Wednesday, 17 October 2007

• Chapter 3: Paper Boy

  As I turned the corner, my bike slid across a mud puddle and struck an old can, causing me to fly across my handle bars and into what I thought was a pile of old news papers.
  
  "Ugg!" I muttered as I tried desperately to find my way out of the maze of papers still settling down around me.
  
  Then suddenly, I stopped. Something began to move beneath me. My heart began to pound, as all around me paper were shifting and moving about. Then, out popped a hand, right in front of my face!
  
  "AHHH!!!" I screamed, leaping up into the air and causing the papers to be turned back into a turmoil.
  
  "You can stop screaming, I'm just as confused as you are." I heard the person mutter.
  
  Startled, I stepped back and slipped into the mud pile that I'd just flown over.
  
  "I thought... I mean... I couldn't... I didn't..." I was in such a jumble, that the other person started laughing.
  
  "Thanks." I grumbled.
  
  "You really shouldn't be so grumpy." A boy's head popped out from the papers and grinned at me.
  
  "Sorry," I smiled sheepishly. "It's just that you scared me!"
  
  "Well, I could say the same." He chuckled and stood up.
  
  "I suppose..." My mind suddenly snapped to! Here I was, sitting in a mud puddle, my bike covered in oozing mud, my bruised-stalker somewhere near-by ready to kill me and I in no condition to flee!
  
  "Suppose what?" He asked as he bent down and started to pick up papers.
  
  I looked right, left, up, down, and around. Something told me that Mr. Bruise was about ready to pounce, but when?
  
  "You still with us?" Paper Boy turned towards me with a clueless smiled.
  
  "Is there a trash can somewhere near by?" I asked hurriedly.
  
  "Yes, but I'll take care of the mess." He answered, turning back to the pile of papers.
  
  "No, I mean for me." I blurted, not realizing how terrible that sounded.
  
  "For who?" He turned back around and gave me a weird look.
  
  "NO! Ugg, no! I've just got to hide! I'll explain later!" I must have sounded insane!
  
  He gave an exasperated sigh and then turned around.
  
  "Look, if you're running from the police..." He started.
  
  "NO! Will you look here! If you don't help me, I'll get murdered and it will be your fault! So get over here and help!" I sputtered between glances at the corner.
  
  "WHAT? Ok, but you'll need more than a trash can!" He grabbed my arm and pulled me into a door nearby.
  
  The door lead us into a small hallway with a large room at the end, and a couple of side doors near the center.
  
  "This is Paper Cut Co. I work here." He explained as he pulled me into one of the side rooms.
  
  "This is your office?" I asked.
  
  "Maybe." He answered, opening the door and walking out.
  
  "And that's supposed to mean?" I asked as the door shut behind him.
  
  "Anything." I heard him laugh and walk away.
  
  "IF YOU JUST LOCKED ME IN HERE," I yelled, "THEN YOU ARE SO DEAD! I'LL SIC MY BROTHER ON YOU!"
  
  "TRUST ME, I'M TERRIFIED!" He yelled back and I heard the outside door shut.
  
  I twisted the door knob, hoping that it would be unlocked. Sure enough it was! And, it was lockable from the INSIDE! I blushed and turned the lock, realizing what an idiot I was!
  
  Now all I needed was to call my parents and have them pick me up.
  
  I shoved my hand into my right pocket... No cell phone.
  
  My left pocket, no cell phone.
  
  My back pockets.... no cell phone
  
  I groaned and stared about the room in frustration. Then I saw it. A large, gray object, with cords, and lots of buttons.
  
  A corded phone? I longingly gazed at it, hoping that it would work. I picked it up and dialed my home number.
  
  Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.
  
  "That didn't work." I hung up and tried again.
  
  Beep. Beep. Beep.
  
  "What's wrong with this thing!" I growled.
  
  Then I noticed a small white note card with information numbers typed on it. In one section it said, "To make a call, dial 9+number..."
  
  With this new knowledge, I gleefully picked up the phone again, and dialed my number– the 9 included.
  
  Hello, you've reached the Freeston's...
  
  I hung up in frustration. Who else would I call? Cloe would faint, Blake (my brother) would laugh, Mom's cell phone was broken, Dad wouldn't answer his at work, and I didn't have his work number.
  
  My stomach didn't seem to enjoy the stress either and started showing signs of blowing. Here I was, a self-prisoner with no way of getting home! I slowly sat down in a chair nearby and began to think about my plot. Technically, I could've just stepped out and left, but I didn't really want to face paper boy, or the bruised guy. So I decided to wait awhile and see what would happen.
  
  I knew that if I let my stomach relax for a few minutes, I'd get over the nausea. That was one thing I could be thankful for! So I sat back and relaxed....
  
  ...........................
  
  3POV (3rd Person Point of View):
  
  Allan Gryger stepped out of the Paper Cut Co. and sighed.
  
  "Now to pick up this mess. Poor girl! Must be drunk." He sadly shook his head. "Why do people think that's going to help anything? Maybe I'll be able to help her, once she calms down."
  
  He stuffed a handful of papers into a large dumpster near by. As he did so, a hand grabbed his shoulder and twirled him around. He slipped on some papers and landed in the same mud puddle that had caused Andrea's demise.
  
  "I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT YOU JUST DID THAT TO ME! Don't you even know who I am?!" A tall male figure loomed over him.
  
  "C-c-an I h-help-p y-you?" Allan stammered out, scared half out of his mind.
  
  "DON'T ACT SO..." The guy trailed off. "Oh, I thought you were someone else."
  
  "O-o-h-h!" He squeaked. "Ok?"
  
  "Ish. You're no help." He spit out, "If you see a girl about 5'6'', blond hair, blue eyes, kinda slow... you can tell her that Sean's upset." He then walked away muttering to himself.
  
  Allan watched as Sean, slogged through the mud and around the next bend. Next he looked back towards the papers, then at the bike, then at the door that he had just pulled Andrea through.
  
  "Wow! That was a close call! I guess she really wasn't drunk!" He mumbled in shock.
  
  A buzzing sound caught his attention and glancing down, he saw a shiny object protruding out of the mire. He pulled it up, wiped the gunk off of it, stared intently at it for a minute, then placed it in his pocket.
  
  "I'll save this for later." He nodded and picked himself up off the ground. "I'd better finish this job, then check on that girl."
  
  ...........................
  
  ANDREA'S POV:
  
  I guess I was able to relax very well, because I woke up to the sound of someone banging on my door.
  
  I looked about the room in confusing, trying to figure out where I was. Then I remembered, the paper boy's office.
  
  Quickly, I pushed the chair against the door and pressed my weight against it. I wasn't going to take any chances.
  
  "Hey! Are you still in there?" I heard a muffled voice call through the door.
  
  "Depends." I replied.
  
  "I heard that! Let me in!' The voice laughed.
  
  "Who's me?" I consciously removed the chair.
  
  "Depends."
  
  "You're right! Depends on whether I'll let you in or not."
  
  "Oh? Well in that case, it's your conscience."
  
  "My conscience isn't male, nor does it talk to me behind locked doors."
  
  I heard a muffled giggle. "Are you sure about the second one?"
  
  "Yes."
  
  "Ok, you win." I heard a clicking sound.
  
  "Hey! That's against rules! No keys allowed!" I pushed the chair back against the door.
  
  "No one said there were any rules. But I'll abide, considering I realize the predicament you're in, not knowing whether or not to trust me." The key slid out and the voice stopped.
  
  "Well, then who is it?"
  
  "The person who you ran into back there.."
  
  "Oh. Anyone else?"
  
  "Nope. Just me."
  
  "Ok, well... then I'll let you in." I turned the lock and opened the door.
  
  "Thanks!" He came in and sat down in a chair near by.
  
  "Welcs." I smiled nervously.
  
  "Ok... Now I want to know something." He leaned forward in the chair, he chin resting on his folded hands.
  
  ""Ummm, yes?" I raised my eyebrows.
  
  "What happened before you met me?" He looked me up and down.
  
  "Umm, well, err... you see, it happened like this..." I told him the whole story, including all the gory details.
  
  He sat back in his chair stunned. "WOW!" Was all that came out of his mouth.
  
  "Yeah, so that's why I'm in this room." I kinda laughed.
  
  "You know, you should home-school." He grinned, showing two really cute dimples.
  
  I just smiled.
  
  Actually, I had been home-schooled until last year. That's when my parents put me in public school, although they didn't give me a specific reason why. I personally hated every second of public school and prayed every morning that God would make it so I could home-school again! Maybe this was my chance?
  
  "I'm serious! You could get killed going to school! Have you told your parents about this yet?" He shot me a look.
  
  "Well, no. I didn't want them to worry about me anymore then they already do! They've got enough problems already." I looked down at the floor. I think it the school situation had something to do with my stomach, but I couldn't be sure.
  
  "Yeah, well you should. Their your protectors and all they want to do is help you!" He looked down at his watch and leaped out of the chair.
  
  "What?" I looked up confused.
  
  "YIKES! I'm 15 minutes behind!" He yelped, "Hey, look. I've got to get to work, but I'll ask my dad if someone here can drive you home. I don't want you to have to practice anymore martial arts!"
  
  I sent him an amused glare and started towards the door. He, meanwhile, was pushing buttons on that so-called phone... and somehow found a ride for me.
  
  //. Author’s Note: At this point, chapter 3 is def. my favorite! I don’t know what I’d do without Allan! [In reality, Allan describes my best friend really well!] Hope you enjoy it!
  

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• Chapter 2: The Bruise

  The rest of the morning went by in a blur of classes, homework, and studying. By the time lunch came around, I was ready for a break.
  
  “ANDREA!! COME SIT WITH MEEEE!!” A high pitched voice squealed at a table near by.
  
  “Yes, mommy.” I mumbled heading over to were Cloe sat.
  
  I set my tray down, scooted my chair in, and said a quick prayer.
  
  “So, how was your morning?” I asked between bites of iceberg salad.
  
  “How was mine? I should ask you that!” She giggled.
  
  “Me? Why? I didn’t have much happen.”
  
  “Yeah? You mean sitting next to that really cute guy, wasn’t much? You sure had guts girl!” She picked up her sandwich and took a bite.
  
  “A: He wasn’t cute. B: My stomach wouldn’t let me sit any where else!” I jabbed my fork into the salad forcefully. “He really needs a good shin kicking.”
  
  Cloe laughed, nearly choking on the tomato.
  
  “Is that what you call....” She stopped in mid-sentence, her eyes looked passed me, and her mouth hung open. The whole cafeteria suddenly got quiet and everyone was starring at us.
  
  I turned around to see what was behind me. There stood Megan.
  
  “You had the audacity to sit next to my boyfriend after puking on me?!” She slammed her fist down onto my tray, knocking salad all over the place.
  
  I looked up at her confused. Her boyfriend? What kid in his right mind would go out with her?
  
  “I what? When did I sit next to your kid? I mean your mind... URRG! I mean your BOYFRIEND! Ish...” I blundered, forgetting to separate my thoughts from my words.
  
  I heard snickering all around me.
  
  "You're a real dummy, you know that?” She snarled.
  
  "Dummy? Does not knowing about your relationship with some guy I sat next to qualify me as being stupid?” I replied, cleaning up my spilled salad and getting up from the table to face my accuser.
  
  She glared at me. "Everyone in this school knows who my boyfriend is and that he's MINE! Don't even think about stealing him."
  
  “I have no interest in stealing your boyfriend! Tell me who he is and I'll avoid him as much as possible.” I picked up my backpack and looked over at Cloe, who seemed to be frozen in place.
  
  “I'm not feeling so good.” I slung my backpack on my shoulders and turned to Megan.
  
  “If you can't trust your own boyfriend than why are you going out with him? If he loves you then why would he mess with anyone else?” I mumbled as I stepped around her and headed for the cafeteria doors. As I opened the door, I doubled over and gagged all over the floor.
  
  This was not going to be a good year.
  
  I ran to the janitors closet, grabbed a mop, turned around, and started running back.
  
  *BAM*
  An arm flew out and knocked me against the wall. I looked up and saw the school’s janitor, towering above me.
  
  “WHY ARE YOU HOLDING MY MOP!” He yelled as he grabbed the mop and gently hugged it.
  
  “Umm, yeah... Ok?” I raised my eyebrows.
  
  “What were you doing with my mop?” He growled at me.
  
  “I'm sorry! I was only trying to clean-up a mess I made. I didn't know that your mop meant so much to you.” I muttered as I pressed my body closer to the wall..
  
  “Mop-Man to the rescue! When there is trouble, who do you call? Mop-Man!” He stood at attention.
  
  “Disguised as a janitor? This is just great. Could you clean up the mess in front of the cafeteria doors, please?” I asked, guardedly. This school was really weird.
  
  “YES MA’AM!” He marched smartly towards the cafe, humming some army tune.
  
  The rest of the afternoon went by uneventfully, mainly because Megan and I had different classes and partially because I avoided everyone.
  
  The Next Afternoon
  
  I wearily climbed the stairs to my room, trying to get my brain to clear up and work. All morning I had been trying to keep out of everyone's way and now my brain was refusing to do anything I asked it to.
  
  I turned on my computer, and logged into my school e-mail.
  
  “1 Unread Message”
  
  “Who’s ImInsanelyHot@hotmail.com?” I asked out loud.
  
  “Andrea,
  Meet me at corner between Starbucks and the mall.
  -Your Best Friend Forever, ME!”
  
  I flipped open my cell phone and called Cloe.
  
  “This is CLOEEEE’S VOICEMAIL! Leave a message, PLEASE!” *BEEP*
  
  “Cloe, this is Andrea. Why'd you change your e-mail address? I liked CloudCloe way better! Ok, well I'm on my way.” I hung up and grabbed a black sweater and pulled on a pair of grey sweatpeants.
  
  I bounded down the stairs and jumped onto my bike.
  
  What on earth did she want me to go there for?
  
  At The Corner
  
  I parked my bike and looked around for Cloe. The only person there was a tall teenage guy, leaning against the wall.
  
  *RING* *RING*
  
  My cell phone vibrated in my pocket and I picked it up.
  
  “Hello?”
  
  “ANDREA!” I heard Cloe scream through the phone.
  
  “What?! And will you stop screaming?” I asked, holding the phone away from my ear.
  
  “NO! I won't! You’ve got to help me! Some guy keeps following me!” I could hear her panting and running.
  
  “Were are you? I thought we were supposed to meet at the corner?” I was really confused now.
  
  “What corner? You never told me to come to any corner!” She gasped between breaths.
  
  “So that note wasn't from you?” I suddenly felt a sickening sensation that something bad was happening. Was it Megan?
  
  “What note? I haven’t... AHHHH!” I heard her scream, then the phone went dead.
  
  “Hello? HELLO? YOU THERE? I’LL BE RIGHT THERE TO HELP YOU!” I leaped up towards my bike when suddenly something smashed into my chest and I fall back onto the cold cement.
  
  I looked up into the pretty blue eyes of the boy who had been leaning against the wall. [YES, eyes can be pretty!]
  
  “Can I help you?” I asked, trying to get up off the ground.
  
  “Andrea, huh?” His eyes bored holes through me.
  
  “Andrea?” I looked at him quizzically,
  
  "Wow! You have good ears." He sarcastically sneered.
  
  "Thanks. The sarcasm was noted." I rolled my eyes and sat up.
  
  "So you happen to know her?" He asked, helping me up.
  
  “Well at least he’s a gentle man.” I thought.
  
  *BAM* He let me go and I landed back on the ground.
  
  “Scratch that.”
  
  “Hah, ummm, that would be a bit obviouse.” I stated, sitting up and rubbing the back of my head.
  
  He scowled. "Oh. What’s her number?”
  
  I looked at him dumbfounded. He was asking me for my number as though I were someone else... Was he joking? “Well,” I thought “two can play at this game.”
  
  "Well, I’d give it to you, but I don’t want to get hurt. She's quite a bully, you know." I said, thinking fast.
  
  "I'm sure. Is that why she throws up on people?" His laugh was cynical.
  
  "I have proof! Want to see a bruise from her?" I asked, reaching pointing towards my other arm.
  
  “Oh, and what did you do to make her hit you?” He scowled.
  
  “Well… that's besides the point. Do you want to see it?” I asked again.
  
  “Sure.” He said looking curiously at my arm.
  
  I stepped closer and suddenly swung my fist up and hit him hard.
  
  I jumped on my bike and peddled furiously down the road.
  
  “Did you see the bruise?” I yelled back as I turned the corner.
  
  //. Author’s Note: Isn’t Andrea gullible? Hehe. Hopefully these chapters flow well. So far, all the chapters have been written a long time apart from each other, so at times might seem like they don’t quite flow. I hope that everyone gets the plot!

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• Chapter 1 : The Early Worm

  “BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP”
  
  “ARRG!!!!” I slammed my hand down on the alarm clock, missed the snooze button, and sent it flying across the room.
  “Go die.” I muttered as I got up and started getting dressed. I pulled a blue sweater over my head and yanked on my jeans.
  
  “BEEP, BEEP, BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE...”
  
  My alarm clock’s sound was stuck on that disturbing “BEEEEEEP” noise. How provoking!
  
  “Stupid clock!” I growled as I picked it up and yanked out the batteries.
  
  I brushed through my thick blond hair, slapped some makeup on (making sure to check that no zits had made a surprise attach during the night), snatched my backpack, and rushed to the table for breakfast.
  
  To my surprise, no one was up yet. "Maybe they've already eaten." I mused as I munched into a crunchy apple.
  
  30 min later
  
  As I walked out the door, I mentally went through my checklist.
  
  1. Backpack (beside table)
  2. Cellphone (in left pocket of pants)
  3. School Books (in backpack)
  4. Wallet (in right pocket of pants)
  5. School Pass and ID (in wallet)
  
  When I arrived at the bus stop, I felt my cell vibrate in my pocket. I pulled it out and read this message from my brother, Blake.
  
  “The early bird may get the worm, but the early worm gets eaten. Check the time."
  
  I glanced at the time.
  
  4:40 a.m.
  
  “WHAT!!!” I screamed. “4:40? No wonder nobody was up! I must've gotten up at 4:00!” Inwardly slapping myself, I ran back towards the house, and tried to remember what time I’d set my alarm for. My brother must've changed it!
  
  “You’ll pay for this one, kid!” I vowed as I kicked my shoes off and fell back on my bed. “In the mean time, I’m going to get some much needed sleep.”
  
  At School
  
  “Attention! Class will begin in exactly two minutes. By that time, I want everyone to shut up and sit up.” My science teacher, Ms. Jenques, announced as I stepped into the class and looked for a seat.
  
  Everyone laughed at her announcement and some even started counting out the seconds. She didn't seem to care though.
  
  "Your name?" She asked, looking at me over her glasses.
  
  "Andrea Freeston." I replied
  
  "Freeston.... F-R...F-R-E-E-ston. Andrea. Oh yes, you’re the girl who registered late.” She mused, then looked down a list of numbers. “Your seat number is 7D and you have exactly one minute and forty-one seconds to sit down and get your books out. I suggest you hurry." She nodded towards my seat and turned back to her book.
  
  I glanced at were she pointed and gulped. I couldn’t sit there!
  
  “ANDREA!! I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT YOU’RE IN MY CLASS!!!” A short girl with blond hair came running though the door and grabbed my hand. “You’ve just GOT to sit next to me!” She pulled me towards a seat close to the back, nearly taking my arm off in the process.
  
  Cloe. She was my next door neighbor and my only friend. She had to save me!
  
  “CLOE! Let go of Miss Freeston and sit in your assigned seat!” My teacher yelled, pounding her fist against the desk.
  
  “Yes, ma’am.” Cloe rolled her eyes and muttered something under her breath.
  
  “Hey, Cloe, I’m sorry. We’ll have to catch up later.” I grinned and then turned back towards my assigned seat.
  
  Another gulp. Life has a way of being complicated.
  
  flashback
  
  “Hi, you’re new.” I heard a girl’s voice behind me.
  
  “Yeah? I’m new. My name is Andrea.” I extended my hand in greeting.
  
  “No need. I’m Megan.” She said cooly.
  
  I dropped my arm. What was her problem?
  
  “I don’t shake hands.” She haughtily explained.
  
  “Umm, right. I’ll remember that!” I said, looking around for the nearest bathroom. I suddenly wasn't feeling very good.
  
  “Good.” She placed one hand on her hip and starred straight at me.
  
  “Could you excuse me?” I asked, trying to push past her.
  
  “What’s all the hurry about?” Her stare grew colder.
  
  “Look, I’m not feeling well.” I made a quick slide, only to get pushed back against the lockers.
  
  “You really have problems.” She leaned back against the wall, still glaring at me.
  
  “I know. Please! Just let me go.” In the past I could've stood up to her, but now I couldn’t take the pressure and my stomach was already beginning to rebel.
  
  She sneered "You're not done hear yet. I'm in charge around here and I insist on being obeyed. Understand?”
  
  I kept my mouth shut, hoping I could control it for just a few more seconds.
  
  “DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!” She screeched
  
  “I...” Too late. My mouth flew open and out came breakfast. I leaned over and just stood there panting for breath. Finally I lunged past Megan and rushed into the bathroom.
  When I got out, she was gone... and so was the mess.
  
  end flashback
  
  “Ms. Jenques? Er, well, umm... you see, I have a problem with nausea and I have to sit next to a door at all times. So, could I possibly sit over in that chair?” I whispered, pointing to a chair near the door and hoping no one would hear me.
  
  “You what?” She looked at me like I had the plague or something.
  
  “Yeah, I’ve been diagnosed with chronic abdominal dyspepsia syndrome, CADS. It occurs mainly in situations that cause abnormal levels of stress.” My face began to turn a dark shade of red. I hated talking about it.
  
  “CADS? Why didn’t you put that in your health records?” She looked down at the paper work on her desk.
  
  “Unfortunately, they were unable to arrive this diagnosis until recently. So, I couldn't clearly define the exact ailment that effected me.” I’ll admit, at times I enjoy using large and useless words. It doesn’t help that I have a bunch of doctors in my family!
  
  “Yeah, like when did they arrive at this ‘diagnosis’?” I heard a voice behind me ask.
  
  I turned to see who it was and bumped into a body.
  
  “Umm, hello?” I looked up and saw a athletic looking boy, with long brown hair. Disgusting.
  
  I have one MAJOR pet peeve! Guys with long hair. Someday I’ll get a giant pair of scissors and...
  
  “Stop starring, it’s rude.” He smirked, interrupting my train of thought.
  
  “Ok.” I said agreeably. He was grossing me out anyways.
  
  “Could I please sit here?” I asked, turning back to the teacher.
  
  “Sure.” She grinned.
  
  It was an terribly evil grin, which made me think about where exactly that chair was located. My eyes wondered to the seat next to it... and then it dawned on me. That was were Mr. Long-Hair sat. Just my luck.
  
  “You really want to sit next to me that badly?” He snickered.
  
  I just shook my head, frustrated.
  
  “No.” I replied, placing my backpack beside my desk.
  
  “Yeah right.” He rolled his eyes.
  
  I gritted my teeth and stared at my backpack. Slowly I calmed down and pulled out my school books.
  
  “Whatever.” I mumbled.
  
  He just sat down, placed his head on the desk, and went to sleep.
  
  “Looser.” I thought to myself as I opened my books for class.
  
  //. Authors Note: I personally think that chapter one is the weakest chapter. So don’t judge this story on the first chapter. If you have any suggestions to make it better, please comment.

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