The Note In The Diary

CHAPTER THREE

Dinner is lovely, and afterward, we sit together on the front porch, Papa plays the guitar, and Mama and I chat about London and my work. Lucien dozes on the porch swing, and everything seems right with the world.

Eventually, we all retire to our rooms for the night, and I get in bed and open up the diary again;

**
OTOBER 31ST
I  had no idea what I was going to wear for  Leighton's Halloween bash until a mail came in for me a few days ago from my brother. Lucien's still in college, but he sent a shopping gift card. He sends stuff like that sometimes, and honestly, now couldn't be a better time. Honestly, he was the best brother ever. But I would never say that to his face. I buy a cute mummy wrap outfit and yesterday when it came in, I had to explain for an hour to mama, why I ordered a box of soiled white clothe strips and how it was actually my costume. I don't think she really got the concept, but after a long begging session, she agreed to let me go to the bash. Yay!

NOVEMBER 2ND
The bash consisted of  awful Halloween mixtapes, people's tacky costumes, and watching Jordan and Leighton make out all night. Never again. Anyway, Redwood High played against Chester High last week. 32-29 Redwood. Hopes high on winning the home coming game. Also, Tai kwondo classes by five today. I am dating Ben, and Jordan can suck it.

NOVEMBER 7TH
Jordan's been in a sour mood all week, so I've been hanging out with Gloria since he is being such a jerk about the Ben situation. Honestly, this is my first real relationship in high-school, you would think he would be happy for me. Anyways, Gloria is dating this guy Fred from college. I think he goes to Birch. It's like a town over, so they see each other every weekend, and I met him on the last one. He's a pretty decent guy, although it's not quite what I'd expected. Gloria is all goth and pretty intimidating, and Fred is the representation of a wholesome all-American boy, easygoing and pleasant. But they seem really happy together so it doesn't really matter, I guess.

NOVEMBER 1OTH
Quinzel won student body president and is gearing up for homecoming queen. I've signed Ben and I up, too. I think we've got a pretty solid chance. Also, Redwood won again against St. Stephen high, 30-21. Flint Braxton, star quarterback is who we have to thank. The homecoming game is in good hands. Jordan spends most of his time with Leighton these days, and I can not believe he's still grouchy. He's setting a new record for our fights, and I will not be the one to end it. Not when he's being unreasonable and totally the one at fault.

NOVEMBER 17TH
Homecoming game is amazing. Ben and I sit together on the bleachers sharing a box of popcorn. He even got us drinks. He's so thoughtful. The game is a close call but Flint saves it with a last minute touch down. Everyone goes nuts. I don't see Jordan anywhere even though we always watch the games together. After the game, Ben and I go to a restaurant and we have another romantic date. He says all the right things and is so sweet. It's perfect. He's going to pick me up for the dance tonight and I couldn't wait. Tonight is going to be amazing.

NOVEMBER 17TH
I am going to kill Jordan David Hamilton. Why? Well he successfully ruined what was supposed to be one of the best nights of my life. The night started out fine. Ben picked me up in his large truck. He had got mama flowers and we took pictures. I'm in a light yellow sweetheart dress, and my hair is done in a nice updo.  Ben is dressed in a really nice black tuxedo.We got to the dance, and  we had a few drinks before getting on the dance floor. A few feet away, Jordan is dancing with Leighton. He whispers something into her ear, and her golden head tips back with laughter. He catches my eye, and I frown before looking away and looking up at Ben. On impulse, I pull him by the neck and kiss him, looking out the corner of my eye for Jordan's reaction.  It's venomous, and his blue eyes are smoldering in anger. I smile, satisfied. Ben is a little startled by the kiss but responds in equal fervor. I feel bad for using him,  but Jordan was being a pain, and I felt I had to teach him a lesson. Then, a while later, the Homecoming king and queen are called. The good news is, Ben won the bad news, I didn't. Quinzel did. They go up stage to collect their crowns, and I watch as they come back down together to have a dance as is custom. I feel a pin prick of loneliness as everyone else dances. Then Jordan appears in front of me. "Leighton's with her friends,want to dance?" He asks me. I smile up at him, unable to keep my grudge. I nod. "Sure," I tell him. "Till Ben comes back." We dance for a while, and it's really nice actually, until Leighton shows up, looking very upset. She accuses me of trying to steal her boyfriend and that she always knew I was into him. She doesn't keep her voice down  and everyone can hear her. Ben slides into the scene a little late, crown askew and asks if I want to go home. Of course I do, I'm mortified. But I shake my head. It's his big night, and I don't want to ruin it for him. So I told him I just needed some fresh air and he's nice enough to accompany me outside. He's being sweet and attentive, but all I want to do is forget about what just happened, so I kiss him. Again. Quite fiercely, I might add. And in the dim light of the hallway, it might have looked like he was forcing himself on me. We'll never know. But to the antsy Jordan that came out looking for me, it was a story he repeated many times for punching the Homecoming King. When I got home, I had to explain why I had blood on my pretty yellow dress and how my date was currently in the ER getting his nose stitched up. So yeah, I'm gonna kill him.