Page 7 of Bending Under Pressure

By the time I make it to my first class, the only empty seat is smack dab in the middle of the room in the first row. Keelan, the lucky guy, is sitting on the outer edge toward the back. I spent the rest of my weekend avoiding Mom and Walter. I called my dad yesterday, but again, he didn’t answer. For the most part, I try not to let it bother me that he’s done a complete turnaround on me, but I can’t help it sometimes.

I jump when the bell rings, dismissing class. It’s a good thing the first day is useless for learning because I was not paying attention whatsoever, too consumed with reasons why my dad isn’t answering my calls. I jump again when I feel a hand on my back; I look up and see Keelan.

“Oh, hey.” I stand up and grab my bag, doing my best to ignore the watchful eyes as he leads me into the hallway. The new kids always get too much attention.

“What’s your next class? I’ll walk you.”

Pulling my schedule from my pocket, I glance at it and answer, “Math with Mrs. Phillips.”

“Good. Jess is in there. You can sit by her.” He studies me for a moment when we stop outside of a classroom. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” I lie, catching sight of Jess, who gives me a small wave. “I’ll see you later then?” I ask, glancing back at Keelan.

“Yep.”

“Thanks for walking me.”

He smiles. “Any time.”

With no other choice, I enter the classroom and take a seat next to Jess.

“How’s your first day so far? I see you’re already cozy with Keelan.”

I stare at her for a moment. “I’m not cozy with him. He walked me to class.”

“And you two went to Elsie’s for ice cream.” She wiggles her eyebrows and sounds way too excited.

“How do you know about that?”

Jess rolls her eyes at me. “I date his brother. How do you think?”

So, Keelan told his brother? The bell rings, cutting our conversation short. I’m glad that I seem to have friends in Keelan and Jess. I’m assuming Cameron might turn into a friend by association as well.

When class is over, Jess shows me the way to the cafeteria.

“Hales! Jess!”

Jess leads me over to Keelan and Cameron who are standing in line. I’m not one to cut in line, knowing it seriously pisses people off sometimes, but no one says anything as we step in next to the guys. Cameron kisses Jess’s cheek and wraps an arm around her waist.

“How was math?” Keelan asks.

“It was boring. I swear, Mrs. Phillips is the most boring teacher in this school,” Jess complains. “It’s the first day and I already wanted to take a nap.”

“I’m glad I don’t have her until next semester,” Cam says.

“I’d rather have her first thing in the morning; she’s my last class.” Keelan frowns before turning to me. “What’s your next class?”

“Science with Mr. Roberts,” I answer, remembering what I saw earlier.

“Awesome. We all have that one next.”

The line has finally moved enough for us to get our trays, cartons of milk, and food. I follow the trio to a table. Keelan quickly makes introductions to the others at the table, most of which are football players and cheerleaders, according to him. They are all nice and welcoming, which makes me relax.

The rest of the day goes well. After school, I drive straight to the tennis courts for practice. We have our first game Wednesday and Coach Spell is letting us know our seed positions today. When he announces me as first seed, I worriedly peek at Jess. She said she was hoping to regain that position this season. She’s smiling at me, though, and it seems genuine. Thank goodness. I can’t afford to lose a friend. Jess gets the second seed, so that’s a plus.

When I get home, I see a missed call.

Dad!

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