend. I once accused him of not being chivalrous. But I was wrong, horribly wrong. He is a quiet knight in hidden armor, secretly, silently sacrificing himself to be a friend.
The article then went into the interview. I couldn't believe it. She stood up for me. I could feel the
tears in my eyes. I don't cry... except at my grandma's funeral. I quickly blinked them back before
anyone could see.
"She's right." SiSi admitted. "The freshman's right." She took my hand. "During our relationship
you always were doing something for me. And I never thanked you once. So thank you." She
kissed me on the cheek and left.
-::Mickey's POV::-
"I can't believe it worked!" Ash squealed. "No one reads the paper!"
"That's why it's helpful that the editor of the paper is a senior that has a blog." I smiled. "She
spread the word."
"Mickey, I have never met anyone like you." Jeanie said. "I'm glad I did meet you."
"Awww, thanks Jeanie." I threw my arms around her and engulfed her in a hug.
"Mickey?" The voice that called my name was filled with emotion. I turned to se Bret's eyes filled
with gratitude. "Thank you." I stood up and took his hands.
"If anyone deserves it, it's you." I whispered. He pulled me into a bear hug. When he let go he said,
"Come on, there are some people I want you to meet." He took my hand and led me to the
popular table.
"Hey guys. This, is Mickey." he said.
"Hi Mickey!" the group said in unison.
"Hi." I said weakly. "It's so nice to meet you."
"Hi I'm Sierra!" the goddess jumped up and stuck out her hand. "I can tell we're going to be great
friends."
"Uh right." I said. In your dreams chica.
"This is Megan, Jake, Brock, Lily, and Will." he introduced me. Lunch was nice with the populars
but it wasn't the same without Ash and Jeanie. I said this to Bret and he nodde his head. He got up
to go get them. The moment he was out of earshot, the group turned on me.
"What?" I asked.
"Oh you know what." SiSi snapped.
"Yeah, I thought you'd turn out to be a bitch." I said almost conversationaly.
"Excuse me?" she asked shocked and so was the group.
"Yes, you're excused." I said. "But only this once. You treat me like that again and you could be
socially murdered by a pen and paper... or more like a computer and paper."
"Oh you think that just because you are a school newspaper reporter you have power over us?"
Megan asked.
"Shut up Megan and let me handle this." SiSi sneered. "So you think that just because you are a
school newspaper reporter you have power over us?"
"Um you took that from Megan. She has as much of a right to speak as you do." I said. "And I'm
sure she's sick of not having her own voice."
"Yeah!" Megan said. "And Sierra there's one thing I'd like to say... well there's more than one thing
but an important one is..." she took a deep breath and said, "I'm in love with Bret and I think he
deserves more that a selfish, self-centered, fake, bitch-whore like you!" Sierra gasped and so did
the rest of the group.
"You did NOT just say that!" Sierra cut at her.
"I did. And I won't take a word of it back." she said. "I've had enough of your crap." She turned to
leave the table. But Sierra, not knowing how to handle being stood up to like that, went wild...
literally.
"Yeeeeeee- yah!" she ran and jumnped on Megan's back tackling her.
"Sierra! What the f**ck!!!" Megan screeched. Of course the whole school was watching. It turned
into a full blown cat fight... or bitch fight. Then Bret and the girls came over to me.
"What'd I miss?" Bret asked confused. I told them. They weren't so shocked about SiSi turning on
me but thet were shocked Megan turned on her. Soon some teachers came to break up the fight.
Bret and I introduced the girls to the rest of the group and we finished up an interesting lunch.
Part One: Chapter Five - Aftermath
Hiding In the Open
Part One: The Beginning
Chapter Five: Aftermath
-:Bret's POV:-
The rain was lightly falling outside. In the distance I could hear the thunder and I'd see a flash of
lightening. It reminded me of what I felt when she and I kissed. I couldn't stop thinking about that
kiss. It was more than anything that I ever felt with any of my past girlfriends. After a hard
practice in the rain that went late again, I sunk into my bed. I breathed in heavily. The smell filled
my lungs and spread through my body like wildfire. It smelled like her perfume. But why? The
sweet scent burned in my nostrils. It lulled me into a trance. I started to doze. A light sleep fell
over my eyes like today's rain fell on the grass. The thunder and lightening that followed was a
dream. The backdrop was a white room. I was with her. I could tell it was years in the future
because she looked different. We looked different… older. Also we were in a bed together. I
had just my shirt off, but she was completely unclothed. However she was facing away from me
and the sheet was covering her up to her chest. An open oak wood window with mesh curtains
was on the wall to the left. A light breeze flowed through and blew her hair back into my face,
along with her shampoo and perfume. The pulse of my blood pounded in my ears as I inhaled.
Edward Cullen has nothing on her. I thought. I lowered my neck to her bare shoulder and
lightly traced my lips along her skin. She rolled her head to the side and then up closing her eyes,
enjoying the pleasure of my simple but effective gesture of affection. A smile spread across her
lips.
"Bret." she whispered.
"Hm?" I murmered.
"I love you." she said, now tracing her lips along my jawbone. The hairs on my neck stood up and I
could feel the goosebumps along with them.
"I love you too." I said, combing my fingers through her hair. More perfume. Now it just wafted
about the room, lingering, dancing around my senses, pulling me into a fantasy I could only
dream.
-::Mickey's POV::-
I was curious. Can a girl help it if she's curious? So I went into his room to see what it was like.
"I'll be right back." I told the girls. "Bathroom." They nodded and went back to work. I crepted
down the hall to where his room was. I opened the door slowly. His room was part typical teenage
boy with blue walls and sports (mostly football) stuff. But it had it's own personality, Bret's
personality in the sense that it was spotless and organized. There was a place for everything and
everything was in its place. I walked along the wide room. I looked at his bookcase and his dresser
letting my fingers drag along them. Then I reached his bed. I laid down on it and closed my eyes
wondering what he dreamed about. After a minute or two I decided I'd "been in the bathroom"
long enough and I went back to the room.
That night I called my sister Alysa who was away at college.
"Hey Mouse!" That's what my family calls me. It orginated from Mickey Mouse but I was a really
tiny child so I be came Mouse and it stuck. "What's up?"
"Nothing much. Just wanted to chat." I answered.
"Ok, what's the problem?" she asked knowingly. So I told her about Bret.
"Awwww, my baby sister's found her prince charming!" she cooed.
"Oh shut up!" I said. "Just tell me what I should do."
"Well, since you're not ready for a relationship, just do something for him to show you care,
something big." she advised.
"Something big... oh! I got it!" I said. "Thanks Alysa!" I hung up and immediatley got to work.
Part One: The Beginning
Chapter Five: Aftermath
-:Bret's POV:-
The rain was lightly falling outside. In the distance I could hear the thunder and I'd see a flash of
lightening. It reminded me of what I felt when she and I kissed. I couldn't stop thinking about that
kiss. It was more than anything that I ever felt with any of my past girlfriends. After a hard
practice in the rain that went late again, I sunk into my bed. I breathed in heavily. The smell filled
my lungs and spread through my body like wildfire. It smelled like her perfume. But why? The
sweet scent burned in my nostrils. It lulled me into a trance. I started to doze. A light sleep fell
over my eyes like today's rain fell on the grass. The thunder and lightening that followed was a
dream. The backdrop was a white room. I was with her. I could tell it was years in the future
because she looked different. We looked different… older. Also we were in a bed together. I
had just my shirt off, but she was completely unclothed. However she was facing away from me
and the sheet was covering her up to her chest. An open oak wood window with mesh curtains
was on the wall to the left. A light breeze flowed through and blew her hair back into my face,
along with her shampoo and perfume. The pulse of my blood pounded in my ears as I inhaled.
Edward Cullen has nothing on her. I thought. I lowered my neck to her bare shoulder and
lightly traced my lips along her skin. She rolled her head to the side and then up closing her eyes,
enjoying the pleasure of my simple but effective gesture of affection. A smile spread across her
lips.
"Bret." she whispered.
"Hm?" I murmered.
"I love you." she said, now tracing her lips along my jawbone. The hairs on my neck stood up and I
could feel the goosebumps along with them.
"I love you too." I said, combing my fingers through her hair. More perfume. Now it just wafted
about the room, lingering, dancing around my senses, pulling me into a fantasy I could only
dream.
-::Mickey's POV::-
I was curious. Can a girl help it if she's curious? So I went into his room to see what it was like.
"I'll be right back." I told the girls. "Bathroom." They nodded and went back to work. I crepted
down the hall to where his room was. I opened the door slowly. His room was part typical teenage
boy with blue walls and sports (mostly football) stuff. But it had it's own personality, Bret's
personality in the sense that it was spotless and organized. There was a place for everything and
everything was in its place. I walked along the wide room. I looked at his bookcase and his dresser
letting my fingers drag along them. Then I reached his bed. I laid down on it and closed my eyes
wondering what he dreamed about. After a minute or two I decided I'd "been in the bathroom"
long enough and I went back to the room.
That night I called my sister Alysa who was away at college.
"Hey Mouse!" That's what my family calls me. It orginated from Mickey Mouse but I was a really
tiny child so I be came Mouse and it stuck. "What's up?"
"Nothing much. Just wanted to chat." I answered.
"Ok, what's the problem?" she asked knowingly. So I told her about Bret.
"Awwww, my baby sister's found her prince charming!" she cooed.
"Oh shut up!" I said. "Just tell me what I should do."
"Well, since you're not ready for a relationship, just do something for him to show you care,
something big." she advised.
"Something big... oh! I got it!" I said. "Thanks Alysa!" I hung up and immediatley got to work.
Part One: Chapter Four - Belated Confrontation
Hiding In the Open
Part One: The Beginning
Chapter Four: Belated Confrontation
The three of us were sprawled out on the family room floor with our homework spread out. This
study date was going fine until he walked in the door.
"You're home early." Ash said to him.
"Coach let us out early." he said a bit harshly glancing at me.
"That doesn't seem like coach." Ash said prying. "He's not that nice."
"Fine, I had a bad practice, OK?" he said, now fully harsh. "I just have some things on my mind."
He swung his bag over his shoulder and ran upstairs. The girls just stared at me.
"Oh what?" I asked. "You think I'm the reason for his bad practice? That I'm the "things" on his
mind?"
"Yep." Jeanie said.
"Can't think of anything else." Ash shrugged.
"Guys it can't be me." I said. "I mean, they're so many reasons why he couldn't be into me."
"It's been almsot six and a half months and all he's done is stare at you." Ash said. "He's so in love
with you."
"Well..." I trailed off. I realized I wasn't really in love with him... not yet anyway.
"Well what?" Jeanie asked.
"I'm not in love with him." I said. "I mean he'd be a good friend, but right now, that's it."
"Well, ok." Ash said, not convinced. Then I heard steps on the stairs.
"Hey, Mickey, can I talk to you?" Bret asked. I looked at the girls. They had smirks on their faces.
"Uhhh, sure." I said. I got up and mouthed to the girls "Stay here" because I knew they would
listen in. Then I followed Bret up the stairs to the back hallway.
"Mickayla, I just wanted to say-" he started to say but I cut him off.
"Bret, stop. Listen, I judged you. I jumped to conclusions and put you in a stereotype that you do
not belong in." I confessed. "I'm sorry for that and that this apoplogy is so late." The look in his
eyes, his beautiful eyes, was that of relief but also of conflict. At that moment, I wanted to kiss him,
badly. But I didn't. I knew I wasn't ready.
"Thank you." he whispered. "I want to be your friend, not your enemy, no matter the cost."
"Then eat lunch with me..." I said. He smiled and opened his mouth but I added, "... when your
friends are at school." His mouth closed and the smile faded.
"You found out." he said.
"Ash told me." I said. "That's the only thing I have an issue with. Why'd you lie.. or just not tell the
truth, rather?"
"I don't know. I guess I didn't think it was all that important." he answered.
"Well, I thought you were being chivalrous." I said. "But I guess not."
"Look, I'm sorry." he said, eyes pleading again. "I just- I just don't know what to do. I've never felt
this way about someone before, especially this fast. Besides my friends... well let's just say I don't
want to eat lunch with them for a while." I was silent, not knowing what to say. "You don't
have to say anything." he said answering my vacant thought.
"I-I-I should get back to the girls." I said.
"K." he said. I turned and headed back down the stairs. As I did, of course, I triped. And, of course,
he caught me. As he pulled me close, I looked into his deep lavender blue eyes. I felt the
connection. Then he pulled me closer. The spark, the electric shock that came with the touch of
his lips to mine was... invigorating, but scary at the same time. I wanted more but I knew that I
had to pull away.
"B-B-B-Bret..." I said breathlessly. "I-I can't do this. I-I'm sorry."
"OK." he said quietly. I turned around to head back down the stairs. It was then I realized that I
was in love with him. But I knew I wasn't ready for a relationship.
"So what happened?" Ash asked when I joined them.
"Well, we talked. Then I tripped coming back down the stairs and he caught me." I said. "Then...
he kissed me."
"WHAT???" the girls squealed.
"Yep." I said.
"I hate to say I told you so but... I told you so!!!" Ash said.
"Yeah, you did." I admitted.
"Well?" Ash asked.
"Well what?" I asked back.
"Oh come on girl. You kissed! Now tell!" Jeanie said.
"Alright. I give in. It was amazing." I said.
"Eeeeeep!" was the reply.
"So that means...?" Ash pushed.
"I'm in love with him." I mumbled.
"What? I didn't quite cetch that." Jeanie faked.
"I'm in love with him." I said loud enough for them to hear but not be overheard. The respose was more squealing.
"So are you together?" Jeanie asked.
"No, I'm just not ready for a relationship." I answered honestly.
"Ok, whatever." Ash said.
"Can we just focus on homework now?" I asked. The girls reluctantly agreed.
Part One: The Beginning
Chapter Four: Belated Confrontation
The three of us were sprawled out on the family room floor with our homework spread out. This
study date was going fine until he walked in the door.
"You're home early." Ash said to him.
"Coach let us out early." he said a bit harshly glancing at me.
"That doesn't seem like coach." Ash said prying. "He's not that nice."
"Fine, I had a bad practice, OK?" he said, now fully harsh. "I just have some things on my mind."
He swung his bag over his shoulder and ran upstairs. The girls just stared at me.
"Oh what?" I asked. "You think I'm the reason for his bad practice? That I'm the "things" on his
mind?"
"Yep." Jeanie said.
"Can't think of anything else." Ash shrugged.
"Guys it can't be me." I said. "I mean, they're so many reasons why he couldn't be into me."
"It's been almsot six and a half months and all he's done is stare at you." Ash said. "He's so in love
with you."
"Well..." I trailed off. I realized I wasn't really in love with him... not yet anyway.
"Well what?" Jeanie asked.
"I'm not in love with him." I said. "I mean he'd be a good friend, but right now, that's it."
"Well, ok." Ash said, not convinced. Then I heard steps on the stairs.
"Hey, Mickey, can I talk to you?" Bret asked. I looked at the girls. They had smirks on their faces.
"Uhhh, sure." I said. I got up and mouthed to the girls "Stay here" because I knew they would
listen in. Then I followed Bret up the stairs to the back hallway.
"Mickayla, I just wanted to say-" he started to say but I cut him off.
"Bret, stop. Listen, I judged you. I jumped to conclusions and put you in a stereotype that you do
not belong in." I confessed. "I'm sorry for that and that this apoplogy is so late." The look in his
eyes, his beautiful eyes, was that of relief but also of conflict. At that moment, I wanted to kiss him,
badly. But I didn't. I knew I wasn't ready.
"Thank you." he whispered. "I want to be your friend, not your enemy, no matter the cost."
"Then eat lunch with me..." I said. He smiled and opened his mouth but I added, "... when your
friends are at school." His mouth closed and the smile faded.
"You found out." he said.
"Ash told me." I said. "That's the only thing I have an issue with. Why'd you lie.. or just not tell the
truth, rather?"
"I don't know. I guess I didn't think it was all that important." he answered.
"Well, I thought you were being chivalrous." I said. "But I guess not."
"Look, I'm sorry." he said, eyes pleading again. "I just- I just don't know what to do. I've never felt
this way about someone before, especially this fast. Besides my friends... well let's just say I don't
want to eat lunch with them for a while." I was silent, not knowing what to say. "You don't
have to say anything." he said answering my vacant thought.
"I-I-I should get back to the girls." I said.
"K." he said. I turned and headed back down the stairs. As I did, of course, I triped. And, of course,
he caught me. As he pulled me close, I looked into his deep lavender blue eyes. I felt the
connection. Then he pulled me closer. The spark, the electric shock that came with the touch of
his lips to mine was... invigorating, but scary at the same time. I wanted more but I knew that I
had to pull away.
"B-B-B-Bret..." I said breathlessly. "I-I can't do this. I-I'm sorry."
"OK." he said quietly. I turned around to head back down the stairs. It was then I realized that I
was in love with him. But I knew I wasn't ready for a relationship.
"So what happened?" Ash asked when I joined them.
"Well, we talked. Then I tripped coming back down the stairs and he caught me." I said. "Then...
he kissed me."
"WHAT???" the girls squealed.
"Yep." I said.
"I hate to say I told you so but... I told you so!!!" Ash said.
"Yeah, you did." I admitted.
"Well?" Ash asked.
"Well what?" I asked back.
"Oh come on girl. You kissed! Now tell!" Jeanie said.
"Alright. I give in. It was amazing." I said.
"Eeeeeep!" was the reply.
"So that means...?" Ash pushed.
"I'm in love with him." I mumbled.
"What? I didn't quite cetch that." Jeanie faked.
"I'm in love with him." I said loud enough for them to hear but not be overheard. The respose was more squealing.
"So are you together?" Jeanie asked.
"No, I'm just not ready for a relationship." I answered honestly.
"Ok, whatever." Ash said.
"Can we just focus on homework now?" I asked. The girls reluctantly agreed.
Part One: Chapter Three - Fascination
Hiding in the Open
Part One: The Beginning
Chapter Three: Fasination
-:Bret's POV:-
I don't know what it is about her. I just can't stop thinking about her. The way her strawberry
blonde hair shimmers in the light as it's blown by an air conditioner vent in the hallway. The way
her bright teal eyes glisten when she's in a deep discussion with my sister and Jeanie. The way her
hand gently sweeps a strand of hair out of her face. The way the same hand lightly brushes
against her cheek as she's lowering it. She's turining me into a romantic. If there's one thing I
know it's I want her. I want her to be mine and only mine. She's now all I focus on, on the verge of
obsession. She's now... a fasination.
The start off lunch bell rang but I didn't hear it. I was looking for her. It's been almost six and a
half months. She, my sister and Jeanie were tighter than my football pants. She was constantly
coming over for study dates and sleep overs. I usually missed her during the week because of
practice.
"Bret. Earth to Bret!" Sierra said annoyed.
"Slap him, SiSi." Megan suggested.
"Oh *beep* it." Then she slapped me.
"Hey!" I jumped. "What was that for?"
"You were out of it again." she said. The others laughed.
"Oh. Sorry." I said.
"God you're the worst boyfriend ever!" she snapped. More smirks from the group.
"Well, then maybe I shouldn't be. I mean your boyfriend at all." I said. The group vocalized with a
resounding "Oooooo."
"Are you breaking up with me?" she asked shocked.
"Yeah, I guess I am." I said. "And for the final time." The group was silent now.
"Bret Matthew Gibson, you are sooooo going to regret this." Sierra sneered.
"No I don't think I will." I said. "Listen, I'm willing to stay friends I you are." I knew that would
touch a nerve.
"You're willing to stay friends?" she shrieked. At this point the whole school was
watching.
"I take it you're not." I said. She just gawked at me fuming.
"If you think you're going to get away with this, you are sooo wrong." she threatened.
"Really, I don't care at this point." I said. "Listen, as you've prolly already noticed, I've moved on."
"The freshman?" she growled.
"Actually yeah." I said.
"You wouldn't." she said, slightly shocked. She knew I would.
"You know I would. No you know I will." I said sternly. She was lost for words. "I'll cetch you
guys later." I got up and left. On the way, I looked over and saw her. I smiled. She weakly smiled,
trying not to be obvious to the scream team aka my sister and Jeanie. I went to the field and
grabbed the basket of footballs. I throw when I think. Then there was a soft voice from behind.
"Hey Bret." It was my best friend, Will.
"Hey bro." I said, throwing a ball.
"Dude, you really like this girl." he said.
"Is it that obvious?" I asked knowing the answer.
"Is that retorical?" he asked smiling. I smiled back.
"I just want to know, aer you really going to... you know... ask her out?" he asked.
"I don't know. Maybe. I'm thinking about it." I said honestly. I reached for a ball but he grabbed
my arm.
"Dude, take some advice from a bro. Don't." he said.
"What? Ask her out?" I asked. "Why not?"
"Because, I don't want to see you get hurt." he said. "Your rep could get serious damage. And if
you get a girl that you really like, your head won't be in the game."
"Dude, I promise that won't happen." I said. Maybe. I thought.
"Sorry bro. Can't take your word for that." he said apologetically. "Remember Jimmy Carl?"
"Oh yeah..." I said, remembering.
"He was our best line backer but blew it cuz he was spending too much time with her and thinking
about her." he reminded me. "We need you bro. Badly. You're our only hope for going all the way!"
"Hmmm. Maybe you're right." I agreed.
"No, I am right." he said.
"Debateable." I said.
"Come on dude. At least wait 'til after the season's over." he begged.
"We'll see." I said. "I won't set up to ask her out but if it just happenes well then you let it go."
"Fine." he said. Then he left.
That night at practice was awful. I couldn't throw.
"Gibson. Here. Now." my coach called me.
"Yeah Coach?" I asked.
"You okay, bud?" he asked concerned.
"I'm fine. Just have some stuff on my mind." I said.
"I've never seen you throw this bad. Maybe you should go home." he suggested.
"Coach, I got it. I'll focus now." I pleaded.
"Son, I think you should go." he told me.
"Ok." I said glumly. I went to the locker room, grabbed my stuff and left.
Part One: The Beginning
Chapter Three: Fasination
-:Bret's POV:-
I don't know what it is about her. I just can't stop thinking about her. The way her strawberry
blonde hair shimmers in the light as it's blown by an air conditioner vent in the hallway. The way
her bright teal eyes glisten when she's in a deep discussion with my sister and Jeanie. The way her
hand gently sweeps a strand of hair out of her face. The way the same hand lightly brushes
against her cheek as she's lowering it. She's turining me into a romantic. If there's one thing I
know it's I want her. I want her to be mine and only mine. She's now all I focus on, on the verge of
obsession. She's now... a fasination.
The start off lunch bell rang but I didn't hear it. I was looking for her. It's been almost six and a
half months. She, my sister and Jeanie were tighter than my football pants. She was constantly
coming over for study dates and sleep overs. I usually missed her during the week because of
practice.
"Bret. Earth to Bret!" Sierra said annoyed.
"Slap him, SiSi." Megan suggested.
"Oh *beep* it." Then she slapped me.
"Hey!" I jumped. "What was that for?"
"You were out of it again." she said. The others laughed.
"Oh. Sorry." I said.
"God you're the worst boyfriend ever!" she snapped. More smirks from the group.
"Well, then maybe I shouldn't be. I mean your boyfriend at all." I said. The group vocalized with a
resounding "Oooooo."
"Are you breaking up with me?" she asked shocked.
"Yeah, I guess I am." I said. "And for the final time." The group was silent now.
"Bret Matthew Gibson, you are sooooo going to regret this." Sierra sneered.
"No I don't think I will." I said. "Listen, I'm willing to stay friends I you are." I knew that would
touch a nerve.
"You're willing to stay friends?" she shrieked. At this point the whole school was
watching.
"I take it you're not." I said. She just gawked at me fuming.
"If you think you're going to get away with this, you are sooo wrong." she threatened.
"Really, I don't care at this point." I said. "Listen, as you've prolly already noticed, I've moved on."
"The freshman?" she growled.
"Actually yeah." I said.
"You wouldn't." she said, slightly shocked. She knew I would.
"You know I would. No you know I will." I said sternly. She was lost for words. "I'll cetch you
guys later." I got up and left. On the way, I looked over and saw her. I smiled. She weakly smiled,
trying not to be obvious to the scream team aka my sister and Jeanie. I went to the field and
grabbed the basket of footballs. I throw when I think. Then there was a soft voice from behind.
"Hey Bret." It was my best friend, Will.
"Hey bro." I said, throwing a ball.
"Dude, you really like this girl." he said.
"Is it that obvious?" I asked knowing the answer.
"Is that retorical?" he asked smiling. I smiled back.
"I just want to know, aer you really going to... you know... ask her out?" he asked.
"I don't know. Maybe. I'm thinking about it." I said honestly. I reached for a ball but he grabbed
my arm.
"Dude, take some advice from a bro. Don't." he said.
"What? Ask her out?" I asked. "Why not?"
"Because, I don't want to see you get hurt." he said. "Your rep could get serious damage. And if
you get a girl that you really like, your head won't be in the game."
"Dude, I promise that won't happen." I said. Maybe. I thought.
"Sorry bro. Can't take your word for that." he said apologetically. "Remember Jimmy Carl?"
"Oh yeah..." I said, remembering.
"He was our best line backer but blew it cuz he was spending too much time with her and thinking
about her." he reminded me. "We need you bro. Badly. You're our only hope for going all the way!"
"Hmmm. Maybe you're right." I agreed.
"No, I am right." he said.
"Debateable." I said.
"Come on dude. At least wait 'til after the season's over." he begged.
"We'll see." I said. "I won't set up to ask her out but if it just happenes well then you let it go."
"Fine." he said. Then he left.
That night at practice was awful. I couldn't throw.
"Gibson. Here. Now." my coach called me.
"Yeah Coach?" I asked.
"You okay, bud?" he asked concerned.
"I'm fine. Just have some stuff on my mind." I said.
"I've never seen you throw this bad. Maybe you should go home." he suggested.
"Coach, I got it. I'll focus now." I pleaded.
"Son, I think you should go." he told me.
"Ok." I said glumly. I went to the locker room, grabbed my stuff and left.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Part One -- Chapter Two – Friends
I cried through most of the night. I wasn’t crying over him, but because of how stupid, gullible and
naive I was. I could only imagine what I would be like if he’d succeeded in pulling me along for the
whole year. He would have asked me out, become my first boyfriend, been my first kiss, then possibly
he would have seduced me into giving all myself to him. Then he’d blow me off like I was a speck of dirt
on his jacket. His letterman jacket to be exact. I found out later that he wasn’t just any football player,
but the quarterback, meaning he’s the most popular guy in school. That made things so much better.
To get myself to sleep, I played my favorite band, the Jonas Brothers. They always make me feel better.
So, the next day I tried to make some real friends.
“Hi. I’m Mickayla.” I said to the girl who sits next to me in English. She had blue eyes and long wavy
brown hair. She had a nice face, long with light freckles on her nose and cheeks under her eyes.
“I’m Ashleigh but you can call me Ash.” she said.
“You can call me…” I was going to say Mickey but I caught myself. “…Kayla or Kay. Whatever one
works.” I said. [PAUSE! Anyone notice a lot of my characters’ names start with ‘K’… or is that just me…
anyway… PLAY!]
“Cool.” she smiled. Her smile seemed really familiar. I just couldn’t put my finger on it. During class we
had to partner up to talk about our summer reading, a book called “Stone Goddess”. [PAUSE… again! I
read this for my freshman year summer reading and I couldn’t think of anything else. It’s actually a
pretty good book. But it’s not like I’m going to spoil much if I use it. It’s about a girl who’s from
Cambodia when the Khmer Rough took over. She was taken to a concentration camp type thing then
escaped and went on a journey to Thailand then America.]
“Hey you wanna be my partner?” Ashleigh asked.
“Sure! I was gonna ask you anyway!” I said smiling.
“Oh perfect! So what’d you think of the book?” she asked.
“I thought it was kinda sad. But happy too.” I answered.
“Me too. It’s sad she had to go through all that stuff but her life in America is so much better off.” Ash
replied.
“Exactly.” I smiled. We talked for the rest of class about the book. Then the bell rang.
“Hey what are you doing for lunch?” she asked as she was packing her stuff.
“Nothing.” I answered.
“Well, my best friend from junior high, Jeanie, and I are going to eat together. I think you two would
really get along well. You should eat lunch with us!” she said.
“Oh that would be so great!” I answered. “I’d love to!”
“Great. I’ll meet you in the cafeteria at lunch then?” she asked, heading out the door with me.
“Yep!” I said.
“OK, see ya then.” she said, turning to go down the other hall waving over her shoulder.
“Yeah. See ya.” I said a bit breathless. My first friend. I thought. Then I skipped down the hall to
my next class.
-------------------------
Classes go by much fast when you have something to look forward to… or did they go by slower…
Nevertheless, lunch finally came. Ashleigh was sitting with a girl who I guess was Jeanie. She had red
hair, brown eyes and a lot of freckles.
“Hey Kay!” Ash waved me over.
“Hi.” I said smiling.
“Kay, this is Jeanie. Jeanie this is Kay.” Ash introduced us.
“Hi! It’s nice to meet you!” Jeanie said.
“It’s nice to meet you too!” I said sitting down. “So you two went to junior high together?”
“Yep. But we meet before that at camp.” Jeanie said.
“Oh that’s cool!” I said.
“None of your friends came here?” Ash asked.
“No, actually I was home schooled… just for junior high though. I moved here to Seattle right before
that.” I explained. “My mom thought it was too tough of a time to start school. She thought she was
saving me some drama in my life.”
“Haha, like hight schools not going to have any drama.” Jeanie said.
“I know right?” I said. Should I tell them about Bret? I asked myself. Then from behind me came a
familiar voice.
“Hey Sis! What’s up?” it asked.
“Nothing. Just eating lunch with Jeanie and my new friend.” Ash answered.
“Oh, who’s your new friend?” he said coming around.
“Her name’s Mickayla.” she answered as he turned to face me. *beep* Of course. Just my luck.[/i] It was
Bret. His eye grew wide for a second, then he snapped on a face.
“Hey, hey!” he said. “It’s Mickey!”
“Mickey?” Ashleigh asked confused.
“Yeah, we met yesterday. She’s the one I told you about, the freshman I had lunch with.” he answered
giving Ash a wink.
“Oh, OH! Yes! Oh that’s such a coincidence.” Ashleigh said excitedly. “I guess we just have the same
taste in friends, huh Bro?”
“Sure do. Hey, the team’s calling but I’ll see you at home, K sis?” he said.
“Yep.” Ash nodded.
“See ya, Jeanie.” he said nodding. Then he turned to look at me with pleading, begging, meaningful
eyes. “Mickey.” Then he left for his friends. After he left Ash turned right to me.
“What did you do to him?” she asked.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“Girl, I’ve never seen him like this. Never.” she answered.
“Yeah, I don’t think he’s ever spoken to anyone younger than himself except Ash and I.” Jeanie agreed.
“I swear. I didn’t do anything.” I said.
“Well, what happened yesterday?” Ash asked.
“Didn’t he tell you?” I answered.
“Well yes, but I want to hear your side.” she insisted. So I continued to tell them about the previous
day’s events, leaving out the part where I think he’s playing a joke and totally diss him.
“Awwwwww!” the girls cooed.
“How romantic!” Jeanie said.
“Wouldn’t that be awesome if my brother started dating my new best friend???” Ash asked rhetorically.
“Best friend?” I asked.
“Well yeah. I mean if you want to be.” she said.
“Well duh!” I said.
“Yay!” the girls celebrated.
“So you think he really likes me?” I asked.
“Well, yes. But he can’t do anything about it of course.” Ash said.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Two reasons, his social status and… her.” she answered.
“Who?” I asked.
“Her.” she pointed towards the direction that Bret had exited to. There at the table was a girl of another
species of human… perfect. She had straight brown hair with light caramel colored highlights that was
layered with straight across bangs. She had deep brown eyes and the body of a cheerleader. “Sierra.
She’s the head cheerleader. Rich, gorgeous and just all around perfect. She and Bret have been on and
off since freshman year. Currently they’re on.”
“Oh, greeeeeaaaaaat!” I groaned.
“Oh and don’t forget Megan.” Jeanie whispered.
“Who’s Megan?” I asked.
“Sierra’s number two.” she answered. I looked over again. She looked similar to Sierra but enough to
not get them mixed up. She also had straight brown hair with light blond highlights and brown eyes.
She also looked like a cheerleader.
“What’s her deal?” I asked.
“She’s also totally into Bret, but she wouldn’t dare do anything about it or else Sierra would socially
murder her.” Jeanie said.
“Oooo.” I said, grimacing.
“Yeah.” Ash said. “But she still flirts when she’s not around.”
“I wanna see how much Bret really likes me.” I said, thinking about yesterday.
“Oh, Kay, please don’t do anything stupid.” Ash begged. “He’s a really great guy but social
circumstances push him to do things and to be someone.”
“He risked eating lunch with me yesterday.” I said.
“That’s because Sierra wasn’t here.” Ash said. “The Populars think that they’re so cool they wanted to
have their own first day of school. So all of them, but Bret, skipped. Bret only came because of me. He
wanted to make sure I had a good first day off.”
“Oh.” I said. So that’s why he wasn’t worried about his status. No one important was here. So he did
trick me! But that was sweet of him to watch out for his sister.
“If anyone saw him eating lunch with a freshman and told any of the Populars about it, he could just say
it was me telling them our mom made him.” Ash continued to explain.
“Of course.” I said. I looked over at the table. They were all laughing. Then he looked over at me and
smiled. I weakly smiled back. Then he winked and went back to his friends. But every once in a while,
he’d send me glances.
“Earth to Mickey!” Ash said.
“What?” I asked startled. The girls giggled.
“You’re so into him!” Ash sang.
“Head over heels.” Jeanie added.
“Guys, I have no chance.” I said. “And did you call me Mickey?”
“Yeah, sorry. Is that name for Bret only?” Ash asked.
“No, it’s fine. I was just a bit taken aback.” I answered. “It is really me I guess.”
“Yeah, he has a knack for nicknames.” Ash said. “He called Jeanie “freckles” and “carrot top” and I’m
“tiny” or of course “sis.”” I giggled.
“Hey Mickey.” Ash said. “What are you doing after school?”
“Homework.” I said.
“Well, Jeanie and I have study dates a lot. Do you want to join us?” she asked.
“Sure, let me call my mom.” I said. I pulled out my new hot pink RAZR. [Oh those were the days.] “Hey
Mom. Um, so I made some new friends today and they are having a study date. They invited me to
come if I wanted.” My mom, being the adorable mother she is, was simply beside herself with relief that
I was making friends. She always said that was the one thing she wished she didn’t take away from me
by home schooling me.
“Whose house?” I asked.
“Well, usually it’s at my house.” Ash said. She said where she lived and I almost dropped the phone.
“OMJ! We live like a block away from you!” I said excitedly. “To think we’ve been this close all this
time…” I told my mom that I could walk home and I hung up.
“Did you just say OMJ?” Jeanie asked.
“Yeah. I’m a huge fan of the Jonas Brothers.” I said. [Oh to be that free again.]
“SO ARE WE!!!” the girls squealed together.
“Nickismine!” I said as fast as I could.
“Don’t worry honey, I gots my eyes on Joe.” Jeanie said.
“And I Kevin.” Ash nodded.
“How perfect is this???” I squealed. Then my excitement faltered a bit. “Uh, Ash. Will your brother be
home?”
“Not ‘til later. He has football practice.” she said. “Why? You want to get your flirt on?”
“No, actually I was planning on avoiding him.” I said.
“Why?” she asked.
“No real reason. It’s just what I do when I like a guy.” I said. Such a lie. And then the bell rang. We
dumped our trash.
“So we’ll meet you at the bus?” Jeanie asked.
“Yep! See ya then!” I said.
“Bye!” They waved and went on their way.
Mickayla’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10372964
Ashleigh’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10373743
Jeanie’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10374311
Sierra’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10372406
Megan’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10373520
naive I was. I could only imagine what I would be like if he’d succeeded in pulling me along for the
whole year. He would have asked me out, become my first boyfriend, been my first kiss, then possibly
he would have seduced me into giving all myself to him. Then he’d blow me off like I was a speck of dirt
on his jacket. His letterman jacket to be exact. I found out later that he wasn’t just any football player,
but the quarterback, meaning he’s the most popular guy in school. That made things so much better.
To get myself to sleep, I played my favorite band, the Jonas Brothers. They always make me feel better.
So, the next day I tried to make some real friends.
“Hi. I’m Mickayla.” I said to the girl who sits next to me in English. She had blue eyes and long wavy
brown hair. She had a nice face, long with light freckles on her nose and cheeks under her eyes.
“I’m Ashleigh but you can call me Ash.” she said.
“You can call me…” I was going to say Mickey but I caught myself. “…Kayla or Kay. Whatever one
works.” I said. [PAUSE! Anyone notice a lot of my characters’ names start with ‘K’… or is that just me…
anyway… PLAY!]“Cool.” she smiled. Her smile seemed really familiar. I just couldn’t put my finger on it. During class we
had to partner up to talk about our summer reading, a book called “Stone Goddess”. [PAUSE… again! I
read this for my freshman year summer reading and I couldn’t think of anything else. It’s actually a
pretty good book. But it’s not like I’m going to spoil much if I use it. It’s about a girl who’s from
Cambodia when the Khmer Rough took over. She was taken to a concentration camp type thing then
escaped and went on a journey to Thailand then America.]
“Hey you wanna be my partner?” Ashleigh asked.
“Sure! I was gonna ask you anyway!” I said smiling.
“Oh perfect! So what’d you think of the book?” she asked.
“I thought it was kinda sad. But happy too.” I answered.
“Me too. It’s sad she had to go through all that stuff but her life in America is so much better off.” Ash
replied.
“Exactly.” I smiled. We talked for the rest of class about the book. Then the bell rang.
“Hey what are you doing for lunch?” she asked as she was packing her stuff.
“Nothing.” I answered.
“Well, my best friend from junior high, Jeanie, and I are going to eat together. I think you two would
really get along well. You should eat lunch with us!” she said.
“Oh that would be so great!” I answered. “I’d love to!”
“Great. I’ll meet you in the cafeteria at lunch then?” she asked, heading out the door with me.
“Yep!” I said.
“OK, see ya then.” she said, turning to go down the other hall waving over her shoulder.
“Yeah. See ya.” I said a bit breathless. My first friend. I thought. Then I skipped down the hall to
my next class.
-------------------------
Classes go by much fast when you have something to look forward to… or did they go by slower…
Nevertheless, lunch finally came. Ashleigh was sitting with a girl who I guess was Jeanie. She had red
hair, brown eyes and a lot of freckles.
“Hey Kay!” Ash waved me over.
“Hi.” I said smiling.
“Kay, this is Jeanie. Jeanie this is Kay.” Ash introduced us.
“Hi! It’s nice to meet you!” Jeanie said.
“It’s nice to meet you too!” I said sitting down. “So you two went to junior high together?”
“Yep. But we meet before that at camp.” Jeanie said.
“Oh that’s cool!” I said.
“None of your friends came here?” Ash asked.
“No, actually I was home schooled… just for junior high though. I moved here to Seattle right before
that.” I explained. “My mom thought it was too tough of a time to start school. She thought she was
saving me some drama in my life.”
“Haha, like hight schools not going to have any drama.” Jeanie said.
“I know right?” I said. Should I tell them about Bret? I asked myself. Then from behind me came a
familiar voice.
“Hey Sis! What’s up?” it asked.
“Nothing. Just eating lunch with Jeanie and my new friend.” Ash answered.
“Oh, who’s your new friend?” he said coming around.
“Her name’s Mickayla.” she answered as he turned to face me. *beep* Of course. Just my luck.[/i] It was
Bret. His eye grew wide for a second, then he snapped on a face.
“Hey, hey!” he said. “It’s Mickey!”
“Mickey?” Ashleigh asked confused.
“Yeah, we met yesterday. She’s the one I told you about, the freshman I had lunch with.” he answered
giving Ash a wink.
“Oh, OH! Yes! Oh that’s such a coincidence.” Ashleigh said excitedly. “I guess we just have the same
taste in friends, huh Bro?”
“Sure do. Hey, the team’s calling but I’ll see you at home, K sis?” he said.
“Yep.” Ash nodded.
“See ya, Jeanie.” he said nodding. Then he turned to look at me with pleading, begging, meaningful
eyes. “Mickey.” Then he left for his friends. After he left Ash turned right to me.
“What did you do to him?” she asked.
“What are you talking about?” I asked.
“Girl, I’ve never seen him like this. Never.” she answered.
“Yeah, I don’t think he’s ever spoken to anyone younger than himself except Ash and I.” Jeanie agreed.
“I swear. I didn’t do anything.” I said.
“Well, what happened yesterday?” Ash asked.
“Didn’t he tell you?” I answered.
“Well yes, but I want to hear your side.” she insisted. So I continued to tell them about the previous
day’s events, leaving out the part where I think he’s playing a joke and totally diss him.
“Awwwwww!” the girls cooed.
“How romantic!” Jeanie said.
“Wouldn’t that be awesome if my brother started dating my new best friend???” Ash asked rhetorically.
“Best friend?” I asked.
“Well yeah. I mean if you want to be.” she said.
“Well duh!” I said.
“Yay!” the girls celebrated.
“So you think he really likes me?” I asked.
“Well, yes. But he can’t do anything about it of course.” Ash said.
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“Two reasons, his social status and… her.” she answered.
“Who?” I asked.
“Her.” she pointed towards the direction that Bret had exited to. There at the table was a girl of another
species of human… perfect. She had straight brown hair with light caramel colored highlights that was
layered with straight across bangs. She had deep brown eyes and the body of a cheerleader. “Sierra.
She’s the head cheerleader. Rich, gorgeous and just all around perfect. She and Bret have been on and
off since freshman year. Currently they’re on.”
“Oh, greeeeeaaaaaat!” I groaned.
“Oh and don’t forget Megan.” Jeanie whispered.
“Who’s Megan?” I asked.
“Sierra’s number two.” she answered. I looked over again. She looked similar to Sierra but enough to
not get them mixed up. She also had straight brown hair with light blond highlights and brown eyes.
She also looked like a cheerleader.
“What’s her deal?” I asked.
“She’s also totally into Bret, but she wouldn’t dare do anything about it or else Sierra would socially
murder her.” Jeanie said.
“Oooo.” I said, grimacing.
“Yeah.” Ash said. “But she still flirts when she’s not around.”
“I wanna see how much Bret really likes me.” I said, thinking about yesterday.
“Oh, Kay, please don’t do anything stupid.” Ash begged. “He’s a really great guy but social
circumstances push him to do things and to be someone.”
“He risked eating lunch with me yesterday.” I said.
“That’s because Sierra wasn’t here.” Ash said. “The Populars think that they’re so cool they wanted to
have their own first day of school. So all of them, but Bret, skipped. Bret only came because of me. He
wanted to make sure I had a good first day off.”
“Oh.” I said. So that’s why he wasn’t worried about his status. No one important was here. So he did
trick me! But that was sweet of him to watch out for his sister.
“If anyone saw him eating lunch with a freshman and told any of the Populars about it, he could just say
it was me telling them our mom made him.” Ash continued to explain.
“Of course.” I said. I looked over at the table. They were all laughing. Then he looked over at me and
smiled. I weakly smiled back. Then he winked and went back to his friends. But every once in a while,
he’d send me glances.
“Earth to Mickey!” Ash said.
“What?” I asked startled. The girls giggled.
“You’re so into him!” Ash sang.
“Head over heels.” Jeanie added.
“Guys, I have no chance.” I said. “And did you call me Mickey?”
“Yeah, sorry. Is that name for Bret only?” Ash asked.
“No, it’s fine. I was just a bit taken aback.” I answered. “It is really me I guess.”
“Yeah, he has a knack for nicknames.” Ash said. “He called Jeanie “freckles” and “carrot top” and I’m
“tiny” or of course “sis.”” I giggled.
“Hey Mickey.” Ash said. “What are you doing after school?”
“Homework.” I said.
“Well, Jeanie and I have study dates a lot. Do you want to join us?” she asked.
“Sure, let me call my mom.” I said. I pulled out my new hot pink RAZR. [Oh those were the days.] “Hey
Mom. Um, so I made some new friends today and they are having a study date. They invited me to
come if I wanted.” My mom, being the adorable mother she is, was simply beside herself with relief that
I was making friends. She always said that was the one thing she wished she didn’t take away from me
by home schooling me.
“Whose house?” I asked.
“Well, usually it’s at my house.” Ash said. She said where she lived and I almost dropped the phone.
“OMJ! We live like a block away from you!” I said excitedly. “To think we’ve been this close all this
time…” I told my mom that I could walk home and I hung up.
“Did you just say OMJ?” Jeanie asked.
“Yeah. I’m a huge fan of the Jonas Brothers.” I said. [Oh to be that free again.]
“SO ARE WE!!!” the girls squealed together.
“Nickismine!” I said as fast as I could.
“Don’t worry honey, I gots my eyes on Joe.” Jeanie said.
“And I Kevin.” Ash nodded.
“How perfect is this???” I squealed. Then my excitement faltered a bit. “Uh, Ash. Will your brother be
home?”
“Not ‘til later. He has football practice.” she said. “Why? You want to get your flirt on?”
“No, actually I was planning on avoiding him.” I said.
“Why?” she asked.
“No real reason. It’s just what I do when I like a guy.” I said. Such a lie. And then the bell rang. We
dumped our trash.
“So we’ll meet you at the bus?” Jeanie asked.
“Yep! See ya then!” I said.
“Bye!” They waved and went on their way.
Mickayla’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10372964
Ashleigh’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10373743
Jeanie’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10374311
Sierra’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10372406
Megan’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10373520
Part One: The Beginning -- Chapter One: Falling
It was freshman year of high school. I walked up to the big school, almost scared stiff. Will people
accept me? Will I make friends? Who will I be? I take a deep breath and walk up to the doors. They
creak as I open them, awkwardly heavier than I anticipated. I stumbled against the weight and almost
trip. Thankfully I catch myself before I fall. But then the weight of my backpack forces me off balance
again. I start to fall again. Oh, great. What a way to start off the school year. I think as I’m falling.
But then something took me by surprise. I was caught. I felt big strong arms lifting me upward and
setting me on my feet. I blink away the shock and find the most beautiful, god-like guy with piercing
lavender-blue eyes and light brownish red hair holding me in his arms.
“You okay?” he asks, letting go.
“Y-y-yeah.” I manage to stutter. My mouth is now completely dry.
“Those doors are heavier than they look. It took me most of my freshman year to remember that.” he
said shooting me a dazzling smile.
“Yeah, I think I’m going to remember now. I don’t want a repeat of that.” I said, surprising myself that I
could talk in full sentences. He laughed lightly. I melted on the spot.
“My name’s Bret.” he said, sticking out a hand. “Yours is…”
“Mickayla. But it’s spelled differently than the normal way.” I said out of habit.
“Oh? And how is it spelled.” he asked intrigued.
“M-I-C-K-A-Y-L-A.” I said.
“That’s a cool way to spell it.” he said.
“Yeah, cool if you’re not named it. I always have to tell people how to spell my name. My parents
couldn’t spell it the normal way. They just had to make my life just that more difficult.” I said partially
sarcastic. I actually like the way I spell my name.
“Well, I like it.” he said. “Least your parents have creative initiative. My parents stuck to B-R-E-T. Not
with two T’s or any thing that’d be considered different. Just plain and boring.”
“No, it’s great.” I said. And of course, right on time, the bell rings.
“Oh there’s the bell. Don’t want to be late on the first day of high school now do ya?” he said.
“No wouldn’t want that.” I say.
“Well, I’ll see you around… Mickey.” he said turning to go.
“Mickey?” I ask.
“Yeah, it’s my nickname for you. Mickayla, Mickey.” he said smiling.
“Oh, I like that.” I said. “Thanks. For the nickname… and for catching me.”
“My pleasure.” He smiled and went on his way, leaving me in a daze. Crap. How am I going to focus in
class? Oh class! I looked at my schedule in my hand. English. Room 102. Phew. 1st floor. How’s
that for luck? But apparently my luck for the morning had been spent. I ran to class before I was too
late. But by the time I got there, all of the seats were taken except for the one in front. And of course
the teacher, Mr. Zeek, had to put me on the spot.
“Ah, you must be Ms. Reese.” he said.
“Um, yes.” I said.
“I take attendance before the bell rings. So you should be here at 8:55 instead of 8:59 if you don't want
to be written up as tardy. But since it’s the first day, I’ll let it slide. But only this once.” he said.
“Oh thank you… Mr. Zeek.” I said.
“You may take your seat now which will be your seat for the rest of the year.” he said. I slid
embarrassedly into my seat. The morning went on somewhat similarly, but thankfully no more speeches
directed specifically to me from teachers. I was so relieved when the lunch bell rang. How am I going
to make it through the year if I can’t make if even a day? I thought. I walked into the enormous
cafeteria. I picked up a tray and joined the line. Then someone came up to me and hip bumped me.
“Hey Mickey.” I turned to see Bret.
“Oh hey.” I said, slightly confused. Someone as gorgeous as him, and his age, could not possibly be in a
social ranking that allows talking to freshman as friends. “You’re talking to me?”
“Um yeah.” he said, in a “no-duh” tone.
“Well, aren’t you older than me? You can’t possibly be risking your social status just to talk to me.” I
said.
“Yeah, well… I think you’re worth it.” he said smiling.
“You don’t even know me.” I said.
“Well, there’s only one way to find out and that’s by talking to you.” he answered.
“Touché.” I said.
“So eat lunch with me.” he said.
“Well, I have no one else to eat lunch with, so I guess I could.” I said, pretending that I was some
superstar and he was an insignificant fan. I started walking to a table.
“What was that?” he asked.
“What?” I said, sitting down.
“Why’d you say it like that?” he asked also sitting down.
“Oh, I do that a lot. I role play when I talk sometimes.” I said, eating a carrot.
“Really?” he asked.
“Yep.” I said. “Hey. You said you wanted to get to know me, so I’m showing you who I am. I’m into
drama.”
“Cool. I play football.” he said simply. I almost choked on the carrot.
“You mean you’re a jock?” I asked now even more shocked.
“Um yeah… You say it like it’s bad.” he said.
“No, I say it like ‘Why the hell are you freakin’ talking to me?’” I answered. “First you’re a sophomore
now you’re a j-“
“Junior.” he interrupted.
“What?” I asked.
“I’m actually a junior.” he said. I just stared at him blankly. The realization hit me like a brick.
“Oh, I get it.” I said, coldly.
“Get what?” he asked.
“This is all a joke.” I said. “Great. I can’t believe I fell for this. Actually I can believe I did. God. I’m so
stupid. I should’ve known this was too good to be true.”
“What?” Bret asked impatiently.
“You can cut the crap, Bret. Go ahead and laugh now. How long did you think I’d last? A week? A
month?” I asked.
“What are you talking about?” he asked seeming utterly confused.
“You know perfectly well what I’m talking about. This is just a joke to you. I’m a joke to you.” I said.
“Sure string the poor, gullible freshman along and see what happens. Let’s see how far she believes
that I actually want to be friends with her. Then you and your popular jock and cheerleader friends can
laugh at me.”
“Mickayla, that is not what I’m doing.” he said.
“Sure it isn’t.” I said. “You’re supposed to say that. That way you gain my trust again and tie the string
up like it never broke loose. Then you continue to pull until it breaks again. And you’ll just keep on
tying and tying and tying until I’m only on big mess of a knot and my freshman year is ruined.”
“Wow. You done?” he asked.
“If I were another girl, I would say ‘no’ then dump my lunch on you and then say ‘now I’m done.’ But
I’m not that type of girl so instead I’ll say ‘yes’ and just get up and walk away with my pride.” I did as I
said and walked out of the cafeteria, trying to keep the tears from coming down.
Mickayla’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10258676
Bret’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10259293
accept me? Will I make friends? Who will I be? I take a deep breath and walk up to the doors. They
creak as I open them, awkwardly heavier than I anticipated. I stumbled against the weight and almost
trip. Thankfully I catch myself before I fall. But then the weight of my backpack forces me off balance
again. I start to fall again. Oh, great. What a way to start off the school year. I think as I’m falling.
But then something took me by surprise. I was caught. I felt big strong arms lifting me upward and
setting me on my feet. I blink away the shock and find the most beautiful, god-like guy with piercing
lavender-blue eyes and light brownish red hair holding me in his arms.
“You okay?” he asks, letting go.
“Y-y-yeah.” I manage to stutter. My mouth is now completely dry.
“Those doors are heavier than they look. It took me most of my freshman year to remember that.” he
said shooting me a dazzling smile.
“Yeah, I think I’m going to remember now. I don’t want a repeat of that.” I said, surprising myself that I
could talk in full sentences. He laughed lightly. I melted on the spot.
“My name’s Bret.” he said, sticking out a hand. “Yours is…”
“Mickayla. But it’s spelled differently than the normal way.” I said out of habit.
“Oh? And how is it spelled.” he asked intrigued.
“M-I-C-K-A-Y-L-A.” I said.
“That’s a cool way to spell it.” he said.
“Yeah, cool if you’re not named it. I always have to tell people how to spell my name. My parents
couldn’t spell it the normal way. They just had to make my life just that more difficult.” I said partially
sarcastic. I actually like the way I spell my name.
“Well, I like it.” he said. “Least your parents have creative initiative. My parents stuck to B-R-E-T. Not
with two T’s or any thing that’d be considered different. Just plain and boring.”
“No, it’s great.” I said. And of course, right on time, the bell rings.
“Oh there’s the bell. Don’t want to be late on the first day of high school now do ya?” he said.
“No wouldn’t want that.” I say.
“Well, I’ll see you around… Mickey.” he said turning to go.
“Mickey?” I ask.
“Yeah, it’s my nickname for you. Mickayla, Mickey.” he said smiling.
“Oh, I like that.” I said. “Thanks. For the nickname… and for catching me.”
“My pleasure.” He smiled and went on his way, leaving me in a daze. Crap. How am I going to focus in
class? Oh class! I looked at my schedule in my hand. English. Room 102. Phew. 1st floor. How’s
that for luck? But apparently my luck for the morning had been spent. I ran to class before I was too
late. But by the time I got there, all of the seats were taken except for the one in front. And of course
the teacher, Mr. Zeek, had to put me on the spot.
“Ah, you must be Ms. Reese.” he said.
“Um, yes.” I said.
“I take attendance before the bell rings. So you should be here at 8:55 instead of 8:59 if you don't want
to be written up as tardy. But since it’s the first day, I’ll let it slide. But only this once.” he said.
“Oh thank you… Mr. Zeek.” I said.
“You may take your seat now which will be your seat for the rest of the year.” he said. I slid
embarrassedly into my seat. The morning went on somewhat similarly, but thankfully no more speeches
directed specifically to me from teachers. I was so relieved when the lunch bell rang. How am I going
to make it through the year if I can’t make if even a day? I thought. I walked into the enormous
cafeteria. I picked up a tray and joined the line. Then someone came up to me and hip bumped me.
“Hey Mickey.” I turned to see Bret.
“Oh hey.” I said, slightly confused. Someone as gorgeous as him, and his age, could not possibly be in a
social ranking that allows talking to freshman as friends. “You’re talking to me?”
“Um yeah.” he said, in a “no-duh” tone.
“Well, aren’t you older than me? You can’t possibly be risking your social status just to talk to me.” I
said.
“Yeah, well… I think you’re worth it.” he said smiling.
“You don’t even know me.” I said.
“Well, there’s only one way to find out and that’s by talking to you.” he answered.
“Touché.” I said.
“So eat lunch with me.” he said.
“Well, I have no one else to eat lunch with, so I guess I could.” I said, pretending that I was some
superstar and he was an insignificant fan. I started walking to a table.
“What was that?” he asked.
“What?” I said, sitting down.
“Why’d you say it like that?” he asked also sitting down.
“Oh, I do that a lot. I role play when I talk sometimes.” I said, eating a carrot.
“Really?” he asked.
“Yep.” I said. “Hey. You said you wanted to get to know me, so I’m showing you who I am. I’m into
drama.”
“Cool. I play football.” he said simply. I almost choked on the carrot.
“You mean you’re a jock?” I asked now even more shocked.
“Um yeah… You say it like it’s bad.” he said.
“No, I say it like ‘Why the hell are you freakin’ talking to me?’” I answered. “First you’re a sophomore
now you’re a j-“
“Junior.” he interrupted.
“What?” I asked.
“I’m actually a junior.” he said. I just stared at him blankly. The realization hit me like a brick.
“Oh, I get it.” I said, coldly.
“Get what?” he asked.
“This is all a joke.” I said. “Great. I can’t believe I fell for this. Actually I can believe I did. God. I’m so
stupid. I should’ve known this was too good to be true.”
“What?” Bret asked impatiently.
“You can cut the crap, Bret. Go ahead and laugh now. How long did you think I’d last? A week? A
month?” I asked.
“What are you talking about?” he asked seeming utterly confused.
“You know perfectly well what I’m talking about. This is just a joke to you. I’m a joke to you.” I said.
“Sure string the poor, gullible freshman along and see what happens. Let’s see how far she believes
that I actually want to be friends with her. Then you and your popular jock and cheerleader friends can
laugh at me.”
“Mickayla, that is not what I’m doing.” he said.
“Sure it isn’t.” I said. “You’re supposed to say that. That way you gain my trust again and tie the string
up like it never broke loose. Then you continue to pull until it breaks again. And you’ll just keep on
tying and tying and tying until I’m only on big mess of a knot and my freshman year is ruined.”
“Wow. You done?” he asked.
“If I were another girl, I would say ‘no’ then dump my lunch on you and then say ‘now I’m done.’ But
I’m not that type of girl so instead I’ll say ‘yes’ and just get up and walk away with my pride.” I did as I
said and walked out of the cafeteria, trying to keep the tears from coming down.
Mickayla’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10258676
Bret’s Outfit: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=10259293
Prologue:
by RJSummer
My life has much fear. My life is fear. I live, eat, breath, sleep and dream fear. And there is
nowhere for me to go. I’m alone, trapped. But I’m in the open, trying to hide the fact that I am trapped
and the visible signs that are a result. I can’t tell anyone, for fear of it getting worse, of me loosing my
life. But maybe I should just let myself die. Anything seems better than this life, this fear, this pain.
Anything seems better to get away… from him.
The story you are about to read maybe scaring throughout. It is full of fear, pain and torture. But it also
has freedom, safety and true love. However, if you are to truly understand my story, I must tell you
about how it began, the ugly story of my relationship with Bret. My name is Mickayla Reese and this is
my story.
My life has much fear. My life is fear. I live, eat, breath, sleep and dream fear. And there is
nowhere for me to go. I’m alone, trapped. But I’m in the open, trying to hide the fact that I am trapped
and the visible signs that are a result. I can’t tell anyone, for fear of it getting worse, of me loosing my
life. But maybe I should just let myself die. Anything seems better than this life, this fear, this pain.
Anything seems better to get away… from him.
The story you are about to read maybe scaring throughout. It is full of fear, pain and torture. But it also
has freedom, safety and true love. However, if you are to truly understand my story, I must tell you
about how it began, the ugly story of my relationship with Bret. My name is Mickayla Reese and this is
my story.
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