Rarity Read Free Page A

toy.
     
    “No problem, I’m Jay by the way.”  He held out his hand.  I shook it gently.
     
    “Brogen.  But you probably knew that after Mr. Johnson called me several times.”  I decided to be brave and look up, it was only polite after all.  But the second I saw those eyes up close, I knew I was in trouble.  He was beautiful.
     
    Jay smiled his sly smile.  “Yeah, Brogen, got it.  Anyway, see ya’.”
     
    “Thanks again.”  Jay waved and headed down the hall.  My insides felt like they had turned to a puddle of goo.  There was a confidence about him that made him even more attractive.  I wished I could figure him out, but there were too many emotions getting in the way.  I couldn’t tell if he’s genuinely nice, faking it, attracted to me, feeling sorry for me.  Ugh, I needed to slow down my crazy teenage girl brain. 
     
    “Spill it.”  I nearly jumped 50 feet at the sound of Meg’s voice.
     
    “Crap, you scared me to death!” 
     
    “Yeah,  kinda’ funny cause I wasn’t even trying.  So, what did the new guy want?  Did he ask you on a date?”  I rolled my eyes at her last comment.  Jay turned back for a glance in my direction before rounding the corner.  I let out a sigh, I must have been holding my breath because it felt good  to puff it all out.
     
    Turning to Meg, I gave her a level look. “No, I spaced in Algebra,( because I could not stop staring at Jay,) and left my phone in class.  He was just nice enough to return it.”   I finished with my best fake smile.
     
    She returned the fake smile, added pointed finger in my chest, and said, “You like him!  When’s the hot date?”
     
    “Ugh!  What am I gonna’ do with you?”
     
    “Love me.” she grinned.
     
    “I already do.”  The rest of the day went by quickly.  Probably because my mind kept wandering to thoughts about Jay.  I loved a mystery but I could not figure this guy out.  He kinda fit in everywhere.  He was so likable.  There always seemed to be a crowd around him and he always had them laughing.  I couldn’t understand how he did it, I mean, he was the new guy...it took years to advance ranks in cliques...he accomplished in a few weeks, what some have tried for years.   I bet if I looked up the definition of Charisma, there would be a picture of Jay next to it.
     
    After school, Meg and I walked as far as our paths were the same before saying goodbye.  I put on my headphones and walked the last 10 minutes toward home.  When I saw our house, I began to slow.  There was a car in the driveway, an older deep green Saab. My dad’s car.  I hadn’t seen him in years and had no desire to see him now.  Yet, curiosity made me wonder why he was here.  I walked up the steps and went through the front door.  Rather than hollering out, ‘Hi mom,’  I Iistened and approached like a cat stalking it’s prey.  I slid off my backpack and crept toward the kitchen.  I heard two voices, Mom’s and Dad’s.
     
    “I wanna’ see her more,” he said.
     
    “Why now?  What selfish reason lies beneath all of this?  Are you trying to impress your new bed buddy?”  Mom was mad.  I was grateful she was reluctant to throw me back into my dad’s arms. 
     
    “No, is it a crime to want to see your daughter?  I don’t think so.”
     
    “No, but it’s a crime to destroy our family, and stay away for more than 5 years.  I don’t want your help now, I don’t need it, and I am not sure your daughter is ready for you to come parading back into her life.  But that is her own decision, I cannot speak for her.”
     
    “God you are so frustrating.  No wonder I left you.”  That last part was mumbled but Mom and I both heard it.  Ouch. 
     
    “Get out.  GET OUT NOW!”  I hid behind the upholstered chair and heard my dad mutter something about lawyers and papers. Then the door slammed and my mom let out a huge sigh and hit her fist on the door.
     
    “Hey Mom, you ok?”   I