Listen to my Heart

2 - She's Checking You Out

Evan

I couldn't believe it when our aunt Audrey dropped the news that we were moving back to California. It has been eight years. Eight long years. She said our grandmother finally agreed to bring us back home. For years, aunt Audrey made a few attempts to convince our grandmother, but failed every time she brought it up. Growing up, I was never close to my grandmother. My twin sister, Evalyn, was the only one that spoke to her.

People grieve in different ways. When I found out our parents died in a car crash, I couldn't process the whole thing. It felt like my whole life crumbled around me. My parents were no longer with us. A ten-year-old boy like myself had trouble understanding it. I was in complete denial. I refused to speak during the eulogy. They told me that it was easy. All I needed to do was write my words down on a piece of paper and read it out loud. Easy for them to say. The immense pressure of people around me telling me to move on were heartless.

My grandmother never said a word to me about my parents and the accident. Was she grieving just like me? I've never seen her cry. Not even once. I usually never show any emotions around other people. As the years went by, I've learned how to control myself and worked on forming new friendships.

Evalyn was admirable when it came to that area. She could easily make friends with a snap of her finger. As for me? I've never seen myself as a heart throb, or the golden boy. Being popular didn't matter. What's the use of that if you're pretty much dead inside?

"I can't wait to start school," Evalyn said cheerfully as she carried a box to her room. "It seems like only yesterday that we were in this house. Now we're back here again."

"Same here." I muttered to myself as I pushed my bedroom window up to let in some fresh air. It was around twelve noon when the truck delivered all our stuff. I gazed down at the huge pile of boxes that lined up our driveway. Unpacking everything was going to take some time. Aunt Audrey promised to stay with us for a bit to help us organize and get settled before heading back to London.

Across my window was a window with light pink curtains. It was slightly ajar, and I heard a girl's voice yelling at someone named Corey. For the life of me, I couldn't remember who lived next to us. I was just ten years old back then. A young boy who never cared to learn other people's names. Lance was my only friend back then. He would give me a call from time to time when we were in London. While I appreciated his calls throughout the years, I learned he wasn't much of a supportive friend when it came to grieving. He wasn't the perfect candidate to talk to when you're down in the dumps. He knew my parents died and offered words of encouragement to move on, because that's just how life is.

Insensitive bastard.

I frowned at the memory of Lance's words. The little prick found out I was back in San Diego, and his parents arranged for him to move back here so he could study at the same high school as me.

"You guys are back for good?" I heard a woman pleasantly asked my aunt. Her voice was laced in excitement. She had long black hair and olive skin and was carrying a whole bunch of mail in her arms. "Well, I can't wait to tell my daughter, Clarissa, the good news. Please don't hesitate to ask for help, okay? We're here for you guys."

My eyebrows furrowed. Clarissa? The name sounded familiar. Maybe she was a classmate back in elementary. That was the only thing I could think of. I stepped away from the window and started rummaging through my box of toy car collections. School starts tomorrow so I have to get my room situated before then.

*

I passed the ball to Lance, and as soon as he caught it, Coach Jenner had already blown his whistle. Practice was finally over. Taking my helmet off, I jogged toward the refreshment table to get a cup of water. My breath was heavy and I was panting like a freakin' dog. Coach Jenner was busy barking orders at the other players. The funny thing about him is he used to date my aunt back in their high school years. He found out she was back in town and he told him that I was interested in playing football.

"Evan, my man!" Lance said, slamming his hand hard right on my back where my spine was. "Nice game, bro. Glad to have you back."

"Thanks, man." I said weakly. My back was now in serious pain, thanks to Lance. Was he trying to give me a serious back injury?

Coming back to California was great. It has been eight years since my parents died from a car crash. My sister Evalyn and I went to live with my aunt and my grandmother in London. But I guess that changed their minds when they realized we weren't as happy as we used to. We missed living here in the states where we could hang out with our friends and not the formal ones my relatives were accustomed to. No more being forced to attend formal events and tea parties.

To make it short, I hate socializing. Especially with rich people.

One day, they decided to move back to our old house in Bonita, California. Thankfully, they left it the way it is. Meaning they haven't sold it. Plus, most of the furniture were kept in a storage unit so it was easy for us to retrieve it without spending a lot on new things since we were about to move back in.

"Dude, someone's checking you out." Lance nudged me. The idiot still hasn't changed a bit. He was still the usual asshole he always was.

I followed the direction of his gaze. From a distance, I saw a familiar face. It was CJ, the tomboy from our neighborhood who always wanted to play with us when we were younger. Lance and I enjoyed teasing her. I honestly felt bad every time she cried. She just wanted to play with us but Lance hated her guts from day one. I bet CJ hated our guts, too.

"Dude, she is really checking you out." He said a little louder this time. I punched him in the arm in return.

"Lance, please," I snorted, using my arm to wipe the sweat off my brow. "We both know that ain't gonna happen."

CJ was taking pictures using her professional camera. What a geek. Or should I say, cute geek. I suddenly caught her taking pictures of me and Lance. She must have sensed it, basing on how red she was. She slowly lowered her camera and immediately faced the other way, aiming her lenses at the other players. So, was she looking at me? I hope not. Relax, Evan. She's probably just taking pictures for the school paper, that's all.

"Evan, you were so great out there!" A sweet voice came up behind me. She reached up and gave me a quick peck in the cheek.

Celia Anne Bloom.

Sweet, petite, pretty, blonde, porcelain skin, and a trendsetter. Member of the 'it' crowd of BV high, just like me. She's the only daughter and heiress of the Bloom shopping centers around the world. She's a sweet kid. Usually hangs around the bleachers all the time after school, watching our football practices along with her friends. She's my sister's friend. Evalyn, on the other hand, loves fashion. Number one reason why they got along pretty well when we transferred to this school.

"Do you want to go out tonight?" She asked sweetly, one finger twirling a lock of her blonde hair.

Her face was smooth, like a doll. And by looking at her you would think she would crack because she seems so fragile looking. Celia is a nice, sweet girl, don't get me wrong. Every boy in this school wouldn't pass up a date with her. But she isn't my type at all since I'm still on the lookout for the right one.

"Celia," I smiled, placing both my hands on her shoulders. 'You're my sister's friend. I can't... I can't go out with you."

"Why not?" Her smile faded.

Man, I don't understand girls at all. What is it with them anyway? They whine and whimper all the time it drives me up the wall. That's one thing why I couldn't manage a steady relationship with any girl. Also, one of the reasons I was branded a playboy in every school I went to in London. Big fuckin' deal.

"That's just it. You're Evalyn's friend. End of story." I suppressed a smile. Celia just nodded, her face looking defeated.went to join her friends back to the bleachers. Evalyn just glared back at me as I continued my way to the boy's locker room.

I took my jersey off and wiped myself off with a towel. Something caught my attention nearby. I saw Trevor McAllister hovering around CJ.

No way, I thought. But it could be possible. I mean, he had always defended CJ back in the days. Trevor was clutching his football helmet in one arm and the other hand cupping CJ's face. He then placed his arm around her shoulders as they walked back inside the school gym.

I felt funny after that. Jealous?

Nah.