Lostguy818

Almost three years had passed since her disastrous first day as a freshman. Looking back makes Penelope’s cheeks flush. She was sitting in her class as a junior when the school bell rang. As she passed the teacher’s desk she glanced at her English teacher. She was a brunette, same as her. Almost the same shade, actually. Hers was just darker than Penelope’s. Her eyes were jet black and she looked really young in her pale blue blouse. “Penelope!” Her English teacher called her.

“Sorry, Ms. McKenzie. I’m in a hurry.” Penelope noticed her teacher frowning but she just ignored it and left the room.

Penelope Walker was caught up on a long line in the cafeteria, still thinking about her English teacher, Rosemary McKenzie. She wished she would look like her in her thirties. Thirty, professional and smoking hot. As she carried her tray outside the cafeteria, where normal students usually sat, something clouded her mind. Her thoughts were taken over by another. She thought of words to say when they ran into each other again since their last encounter. Her heart pounded faster. Her breath faster and shallower. She reached the cafeteria door, swallowed despite of her empty throat. Her body stiffened as the guy came towards her direction. She can’t help but look at him and admire him. His face lit up with a smile he gave to someone inside the cafeteria, his dark blue eyes shining.

Cool and collected. She talked to herself. She had been telling that to herself since the day she fell in love with him. Nah. More like a huge crush.

He was only a few steps away and she didn’t notice that she’d already stopped walking. She just stood there, staring at him. His dark blue eyes stared at her. His jet black hair made up so that it wouldn’t cover his forehead or his pure face beautifully angled with his jaw line.

“Uhm.” The guy stared at him. “Excuse me.” He said. She said nothing. She was smiling like a child who’s staring at her favorite toy on a toy store.

“Oh!” Realized she was in a trance, she cleared her throat. “Ryan,” She swallowed “I’m so sorry.” She breathed out a nervous laugh, completely embarrassed. Well, not probably so cool and collected this time. What kind of girl could even be self-composed in front of Ryan Foster? He’s the star varsity soccer player. He’s rich. No. He’s family is rich but people hear that he already has a small business of his own as a birthday gift from he’s grandfather, so probably he’s rich on his own. She continued walking to the table where Ellie Rose, her best friend, sat. But Penelope couldn’t care less about all those stuff about him. She’s just really in love with him. She told Ellie once that it’s about the way he talks and moves that is so gentle and honest yet, so manly and tough. She sighed as she sat down, hoping that Ryan wouldn’t assume that she’s just another fanatic weirdo.

“Stop doing that every time you see him. You look ridiculous, you know.” Ellie Rose complained, flipping her highlighted dark brown hair, upon Penelope’s arrival no their table. When God gave away all the glamour and knowledge of fashion to the world, Ellie Rose certainly was outside and caught it. She just looks so coordinated all the time. Even though not popular, she became an icon herself. Not to mention one of the first black girls who became an icon in Lonesville High School. The best example is way back spring of their sophomore year, Ellie was the first one to ever perfectly match a gladiator shoes with the right clothes. The day after that, it has been a trend. There’s just one thing working against her though. Her being all grumpy and grouchy to some people. Especially to those who stand lower than her in the social ladder. She’s not like that before, Penelope thought. She was kind and sweet like a character in a children’s book during middle school. Penelope thought that, maybe, they grew apart in terms of interests and ideas. Since they entered high school, Ellie was different. Despite them growing apart, Penelope was happy for Ellie. Ellie has a better social life. Ellie has a social life. Penelope has small conversations, forgotten the next day.

Ellie’s hazel eyes stared at Penelope. “What?” Penelope asked. “I’m sorry. I can’t help it. It’s just, like, my mouth turns to silent mode when he talks to me.” Penelope glanced at Ryan who was sitting a few tables away from them. A few seconds later, a bright eyed girl with a smile and light brown hair approached him with a kiss. There’s your answer. If there’s a girl that could be self-composed in front of Ryan Foster, it’s Amanda Cross. Of course. Why would she freeze up like other girls? She’s his girlfriend. She went inside the cafeteria which was like a barrier between the two of them. It was this unspoken cafeteria rule in their school. The popular kids with their loyal followers, fans and wannabes stayed inside the cafeteria where they get the spotlight they needed. The geeks and nerds also preferred inside, only because of the air conditioning and they were too afraid to be bullied by the ‘tough ones’ outside. Some aspiring freshmen stayed there, waiting to be talked into the social circle. Ellie was one of them before but eventually, Penelope convinced her to sit with her outside the cafeteria where everyone else normal hanged out. Before, there were only a few tables outside but after seeing how many students wanted out of the drama inside the cafeteria, lots of tables appeared. People who hanged outside the cafeteria were the ones who were satisfied with themselves, some that are too afraid to go inside the cafeteria, the stoners and smokers, the couples who were beyond horny that seriously needed to get a room, some geeks that were threatened to sit there by the ‘tough ones’, and the norms. Norms are the ones who never cared. Their invisible to some people but satisfied with the world they were in. That’s were Ellie and Penelope belonged and perhaps, even Ryan. But he couldn’t be. He’s a god. Guys look up to him while girls drool over him. Yet, he’s so humble and innocent like he didn’t even know any of his fame. “You probably should go to a technician and get your mouth fixed up.” Ellie joked.

“Huh?” Penelope had forgotten what they were talking about after losing herself to her thoughts.

“Oh God!” Ellie made a disgusted face. “Doofus alert!” Ellie coughed after seeing a guy with curly golden blonde hair wearing glasses and braces approach them. She took out a book from her leather brown carry-all bag. She pretended to read it as the guy approach them.

“Hey guys!” He said and sat along with them. He resembled someone famous but Penelope just can’t seem to put her finger on it.

“Hey Rick!” Penelope gave him a smile. Penelope felt sorry for the guy. No one talked to him besides the teachers and Penelope. Some did, but that’s only to make fun of him or to ask for his help, just like Ellie.

He removed a strap of his Spiderman bag from his shoulders to reach for something. He took out a piece of scented pink paper and handed it to Penelope. “I made that for you. It’s a poem.” Penelope started reading it as Rick continued to speak. “I worked on that this whole week. I hope you like it.” Besides from being a total geek, Rick Summers is the only admirer Penelope had in her whole life. Well, there’s Shawn Marx but she didn’t count him because he simply admired all the girls. He told every girl that he loves them then asks them if they want to sleep with him. Penelope shuddered to the thought of him. So, it was really just Rick. Since she and Rick became classmates in English class, he started adoring her.

“This is so sweet of you, Rick. Do I really deserve this?” She titled her head then made a pout, “Thanks.”

“You do deserve it. Trust me. It’s—

“I think I’m about to throw up.” Ellie gagged. Rick looked at her while Penelope made a shut-up face to Ellie.

Rick shook his head then said, “Oh! I almost forgot!” He stood up to show his shoes. “I’m wearing the shoes you said that I look good on.” He pointed to his red Converse snickers.

“Geek.” Ellie coughed and then laughed.

Rick looked at her. “You’re so conceited, you know that.” Ellie smiled sarcastically. He stood up and locked his bag to his shoulders. “Bye Penelope.” He managed to give her a smile as he leave.
“Okay. I just threw up in my mouth.” Ellie made a face like she had just eaten a sour pickled egg. “I can’t believe you’re still talking to that… that weirdo!”

“Give the guy a break Ellie. At least someone wants to be romantic for me. Besides, he’s the only guy that thinks I’m amazing or beautiful, or whatever.” She took a sip at her orange juice. “And did I mention that his poem’s good.”

“No, girl. He can’t be Shakespeare.”

“Speaking of that! How are you and your ‘Mr. Shakespeare514’ doing?” Penelope said doing the quoting with her hands.

“I already told you. His name is Andrew. That ‘Mr. Shakespeare514’ was just his username.”

“Fine. When will you two meet each other? You know… like, talk” Ellie was about to talk. “In person.”

Ellie laughed. “I don’t know! He’s in Denmark and we are in here, in Lonesville. Hello? How can we meet if we’re countries away?” Ellie’s laugh softened until it started to turn into a frown.

“He’s from Denmark?” Penelope seemed excited. “Is he what? Some kind of royalty or something? Oh my gosh. You two could have a ‘Prince and Me’ story.” Her eyes grew bigger as she continued talking. “You get to be Julia Stiles!” She exclaimed, lifting her hands open to Ellie.

Ellie raised an eyebrow. Penelope was definitely doing it again, comparing everyday lives to movies and TV shows.

After a big pause, Penelope resumed talking. “So… do you, like… have feelings for him?” She leaned nearer to her as she waited for an answer.

Ellie wrinkled her forehead. “N, no! It’s as if I will take anything like that seriously!” She sounded so defensive. Penelope could tell.

“Okay! Chill. You don’t have to shout.” She could already see Jane Ronalds and her friends coming. Jane probably already found the note saying bitch in her locker. Penelope put it to her locker this morning. Not wanting to stir up trouble, she asked Ellie to leave. “Let’s go.” They left their table and entered the main building. Right on time, the school bell rang.

“Okay. See ya!” Ellie said. Then both of them put their ring finger on their lips, making a hush sign. They do it every time they separate, meaning that everything said and done the time before is for their own ears only.

Penelope walked down the hallway, still thinking about Ryan Foster. His dark blue eyes. His jet black hair. His smile and the smell of his cologne like a summer breeze. She felt like she was melting. Melting with her love for him. She laughed afterwards, thinking that if Ellie heard that, she’d probably make fun of her.

“48? Where the bloody hell is house 48?” A guy with aquamarine eyes talked to himself with an Australian accent as he scratched his golden brown hair. He was carrying a piece of paper with his left hand and a traveling bad with the other. He looked around and then wrinkled his forehead. He saw a honey blonde woman getting into a Jeep and decided to ask her about the house he was looking for. “Excuse me?” He shifted his traveling bag to his left hand as he approached the brunette. “Hi! I’m kind of new here. Uh… Can you help me find 48 Redstone Street? This is Midtown right?”

The woman went down from her vehicle then said, “I’m afraid there’s no 48 Redstone Street here in Midtown. As you can see Redstone is a street on Uptown.” The guy looked at her as if he is not taking all of what she said in. “Can I have a look at that?” The woman took the piece of paper and listened as he talked.

“Oh. I see. I moved back here actually. I lived on Uptown until I was seven and we moved to Australia. I’m now supposed to live with my grandmother.”

“Maybe I know your grandmother. Can you tell me her name?”
“Lucy. Lucy Myers.”

“Oh, you mean Mrs. Myers? She lives right there.” She pointed to the chiffon house across the street from their position. “We’ve been neighbors since I moved here. That’s our house right there.” She pointed to the two-story house nearby. The house was colored with cream. The color made it look so cozy, the guy thought.

“I’m sorry. I haven’t introduced myself yet.” The guy said. “My name is Justin Reese. And… I would like to thank you for your help, Miss?” He offered a hand.

“Mrs. It’s Mrs. Walker but I’d like you to call me Grace.” She smiled and then took a glance at her Jeep. “I’m sorry. I’m kind of in a hurry.” Justin stared at her beautiful face, wondering about her age. “Well anyways, welcome to Lonesville!” She sounded like she’s on campaign, Justin thought. He waved goodbye as the vehicle left.

Justin thought of Grace as he walked towards the house. He still wondered how old she is. She looked like someone in her late twenties. Twenty seven? But she said she was a Mrs. So, she’s married. He sighed in a brief disappointment as he arrived to the door. If she’s twenty seven and married, she couldn’t have a daughter. He reached for the keys in his pocket. Well, if she has one she must be pretty. But for a twenty-seven year old mother, her daughter must be young. Too young, he thought as he opened the sky blue door. A note rested in a coffee table right before the foyer. “Downtown with your Grandmother, Aunt Cecil.” After reading it, he started unpacking.

U.S History. Most boring class ever, Penelope thought. She’s so used to drift away in thoughts during History class. Drawing stuff and some scribblings. Imagining things. Sleeping. She couldn’t have been better in showing how boring the class really was. What’s worse is in Fridays it’s the final class and if it’s not a Friday, in Tuesdays and Wenesdays, it’s her first class, coming before English. Then in Thursdays, it comes before lunch. Really good timing, she said to herself. Thank God there’s no History class during Mondays.

Mrs. Randall talked about history all the time. Doesn’t she know anything else? Of course she’s talking about history. It’s History Class. This is the only class that she found it hard to maintain an A. It is so hard for her to be interested in it. It’s not even fascinating unlike Math and Science. For Penelope, Math is like a magic trick that she wanted to learn to impress other people and Science is an experience she wanted to live. Okay. Maybe she paid attention in History class before. There’s this one time when they discussed Joan of Arc. She found it interesting because she watched the TV show, Joan of Arcadia. She still knew some facts and stuff though, like that Columbus guy who discovered America and those little Indians settling in first. I mean really. Why bother? She even thought that extra credits should be given for her huge efforts for at least staying awake in class.

Penelope felt like sleeping. She could already tell she’s starting to doze off. She stopped herself. She couldn’t sleep now. Mrs. Randall was on full-time-ambush-recitation mode. One display of lack of attention and you’ll face humiliation. She decided to keep herself busy. She’s already worned out scribbling Ryan’s name on the back of her notebook. She looked around the classroom. By the window near her seat, she stared outside. She was lost outside looking for Ryan in a crowd of boys in their Gym class. Because he’s in the varsity, he’s allowed not to take Gym Class. It counts as a free time. She felt a bit jealous about it. What if I become a cheerleader so I could skip gym? She shook off the thought and thought about his face again.

He’s so cute. Hotter than David Beckham.

Penelope indulged to her thoughts. If Ryan was on David Beckham’s generation, he could have beaten him. Both, in looks and soccer. She just stared at him as he played with a soccer ball. I’ll be his Posh. He passed it, one foot to the other. He kicks it high and played with it with his head, dribbling it then dropping it to his knee, still dribbling. The dribbling didn’t stop for a while. It amused Penelope. Finally he stopped dribbling, and then kicked the ball hard to the goal.

“He shoot, he scores, goal!” A girl seating back one seat from Penelope said. “Isn’t he cute? I mean, not just cute. He’s so talented with soccer and very nice too.” Penelope looked spitefully to Jane Ronalds, their running valedictorian. “Not to mention hot and cute. He is such a triple threat… just like me!” She let out a laugh.

Penelope squinted her eyes, staring at her. “I wonder…” She tilted her head. ‘Are you really a triple threat, Jane?”

“Of course I am! I’m smart and pretty and…” Jane stopped to think. Penelope was now facing her, crossing her arms, forcing herself not to laugh. She raised an eyebrow at her. “And intelligent! Ha! How’s that for a triple threat?!” Jane laughed in conceit, emphasizing her pointy chin. Penelope had to admit. The pointy chin looks cute and smart. But when she laughs, ugh. It looked so weird and pointy.

Oh god. I seriously must beat her. She’s going to be the dumbest valedictorian in Lonesville.

Jane’s really not that dumb, Penelope admitted to herself. She’s, in fact, the smartest redhead she ever saw. But when the time comes that she’s dumb, she’s beyond dumb. But even though, she’s their valedictorian. Penelope was just in second place. Well. Not for long.

“Ms. Walker?!” The teacher’s loud voice made them jump. Penelope could feel eyes darting at her.

“Yes, Mrs. Randall?” Her voice was shaky, she couldn’t stop it. She already knew it. This is going to be very embarrassing.

“Not paying attention aren’t we? Jane, darling.” She said happily as she faced Jane. “Could you repeat my question for her please.” She said. Her words made Penelope gag. Jane? Darling? Ugh. The two of them could live together as mother and daughter if they want to. No one will notice the nonexistent bloodline.

“I don’t want to.” Jane said. The whole class froze, watching the three of us. Mrs. Randall moved away and looked around the room to spot another student to repeat the question. Penelope could hear others whisper. It shocked Penelope. She was well aware that Jane was a teacher’s pet but this was beyond that. Maybe they’re really related, Penelope thought. Or better yet, they have an affair! She called another student. “You! Can you repeat the question?’ The boy froze. Obviously, he too wasn’t listening. “C’mon. Don’t waste the credit that Ms. Ronalds decided to pass on for you.” What on earth is going on? Jane wasn’t a teacher’s pet. The teacher was her pet! She felt the whole class in tension. She’s sure that everyone else was thinking the same thing. She was now staring at Jane, thinking the worst things about her. In Penelope’s head, she’s already punching her annoying little face, shouting at her, swearing and cursing.

Shithead! Cowface! Bitch! Motherfu—

The bell rang. Students were rushing to the door. As they leave to the hallway, Penelope can hear everyone exhaling. Everyone was relieved. She hurried to her locker for the sake of security. She opened it and hid her face behind the open locker door. She was afraid that Jane would tell Lisa and her clique to give her a rough time because of the bitch note thing. She convinced herself to calm down. She inhaled and exhaled deeply then decided to walk to her next class. She exchanged some notebooks and closed the locker door and like a thriller, Jane’s pointy chin was behind it.

“You got lucky this time second placer Penelope!” She talked with her chin looking like it’s going to stab Penelope. But before Ms. Stabbing-Pointy-Chin could talk more, Penelope already fled.

Ryan walked on the hallway when Billy walked beside him. He’s an overweight black boy that wore the school mascot, Tigers. Ryan looked at his undersized pink shirt and then laughed at its print saying eat me.

“C’mon, man.” The boy tapped Ryan’s shoulder. “This shirt is cool.”

Ryan pulled a serious face then said, “I agree.”

“So, what’s up?”

“Nothing much.” The truth is Ryan was thinking about his relationship with Amanda. They just broke up yesterday. Again. Now, they’ve broken up eight times. But Ryan felt like this is the last one like they’d never get back together like those other seven times when they just kiss and make up. “Just stuff.” He uttered.

“Gotta keep it together, man. Ya need focus on the game. The games are coming y’know.” They were too close for him not to notice what Ryan’s been thinking. But still, not too close for Ryan to tell him everything about him and Amanda. No one knew that they broke up eight times and then patch things up with a kiss then celebrate with sex. No one knew how bumpy their relationship was. No one knew how moody Amanda was when it comes to sex. Sometimes, she tends to be like such a virgin, not wanting to do it. Opposite of Ryan who sometimes gets too aggressive about it. All that everyone knew was they’re the perfect couple. Ryan and Amanda. Forever.

“Y’know what? You need a new girl for the dance.” Ryan was surprised. Does Billy know everything about the breakup? If he did, then who else know? “Don’t worry. I’ll find the perfect rebound for you.”

“Billy.” Obviously, Billy has no idea. The only thing he knew was they’re broken up. He must think that their split is for good. Even though Ryan was fully convinced that there was never going to be another sequel of their relationship, a straw of hope still remained in him.

“I know, I know. You’re looking for someone hotter than Amanda. Let’s take a look shall we.” They exit the hallway, out to the school square. The school square is a, well, square free space between the buildings of Lonesville Highschool. Students hang out there between classes and free time. Billy looked around, trying to spot someone really popular. Someone really hot. Someone that could at least match Amanda. Jackpot, Billy though with a grin upon spotting a blond girl in a hime cut wearing a cheerleading uniform. Her hime cut was a perfection. Her long straight hair goes below the shoulder blades and her bangs go to the eyebrows. She has a brilliant tan on her amazing body. Plump breasts and a very fine ass. Her hair was let down, just below her shoulders. “Why not ask Bridgette? Head Cheerleader. Pretty. Single and scorching hot.”

“I don’t know.” Ryan said trying to stop him. It’s just wrong. But it was too late. He already called her and she’s already coming over.

“Hey Ryan.” She said sticking her chest out. What the hell is she doing?

“Hey.” He shied his eyes away, trying to convince her that he’s not interested.

“My man Ryan, wants you to go with him to the Halloween Dance.” Billy took over. Damn. This isn’t right.

“Sure. I’d love too.” She leaned towards Ryan who was still looking away. He felt something soft touch his cheek and he realized, he just kissed her.

After she walked away, Ryan hit Billy’s head. “What was that for?” Billy asked angrily, massaging his head.

“She’s Amanda’s best friend, you idiot.”

The last bell rang and Penelope was meeting up with Ellie at the benches by the school front. “Hey! Come with me to the library.” Penelope didn’t respond. She was waiting for some other word. “Please.” Ellie said half-heartedly.

“I’m sorry, El. I can’t. I’ve got groceries to do.” Ellie was staring at her. “Maybe next time, okay?” She tapped Ellie’s shoulder then left.

“I’ll call you!” She looked back to Ellie. Ellie didn’t budge. After a while of staring at each other, Ellie gave up and smiled at her and made their signature hush sign. Penelope did the hush sign herself and then left.

Grace was talking on the phone when Penelope arrived home. Penelope watched her, trying to find the right timing to interrupt her to ask for the grocery list. As she looked at her, she looked like those women on TV and movies. Those powerful career women and feminists. She didn’t just look like one of them. She’s one of them. Her mother turned around, still talking, surprised to find Penelope behind her. Penelope mouthed the word list while drawing a square with her hands. Her mother pointed by the counter where a piece of paper rests.

“Butter? Check. Noodles? Check. Vegetables? Check. Apples, grapes and oranges? Check, check, check.” Even though she found it silly, Penelope kept on roll-calling the grocery list. She can’t help it. It feels like she had succeeded on something and she’s proud of it. She looked around a little, looking for the real reason she went to the grocery. Premium chocolates. She loves them. No. Love isn’t enough. She’s addicted to them like Ellie’s addicted to coffee. Twice a year, the Midtown grocery has a special offer for chocolate lovers. They’re packages of premium chocolates from all-over the globe. Well, not entirely but some came from Italy and other places too. There’s always stuff like that in the mall on Downtown but Penelope preferred the ones sold in the grocery, with a whooping discount of seventy-five percent! Selling it only twice a year makes it more special. She peered from isles to isles. That’s how their work. Their literally hidden in the grocery. She’s already in the soaps and detergents isle when she came across the large bars of soap boxes and among them was a box with the same color, trying to blend with the crowd of soap boxes, but obviously different. She’s about to reach for it. Her heart thumping. She has it. She’s going to have it in her own hands. As she slowly reached for it, she imagined herself eating them. She’s so lucky.

“Whadd’ya know? I am so lucky.” A guy, golden brown haired, skinny tanned body, with an Australian accent, told himself, laughing, after reaching for mysteriously packaged box.

Penelope saw the whole thing happened so fast, the guy taking the box fast before she could actually touch it. Penelope cracked. They’re gold premium! On sale! A few seconds ago, that box was hers. “What do you think you’re doing?”

The guy looked at her, surprised with her threatening tone. “Excuse me?”

“Yes! You! What do you think you’re doing?” She shouted at him.

“Oh. This?” He lifted the box with the chocolates inside. “I’m lucky I found it first before someone else does. I still can’t believe it actually. The timing that I needed something special for a special someone. Wow.” He humbly ran his hand through his golden brown hair.

“No! Look. The thing is I found it first. I was about to reach for it when—

“My hand grabbed it faster than yours.” He smiled after completing Penelope’s sentence. Penelope made an I’m-upset-so-please-give-me-chocolates face. His smile faded. “Ok. I’m sorry. I suppose I don’t to make a lady sad by taking her chocolates."

Penelope smiled. This is easy. “So… Can I have my chocolates now please.” She pouted.

The guy paused for a while, as if thinking. He made a tsk sound. “No. Still no.’"He laughed. He came closer to her face, revealing his glowing aquamarine eyes, then whispered, “I took it first and you just have to get over it.” Hi grinned then turned his heel, walked away.

Penelope forced herself to relax, went to the counter to pay then left using her bike. His accent. His stupid smile. The box in his hands full of premium chocolates that were sold on sale. Worse. Only sold for low price just twice a year. The thoughts went on as Penelope got angrier. She left the bike leaning on the garage wall and stomped her way inside the house. She went straight to the kitchen where her mother smiled at her fondly. Penelope stared suspiciously at her mother as she put the grocery bags down on the kitchen counter. “You can stop smiling now.” She put her hands to her waist, as if she was the mother. “What do you want?”

“Nothing. I just thought that maybe you could help me tonight.” Penelope rolled her eyes. “One of my waitresses is sick. There’s no other option.”

“Figures.”

“Did you say something?”

She smiled. “Pictures. I said ‘pictures’. I’ll bring my camera to take pictures, just in case.”

Penelope went up to her room to get her camera. There’s no need to change, she thought. Her mother would probably make her change into one of the waitress’s uniform anyways. Penelope found herself in her mother’s car, driving to the opposite direction Penelope thought they would be going. That moment, she knew something would happen but she just can’t seem to put her finger on it.