‡ Promise 2: The First Time ‡

-As told by Jody-

veryone seemed to notice when the new girl from New York walked into school that senior year. She had been in town for three months, but was rarely seen around. And when she were roaming Promise Falls, the few who had spotted her described her as an "devil worshiper", not knowing of or understanding the gothic fashion. While working in my mother's bookstore, I often heard rumors about this new girl. "She has a dark spirit about her.", "She lives right next to that famous writer, Keith Rolmir.", "I saw her in the store, collecting various ingredients for her devil spells." But despite the rumors, I've always been curious about this strange girl. A girl that was lucky enough to live in a exciting city and not born in Blah-ville, like me.
And there she was, past noon, walking down the hallways of my school, being stared and whispered about. "Wow," I heard some guy say, "The rumors were true. She does look evil." "It's just a fashion." I nod. "Yeah, right." scoffs the kid, "A fashion from hell?" A few others nearby laughed. "Oh, my god." sniffs Amber, a girl who's in my class, "Don't tell me that 'Jody: The Humanitarian' actually cares for that thing roaming our hallways?" "First of all," I sigh, "She's not a 'thing', she's a human being, just like anyone else. Second, I care for anyone that has a pulse, including you. Because the steps towards a better society and peace is acceptance and care."
"Eww," frowns Amber, "Keep your lovey touchy feelings to yourself, lez!" Another guy chimes in, "Okay, miss-know-it-all, if that's how you really feel then go make friends with the witch!" "Yeah!" agrees three others. "Let her turn you into a toad." sneers one girl, "Or curse you or something. For the betterment of society." "I think that's a fine idea." I nod, "I think I will go say hello, now." "You're not serious!" shrieks Amber, "She'll kill a nerd like you, in seconds flat!" But I ignored them all and headed towards the new girl.
She was standing down the hall, in front of her locker, a dazed look on her face. She looked sad and lonely. "Hi," I smile, "I'm Jody Dodson. I know this is your first-" She said nothing and just simply walked away, leaving me standing there. After she disappears into a classroom, there were a round of snickers. Amber and the earlier group were standing nearby. "Even the Queen Of The Damned doesn't care to hangout with the school dork." snickers Amber. "You're so hopeless, Jody." laughs one guy. The bell rang and everyone headed for class. I felt hurt, but there was nothing I could do, if the new girl didn't like me. I adjusted my backpack and headed for science class.
After I had took a seat and pulled out my books, I got a weird feeling, coming from my left. That was when I noticed that the new girl was sitting at the desk next to me. It was just luck, I guess. I didn't even know she was in my science class and who knew I would just happen to pick a seat right next to her? But before I could smile about that, I realized that she hates me. Most people in this school do, because I am the "smart kid", the girl who makes getting straight A's seem easy. It's not that I'm pretentious or anything about it. I try to be friends with everyone and I generally like most people. But there's no place for a "nerd" or "dork" in highschool social circles.
And why would a girl, as cool she was, want to ever be my friend? Before I could fall into self-pity, the new girl turned and asked me a question, "Do you have a spare pen?" "Yes!", I smile, "Of course! I always carry around spares!" "Whatever..." she said, rolling her eyes. I quickly handed her my pen, a pink and sparkly one, and she frowns. "Oh," I said, feeling nervous, "You don't like pink! I do have a purple one." "That's okay." she shrugs. "No, no," I said, grabbing the pen from my backpack, "It's right here! You see?"
She exchange pens, with a smirk on her face. "You're one weird girl." she laughs, "I never seen anyone get worked up over a pen before." I blushed. I guess, I was getting a little worked up. Only because I don't have any friends, except for this guy named Tommy, but he's a guy and I think it would nice to have a girl-pal. Someone I can share beauty tips with, and clothes, talk about boys with. And a girl like her would be even cooler. She's been outside of this boring town and experienced exciting things, I'm sure.
After class was over, I turned to the new girl. "Oh, right." she nods, "Your pen. I forgot to hand it over." "Keep it." I smile, "I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm Jody Dodson." "Well," shrugs the new girl, "Nice to meet you, Jody. I'm Lily." "Lily!" I smile, "What a pretty name!" "Uh, thanks." she said, looking a bit uncomfortable. "I'm being weird again, aren't I?" I sigh, "I don't mean to be. You see, I've been wanting to say hello, ever since you walked into school this morning."
"What for?" she asks, now annoyed. "Because you seem cool and you've lived in New York." "How do you know about that?" she frowns. "It's a small town." I shrug, "Everyone talks." "Great." sighs Lily, "Is the whole school talking about me now. Don't you guys have a life? Pathetic." "Well," I said, "I haven't been talking about you, in any negative way. And I'm sure Tommy isn't either... besides he has his own problems." "Who the hell is Tommy?" she huffs. "He's my friend." I answer, feeling rejected again, "Look, I don't mean to bother you. I'll just be on my way."
"Wait." sigh Lily, as I approach the doorway, "You're the only one who's not avoiding me. Why? Do the others have something against New York? They 'don't like them city folk' or something?" "Well," I say, "They all believe that you're a devil worshiper, you know, evil. But I know that goth is a style, not a religion. I tried to tell them that, but I'm just the school nerd, no one listens to me." Lily stood there stunned. "Damn!" she frowns, "You just blurted that out, didn't even try to tell me that in a nice way, or anything." I step closer, "Well, you didn't try to mask the fact that you think all people in small towns are bumpkins, now did you?"
Lily now was blushing. "Granted," I shrug, "There are some of us in this town who aren't too bright. But I believe that dumb people aren't spawned only in small country towns, but they are everywhere, including in the city." "I'm sorry." Lily said quietly. "It's okay." I shrug, "Just walk me to PE, that's what we have next." "How do you know if I have the same class?" Lily asks. "Just a guess." I shrug, "Check your schedule, if you like."
After she checked her schedule, we went to PE, where most of the students avoided Lily at all cost. But she didn't seem to care and I also forgot about the others, as we chatted during our exercises. After PE, it was time for us to head home. "I'll see you tomorrow?" I asked her. "Sure." she nods, "Oh, if you'd like, you can stop by my house. I have a great view of Keith Rolmir's backyard and he sometimes hang out there." "Really?!" I shriek, "Are you serious?!" "Dead." she said, flatly.
"When can I come over?" I hopped, my heart racing so fast. "Right now," she said, "If you have the time. Or some other time, perhaps." "No, no!" I gasp, "Now would be fine! Did you drive to school?" "Nope," she frowns, "My parents drove me. I lived in New York, so there was no reason to own a car, so many taxis and buses." "Oh," I nod, "Well, I own a car! I can drive us to your place and drive you to school every morning too!" "Swell." she said, dryly. I could tell that she was missing her city. I didn't blame her.
I pulled up to Lily's beautiful home, excited and looking for signs of Keith. "I've seen both of his movies," I began telling Lily, "And even though they're a bit too scary, I like the genius of them all. The stories are very well timed and thought out." "Yep," says Lily, heading up onto the porch, "And he's cute." "Well." I blush, not able to say anymore. Of course she was right. But it seemed rude to think of a best selling author in that way.
Lily opened the door and we headed inside her home. She seemed to not fit in with the brightly colored house and furniture. A short dark-haired woman rushed into the room, her arms full of fabrics. "Oh, Lily." she said, a bit startled, "You're home already. And you've bought a friend?" "Yeah," waves Lily, "This is Jody, from school. And Jody, this is my mother." "Nice to meet you." I smile. "Hello, there." smiles her mother, "I'd shake your hand, but mine are kinda full right now." She giggled and I smile politely. "Whatever," shrugs Lily, bored, "We're going to my room for a while." "Okay." says her mother. And we rush up the stairs, to get a peak at Keith.
I was a little shocked that Lily bedroom was the attic, but not by much. Besides, the more interesting thing was seeing the famous writer in the flesh! I've only seen him on tv and on the book jacket of his novels. Even though he lives in Promise Fall, he doesn't hang out with the locals. And all of his book tours have been elsewhere. He's really from Boston, but he moved to our small town for peace and quiet. Or so, that as much as I know, from looking him up on the internet.
"Over here." says Lily, beckoning me over to a huge round window. I go over there and peer out, noting the woods that are beyond the backyard. "Right yard," she explains, "White table, 2:45pm, on the dot. He's always there." I checked my wrist watch, it was 2:44pm. "Wait for it." says Lily, as if trapping an animal. Less than a minute later, a blond haired guy walks into the yard. He stops in front of the white patio table and looks out into the woods. "That's him!" I shriek. "Right on time." nods Lily, "Rolmir never lets a girl down." Suddenly, he turns and looks straight towards us both. "Crap!" shouts Lily, hitting the floor, "Get down! He'll see us!"
But I can't seem to move! Keith and I lock eyes for a few seconds, before Lily pulls me to the wooden floor, with a thud. "Ow!" I winced. "Oh, god..." frowns Lily, "I think he saw us." "Oh, my god!", I gasp, "Keith Rolmir stared at me!" We both looked at each other and began giggling!