Simple, Unexpected Crush ~Book 1 of Life Matters~

Chapter 2 ~ The Beginning

March ten was a long day. I had test for each of my classes and all the stress overwhelmed my emotions that day. It was funny how a lot of kids at Norte Burn High School were not worried about the tests. After all, they were the tests the school gives out every year to determine your average grade. They were important! I was worried about them, especially since I was terrible in history. I didn't want my average grade be a D because that's horrible, especially since I'm trying to get into a UC or at least a private school. Away from home.

That morning, I woke up and did my daily routine. Take a shower, get changed, straighten my bangs, fix my band shirt or on very rare occasions, stitch up my jeans. A little over half an hour late, I would rush downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast. My mother was already preparing her files for work on the dinner table, while my father was making coffee. My parents worked at a Multi Organizations in one. They practically worked at a Book Publishing Co, a Magazine Headquarters, Traveling Air, and a Environmental Research Facility. They mainly worked at the Publishing and Magazine Headquarters. Always Traveling Air. So as you can see, they are not home all the time.

Anyways, every morning Erix would push himself past me and sat down where a bowl of cereal was served. I had to make my own food. I'm the girl, I should cook, do the chores, and do all that other crazy shit your mother makes you do when she doesn't want to do it herself.

I grabbed a bowl, poured my Cheerios, and poured the milk. I sat next to my brother and began to eat.

"When is the next big game?" Father had asked.

"Most likely next week. Or maybe Saturday. Coach hasn't said anything yet." Erix said, his mouth full.

"Tell Laurane when you know. I have to make time for that game." Father said.

Laurane was my father's secretary. She was twenty seven, married with twins. Whenever I wanted to ask my dad for anything, I go to Laurane. I still wonder if she's ever going to quit. My father didn't want a secretary anymore and Laurane was in school for her Environmental Management class.

"You should get going now, Honey. Where's that girl?! She's going to be late!" My mother yelled as usual.

"I'm right here." I muttered.

"Well, say something next time, child!" Mother reprimanded.

"Mr. Norman wants me to be class president." I lied, wanting their attention.

"Class President? How about the team leader of a debate team? Or captain of a team?" My father asked. It always ended up like this, our conversations; my parents always expected more of me. That was why I was never the favorite. I never 'pushed' myself.

"I'm joking. It's not like you guys care anyways." I pushed away my bowl. Erix got up and took it to the sink for me. He smirked at my direction when mother raised an eyebrow.

"We do care. It's just that... It doesn't interest us. It's not 'exciting' as you can say." My mother looked at her watch. "Let's go! I have an eight thirty appointment!" She said, easily maneuvering away from the subject about me. With that my parents disappeared for the rest of the day.

"Hurry up, I have to pick up Josh and Ray." Erix said. I sighed. Josh and Ray were my brother's so call best friends. Ray was more of my brother's best friend than Josh. Josh just hanged around them jocks. He was a jock along with them but he never liked being around his own classmate. I never knew why. Josh was a junior, he had grown up with me, Angie, and Gabe. Since my brother became his role model, he simply pushed us to the side and became our jock. One of the top jock of our grade.

"I call shotgun. I don't want to sit next to them." I grabbed my backpack and my sports bag from the hallway and waited for Erix in his blue Altima.