This is Part III
" This . . . is . . . so stupid !" Viv shouted after school, into the wind. "As if I have time to do a whole another project ! " Viv said running around the track for the 3rd time.
"I . . . can't . . . hear . . . you " Kylie called from a few steps behind Viv on the track.
The girls were running during open gym right after school. Kylie was on the Jefferson and Potomac Rapids basketball team with Viv. Being a senior Kylie was almost like a mentor to Viv. The girls continued to run for another minute and then pulled into their last lap.
"What do you have ?" Viv asked Kylie out of breath.
" 5:42, you ?" Kylie asked Viv
"Ahhhh ! mines still 6:02, I am never getting anywhere with this. " Viv excalimed fusturated
"Relax, Vi you have a whole year left, if you want to get it up." Kylie assured her. " And you are working so hard . .. . no one else gets out here 2 minutes after the bell just to run a mile."
"Easy for you to say. I am not smart like you, being the best is my only chance." Viv told her " I want to go to college for free."
"Yeah but, you can't be perfect by tomorrow. Hey, lets go to Mcdonalds before team conditioning starts at 3:15. " Kylie offered.
"Go ahead, I want to run again. Go without me" Vi urged her.
"Okay, bye" Kylie said and walked off. As Kylie started back up to the school she ran into Carlos. Kylie knew Carlos from what Viv had told her about him and the fact that he was the team manager during her sophmore season.
"Um, hey . . . is Vi down there ?' He asked
"Of course, she is. Isn't she always ?" Kylie replied
Carlos walked down to the track and spotted Vi, sitting on a bench beside the track , drinking out of a waterbottle.
"Hey" He said
"Hey" Viv said
"I wanted to talk to you -"
"About the project" Vi finished for him. " I know, "
" Well, is tomorrow after school good, to get together again ?" He asked her.
"No, I'll be here for open track and then team conditioning at 3 : 15 after that and then off to Rapids practice at 5:00, home by 7 :30 It all starts this week." She explained out of breath.
"Saturday ?" He fished again
"Can you come to the gym ?" She asked " I use the eqipment there every morning at 6:00 a.m They have really great equipment."
"I guess, okay" He agreed. " You know you are awfully busy with all this." He told her.
"Yeah." She agreed " but I'm doing this for me."
They stared at each other for a few minutes,
"Time me ." She said finally
"What ?" He called, as she ran off around the track.
* * *
"Mom, they just decided last period and Gabriel said he would drive me, I think he's a really good driver." Carmen pleaded into her standard grade open face Nokia cell phone
"Carmen I don't know about this, I don't even know this boy" Her mother told her
"I know, but you know me and you trust me . . . right ? " Carmen said
"Of course I trust you . . . It's him . . . But, if other kids will be there then fine. You'll have to get him to take you home, half the department is gone so . . . I'll be working until about 10:00 tonight. " Her mom told he. " You can have whatever you want for dinner but, have him bring you home by 7:00.
" Thanks a lot. Bye" Carmen said.. Now ,where can I find Gabriel ? He doesn't know where my locker is . . . Atleast I don't think he does . . . guess I'd better go to his. She thought and walked toward the senior lockers.
The school was mostly empty know as the bell had rang 10 minutes ago. She walked over to the lockers and was glad to see Gabriel putting books into his locker. Okay, be brave say hi to him engage him in conversation , Gabriel Fisher has been nothing but nice to you . . . excluding the part where he dumped a whole project on you but, he is making that up. say something before he notices you've been standing here gawking at him.
"Hi, Gabriel " She said
"What do you want ?" He said agrrivated staring at her, like he'd never seen her before.
Wow, is he tall and strong. She thought. I've never noticed that. Don't be afraid he owes you say something.
"I thought we were going to - "
"Right the cafe, come on." He said.
She followed him out to the school parking lot, Carmen had to walk extra fast just to keep up with him, which was good because she had no idea what they were going to talk about. They walked out the double doors, across the quads and into the lot. I wonder if he drove that BMW bike. I would love to ride on a motorcycle.
Carmen was disspaointed to see the cherry red mustang convertible with the liscence plate GLDN BOY. Humble, I could bever have a liscence plate like that.. Carmen thought.
"Uh, wait . . . " He said and her ran around to the passenger side and opened the door for her. Carmen could have been mistaken but, for the first time she thought Gabriel Fisher looked uncomfortable.
"Thanks" She said sheepishly and slid in. The car still had the new car leather smell which was appropiate seeing as the interior was still a shiny and a spotless black. As Gabriel cranked the Mustang he opened all the windows and cranked up his music so loud Carmen could feel the base
in her throat.
Atleast that eliiminate the conversation part. Camren thought to herself. Gabriel swerved out of the parking lot and they speeded down the parkway, about 10 minutes in to the trip he turned the Mustang into a parking lot of a building just outside of the district.
Carmen looked at the sign outside the building that read A Novel Idea ! A bookstore. Carmen thought. How interesting, I have never even Gabriel Fisher read a book.
"Here we are" He Gabriel said sounding annoyed. Carmen got out the car and they walked towards the building. When Carmen got inside she noticed that A Novel Idea ! was more than just a bookstore. Right in the middle was a cafe. There was a polished chrome counter surrounded by silver tables, chairs behind the tables and chairs were a few plush chairs and a couch on the outside. On the counter was a sign boasting The Best Tea in Virginia ! The entire cafe was roped off.
Sitting at one of the tables Carmen noticed Sasha, an athletic looking junior who Carmen also knew as Gabriel's ex - girlfriend. Sitting with her was another girl and guy who she guessed were Fredrick and Lana and there was also John and Tim who she recognized from English Class. Gabriel and Carmen approached the table and were greeted in a chorus of hellos.
"I'm starving, I'm gonna grab something to eat " Sasha said and walked off to the counter.
"Why is she being that way ?" Gabriel asked the group
"What way ? She was just hungry the world doesn't revolve around you Gabriel. " Lana said, defending her friend. " She's over you"
"Change of subject, please" John intervened.
"I meant to ask you Gabriel, where are you going to apply for next year ?" John asked Gabriel.
" I don't know, I haven't really thought about it."
" I hope I can get to UVA. Coach Calvin said he might be able to help me out." John told him
"I thought you had to be really good to do that, but I'm sure your jock - crush on Mr.Calvin helps" Tim interjected.
"No, he just likes me. I know that's hard for you to believe that a teacher might actually like a student." John told him.
"What you didn't see the love between Varky and I ?" Tim joked
"Yet, somehow Varks isn't going to help you get into college" John told him.
" Hey, I probably won't even need college. I'm going to be a comedian some day anyway. I went to comedy camp "
"That's really not something you should brag about" John told him
"Comedy Camp. Really ?" Fredrick asked "What do you do ?" He asked
"Lots of stuff improv and stuff it was so fun." Tim told him.
"You should join the thespian society " Lana suggested.
"The what ?" Tim asked his mind already reeling with a joke
" Drama club" She clarifyed. "I heard lots of comedians have to be actors first to create a stage persona"
" I don't need to create a personality. I already have a personality for stage my real one."
"Don't quit your day job" John added.
"And I have had enough of dramatic shakespeare from Ms. Collins class." Tim added. "So, whats the tip for passing this stupid project" He asked Lana and Frederick.
"I don't know, our class was way easier. All we did was read and do book reports." Lana told them.
"I hate her class." Tim said. "She thinks were like graduate students or something"
At that moment Sasha came back and sat at the table with them.
"Hey that looks good, I think I'm going to get something" Frederick said.
"What do they even have here ? I've never been inside this place seeing as I don't read" Tim said.
"The basic, sandwhiches, paninis, wraps, soup, coffee, juice" Sasha told him. "It's really good."
"Yeah good chick food. Maybe I can get them to deep fry or put burnt cheese on something"
"Ewww" Sasha and Lana said in chorus.
" Let's all go get something" Lana suggested.
"I'm not hungry, guys" Gabriel told them.
" I didn't see you at lunch Gabriel, you have to be hungry." Sasha said.
"Why are you acting like my mother or something ? " He told her. "I just don't feel that hungry or well for that matter"
"You never feel well" Sasha accused him "I'm just worried, okay"
" Hey, Cameron are you hungry ?" Gabriel asked her.
"Um, yeah actually." She said honestly.
Gabriel reached into the pocket of his Armani jeans and took out his wallet. To her surprise he handed Carmen a five dollar bill.
"Surprise me." He told her.
Carmem could feel Sashs shooting him an evil look. Carmen just turned around an followed the rest of the group to the counter
What am I supposed to do with this. Carmen thought to herself. Okay like I'm really supposed to know what he likes to eat. I should be offended. Hmm let me see what do they have. Snadwiches, wraps oh, soup. Lets see Chicken Tortilla, I love that soup. Or is it to spicy how much does it -
"Can I help you ?" The girl behind the counter asked her. Carmen sensed this wasn't the first time.
"Oh um, I'll have a chicken tortilla soup and small lemonade" Carmen ordered
"That'll be 4.75 " The girl told her.
"Actually, I'll have two" Carmen said remebering the money Gabriel had given her.
Carmen gathered the food and headed back to the table to eveyone laughing at Tim well, everyone except Gabriel. Carmen sat down and tapped Gabriel on the shoulder.
"Here's your change" She said meekly.
"Keep it" He told her. They all sat in ate for about 40 minutes with Cameron saying nothing and Gabriel offering very little to the conversation.
"Hey you guys it's almost 3:30 I have to get to practice. I love being a senior we get to have practice an hour late" John told them after a while "I gotta go"
"Hey what about the project !" Tim said
"We'll figure it out later, call me or something" John told him as he took out his keys and headed fot the door taking his BLT with him.
"Or something" Tim said to himself quietly as John left. "Well, nice meeting you guys but, I gotta go too. Some of us have to work"
"Where do you work ?" Fredrick asked
" I'm a maitre' de at the Southern Grill" He said standing up
"Oh my goodness, I love that place they have the best cobb salad but, it's so pricy" Sasha said
"I'll give your compliments to the chef." Tim said, grinning and walked out
"Do you guys like him ?" Lana asked the group.
"He's funny and nice. He makes me laugh " Sasha said
"Yeah. But one day he is going to make the wrong person mad" Fredrick agreed. "Hey it's still early you guys want to come to my house and play some PS3 ?"
"Okay, sure" The girls agreed.
"Gabriel ?" Federick offered.
Carmen suddenly felt herself getting warm and nervous. If he said yes where would she go ? She felt like such a baby compared to all the upperclassmen and couldn't imagine playing a vido game with them, she knew she would probablt be horrible and she'd have to ask her mom all over again.
"No, I 'm just gonna go home or something." He told them
"Gabriel I'm not mad, okay. Don't be this way over me I want us to just be friends. Let's hang out " Sasha told him.
"It's not you Sasha. We are cool" Gabriel told her.
She gave him an unconvinced look.
"Okay, bye you guys" Lana said practically pulling Sasha and they all walked out and piled into Sasha's Mercedes.
"So, much for eduactional value, huh ?" Gabriel said to no one in particular. "Do you need a ride , Cam ?" He said turning to her.
It's C-A-R-M-E-N, Gabriel not Cam, maybe Car, maybe. Will you ever get that right ? She thought.
"Yeah. " She told him.
.
"Okay, let's go" he said as he collected his coat and his untouched soup and walked out with Camren following.
"Where do you live?" He asked as they slid into the car
"Oh um if you go straight -"
"No ! you have got to be kidding me " Gabriel shouted.
"I 'm sorry I - "
" It's not you" He said banging his head against the seat and turning towards her. "I think The engine just died"
* * *
" Jete, jete, fouette. fouette fouette bourrrrrrrrrrrrrre and plie, " Genivive's teacher called clapping her hands to the beat as the dancers jumped and turned across the floor. "Okay, good" She called out. "let's do reverance and you are free."
The girls bowed and walked over toward the changing room. Genivive walked over to her teacher " Ms. Chamile " She called out. " How were my turns out I have really been working on them I hardly wobbled" Genivie said.
"Genivive, you are doing fine, excellent really. I'm sorryI have another class to teach." Her teacher told her carrying her stereo out of the studio.
"Okay" Genivie said fustrated as she watched her teacher walk out of the room.
"Thanks for nothing" She said to herself. Then she took a few jetes and did a grand jete. Feeling good she pitouetted three times , then she leaned forward and placed one leg out in an arabesque.
"Perfect" she said, looking at herself in the mirror
"Hey" A voice behind her said.
"Ahh, What the - " She said, falling over and turned to face Monroe. " What in the world are you doing here ?" She asked then she noticed a camera in his hand. "What is wrong with you ?!" She continued pointing to the camera in disgust.
"Oh, this . . . no . . . I was . . . " He blushed then put himself together "I was working on a portfolio piece . . . not about you." He explained. " I was walking by, remembered that you took classes and thought to see if you were in here."
"That's really weird, I mean you should know as a guy you really ahouldn't be wandering around a dance studio I mean what . . . do you have a wierd crush on me or something ?" She asked
"No, I . . nevermind, you know you're really good. I was watching through the glass" He said pointing to the two sided mirror on the side of the studio, that the older dancer loathed, " You know when your'e dancing you look so calm and serene, nice" He told her.
"Can you please wait outside, like on the curb so , I can change clothes" She told him
"Okay, sorry" He said and walked out of the studio.
"So annoying" she said to herself and walked in to the changing room.
"Who is that guy ?" One of the 14 year old girls in her class, Melanie asked her in the changing room.
"Nobody." Genivive told her as she pulled her jeans over her leaotard.
"Are you coming to Pas de Deux tonight ? " Melanie asked her.
"Of course, I'll be there early I want the good guy." Genivive said.
"Well, I won't be there , my mom's taking me to D.C to audition for Kirov so more guys for you."
"Good for you." Genivie said through clinched teeth. " Good luck ,bye !" She said grabbing her bag and walked out the front door, to Monroe who was sitting outside.
"Still here, huh ?" She said walking past him down the street.
"Of course" He answered falling in step behind her. " I mean't what I said. You looked really good." He continued
"Thanks but, it's so much more than looking good." She said picking up her pace and rounding a corner.
"If I didn't know any better I'd say you are trying to lose me." Monroe said stil trying to keep pace with her.
"I am" She said and then she stopped and turned to face him. " I have an interrrigation to get to."
"A what ?" He asked
"Lunch, with my family, okay and you're not invited so, bye"
"That's nice you and your family hang out together." He said
"No, it's not nice" She explained, annoyed by him already. " It's going to be them berating me about taking the SAT, ACTor whatever it is you take."
"Genivive, you're not taking the SAT ?" Monroe asked " You need it to get into college"
She gave him an angry look and sat down in a bench outside of the Blender .
"Exactly." She told him. "I'm supposed to meet my sister here to pick me up so, unless you have a Metabolic Green Tea and Mango smoothie go away."
"Fine" He said and walked inside of the Blender.
Genivive waited until Monroe was inside took a survey of what was around her and then took a folder out of her dance bag. Okay, let me see. She thought to herself and took out a set of flashcards. Okay only 3,300 $, I can get a job to pay for half, The government is full of money, for the 30,000 or I can get a car, see for -mentioned job, okay on to asthetics I can -
"Metabolic Green Tea and Mango Smoothie." Monroe said from behind Genivive.
"What is wrong with you ?" She asked him as she turned to face him she saw he was holding a Blender cup. Her expression softened "Did you buy that for me ?" She asked.
"No, I sort of work here and it's on the house" He told her calmly and sat down next to her.
"So, you stole it , I can't take that." She said as she hurridly put her flashcards away , she could feel her face getting warm.
"Relax. We get free shift drinks and I can't tell you how many times my manager Greg gets girls free stuff whenever he feels like it." He explained
"Okay, . . . then thanks" She said and took a sip and he watched her, she turned towards him akwardly. "Can I help you?" She asked.
"Look, I know you hate academics and all but, we really have to do this thing for Ms.Collins class, the right way I don't want to look stupid in front of the class again." Monroe told her
"Okay, fine give me your cell number ." She said standing up,
"555-9345" He told her. "Should I get yours ?" He asked
"No, because then you'll be calling me all day and my parents would think I have a social life and I can't have that" She explained as she walked away from the bench towards the curb.
At that moment a shiny black Buick pulled towards the curb and Genivive walked around toward the passenger side. Before she got in she turned to him and waved good bye.
Genivive lowered herself into the leather seats of the Buick closed her door and sat with her arms crossed.
"Who was that ?" The gorgeous woman behind the wheel asked Genivive
"This guy in my English class" Genivive said as they took off down the road
* * *
Carlos walked down the hall towards Ms.Collins classroom. Carlos liked walking in the school after hours, how quiet and still everything was. In a way the school became a whole another place it was like everything changed. He arrived at Ms.Collins door and knocked on it.
"Come in !" Emily said from her desk where she was packing her things away.
Carlos opened the door and walked inside.
"Hello !" Emily greeted him. "What can I do for you ?" She asked.
"Coach, wanted to know if we could borrow a few English textbooks for freshman study hall" He asked
"Sure" She said. "There behind my desk" she directed him.
Carlos picked up about five books and headed towards the classroom door and he saw Ms.Collins struggling with crates of papers.
"Do you need help , Ms.Collins ? " Carlos asked her
Emily sighed gratefully, "That would be great actually" She told him. " If you can just help carry theses to my car you can get back to the team."
Carlos grabbed two crates filled with papers, placed the textbooks on top and followed Ms.Collins out of the room. They headed down the hall towards the faculty parking lot.
"How is you're project going ?" Mrs. Collins asked.
"I don't know, it's kind of hard and Viv is always busy." Carlos admitted. "She's a really good basketball player"
" Is she ?" Mrs. Collins asked as Carlos pushed the door open with his back and let her through
" Yeah, I watched her last year when I was managing girl's basketball. She's at pre-season conditioning now." He told her as they stepped into the sunlight and walked towards the cars. Carlos looked at the keys in Mrs.Collins hands and saw the Lincoln logo and headed for the only burgundy Lincoln navigator in the lot.
"Actually, I'm over here" Ms.Collins said pointing to the car next to the Lincoln, a black Volkswagen Jetta.
"Oh, sorry I saw the key chain and thought . . ." Carlos began to explain.
"Oh, yeah these are for my other car" She explained and opened the trunk as they piled stuff inside.
"Thank you Carlos" Ms.Collins said.
"You're welcome." He told her and started off to the school.
"Oh and Carlos !" she called after him. He stopeed and turned to look and walked back to her.
"Yes ?" He asked
"If you need help with the project, just don't think so much." she advised him.
He nodded his head in understanding when in reality he had no idea what she just said.
=
"I . . . can't . . . hear . . . you " Kylie called from a few steps behind Viv on the track.
The girls were running during open gym right after school. Kylie was on the Jefferson and Potomac Rapids basketball team with Viv. Being a senior Kylie was almost like a mentor to Viv. The girls continued to run for another minute and then pulled into their last lap.
"What do you have ?" Viv asked Kylie out of breath.
" 5:42, you ?" Kylie asked Viv
"Ahhhh ! mines still 6:02, I am never getting anywhere with this. " Viv excalimed fusturated
"Relax, Vi you have a whole year left, if you want to get it up." Kylie assured her. " And you are working so hard . .. . no one else gets out here 2 minutes after the bell just to run a mile."
"Easy for you to say. I am not smart like you, being the best is my only chance." Viv told her " I want to go to college for free."
"Yeah but, you can't be perfect by tomorrow. Hey, lets go to Mcdonalds before team conditioning starts at 3:15. " Kylie offered.
"Go ahead, I want to run again. Go without me" Vi urged her.
"Okay, bye" Kylie said and walked off. As Kylie started back up to the school she ran into Carlos. Kylie knew Carlos from what Viv had told her about him and the fact that he was the team manager during her sophmore season.
"Um, hey . . . is Vi down there ?' He asked
"Of course, she is. Isn't she always ?" Kylie replied
Carlos walked down to the track and spotted Vi, sitting on a bench beside the track , drinking out of a waterbottle.
"Hey" He said
"Hey" Viv said
"I wanted to talk to you -"
"About the project" Vi finished for him. " I know, "
" Well, is tomorrow after school good, to get together again ?" He asked her.
"No, I'll be here for open track and then team conditioning at 3 : 15 after that and then off to Rapids practice at 5:00, home by 7 :30 It all starts this week." She explained out of breath.
"Saturday ?" He fished again
"Can you come to the gym ?" She asked " I use the eqipment there every morning at 6:00 a.m They have really great equipment."
"I guess, okay" He agreed. " You know you are awfully busy with all this." He told her.
"Yeah." She agreed " but I'm doing this for me."
They stared at each other for a few minutes,
"Time me ." She said finally
"What ?" He called, as she ran off around the track.
* * *
"Mom, they just decided last period and Gabriel said he would drive me, I think he's a really good driver." Carmen pleaded into her standard grade open face Nokia cell phone
"Carmen I don't know about this, I don't even know this boy" Her mother told her
"I know, but you know me and you trust me . . . right ? " Carmen said
"Of course I trust you . . . It's him . . . But, if other kids will be there then fine. You'll have to get him to take you home, half the department is gone so . . . I'll be working until about 10:00 tonight. " Her mom told he. " You can have whatever you want for dinner but, have him bring you home by 7:00.
" Thanks a lot. Bye" Carmen said.. Now ,where can I find Gabriel ? He doesn't know where my locker is . . . Atleast I don't think he does . . . guess I'd better go to his. She thought and walked toward the senior lockers.
The school was mostly empty know as the bell had rang 10 minutes ago. She walked over to the lockers and was glad to see Gabriel putting books into his locker. Okay, be brave say hi to him engage him in conversation , Gabriel Fisher has been nothing but nice to you . . . excluding the part where he dumped a whole project on you but, he is making that up. say something before he notices you've been standing here gawking at him.
"Hi, Gabriel " She said
"What do you want ?" He said agrrivated staring at her, like he'd never seen her before.
Wow, is he tall and strong. She thought. I've never noticed that. Don't be afraid he owes you say something.
"I thought we were going to - "
"Right the cafe, come on." He said.
She followed him out to the school parking lot, Carmen had to walk extra fast just to keep up with him, which was good because she had no idea what they were going to talk about. They walked out the double doors, across the quads and into the lot. I wonder if he drove that BMW bike. I would love to ride on a motorcycle.
Carmen was disspaointed to see the cherry red mustang convertible with the liscence plate GLDN BOY. Humble, I could bever have a liscence plate like that.. Carmen thought.
"Uh, wait . . . " He said and her ran around to the passenger side and opened the door for her. Carmen could have been mistaken but, for the first time she thought Gabriel Fisher looked uncomfortable.
"Thanks" She said sheepishly and slid in. The car still had the new car leather smell which was appropiate seeing as the interior was still a shiny and a spotless black. As Gabriel cranked the Mustang he opened all the windows and cranked up his music so loud Carmen could feel the base
in her throat.
Atleast that eliiminate the conversation part. Camren thought to herself. Gabriel swerved out of the parking lot and they speeded down the parkway, about 10 minutes in to the trip he turned the Mustang into a parking lot of a building just outside of the district.
Carmen looked at the sign outside the building that read A Novel Idea ! A bookstore. Carmen thought. How interesting, I have never even Gabriel Fisher read a book.
"Here we are" He Gabriel said sounding annoyed. Carmen got out the car and they walked towards the building. When Carmen got inside she noticed that A Novel Idea ! was more than just a bookstore. Right in the middle was a cafe. There was a polished chrome counter surrounded by silver tables, chairs behind the tables and chairs were a few plush chairs and a couch on the outside. On the counter was a sign boasting The Best Tea in Virginia ! The entire cafe was roped off.
Sitting at one of the tables Carmen noticed Sasha, an athletic looking junior who Carmen also knew as Gabriel's ex - girlfriend. Sitting with her was another girl and guy who she guessed were Fredrick and Lana and there was also John and Tim who she recognized from English Class. Gabriel and Carmen approached the table and were greeted in a chorus of hellos.
"I'm starving, I'm gonna grab something to eat " Sasha said and walked off to the counter.
"Why is she being that way ?" Gabriel asked the group
"What way ? She was just hungry the world doesn't revolve around you Gabriel. " Lana said, defending her friend. " She's over you"
"Change of subject, please" John intervened.
"I meant to ask you Gabriel, where are you going to apply for next year ?" John asked Gabriel.
" I don't know, I haven't really thought about it."
" I hope I can get to UVA. Coach Calvin said he might be able to help me out." John told him
"I thought you had to be really good to do that, but I'm sure your jock - crush on Mr.Calvin helps" Tim interjected.
"No, he just likes me. I know that's hard for you to believe that a teacher might actually like a student." John told him.
"What you didn't see the love between Varky and I ?" Tim joked
"Yet, somehow Varks isn't going to help you get into college" John told him.
" Hey, I probably won't even need college. I'm going to be a comedian some day anyway. I went to comedy camp "
"That's really not something you should brag about" John told him
"Comedy Camp. Really ?" Fredrick asked "What do you do ?" He asked
"Lots of stuff improv and stuff it was so fun." Tim told him.
"You should join the thespian society " Lana suggested.
"The what ?" Tim asked his mind already reeling with a joke
" Drama club" She clarifyed. "I heard lots of comedians have to be actors first to create a stage persona"
" I don't need to create a personality. I already have a personality for stage my real one."
"Don't quit your day job" John added.
"And I have had enough of dramatic shakespeare from Ms. Collins class." Tim added. "So, whats the tip for passing this stupid project" He asked Lana and Frederick.
"I don't know, our class was way easier. All we did was read and do book reports." Lana told them.
"I hate her class." Tim said. "She thinks were like graduate students or something"
At that moment Sasha came back and sat at the table with them.
"Hey that looks good, I think I'm going to get something" Frederick said.
"What do they even have here ? I've never been inside this place seeing as I don't read" Tim said.
"The basic, sandwhiches, paninis, wraps, soup, coffee, juice" Sasha told him. "It's really good."
"Yeah good chick food. Maybe I can get them to deep fry or put burnt cheese on something"
"Ewww" Sasha and Lana said in chorus.
" Let's all go get something" Lana suggested.
"I'm not hungry, guys" Gabriel told them.
" I didn't see you at lunch Gabriel, you have to be hungry." Sasha said.
"Why are you acting like my mother or something ? " He told her. "I just don't feel that hungry or well for that matter"
"You never feel well" Sasha accused him "I'm just worried, okay"
" Hey, Cameron are you hungry ?" Gabriel asked her.
"Um, yeah actually." She said honestly.
Gabriel reached into the pocket of his Armani jeans and took out his wallet. To her surprise he handed Carmen a five dollar bill.
"Surprise me." He told her.
Carmem could feel Sashs shooting him an evil look. Carmen just turned around an followed the rest of the group to the counter
What am I supposed to do with this. Carmen thought to herself. Okay like I'm really supposed to know what he likes to eat. I should be offended. Hmm let me see what do they have. Snadwiches, wraps oh, soup. Lets see Chicken Tortilla, I love that soup. Or is it to spicy how much does it -
"Can I help you ?" The girl behind the counter asked her. Carmen sensed this wasn't the first time.
"Oh um, I'll have a chicken tortilla soup and small lemonade" Carmen ordered
"That'll be 4.75 " The girl told her.
"Actually, I'll have two" Carmen said remebering the money Gabriel had given her.
Carmen gathered the food and headed back to the table to eveyone laughing at Tim well, everyone except Gabriel. Carmen sat down and tapped Gabriel on the shoulder.
"Here's your change" She said meekly.
"Keep it" He told her. They all sat in ate for about 40 minutes with Cameron saying nothing and Gabriel offering very little to the conversation.
"Hey you guys it's almost 3:30 I have to get to practice. I love being a senior we get to have practice an hour late" John told them after a while "I gotta go"
"Hey what about the project !" Tim said
"We'll figure it out later, call me or something" John told him as he took out his keys and headed fot the door taking his BLT with him.
"Or something" Tim said to himself quietly as John left. "Well, nice meeting you guys but, I gotta go too. Some of us have to work"
"Where do you work ?" Fredrick asked
" I'm a maitre' de at the Southern Grill" He said standing up
"Oh my goodness, I love that place they have the best cobb salad but, it's so pricy" Sasha said
"I'll give your compliments to the chef." Tim said, grinning and walked out
"Do you guys like him ?" Lana asked the group.
"He's funny and nice. He makes me laugh " Sasha said
"Yeah. But one day he is going to make the wrong person mad" Fredrick agreed. "Hey it's still early you guys want to come to my house and play some PS3 ?"
"Okay, sure" The girls agreed.
"Gabriel ?" Federick offered.
Carmen suddenly felt herself getting warm and nervous. If he said yes where would she go ? She felt like such a baby compared to all the upperclassmen and couldn't imagine playing a vido game with them, she knew she would probablt be horrible and she'd have to ask her mom all over again.
"No, I 'm just gonna go home or something." He told them
"Gabriel I'm not mad, okay. Don't be this way over me I want us to just be friends. Let's hang out " Sasha told him.
"It's not you Sasha. We are cool" Gabriel told her.
She gave him an unconvinced look.
"Okay, bye you guys" Lana said practically pulling Sasha and they all walked out and piled into Sasha's Mercedes.
"So, much for eduactional value, huh ?" Gabriel said to no one in particular. "Do you need a ride , Cam ?" He said turning to her.
It's C-A-R-M-E-N, Gabriel not Cam, maybe Car, maybe. Will you ever get that right ? She thought.
"Yeah. " She told him.
.
"Okay, let's go" he said as he collected his coat and his untouched soup and walked out with Camren following.
"Where do you live?" He asked as they slid into the car
"Oh um if you go straight -"
"No ! you have got to be kidding me " Gabriel shouted.
"I 'm sorry I - "
" It's not you" He said banging his head against the seat and turning towards her. "I think The engine just died"
* * *
" Jete, jete, fouette. fouette fouette bourrrrrrrrrrrrrre and plie, " Genivive's teacher called clapping her hands to the beat as the dancers jumped and turned across the floor. "Okay, good" She called out. "let's do reverance and you are free."
The girls bowed and walked over toward the changing room. Genivive walked over to her teacher " Ms. Chamile " She called out. " How were my turns out I have really been working on them I hardly wobbled" Genivie said.
"Genivive, you are doing fine, excellent really. I'm sorryI have another class to teach." Her teacher told her carrying her stereo out of the studio.
"Okay" Genivie said fustrated as she watched her teacher walk out of the room.
"Thanks for nothing" She said to herself. Then she took a few jetes and did a grand jete. Feeling good she pitouetted three times , then she leaned forward and placed one leg out in an arabesque.
"Perfect" she said, looking at herself in the mirror
"Hey" A voice behind her said.
"Ahh, What the - " She said, falling over and turned to face Monroe. " What in the world are you doing here ?" She asked then she noticed a camera in his hand. "What is wrong with you ?!" She continued pointing to the camera in disgust.
"Oh, this . . . no . . . I was . . . " He blushed then put himself together "I was working on a portfolio piece . . . not about you." He explained. " I was walking by, remembered that you took classes and thought to see if you were in here."
"That's really weird, I mean you should know as a guy you really ahouldn't be wandering around a dance studio I mean what . . . do you have a wierd crush on me or something ?" She asked
"No, I . . nevermind, you know you're really good. I was watching through the glass" He said pointing to the two sided mirror on the side of the studio, that the older dancer loathed, " You know when your'e dancing you look so calm and serene, nice" He told her.
"Can you please wait outside, like on the curb so , I can change clothes" She told him
"Okay, sorry" He said and walked out of the studio.
"So annoying" she said to herself and walked in to the changing room.
"Who is that guy ?" One of the 14 year old girls in her class, Melanie asked her in the changing room.
"Nobody." Genivive told her as she pulled her jeans over her leaotard.
"Are you coming to Pas de Deux tonight ? " Melanie asked her.
"Of course, I'll be there early I want the good guy." Genivive said.
"Well, I won't be there , my mom's taking me to D.C to audition for Kirov so more guys for you."
"Good for you." Genivie said through clinched teeth. " Good luck ,bye !" She said grabbing her bag and walked out the front door, to Monroe who was sitting outside.
"Still here, huh ?" She said walking past him down the street.
"Of course" He answered falling in step behind her. " I mean't what I said. You looked really good." He continued
"Thanks but, it's so much more than looking good." She said picking up her pace and rounding a corner.
"If I didn't know any better I'd say you are trying to lose me." Monroe said stil trying to keep pace with her.
"I am" She said and then she stopped and turned to face him. " I have an interrrigation to get to."
"A what ?" He asked
"Lunch, with my family, okay and you're not invited so, bye"
"That's nice you and your family hang out together." He said
"No, it's not nice" She explained, annoyed by him already. " It's going to be them berating me about taking the SAT, ACTor whatever it is you take."
"Genivive, you're not taking the SAT ?" Monroe asked " You need it to get into college"
She gave him an angry look and sat down in a bench outside of the Blender .
"Exactly." She told him. "I'm supposed to meet my sister here to pick me up so, unless you have a Metabolic Green Tea and Mango smoothie go away."
"Fine" He said and walked inside of the Blender.
Genivive waited until Monroe was inside took a survey of what was around her and then took a folder out of her dance bag. Okay, let me see. She thought to herself and took out a set of flashcards. Okay only 3,300 $, I can get a job to pay for half, The government is full of money, for the 30,000 or I can get a car, see for -mentioned job, okay on to asthetics I can -
"Metabolic Green Tea and Mango Smoothie." Monroe said from behind Genivive.
"What is wrong with you ?" She asked him as she turned to face him she saw he was holding a Blender cup. Her expression softened "Did you buy that for me ?" She asked.
"No, I sort of work here and it's on the house" He told her calmly and sat down next to her.
"So, you stole it , I can't take that." She said as she hurridly put her flashcards away , she could feel her face getting warm.
"Relax. We get free shift drinks and I can't tell you how many times my manager Greg gets girls free stuff whenever he feels like it." He explained
"Okay, . . . then thanks" She said and took a sip and he watched her, she turned towards him akwardly. "Can I help you?" She asked.
"Look, I know you hate academics and all but, we really have to do this thing for Ms.Collins class, the right way I don't want to look stupid in front of the class again." Monroe told her
"Okay, fine give me your cell number ." She said standing up,
"555-9345" He told her. "Should I get yours ?" He asked
"No, because then you'll be calling me all day and my parents would think I have a social life and I can't have that" She explained as she walked away from the bench towards the curb.
At that moment a shiny black Buick pulled towards the curb and Genivive walked around toward the passenger side. Before she got in she turned to him and waved good bye.
Genivive lowered herself into the leather seats of the Buick closed her door and sat with her arms crossed.
"Who was that ?" The gorgeous woman behind the wheel asked Genivive
"This guy in my English class" Genivive said as they took off down the road
* * *
Carlos walked down the hall towards Ms.Collins classroom. Carlos liked walking in the school after hours, how quiet and still everything was. In a way the school became a whole another place it was like everything changed. He arrived at Ms.Collins door and knocked on it.
"Come in !" Emily said from her desk where she was packing her things away.
Carlos opened the door and walked inside.
"Hello !" Emily greeted him. "What can I do for you ?" She asked.
"Coach, wanted to know if we could borrow a few English textbooks for freshman study hall" He asked
"Sure" She said. "There behind my desk" she directed him.
Carlos picked up about five books and headed towards the classroom door and he saw Ms.Collins struggling with crates of papers.
"Do you need help , Ms.Collins ? " Carlos asked her
Emily sighed gratefully, "That would be great actually" She told him. " If you can just help carry theses to my car you can get back to the team."
Carlos grabbed two crates filled with papers, placed the textbooks on top and followed Ms.Collins out of the room. They headed down the hall towards the faculty parking lot.
"How is you're project going ?" Mrs. Collins asked.
"I don't know, it's kind of hard and Viv is always busy." Carlos admitted. "She's a really good basketball player"
" Is she ?" Mrs. Collins asked as Carlos pushed the door open with his back and let her through
" Yeah, I watched her last year when I was managing girl's basketball. She's at pre-season conditioning now." He told her as they stepped into the sunlight and walked towards the cars. Carlos looked at the keys in Mrs.Collins hands and saw the Lincoln logo and headed for the only burgundy Lincoln navigator in the lot.
"Actually, I'm over here" Ms.Collins said pointing to the car next to the Lincoln, a black Volkswagen Jetta.
"Oh, sorry I saw the key chain and thought . . ." Carlos began to explain.
"Oh, yeah these are for my other car" She explained and opened the trunk as they piled stuff inside.
"Thank you Carlos" Ms.Collins said.
"You're welcome." He told her and started off to the school.
"Oh and Carlos !" she called after him. He stopeed and turned to look and walked back to her.
"Yes ?" He asked
"If you need help with the project, just don't think so much." she advised him.
He nodded his head in understanding when in reality he had no idea what she just said.
=