Best Served Cold

Chapter 2: And Now I'm Hot

[[After]]

Now.

I walked with a little wiggle to my step with my head held high. The soft knock of my ankle high boots against the lino was deafening. It was strange showing up during classes. I took in the yellowing white walls and the cracking paint on the lockers. The aroma of sweat and male deodorant filling the hallway. Nothing has changed.

I had to admit it was good to be back. I felt comfortable in my own skin I soaked up the new found freedom I felt being back. I quickly tossed a look towards my reflection in the glass windows of the front office. I hummed in appreciation. My newly dyed golden blonde hair fell in soft waves just past my shoulders. My ripped denim short shorts and loose black tank top definitely showed off the tan I got this summer. The aviator sunnies shielded my green eyes but I knew it worked.

I looked beyond good.

I walked forward still admiring myself in the glass when I bumped into someone. I dropped my bag and all its contents onto the floor.

“Honestly? The hell you think you're doing you lumbering buffoon.” I spit through my teeth, the slight English accent I had picked up from two years of living in England shining through. I bent down to pick up my stuff, studiously ignoring the idiot who had bumped into me. This had no gone as planned. I had worked on my clumsiness but evidently it hadn't been successful. I clucked as I saw some of my loose change roll across the hall.

“Maybe next time you should watch where you're going, kitten.” A masculine voice shot back. I had to stop myself from looking, he sounded hot. I wasn't going to give him the benefit of seeing how pissed he'd made me.

“Maybe you shouldn't take up so much of the hallway.” I said as I swiftly got up and pushed into the office.

I plastered a bright smile on my face, showing off my pearly white teeth. It still felt weird when I slid my tongue over them. I'd gotten my braces off a year ago and it was unnatural how smooth my teeth were, how much more my smile affected people.

“Hello, I'm a transfer from London Arts. Katherine Summers?” I smiled, pushing my sunglasses up and out of my face. The office lady, probably in her mid-forties looked up. She smiled back as if unable to help it. She wasn't pretty but there was something bright that shone through her skin. I just wanted to get to know her and please her. I didn't remember her, she must have been a new addition to the staff. I couldn't help my luck. Not that anyone would have remembered me in senior class of over 500 students.

“Oh you must be Miss Summers. Welcome to St. Joseph's High. Here's all your paperwork, just fill that out and give me a shout. I'll set up a guide for you and then you can meet Principal Thatcher.” The woman giggled to herself. I couldn't help but feel my heart soften for this lady. She seemed really sweet, her little snorts making her laughter a little contagious.

“Thank you so much.” I gushed and plonked down into a chair.

I ignored the jingle of the door as it opened, concentrating on my paperwork. I really wanted to get this show on the road. My stomach flipped around but I knew I was more than ready to do this.

“Oh hello, Miss Young. Thanks for this. I really appreciate your help.” At the name 'Young' I looked up and almost died from happiness. She hadn't changed. Her pale face splattered with freckles framed her beautiful cornflower blue eyes. She was just as tall and stick-thin but she was beautiful to me nonetheless.

“Vicky!” I squealed. I leaped to my feat and threw my arms around her. I had missed her so much. We'd barely been able to talk between the strict exercise regime, my lessons and my aunt's constant partying. She looked dazed for a bit before recognition flooded her face and she was throwing her arms around me just as hard.