User blog:Uniquemusician/Blackstar Chapter 1 The New Girl & Teen Antics

A 14 year-old girl with honey blonde straight hair was casually going through her locker to get her books like she did every day before homeroom. The girl was deeply lost in her thoughts.

She was thinking:”Why, did Jack just have to assume I had a crush on him that day of the match?!” “If it wasn’t for that we wouldn’t be teased by the guys every single day at practice!”

The girl was brought out of her thoughts by a high-pitched squealing voice. She rolled her eyes at the voice knowing exactly who it belonged to. Donna Tobin.

She frustratingly thought: “Of course, I had to get my locker next to the prissy queen bee and her “friends”. With frustration building up inside the girl and also, irritation from the still squealing voices next her; she slammed her locker closed with a loud-BAM!

A voice spoke from behind her,” Wow I definitely don’t want to be your punching dummy today at practice.” The voice said this sarcastically.

The girl thought:” I know that voice anywhere.” “It’s Jack.”

The honey blonde-haired girl whirled around from her abused locker door and glared at her friend Jack standing in front of her. Her friend was a few inches taller than her, he had messy brown hair, chocolate brown eyes, and he was wearing an unbuttoned dark plaid shirt over a regular black shirt; with jeans and black Vans.

The girl retorted, “Keep being sarcastic and you will be, Jack!” The girl said this as she slid down to the floor; not caring how dirty it was.

Jack just put his hands up in surrender and took a spot next to her

Jack asked, “So what’s wrong with you, Kim?”

Kim was utterly surprised at how quick he made his tone change form sarcastic to concerned.

Kim answered, “I’m just sick of the guys teasing us about being ‘lovebirds’.” She said lovebirds sarcastically while gesturing air quotes around the word. She then added, “I’m also getting sick of the girls that go to this high school.” I’ll they are, are squealing Barbie dolls.” “I guess I just wish there would be one girl that’s different from that.”

Kim sighed.

Jack looked at her and asked, “What about Julie?”

Kim took Julie into account. Julie was a nice girl. Who has been going out with her and Jack’s nerdy friend Milton for a month now. To Kim Julie was just a little to girly for her taste but could handle it. There was also, the fact of her and Julie being complete opposites.

Kim finally answered once she was done going through her thoughts on Julie, “Julie is cool.” “But still we’re complete opposites.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack nodded his head in understanding.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">He then agreed, “Yeah, you guys are pretty different.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim just nodded in response.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">They both just sat there in silence.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack broke the silence wondering”Hey is she new here?”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim looked over to where Jack’s gaze was down the hall.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">She saw a girl coming over their way. Kim looked the girl over. The girl was pretty short and petite from what she looked like. The girl was wearing a gray tank top that fit to her body with Capri’s and plain black Nike sneakers. She had a dark purple Jansport backpack slung over her shoulder and it looked like she was carrying a black jacket in her left hand. The girl had wavy blonde hair that went past her shoulders but was hiding her bangs in a plain gray baseball cap.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim thought:’ Finally! A tomboy, I hope she’s nice.’

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack nudged Kim bringing her out of her thoughts of the girl walking passed them now.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack stated, “She looks like she should be at Seaford Middle not Seaford High.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim rolled her eyes and replied, “Maybe she skipped a grade.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack agreed, “Maybe.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim and Jack both looked down the hall to see where the girl disappeared to. They found she was only a few lockers down from Kim’s; standing in front of Donna Tobin and her friends giving them an annoyed look.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"> Jack and Kim looked at each other both cocking an eyebrow wondering what the girl was doing.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">All of a sudden the girl loudly snapped, “Excuse me!” “I would like to put my stuff in my locker some day.” Then, the girl’s voice came to a calmer tone. She continued calmly, “Would you and your friends please, move.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim eyes widened in horror as she realized the girl snapped at Donna Tobin. Kim watched as Donna came out of her circle of friends and glared threateningly at the petite girl. Kim knew Donna would mercilessly give the girl hell if Kim didn’t stop her. Kim got up and ran over next to the new girl’s side.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack didn’t like girl drama so he decided to stay where he was and stay out of it unless it got to heated he would step in. For right, now Jack watched as it all unfolded.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim noticed the girl didn’t even acknowledge her presence when she ran over to her side or she was just ignoring her. The girl just stood there with her small arms crossed over her chest looking at the upset queen bee boringly.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The girl sighed then asked, “So are you going to move or not?”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Donna looked her up and down threateningly.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim thought, ‘Oh no here it comes.’

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">She smirked and retorted, “I’ll move when you start to dress like a girl.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim was surprised to find no hurt look cross the new girls face but a smile.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The girl started to laugh saying, “That’s the best you got hahaha!” “Wow, just pathetic!”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim smiled and thought: ‘ I’m so gonna like this new chic.’

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Donna retorted harshly to the still giggling girl in front of her, “You didn’t let me finish!” “I mean, why are you even here?” “You like you’re a 7th grader trying to fit in with the big kids!” “You’re the one who’s pathetic!”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim had her mouth opened ready to defend the new girl but the girl put her hand in front of her mouth to stop her. Kim looked down at the new girl in confusion. The new girl smiled at her and gave her a look that said ‘Thanks, but I got this.’ Kim shut her mouth and smiled at the girl. The girl then turned her attention towards Donna.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The girl sighed and said calmly with sincerity, “Look, uh…girlie I’m sorry I snapped at you earlier.” “I was just being impatient.” “I was also a little nervous being a freshman coming in like a few months before the end of school.” “So yeah….”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The girl then put out her right hand confidently and asked, “We cool?”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Donna took her right hand confused and shook it

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Donna answered, “Uh…yeah,” once they had let go.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Donna then scurried away with her friends gossiping.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The girl opened up her locker and threw all the stuff she didn’t need inside.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim watched as she took off her baseball cap and hung it on the hook inside. Jack came up and stood next to Kim with his arms crossed over his chest glad the drama was over with.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The girl then turned around to face Kim and Jack. Kim realized how pretty the girl really is underneath that baseball cap. She had piercing blue eyes that the little eyeliner she was wearing made them pop even more than they already did. She had a freckle or two on her flawless face that was it. Kim noticed how her waves were messy probably from being under the baseball cap. Most girls aren’t able to pull off long and messy waves. Kim thought: ‘She sure can.’

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack must have noticed the beauty of the petite girl too or he would’ve already introduced himself.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim asked, “So what’s your name?”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The girl must have been in deep thought or checking Jack out, because her eyes suddenly became wide and she quickly looked directly at Kim; realizing she asked her something.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The girl asked, “What did you say?”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim asked again, “What’s your name?”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The girl answered, “Oh, its Roxy Greene.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim responded, “Cool name, mines is Kim.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack suddenly put out his right hand and added”Hey I’m Jack.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy replied, “Cool and shook his hand.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Suddenly, a short African American kid came running down the stairs in a hurry. As Roxy looked at the scene it looked like a kid with really dark brown hair that was in a fohawk, he was wearing a graphic black tee with black jeans that had a chain hanging down from one of its pockets and to Roxy he seemed like a giant. The kid with the fohawk came running down after the African American teen.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The African American teen came running to Jack and hid behind him cowering in fear. Roxy gave Kim a confused look. Kim just rolled her eyes and gave her a look that said it’s probably about something stupid in response.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy just nodded her head in understanding.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy then looked to see everyone’s attention at the teen with the fohawk running right to Jack. He stopped when he got in front of him.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The teen with fohawk exclaimed, “Jack move before I make you with these guns. At the end the teen put his arms up and kissed both his biceps.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy was merrily amused by this teens personality. Kim just rolled her eyes at the teens pathetic way to look cool. The African American teen was still cowering behind Jack.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack smirked and said confidently, “Make me, I dare you.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jerry said, “Fine I will.” Jerry took a few steps back and put himself in karate stance acting like he was ready to fight.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack just stood there amused like the others except for the African American teen still cowering behind him.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The teen with the fohawk looked at everyone’s amused faces and came out of his stance. He started to laugh at his amused friends looking at him.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The teen exclaimed, “HAHAHA! You guys thought I’d be dumb enough to fight Jack!” “Wow, I mean I know I’m not that smart, but really I’m smarter than that!”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy giggled with Kim at the teen’s humor.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack rolled his eyes and asked, “Jerry why do you want to kill Eddie?” Jack said this while looking from the teen in standing in front of him to the African American teen cowering behind him.

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy thought: “Well, I guess the teen with the fohawk is Jerry and the teen cowering behind Jack is Eddie.”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jerry spoke bringing Roxy out of her thoughts, “Because, he took the last cupcake Marge and left in the lunch room and I already called dibs on it!”

<span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy raised her eyebrows at Jerry and gave Kim a “what the heck’ look.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim rolled her eyes and mouthed to Roxy, “You’ll get use to it.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy then nodded and turned her attention towards Jack.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack shook his head in frustration and walked up to Jerry.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack put his Hands on Jerry’s shoulders and exclaimed, “Jerry! It’s just a cupcake!” “You’re acting like he committed a crime!” Jerry looked at Jack offended and exclaimed,”Duh, he did against my stomach!”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jerry shook Jack’s hands off his shoulders and put his right hand to his stomach while making a pouty face. Jack just placed his right hand on his forehead in and rolled his eyes in frustration.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim looked at Jack sympathetically. She knew Jack was always the leader and the one who fixed problems between people. Kim felt bad the guys always relied on Jack for mostly everything. Most of the time Kim knew Jack was always under pressure being the leader and all. He would never admit it though but Kim knew she could see it in his eyes.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim thought: Am I really developing a soft spot for Jack Anderson. Wow, this is new. But I’ve felt like this since I met him. Wait…a second does that mean I like Jack? What no way! I definitely don’t and will never like-like Jack Anderson. Right?

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The honey blonde headed girl quickly dismissed her thoughts and saw Jack in deep frustration. Kim decided to save him. So she walked over to Eddie and pulled him by his collar over to Jerry. Kim then let go of Eddie and watched as he stumbled a little. Finally, Eddie balanced himself and stood up facing Jerry.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim snapped at both of them, Look Jerry and Eddie you guys need to stop going to Jack with all your problems!” Kim then sighed.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">At these words that came out of Kim’s mouth; Jack’s head shot up from where he was looking down at the floor to listen more clearly at what Kim was saying.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy just kept watching Kim.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim continued, “I mean he isn’t some teacher or parent you go to; to tattle on a kid!” “Sure, I guess Jack’s the leader in our group, but grow up!” “I mean really a cupcake, you guys are acting like losing a cupcake is the end of the world!” “And don’t you two ever think Jack has enough pressure on him with being the best martial artist in our dojo that Rudy’s always counting on to help us win matches.” “Or keeping his grades up so he can still do karate and help are dojo to be as good as the black dragons!” At this point Kim’s southern accent was kicking in. “And then y’all always tease him and pull pranks on him!” Eddie was about to cut in but Kim put her hand in front of his mouth to stop him. Kim continued to rant, “And no don’t say he’s gullible!” “You guys genially ask him for advice or something to get him pranked!” “Y’all act like your true friends who want his advice but make him feel stupid in the end!”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jerry started stuttering,”Wwwweeellll KKiiiimmmm---“

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim snapped, “Don’t well Kim me!” “Every day, y’all make him feel like trash!” “Do you notice that at all?” “I do I see hurt in his eyes whenever he gets pranked trying to help you guys!”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Eddie interrupted, “Then why doesn’t he ever say anything?!”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim exclaimed,” Because he’s shy I don’t know!” “Maybe, he just doesn’t want to look weak!”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim was then done. She now knew what it felt like to be Jack Anderson every single day.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim thought: Man, this is exhausting how does he do this every day?

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim sat down on the floor and cradled her head in her hands in frustration. Kim heard Jerry and Eddie walk past her.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">She then, heard them say in unsion,”Sorry Jack, we’ll try to be more independent and better friends.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim smiled inside her hands happy that her long rant got through to her both idiot friends.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">She heard Jack reply, “It's alright, guys and thanks.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">She then heard feet shuffling towards her but she couldn’t tell who it could’ve been. The person than stopped and Kim felt them sit right next to her on the floor.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The person asked, “Hey, you alright?”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim felt there warm breathe on her ear and it made her skin tingle. She knew that voice anywhere. It was Jack Anderson’s.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim looked up to find herself starring at concerned and loving chocolate brown eyes. The whole hallway was bustling with loud teenagers, but all Kim and Jack could hear was silence around them.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim answered, “Uh…yeah I think so.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack chuckled.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim asked slightly confused, “What’s so funny?”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack just smiled at her and responded, “Wow Kim just wow.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim still confused asked, “Wow what?”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack answered, “I never thought I’d see the day someone would actually get me.” “And I never thought Kim Crawford would be the one to not only understand me but also defend me.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim just smiled at him.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack then did something totally unexpected by Kim. He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. When he pulled away he said, “Thank you.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim would’ve said something but she was too shocked about what Jack just did. She just nodded her head in response.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack just chuckled at Kim’s shocked face and the blush that was creeping up her cheeks. He stood up and put his hand out for her. Kim took his hand and stood up from the floor. Letting go of Jack’s hand she walked over to where Eddie, Jerry, and Roxy were standing; Jack followed behind her.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">When Kim and Jack approached their friends; all of them except for Roxy were smirking at Kim and Jack. Kim noticed the smirks plastered across Eddie and Jerry’s face. Kim glared at them and pointed her finger towards them.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim snapped, “Eddie, Jerry one word and one of you or both of you will be my punching dummy for the rest of the day.” “And I mean the rest of the day.” Kim then dropped her finger but kept glaring at the two teens standing in front of her.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jerry not thinking smartly retorted, “Hey, I’m not the one blushing like a tomato.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack exclaimed, “Dude that wasn’t the right time to be stupid!”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim snapped, “Yeah Jerry, ‘cause I’m gonna make you black and blue in 5 seconds!”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim then was about to pounce on Jerry and beat the stupid out of him. Jack already Knowing Kim Crawford doesn’t go back on her word. Ran and grabbed her by the waist before she was able to touch Jerry. Kim didn’t stop she kept trying to go at Jerry even though Jack was pulling her farther away.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy just stood there and watched the scene in amusement. Roxy thought: Maybe this mission will be more fun than I thought.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy then burst out laughing when she watched as Jack tripped over his own feet, falling to the ground and since he still had his arms around Kim’s waist; she fell down on top of him.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Eddie and Jerry finally seeing the scene in front of them burst out laughing along with Roxy.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jerry exclaimed, “Woo, lovebirds!”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack was currently lying on the floor of the hallway with Kim lying on top of him. He still had his arms around his waist; so to Eddie, Jerry, and Roxy it looked like they we’re cuddling.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Suddenly a redheaded boy, who was a little taller than Jack wearing a sweater vest, came running towards the group of teenagers. He came to a stop in front of the group panting.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">He said, “Sorry I’m late guys my Aunt Charlotte for some reason needed to be in the bathroom all day.” I think my mom said it was because, she has some sort of weird infection or was that about me taking some new medication that helps myyyy………..”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The redheaded boy trailed off when he noticed Jack and Kim still on the floor together. He raised his eyebrows at the sight of his friends on the floor.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">He said,”Uh…Jack, Kim you can get detention for showing PDA at school.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack quickly let go of Kim. As Kim stood up she helped Jack off the floor. The honey blonde headed girl turned to the redheaded kid and rolled her eyes throwing her hands up in exaggeration.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">She exaggerated, “Of course, we know that Milton we were just ummm……showing the new girl Roxy over here an example of what PDA not to display.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack went up to Kim and retorted, “Smooth Kim smooth.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The redheaded boy Milton looked at Kim like she was crazy.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Milton exclaimed, “Kim, when they say no PDA they mean all types.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack exclaimed, “Dude, chill she was lying!” “We all know Kim can’t lie to save her life.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jerry exclaimed,”Yeah I even knew that!”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Milton said meekly, “I knew I was just messing with you guys, duh.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Everyone responded in unsion,”Uh huh.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim wanting to move to a different subject asked, “So Eddie, Jerry, Milton do you want to meet Roxy?"

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">They all responded, “Sure.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">They all followed Jack and Kim to where Roxy was leaning against her locker.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Eddie went up to her first and said, “I’m Eddie I’m a playah.” He then winked at her.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy shook her head at Eddie and put on a fake pouty face and responded, “I’m Roxy and sorry I don’t date playahs.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Eddie just pouted and walked back to where Kim and Jack were.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jerry then came up to Roxy and said, “Hey I’m Jerry the good looking one.” He said this while moving his right thumb against his right cheek.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy rolled her eyes and responded, "Hey I’m Roxy and sorry I don’t do conceited guys either.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jerry just shrugged his shoulders like she didn’t insult him at all.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jerry replied,”Well I don’t know what you mean by conceited or however you say it but, I’m hoping to get Kelsey Lockwood.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy exclaimed confused, “What?!”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jerry rolled his eyes and responded, “Sorry I guess I should have slowed it down.” “I forgot I was talking to a blonde.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack and Kim hearing this were both surprised that she didn’t smack him but rolled her eyes at him.

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">She retorted, “Just go over there and talk to Eddie before I smack you.”

<p style="margin-left:.5in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jerry quickly ran over to Eddie not being sure if she was like Kim just with a less temper.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Milton then came up to Roxy and said, “Hello nice to meet you I’m Milton.” “Oh, and I have a girlfriend.”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy slightly confused responded, “Okay…I’m Roxy and uh…good for you and her.”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Milton smiled at her and said, “Thanks.” He then walked away to go talk to Eddie and Jerry.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy hurriedly walked over to Kim and asked quietly, “Is Jack the only normal guy in your group of friends?”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim replied, “Sadly yes.”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack exclaimed”Hey! You know I’m right here!”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim looked up at him and responded, “Yeah I know.”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy and Kim started to uncontrollably laugh at the fake hurt expression that appeared on Jack’s face. Jack couldn’t keep it on his face long enough, because he started to laugh along with him. They all stopped laughing once they heard the warning bell ring telling them to get to homeroom in 5 minutes.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jack yelled over to Jerry, Eddie, and Milton, “Come on guys we better go!”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The guys then dashed up the stairs behind Jack not wanting to get detention being late. Kim went running behind the guys but then stopped when she noticed Roxy wasn’t following after her. Kim turned around on the stairs to see Roxy looking down at her phone vibrating in her hand.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim asked, “Are you coming?”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy looked up startled at Kim.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy replied, “You scared me I thought you already had left with the guys.”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim replied, "Oh sorry, so are you coming?”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy responded, “Yeah my mom uh…called…..I should…..probably…..uhhhh…..ummm……get back to her.” “I’ll a meet you and the guys there uh…okay…?”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">To Kim it sounded like she was lying. But she just shrugged it off as new girl jitters.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Kim responded, “Okay,” and disappeared up the stairs.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Once, Roxy made sure Kim was out of sight she bolted into the girls’ bathroom and locked herself in a stall. She quickly redialed the number that had called her into her Purple iPhone and put the phone to her ear.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Someone picked up and asked, “Hello there Blackstar how have you been?”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy immediately recognized that voice. She would recognize that dark scruffy voice anywhere. She hated that voice. Whenever she heard that voice she boiled up in anger.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy said harshly into the phone, “What do you want Roger?”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roger laughed and said, “So, you recognize my voice Blackstar.”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy retorted, “I would never forget the voice of the man who killed my father and betrayed my mother and me.”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roger stated, “Well, actually your father killed himself.”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy exclaimed, “Maybe, so but you know you drove him to it!!!” “Why did you even call me?”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roger said, “You can’t keep running Blackstar.” “You can’t keep protecting kids forever.”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy snapped harshly, “I’m not running and I’ve been protecting kids for what three years now!”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roger laughed wickedly. Roxy’s noise scrunched up in hatred of the man laughing at her.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roger finally said, “Well you should watch yourself Blackstar and those Wasabi Warriors too.”

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Before Roxy could get another word in the line went dead.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy kicked the stall door open out breaking the lock out of anger and frustration.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Roxy kept telling herself in her mind that this mission would be easy like all the rest were for three years. In her heart she knew this would be the toughest mission she would ever face in her life.

<p style="margin-left:1.0in"><span style="font-size:12.0pt; line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Then Roxy came back to reality and thought: “Crud, now I’m late for homeroom.’ ‘I hope they go easy on new kids.”