Double Life

Chapter One

I look up at the clock. Still 20 more minutes in Dr. Stanley's class. I stare at the teacher, trying to stay focused. My dad would murder me if I don't pass this semester. Stanley drones on about physics and my mind can't keep up. I hate physics – science - no school. This place was a complete waste of my time. I don't need it, not if I'm going to be a singer.

My thoughts are interrupted by my phone vibrating on the desk, when I check the message it's Bryan. I let out a sign of air, what trouble was he planning on getting me into now? Though he was my boyfriend, of two whole months may I add, he was the person who lead me into the most problems, especially with my controlling father.

Party at my place tonight, coming?

I contemplated my response, Dad said if I missed one more assignment I could kiss my social life goodbye and though my friends are a bit of a nuisance they keep my life entertaining. I had no doubts Dr. Stanley would give out homework, he does every Friday.

In the end I decided I could do both. I texted back:

Of course, babe.

And tried to focus for the remainder of class.

I met Allison by my car after school, she beat me there her blonde hair was tangling in the wind, but she didn't seem to notice. She was busy looking out to the football field, where some jocks were running around. If the coach caught them, they would be dead meat. I knew exactly who she was watching,

"Are you planning on talking to him one day Al?"

"What?" She turned in my direction. "Oh you finally decided to show, Gracie I don't have a chance." She mused for a moment while I dug my keys out of my pocket. "Plus, I like the view from over here."

"You're going to miss your window." I chastise unlocking the door and getting in the car.

"I'm not trying to start anything, especially not now. You already know Grace, he's a senior."

"Which means?" I drag out the question, though I already know where the conversation is going. I looked at my ring. It hadn't glowed all day and I was growing anxious. No one crossed over. That's a good thing I reminded myself.

"He's leaving in two months, there's no use." She sits up in the car seat as we pull out of the parking lot and onto the road.
"I am about to go get the best smoothie in town with my best friend in the world, let's just focus on that okay?"

I smile and her and turn up the radio.

The smoothie shop is the best place in town, the one place where the annoying teenagers haven't totally sucked the life out of. Though I think that has something to do with the fact there's a doughnut shop across the street. Allison and I came here once a week and ordered something different every time.
When we ordered and found a little booth at the back of the shop to sit in I told her about the party. Al smiled broadly at me, her nose crinkling a little. "This is gonna be great!" She exclaims. I dismissed her excitement, I never understand why everyone loves parties, they're so chaotic.

The waiter comes over with our smoothies, he sets down the tray and begins removing them but his hand slips. I reach out and save the smoothie, but half of its contents are already streaming down the table.

"Are you kidding?" I say to myself grabbing napkins.

"I- I'm so sorry, it slipped!" The waiter stutters out. He combs his hands through his brown hair and takes some napkins out of his apron and begins wiping down the table.

"Hey, it's alright." Allison says softly, she took note of how flustered he was. She was always so empathetic.

"Yeah, you've done enough." I tell him before giving up entirely on the cleaning. "Let's just go Al, please."