Stealing Grace

THIS IS THE LATEST REVISION FOR PART 1. PLEASE USE THIS WHEN REVIEWING! THANKS!
SECTION 1:

Part 1:
Stealing Grace

It was the first day of his Senior Year. Jared Moore rushed to park his Camry in the school parking lot. He proceeded to catch his t-shirt in the door first thing. After being launched back into the car door, he opened it and pulled out his now stretched t-shirt. Jared ran up the steps to Lincoln High School and headed straight to the office. He knew he’d be late but needed his class schedule. The bell rang for the students to head to their scheduled homeroom. Jared tried to straighten his plain red t-shirt with gray collar before reaching the office.

“I need to get my schedule. I wasn’t able to get it over the summer.” Jared said as he put his hands on the counter top as he talked to Rose, the secretary. Rose was an older woman with fifty’s style glasses and a gray beehive hair do.

“Just a second…Jared Moore?” she asked. Jared nodded. Looking around the office he could see where they remodeled over the summer break. The walls were painted a light dull gray and white on the top half bricks. The counter was the same black counter top with sparkles in the design and they had put white tiles in for the floor than the retro orange carpet that previously colored the office.

“Here you go, and here’s a note to your homeroom so you won’t get wrote up tardy the first day. Be sure to make it to all your classes on time this year, okay honey?” She said as she handed him the paper.

“Sure thing Ms. Rose.” He replied. Rose was her first name, but didn’t like going by her last name Staten. Jared hurried out of the office and looked at his schedule.

“Yuck! Mr. Smith for homeroom. Glad we don’t go there everyday. He’s such a butt hole.” Jared ran to the stairway and up the steps. Quickly turning the corner he bumped into Grace Maynard. To Jared, Grace is one of the friendliest and one of the most beautiful girls in school. He knew she was too good for him. He knocked her books into the floor and started to pick them up. Grace bent over and helped.

Jared looked at Grace with a smile. He loved her long curly brunette hair and blue eyes. She wore khaki pants and a green top. He reminisced about their childhood. In school, they didn’t get to talk much during school but in the evenings and weekends, their parents would meet up and talk. Jared and Grace used to play hide-and-seek around the neighborhood where they lived along with a few other children back then. There was a small park, now ruined by graffiti, where the children would play basketball, tennis, ride the swings, or play around in the grass field. He remembered her perfect face, perfect smile, and wished there were still days where they could hang out and talk.

As far as he knew, she still lived on down the street, but he didn’t stalk her. They were just two kids who went to the same school. As they reached middle school and high school, their parents’ jobs switched and it was harder for them to keep in touch. Jared thinks they talk on the phones sometimes. He loved talking to her mom. She was always bubbly, sweet, and easy to talk to; even though she is an adult.

“Uh…sorry Grace. I was trying to hurry to homeroom and forgot to look both ways. Ha-ha. You look nice today.” He said. Grace smiled and blushed at Jared. She knew Jared existed but mostly they never had classes together.

“Thank you. No problem Jared. Uh, do you know where Mr. Smith’s room is located?” she asked him as they stood up, standing still in the empty cold hallway.

“Follow me. I think he’s up here somewhere. I have him for homeroom too.” He replied.

“Thanks Jared. That does make sense. My last name is Maynard and yours is Moore.” They both smiled at each other.

“Yeah,” Jared laughed.

“Hall passes please!” Mrs. Jones was walking the halls. She didn’t have a homeroom class apparently. Jared quickly gave her his hall pass.

“I don’t have one. I couldn’t find Mr. Smith’s room,” Grace nervously stated. She didn’t want to get wrote up for no note on the first day. She is a good student. Jared noticed her uneasiness in her voice so he made an excuse.

“She was in the office when I was and Ms. Rose didn’t write her a note but wrote me one.” Jared said quickly.

“Okay, I’ll let you go this time. Ms. Rose may have forgotten.” Mrs. Jones went on down the hallway to catch some other students who were roaming the halls.

Grace thanked Jared for his help. He quickly wrote her name on the hall pass with his as they walked in Mr. Smith’s classroom. All eyes staring at them of course, they both headed to the two empty seats left with red cheeks.

“So glad you could join us.” Mr. Smith stated as Jared stood back up and gave Mr. Smith his note. Mr. Smith looked at the note and then crumpled it up to feed the trash can. “All we have to do is take attendance and I have to turn in to the office whether or not you are going to ride a bus or not this year. So on a scrap piece of paper, write T1 if you at any time will ride the bus even just once this year. If you will be driving or ride to school with someone, put T2, and if you’re a walker, write T3. Please put your names on them as well and pass them forward in your row.”

Mr. Smith took attendance as the students wrote down their transportation codes. Mr. Smith pretty well knew everyone in his homeroom class because he had them in class last year as juniors. Behind Grace sat Tekia Mullins. Tekia passed up a note under Grace’s elbow, which she had resting on the arm of the desk.

How was summer break? Did you meet any cool boys? Look to your left. Okay, well he’s not looking now. Jared kept watching you write in your notebook. I think he’s checking you out. LOL! He’s so weird, huh?

Grace peeked to her left but Jared was writing down his transportation code and then passed his slip up. He caught her looking so he looked and smiled at her. Maybe he does have a chance to date her this year? He was contemplating what to say.

Weird? No he’s just quiet I guess. He gets into trouble a lot it seems. At least someone is checking me out! My boyfriend doesn’t care anymore. He’s always checking out other girls. I wish I had the guts to break up with him. He’s a tough guy too and if some other guy came along, he’d probably beat them up as well out of anger. She passed the note back to Tekia. The bell rang to go to 1st period. Grace looked at her schedule.

“Where you headed?” Jared asked looking over her shoulder. At that time, Greg walked in toward Grace. He didn’t have a very friendly smile as he looked at Jared peeking over her shoulder.

“C’mon I’ll walk you to class sweetie.” He said roughly. Greg’s muscles intimidated Jared. Jared had muscles, but they weren’t like rocks staring back at him. Greg had a big tattoo that went down his right arm. It had some roses and R.I.P. in the middle of it. He also had that spiky black hair most tough guys thought was cool.

Grace picked up her books and followed Greg out of class. She didn’t get to answer Jared but she knew Greg would get jealous and cause a big fuss if she said anything to him. She smiled at Jared as she went out the classroom door.
“Too bad she has a tough boyfriend Jared. Maybe you’d have a chance then.” Tekia commented and started to head to
the door.

“What makes you think I want her?”

“You were checking her out or at least thinking about her. I’m good at this stuff.”

Jared started to walk quickly to try and talk to Tekia. “Then if you’re so good at this stuff, what can I do to get to talk to her without the big jerk clinging to her?”

“I don’t know. She likes to go to the dairy bar on Main Street. Greg hates it. He says that would make his muscles deflate or something stupid like that.” Jared laughed.

Lunchtime came quickly. All the students always thought first days went by quickly since they never received homework. It’s mostly going over the syllabus in each class and expectations in the classroom, rules, and supplies needed for each class.

Jared stood in line and saw across the lunch room Grace and Greg holding hands. She seemed happy with him but he’s such a bully. Sure I’m not much better, but she deserves someone who is nice and maybe cares for her. How could he care for her? He’s always looking at the cheerleaders.

Jared rambled on in his head contemplating his chances with Grace. Chicken rings for lunch? Yuck. As the lunch ladies call it – chicken chunks. Chicken chunks sound like such lovely, nasty, mushy crap.

Jared loaded his plate with the too small carton of milk, chicken rings, mashed potatoes, and a pear. He went and sat down at a table behind Greg and Grace. They didn’t get anything to eat yet so he was hoping they’d sit back at the same seat. They left their books. Jared had an idea - it was a secret and neat idea. He pulled out a piece of notebook paper
and scribbling to cover up his handwriting, he wrote:

You deserve better than Greg. He’s a bully and always will be a loser. You deserve so much better, although you’re probably too good for me as well. I like you a lot. I’ve always had a thing for you and maybe this year we’ll get to know each other better. Keep wondering who I am because I’m keeping it secret – for now. Enjoy the nasty lunch – hope you don’t get sick. I like you so much and want to know you better. – Your Secret Admirer

Most students were still in the lunch line so Jared quickly slid the piece of paper into the front of her notebook, making sure it wouldn’t fall out by accident. He saw a note with his name on it and read it. It was the note Tekia wrote in homeroom. Jared smiled then quickly turned back around to his seat. Greg and Grace were inside the lunch line so they’d be out headed to their seats soon – he hoped.

“So what I’m saying baby is we could go out to the movie, skip the movie, and do what we wanted to wherever you want.” Greg was obviously trying to get some personal attention.

“I don’t know Greg. I want to see the movie and what if mom asks me how it was? What if I tell her it was a good movie, then she watches it and it totally sucks? I can’t lie to my mom or step-dad. If you don’t want to watch the movie, don’t go. I’m a big girl. I over heard them talking saying something about buying me a car. Hopefully I’ll get something for my birthday.”

“When was that again? I forgot sweets.”

“Next week. Friday. The 13th of September.”

“Sorry sweets. I forgot…again.” Greg said with a frustrated expression.

“Yeah, nothing new,” she complained under her breath. They ate lunch.

September 13th. I need to talk to her before then. Somehow tell her happy birthday. Maybe tell her who admires her. What if she doesn’t even see the note? What if she really doesn’t care to like me and wants to be with Greg?“Hey give me a piece of paper!” Demanded Greg.

“Why?” Grace opens her notebook. She saw a new note saying ‘secret admirer’ at the bottom. She pulled out a piece of paper from the back, hiding the note. She knew not to let him see.

“Here’s my class schedule. I’ll know my work schedule by tomorrow hopefully.”
“Okay,” she hesitated. The bell rang to 5th period.

Grace and Jared had the rest of the classes together. Jared said no words to her the remainder of the day. He waited hesitantly on her to mention the letter to one of her friends. Seventh period came quickly, even for the first day of school.
Grace had her last period with Tekia. They sat next to each other in the drama classroom. Drama had a classroom and a stage area to use all to themselves. The teacher, Mr. Aaron Mitchell was a very dramatic person. He originally went to college to be an actor and ended up wanting to teach others how to act, knowing he’d make less money and never be in a movie. Live drama seemed to be more interesting to him. Jared sat behind Tekia and Grace’s table alone. There were an odd number of students in the class. A total of 21 students to be exact entered class. So being last to class, he sat behind Grace.

No Greg. Thank God!

“Hey how’s your day been girl?” Tekia asked as she sat down with Grace.
“Um…it’s gone by fast. You?”

“Fast for me too,” she paused, “what happened? Did Greg make you mad? You just look confused!”

“I have this letter,” she looked around and whispered. Jared was looking at his drama book. “It’s not from Greg. Or at least he didn’t write it. Unless he had a friend write it but I don’t think he’d do this…”

“DO WHAT?” Tekia was a little loud and caught some ears but class hadn’t started yet.

“It’s from a secret admirer.”

“Wow! Grace, find out who it is girl! Greg is not good enough for you. He’s such a jerk. This is your chance to get rid of him.”

They didn’t see, but Jared smiled ear to ear. He brushed his fingers through his hair and looked at Grace with a smile still on his face. She saw him.

Grace looked at him when she saw him look up. “Hey Jared,” she smiled with her face blood red.

“Hey,” he started.

“I know it’s the first day of school and everything but we have to get the ball rolling. This year we’re going to do Romeo and Juliet. It’s a big production so we will be working on it most of the year. We have time before starting on The Christmas Carol --.” Mr. Mitchell began, starting class. Jared couldn’t finish saying what he wanted to.

Mr. Mitchell stood at the front of class with his black hair slicked back wearing a black suit. He continued, “I want by the end of the day which characters you’d like to try out for. We will have understudies for this play. Volunteers if we need them who are not in drama. Put your name on the top, 7th period, and the character names of whom you’d like to try out for. If you need a copy of the play to remember the names, I have a couple here now. The rest I’ll have shortly once I bring them from home.

Jared quickly wrote down:
Jared Moore, 7th period, Romeo.
Please pick Grace for Juliet. I know it would be her dream to play that part.Grace wrote down on her piece of paper:
Grace Maynard, 7th period, Juliet or Juliet’s mother.
I’ll be Juliet’s understudy if nothing else. J

“Pass up your papers when you’re done.” Mr. Mitchell paced back and forth and began collecting the papers from each row. Jared handed his to Grace as soon as she turned to him. As she turned back forward, she noticed his handwriting. She glared at it for a few seconds then passed it on up.

Oh no! She will figure it out quick! What do I do now? Nothing I can do.

Near the end of the period, Mr. Mitchell let them have a few minutes to talk before the afternoon announcements.
Grace put her books in her backpack.

“Let me see the letter,” Tekia demanded.

“Here,” she pulled it out of her backpack. After Tekia read it she handed it back and smiled.

“Looks like you do have an admirer, any hints in the letter or any idea of who it might be?”

“Not really. Even if I recognized the hand writing, all guys write in that small, choppy, squiggly way.” They both giggled.

“Oh one more thing,” Mr. Mitchell added, “Make sure you can stay after school tomorrow to audition. We may not get everyone tomorrow, but I’d like to start anyway.” He looked at the papers glancing through them all. “Jared? Let me see you a minute please,” he sat down at his desk looking at his paper. Jared put his backpack on and went up to the desk.
He didn’t hear but Grace whispered to Tekia, “I think its Jared. He bumped into me this morning and I’m not sure what, but I felt something. I’m attracted to him and I want to know him more anyway as a friend.”
“You go girl. I won’t tell as soul! No worries there.”

“I don’t know for sure, but his hand writing does look like this letter. I wonder if he’ll write any more?”

“I wonder how long he’ll go before telling you if it is him or whoever it is! I wonder what parts he put down to audition for.”

“Hopefully Romeo. Do you remember in 4th grade when we had a talent show? Jared, Kim, Andy, Richard, and I put on a short version of Romeo and Juliet? We only kissed on the cheek but I remember telling him several times how I’d love to play Juliet in real life.”

“How romantic! If it is him, I hope he remembers 4th grade play. That’s so cool. Are you going to say anything to Greg?”
“No!” Grace shook her head with no hesitation.

Up at Mr. Mitchell’s desk, he talks to Jared about his picks. “So only Romeo huh?”

“Yeah. I know I can do it.”

“Why the extra comment?”

“She played Juliet in the 4th grade play. I know she has a real passion for drama like I do. She’d do great as Juliet.”
“We’ll see at the auditions won’t we?”

“Yes sir, you will!”

The bell rang for bus and driver dismissal. Jared slowly headed out to his car. He was in front of the two girls.
“So you think he’ll write tomorrow?”

“My secret admirer? I hope so. I can’t figure out who he is. Whoever it is, they must have our lunch or sat next to us somewhere.” I can’t sit behind her tomorrow at lunch and give her a secret note as well.
“That doesn’t really narrow it down unless you know everyone at your lunch.”

“Yeah, true. I don’t know almost 200 people.” She giggles.

“You riding the bus today? I am.”

“Yeah I suppose. My car is getting worked on.”

“I’ll give you a ride if you want,” Jared interrupted as they headed out the school doors to the parking lot.
“Um…yeah, okay. Sure Jared. Thanks.”

“Well I hope you hear from HIM!” Tekia winked at Grace.

Jared was looking toward his car.

“I’ll let you know. See you later.”

Don’t open her door. It's too obvious. Jared unlocked the drivers’ door and then unlocked the rest with the door button. She went around for shotgun. They both climbed in and buckled up.
They waited in the car line to get to the highway.

“You still live on Sesame Drive?” Jared questioned.

“Yep. You got it. It's the same as always. I don’t think mom and dad will ever move. So I’m stuck ‘til I make it rich or get married,” then she mumbled, “my kind of luck.”

“It can’t be that bad?”

“Just over protective and nosy.”

“How old are you?”

“Almost eighteen.”

“Cool. We should hang out or something on your birthday.” He tried to play it cool and ignore the fact she did have a boyfriend.

“Yeah that would be nice,” she answered him not mentioning Greg, “We could see a movie or something. Parents might have a party. I don’t know they haven’t mentioned anything. I’d have to call you. They have always had a family party before.”

“I’ll write my number down tomorrow,” Jared added. Finally, they made it to the highway. It was five minutes of highway driving, an exit, and then down one road to get to her house. His house was at the end of her street. They were always neighbors, but never hung out outside of school.

“So…you have a girlfriend this year?” She watched the road ahead and looked at the new cars passing by.
“Wish I could get away with speeding. I don’t even have a sports car. Ummm…oh! No, I don’t. Why?”
“I was just curious. We haven’t talked that much past few years.”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

Jared glanced at her then back to the road and the fast cars. He tried to be flirty in his voice but he knew he was no good at it.

Grace smiled thinking she knew he had to be the secret admirer. They happen to bump into each other; he is always near her when they’re in the same classroom, and he sounds nervous – not flirty.


“You can give me your phone number in drama tomorrow. That way Greg won’t get jealous.” Grace smiled and looked at him resting her head on the headrest. Seeing her in his peripheral vision, he grinned too still watching the highway.

“Exit 26B, we’re almost there,” he added.

“Yeah,” It was quiet the rest of the way to her house.

Jared pulled into her driveway and parked the car, still running the engine. He looked up at the garage doors then at Grace. “It’s a pretty nice house. I don’t blame your parents for staying here and not moving.”

“I know, but the town is boring. You know it is! We’re lucky to have a four-way stop. That’s how exciting this town is.”

“You’re an exciting person!” He whispered still looking at her.

Grace felt her face blush. Laughing she replied, “I suppose so. I think I’m pretty boring. You want to come in for a little bit? Maybe supper? Or do you have to go home?”

“I can call dad and see if he minds I’m not there for supper. Long as it’s OK with your folks?”

“Why not? I don’t bring boys home very often. Anyway, it would be a relief for them not bringing Greg here. I don’t think they like him.”

“What makes you think that?”

“They are constantly asking him questions like what he’s going to do in college, where he’s going, when is he going to get a job, blah, blah and blah! I’m their daughter and they don’t ask me!”

“Maybe they’re making sure he can support you in case you two married?”
Grace laughed out loud. Jared turned the engine off on the Camry.

“What’s so funny?” He laughed as well. Glad he made her smile.

“I don’t know about Greg. He’s different. Immature really. He acts all tough and he’s not. Sure he works out but I think I’d laugh if I saw him fight a nerd. He doesn’t pick on them but you know what I mean? Physical fight.”
Grace’s dad Ronald came out on the porch crossing his arms. “Hey Grace. No yellow limo today?”

They both stood up out of the car and shut the doors. “Not today dad. You remember Jared Moore don’t you? From down the street?”

“I sure do, how are you son?” Son? We haven’t kept in touch that much. Maybe he still talks to dad?

“Okay Mr. Maynard. Okay for the first day of senior year.”

“Oh yes, senior year! You headed off to college after this year?”

“Yes I’m already looking. I’d sort of like something close. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see who accepts me and the best tuition price.”

“That’s good thinking! You know Greg? He wants to be a boxer!” Jared couldn’t help but laugh. He knew Greg but didn’t think he was that childish to think he could make a career from boxing. He wasn’t that in shape. Jared covered his mouth when he saw Grace’s smile disappear.

“Dad, can he stay for supper?”

“Sure honey, you two have homework to study already?”

“Well not yet, but we will for drama probably.”

“Let’s go in. It’s kind of warm out today.”

“Yes it is!” Jared and Grace both answered.

“Mom’s in the kitchen. I think there’s a good twenty minutes left before supper.”
Jared peeked in the kitchen and said hello to Tina Maynard, Graces’ skinny mom with blond hair and green eyes. She was pretty, much like her daughter.

“You want to see my room? Maybe we can practice the parts we want for the play.” She asked.

“Do you have the script?” Jared asked.

“No but I remember much of it from –.”

“- From when we performed it before?”

“Yeah,” Grace answered, smiling. She turned and headed upstairs. She was getting nervous. She felt that she liked Jared, even if he wasn’t her secret admirer. He followed, naturally.

IF you help me review, please let me know what page you refer to so when I go to fix the problems it'll be easier to find since the short story is so many pages. Is this the average length or a short story? I don't remember how many words.

Does it count if I review myself? I know I need to reread my story out loud to myself or at least reread it for errors or typos that the spell check would not pick up as wrong. I'm working on ideas for other short stories. I want five good ones and this would make #2. I am at work so I can't post my #1 which I have edited more than this one.
Thanks I hope it's not too lengthy!

Yeah, no offence but posting this as a document is a little pointless. If this is supposed to be a short story, does it matter if it's too long anyway? Nobody will care, the more the story the more the review. Which is good, obviously. So don't worry if this is much longer than a normal short story, because too be honest, nobody will notice.

Alright, I'm here to give you your edits! There are not many, but it is going to look like a lot!

Page: 2

As they did as he asked, he took attendance. He pretty well knew everyone in the homeroom class because he had the students in class last year as juniors. The two empty seats ended up next to each other. Behind Grace sat Tekia Mullins. Tekia passed up a note under Grace’s right elbow that rested on the desk arm.

I don’t know if it is just me but something doesn’t read right…

Page: 3

You deserve better than Greg. He’s a bully and always will be a loser. You deserve so much better, although you’re probably too good for me as well. I like you a lot. I’ve always had a thing for you and maybe this year we’ll get to know each other better. Keep wondering who I am because I’m keeping it secret – for now. Enjoy the nasty lunch – hope you don’t get sick. I like you so much and want to know you better. – Your Secret Admirer

Letters should be formatted differently. There is a key at the top of Microsoft Word that says “Increase Indent.” All it does is make the letter stand out more so it doesn’t blend into the rest of your text. (I'm not pointing this out for all of the letters, because that would take to long, but I suggest doing it for all of them)

Page:3-4

Most students were still in the lunch line so Jared quickly slid the piece of paper into the front of her notebook, making sure it won't fall out by accident. He saw a note with his name on it and read it. It was the note Tekia wrote in homeroom. Jared smiled then quickly turned back around to his seat. Greg and Grace were inside the lunch line so they’d be out headed to their seats soon.

Only one small change.

Page:8

“Yeah that’d be nice,” she answered him not mentioning Greg, “ We could see a movie or something...

there is an extra space between the We and “

Page:9

“What’s so funny?” He laughed as well. Glad he made he smile.

Should the second “he” be “she”??

Page:10

“Farewell! I will omit no opportunity that may convey my greetings, love, to thee.”

Grace put her right hand on his left palm, her left hand up on his arm feeling his tight biceps, and looked at his lips. Jared watched her and looked at her lips as well, closing in shooting for a kiss. Right before their attempted kiss, Grace’s cell phone rang from her pocket. Jared startled and moved back, feeling like he had been caught.

This font is a different color!

Page:13

“I know mom, I’m beginning to love him too. He’s nice and we finally have some of the same classes together. We really haven’t been able to talk since 5th grade.”

Might just be me, but I would not talk this openly about love with my mom…just something to consider.

Page:14

The next couple of days went quick. Jared picked Grace up at 7 a.m. like he said and took her to another road that led up a hillside. They watched the sunrise across the city.

Quick should be quickly.

Page:20

“Either one. Chocolate chip.” HE hands her the chocolate chip shake and puts a straw in it, “thank you.”

The he is this sentence should be He, not HE.

Page:23

“Sounds good. See you think Jared. Thanks for the drink and food.” She put on her backpack and he handed her the rest of her shake.

Should this read “See you soon Jared." ?

Page:30

“Grace, I…” he paused. HE wanted to tell her how he feels about her knowing she cares about him.

Two things. First, the he again should be He instead of HE. Second, you have a tense change “He wanted (past tense) to tell her how he feels (present tense) about her knowing she cares about him.”

Page:30

“Sure,” she thought. “I’ll begin getting ready after I get home from the dance.”

I think you meant to say, after I get home from school…not the dance.

Page:44

“Yes, lets go,” Jared added. “Tekia, are you going to the dance or you want us to take you home? That’s our next destination is the dance.”

lets should be let’s.

That is all of them that I found. I'm sorry if the page numbers are off a little bit, I don't remember if I changed the font before I read it or not. If I did I apologize.

I thought this story was really cute and you did a great job writing it! I think after making these edits you should find some fresh eyes to read it

I hope this helps!
-Jessa

bugbug, I reposted because someone DID notice. I posted as attachements because 1 - I can. 2 - I didn't feel like spending hours to seperate the paragrahs. When I posted before it was all jumbled up together. I attached the documents because I find it easier.

I'm posting the edited version thanks to Jessa below. It's not attached, just posted. I hope it posts right. I will post it in three sections much like I did in word docs.

PART 2:

Grace folded the letter up and put it in her purse. Jared finished eating while Grace quickly pulled out a piece of paper and began writing.
I love getting letters from who knows who it is! It’s dangerous to me. I would say fun but also makes me want to investigate who you are. How long will this go on? I don’t know what I want to do in college, but I do want to go. It’s my senior year, is it yours? I like this boy now who for a few years, we didn’t get to keep in touch. So although this is fun, you might want to reveal yourself before he makes his move. I don’t know if he likes me or not. He’s a lot better than Greg. I love a guy like Jared Moore. Do you know him? Are you two friends? – Possibly yours, G.M.
The bell rang as she finished up the letter. She looked around as the cheerleaders stood up fixing their tight jean pants and whining about having to go to their science class. Grace stood up and waited to get out of the aisle to empty her tray. Jared has his backpack on his back and his tray in one hand; slowly he squeezed through the crowd and caught up with Grace.
“Hey,” she smiled looking at him.
“Hello, how’ve you been?”
“Alright I suppose, you?”
“I’ve been better. I feel like I’m starting to get sick.”
“Why? Greg withdrawal?” Jared couldn’t help but laugh. He looked at Grace she was still smiling.
“Not at all that. He has the flu or something and I think I’m catching it.”
“Mono can catch easily when you kiss a lot.”
“Believe it or not, I haven’t kissed Greg. I don’t give him the chance.”
“That’s good,” he paused, “I mean so you know it’s not mono.”
“True. If you have to kiss someone to get mono, then where did mono come from to begin with? Someone kiss themselves?”
“You have a good point of view. It doesn’t require a kiss.”
They emptied their trays and moved out of the way, heading up past the library. “Time for Mr. Terry’s history class.”
“I have to make a pit stop to Mr. Mitchell. I have to drop off something.”
“A letter?” Crap! I’m so stupid! I might as well be a turkey walking down the street on Thanksgiving.
“Um, yeah. Lucky guess!”
“Yeah,” Jared followed in the hallway behind her. Mr. Mitchell was monitoring the hallways.
“Can you hold onto this note for someone for me Mr. Mitchell?” She hands him the folded up note.
“Sure can Grace. See you 7th.”
“Thanks.”
Jared backed off letting some students get between them and Mr. Mitchell handed the note to Jared, who quickly placed it in his back pocket.
Now it was 5th period. He couldn’t read the note until 6th and then have a return letter 7th.
Soon enough it was 7th period. Grace had started to get a runny nose and big sneezes. Today was going to be the day they audition as well. The last two days Mr. Mitchell didn’t call on them. He carefully had the supporting roles audition.
As Grace entered the classroom Mr. Mitchell handed her a neatly folded note saying G.M. on the front. Mr. Mitchell smiled at her and she smiled when she went sitting down next to Jared.
“Hey again,” Jared smiled.
Grace smiled but saying nothing she opened the letter next to Jared. Jared watched her read it.
Dearest Grace,
“Hey Jared,” she was more interested in the letter at the moment with the quick response.
I know of Jared Moore. I see you two talking once in a while. He’s a really good guy. You deserve someone like him. I plan on going to college too. IF we get together, hopefully it’s the same college as you so we can still date after high school. I’m already thinking long term and you don’t know who I am. Don’t worry; I’ll reveal myself before I let Jared make a move, if he likes you. Are you going to the dance next Friday? I’ll reveal myself next Friday. Will that work for you? I promise to make my next letter to you longer. Love your secret admirer!
“Okay, today we’re going to do the rest of the auditions. It’s been a busy week but we need to get these done and then next week I’ll let you know what part you will be acting or understudying. Let’s go to the stage area to finish this. You can leave all your books in here; just take a Shakespeare book from my desk. Let’s move out!”
Everyone stood up. Jared and Grace were the last two in the classroom since they’re desk is in the back. Grace stopped immediately in front of Jared looking out the window.
Jared looked to see what she saw. “Lover boy is here. Why would he come to school now?”
“That’s what I was wondering,” and she continued on to the stage area along with Jared.
“Listen, uh, Grace, remember I told you we should do something on your birthday?”
“Yeah, what do you want to do Jared?”
“I was thinking about the fall dance next weekend. I’m not much of a dancer but we could still hang out and with your friends too.”
“I don’t mind. I can’t really dance either.”
“Okay, great. I know it’s early but I’ll plan to pick you up at 5 so we can go out and eat before.”
“Sure,” Grace smiled.
“First I want Geoffrey to play out Romeo Montague and Isabella Randall to play out Juliet.” Those two stood up and walked up onto the stage while everyone else sat in the front three rows of the audience. Mr. Mitchell sat with this reading glasses and a clipboard with scoring sheets. Scoring sheets he uses to judge the auditions and make his final determination.
When Mr. Mitchell told what parts they were going to act out, something scared Grace and she grabbed Jared’s hand.
“It’s okay,” Jared whispered, “it doesn’t mean they’ll get the part.”
“I know I just…I’m getting nervous,” she whispered back.
“You’ll do great,” Jared took his other hand and stroked her hair back rubbing her cheek, “you always do great.”
“We can do the part we practiced at the house if you want. Just like we did at the house?”
“Yeah, that’s fine.”
“That’s good, cut!” Mr. Mitchell yelled. The first couple finished. They only spoke a couple of the first lines and pretended to kill themselves with poison and a dagger. The class clapped pitifully.
“Next I want to see…well…the only other two who want to try out for Romeo and Juliet. Jared and Grace here? You’re next! Suddenly, Grace felt her heart drop! They both stood up and went on to stage. “Like the first group, go until I say cut,” Mr. Mitchell said.
They began like they did at her house a few days ago. They didn’t grab a script so they improvised. If they were really acting with an audience, they wouldn’t have a script and they’d have to improvise if they were stuck. Once again, they were so close they could feel each other’s breath. When they barely touched lips, “CUT!” Great job guys!
He continued the rest of the period with auditions for Mr. & Mrs. Capulet. Then, the bell was about to ring. “Let’s go back to class. I will have your assigned character by next Friday. I have many other things to do but hopefully I’ll have them all ready before hand.”
They went back to the room and with the couple of minutes left, Grace quickly wrote another note to her secret admirer.
Almost time for the bell. Jared and I are going to the dance together, as friends. He never said we were going on a date, but if he thinks it as a date, I have no problem with it. Do you like sports, movies, or what?
Grace folded the note and handed it to Mr. Mitchell at his desk. The bell rang so she grabbed her backpack and walked outside with Jared.
“GRACE! Are you cheating on me, or what? Why do you keep hanging out with Jared Moore?” Greg waited in the parking lot for her. “I saw you kiss him from the window in the stage area. What’s going on?”
“We were auditioning for the play and he’s giving me a ride home. I’m not cheating on you. I thought you had a fever?”
“I’m feeling a littler better. I thought I’d surprise you and give you a ride home.” Greg ignored Jared walking in front of him to talk to Grace.
“I already have a ride. We have to meet mom and dad somewhere and they’re picking me up somewhere else. We already made plans.”
Jared didn’t speak. He let them have their spat and he sat in his Camry. Greg had thankfully parked in front of Jared in the parking lot. He rolled his window down just enough to listen, but not enough for Greg to notice. He started the car but waited on Grace.
“Why do you exclude me so much?”
“It’s not summer anymore Gregory! We have school now. I have to start studying my parts for drama, mom and dad have been busy, and there’s just a lot going on. I have to go.”
“No you don’t. I’ll drive you. You can tell me where to drop you off.”
“Sorry Greg but you weren’t part of the plans today. You have to work tonight. There’s nothing wrong with my neighbor giving me a ride to my parents. Get over yourself!”
Grace ignored what Greg had to say afterwards and she climbed in shotgun with Jared. He didn’t hesitate to pull out and leave. Greg stood staring at Grace, not even looking at Jared. He has a trust issue with Grace, for no reason. He becomes jealous easily.
“I’m sorry you had to see that,” Grace apologized to Jared looking out her window, slightly hunched in her seat.
“You don’t have to apologize to me. He’s the one who doesn’t trust you. Where am I dropping you off at?”
“Just my house. I lied to him so he’d stop bugging me.” Her phone buzzed in her pocket. “I bet that’s Greg.”
“Won’t he be even more mad if he comes by and my car is there?”
“I don’t care. Greg is just…” she shakes her head still looking out the window, “he’s just stupid, conceited, rude, want to-be-tough, jerk…”
“I get it, calm down,” he said smiling looking at Grace. She turned and smiled at him too.
“I know. I’m just so over him. He didn’t act like this over summer,” she pulled out her phone and sure enough it was Greg on the phone. “What do you want?”
“I want to say I’m sorry.”
“Well say it. It doesn’t mean anything. You’ve been jealous since summer ended.”
“I can’t help but be. You hang out with that Jared guy more than your boyfriend, who by the way, is me.”
“He’s my friend. I’m allowed to have friends aren’t I?”
Greg waited a minute before answering. “Girls can’t just be friends with guys. There’s always sex or something going on.”
“Oh my goodness. You’re such a drama queen Greg! I’m not like most girls. You should know that.” She slams her cell phone shut, hanging up on Greg.
Suddenly the phone buzzes again. Jared still driving to her house he just observes. He knows she’s not happy but he wants to make her feel better. Grace takes the cell phone and turns it off, ignoring the phone call. She sticks it back in her pocket and crosses her arms looking out the window. Jared glanced at Grace and saw her single tear running down her face. She sniffs.
“What can I do to make you feel better Grace?” he asks.
“Run Greg over, kill him.”
“Well as much as that sounds like fun I don’t think the cops would like me killing someone,” he watches the road again glancing back and forth between the highway and her, “how about some ice cream?”
“I don’t care,” she mumbles. Jared drives her to the dairy bar where Greg never takes Grace. It’s not far from her house. Greg parks the Camry in front of the dairy bar and opens the door.
“Wait here. You hungry?”
“A little,” she looks at him and sniffs a little more. Her eyes are red where she is fighting back tears. Grace is doing her best not to cry in front of Jared. She has begun to admire him.
“Can I help you?” The lady behind the window asks.
“Yeah I need a chocolate chip cookie shake, chocolate shake, both medium, uh and two orders of those fried taco things and one order of cheese sticks. Give me a foot long also with just sauce, onions, and mustard.
“Twelve fifty,” she says. Jared pays her exact change. Jared headed back to the car and waited in the car next to Grace.
“You know,” Grace speaks up still fighting tears, “I deserve better than Greg. He’s just a bully and I can find someone better for me. Someone who appreciates me.”
“You’re right. He’s not good enough for you. There are plenty of guys out there that are better than Greg. Greg is one of those guys you know that after graduation, he’ll be the same bully type guy. Maybe turn into a sissy!” Jared watched for the shakes. Grace giggled at thinking of Greg as a sissy.
“With two gold earrings and a leather jacket…riding a bicycle.” She giggles some more.
“Yeah,” he looks at her again, “I’ll be right back.”
I know I’m not that much of a romantic guy but at least I made her laugh. I want to read her short letter so bad but can’t really do it until I drop her off. I wonder if she wants me to stay a while. Being upset, maybe not. I’ll let her call it either way. She might want to talk to her mom or something. I’m glad she turned her phone off. That was a nice move. Greg is such a jerk. She can do so much better than him – like me. She could probably do much better than me. At least I’m not a jerk.
“Here you go! Thank you and have a nice day.” He picks up all the food he bought.
“Thanks, you too,” heading back to the car, Grace reaches over and tries to push his door open.
“Chocolate chip or chocolate?”
“Either one. Chocolate chip.” He hands her the chocolate chip shake and puts a straw in it, “thank you.”
“Here, try these.” He hands her one order of the deep fried tacos. “You want to split a foot long?”
“Sure.” He tears it in half and sits it in the middle of the dash. Holding onto it, Jared moves the car to the side of the parking lot so he’s not in the way of others who come to the dairy bar.
They slowly eat and quietly. “How’s the shake?” Jared asked eating some of his hot dog.
“I love it, thanks.”
“No problem. I just…I can’t stand to see a lady cry. I can tell you are trying not to get upset. Just think it won’t do you any good. You should cry when you find out who the secret admirer is. I would if I were you. I’d hate to have something like that and not know who is writing me letters.”
“Yeah, I don’t know why. I can’t help it. I know it’s pretty much over between him and me and plus I like someone else anyway, but it still hurts. I don’t know like I’ve wasted the last three years dating this jerk who’s nothing but a bully and after three years he doesn’t trust me? Hello! He’s not worth another minute of my time! And you’re right, someone admires me, unless it’s Greg playing a joke.”
“He doesn’t deserve you. Grace, you can do so much better than him. Much better. I don’t think he’d be able to write a letter without you knowing it was Greg, or figuring out it was from him. He’s not that bright.”
Grace laughed and Jared was pleased.
“As much as I don’t want to, I should turn my phone back on.” Grace pulls out her cell phone, flipping it open, and holds the power button to turn it back on, “Mom or dad might call since we didn’t go straight home. They know you pick me up and drop me off so they probably know I’d be with you if nothing else.”
“Yeah, but they’ll get worried if they’re waiting on you.” The phone begins to buzz.
“Ah!” The phone buzzed out of her hand into the floor on Jared’s side. It’s Greg again.
“Does he ever give up?” He hands her the phone.
“Apparently not. He’s probably afraid of me breaking it off with him.”
“Want me to answer it?”
“I don’t want you to get stuck in the middle. Besides, by now I should be with mom and dad. Remember I lied about that?”
“Yeah. I’d just let it ring. If it’s that important, he can leave a message and you can call him back at your convenience.”
“I know.” Grace looks at the phone knowing he’ll be mad if she doesn’t answer. She hands the phone to Jared.
“You talk,” Grace bites her lip.
“Hello,” Jared answered.
“What are you doing with her phone? Is she still with you?”
“She left her phone. I’m dropping it off to her later.” He watches Grace trying to bite her nails nervously afraid of what they’ll talk about.
“Is there something I can help you with?” Jared asks nicely. He doesn’t want to seem like a threat or someone Greg should be concerned about.
“No. I was going to see what they’re doing tonight and see her tonight and talk to her.”
“I know they’re shopping out of town. I don’t know what else. They’ll probably eat supper.”
“I think we should meet up and talk,” Greg proclaimed.
“What do we have to talk about?”
“You and her. You two are always hanging out together and giving her rides.”
“We’re not doing anything wrong Greg. Is that what you’re worried about?”
“I know you must be flirting with her at least!”
“Why would I do that?”
“Don’t you find her attractive?”
“Greg, I don’t know what you want me to say. You’re trying to get me to confess something and we haven’t done anything.”
“Whatever. I know something is going on that I don’t know about. What is the big secret?”
“Uh, what could it be?” Jared asks himself over the phone. “Someone wrote her a secret admirer letter,” he continued. Grace shook her head mouthing ‘no’ to him over and over. “But we don’t know who. We are kind of trying to figure that one out but she has no idea who it is.”
“Maybe that’s what. I don’t know. I just don’t see how two people of the opposite sex can be friends without any benefits. You know what I mean, right?”
“I’ve heard that Greg, but we are just friends. That is just a saying and it’s not always true. Do you have any female friends?”
“Yes. What’s that matter?”
“Well it’s the same thing as her having male friends. She should think that you’re involved with all your female friends then as well. IF that saying is true like you believe.” Grace was getting tired and she rested her head on the window.
“Okay, you have a point. It’s still hard for me to believe. You two haven’t talked in years.”
“We haven’t hung out in years. We were always in drama together, last three years they didn’t have drama class. We talked every once in a while but didn’t have classes. It's a mutual friends type of thing, Greg. You don’t have anything to worry about. I have to go.”
“Yeah, me too. Listen, we didn’t talk don’t tell her, okay?”
“She’ll find out. It’ll show on the caller id that you called.”
“Oh yeah. I knew that! I have to work the next two weeks. She told me her birthday but I forgot. Do you know?”
“No, she hasn’t told me.”
“Well ok. Guess we’re done then. Bye.”
Jared closes the cell phone and hands it to her.
“Um, thanks I guess. Maybe that will get him off my back for a little while.”
“Maybe. Listen, even if he stops bugging you, I want to tell you what I think.”
“What is it?”
“In my opinion, you should find someone better, even if he stops bugging you about me and jealous things, you deserve better Grace. I want to see you happy.”
Grace reached over and stretched her arms around Jared. He hugged her back. “Thanks Jared. I appreciate your help. You’ve been a real good friend.”
“Anytime for you, Grace.” She sat back up and looked at him.
“He said he has to work next Friday?”
“Yeah, and he doesn’t remember your birthday.”
“Do you know when it is?”
“Next Friday, right?”
“Yeah, how’d you know? I never told you.” Bummer again!
“I saw it on one of those secret admirer letters,” Jared buckled back up. “Ready to go home?”
“Yeah,” she gave him a curious look and buckled up. They drove back to her house. “Do you want to come in?”
“If you want me to I will.”
“It doesn’t matter to me. I have a bit of homework to do and I need to call Greg. Break it off for good.”
“Okay, I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning, seven forty-five?”
“Sounds good. See you soon Jared. Thanks for the drink and food.” She put on her backpack and he handed her the rest of her shake.
“See you tomorrow,” Jared said.
“See ya Jared.” Grace shut her door and headed inside. Her mom opened the door and waved to Jared. He waved back.
Later in the evening, Grace did call Greg. She had to describe in detail about how Jared dropped the phone back off at her house. She broke up with him. Greg was devastated. He blamed it on the secret admirer. They had a lengthy fight over the phone. Grace was upset by the time it was all over. She explained to her mom what had happened and she consoled her all she could.
Grace was so stressed out and upset she didn’t wake up early enough for school. Jared waited outside in his Camry, in her driveway, for five minutes. Where is she? She’s never taken this long to come out. Maybe she over slept? Mrs. Maynard saw him from the kitchen window and told him that she wasn’t feeling well. She wrote down Grace’s cell phone number because she knew about the dance they were going to on next Friday.
“She was feeling sick last night. Call her this evening if you want to see how she’s doing or if she’s well enough for school tomorrow.”
“That’s fine, thanks. I’ll give her some time to rest. Would you mind if I brought her some soup tonight?”
“That sounds good. She loves chicken noodle. I’ll be sure not to give her any today, okay? You come by whenever you want tonight we’ll be here. Her father works but I will let you in.”
“Thanks Mrs. Maynard. I’ll come by after I make the soup. Uh, here’s my cell number and home number. In case she wants to call me before I show up or something. She doesn’t have to call, just mention, you know?”
“Thank you so much Jared. You know, I think you mean a whole lot to her. At least I can see it even if she doesn’t say it.”
“I appreciate it. I hope I mean something to her. Uh, I’ll see you all then,” Jared waved bye and rolled his passenger window up. Mrs. Maynard waved bye.
The day seemed empty without Grace to keep Jared company in the classes. He wrote her a long secret admirer letter, folded it, and put it in his back pocket.
Jared saw Greg at lunch but he didn’t speak to anyone. He didn’t seem upset, mad, or angry. Greg was in his own little world. Maybe he won’t be mad if Grace and I hook up. I still need to be on my toes for a while.
“Mr. Mitchell?” Jared went up to the drama teacher in the hallway before drama class began.
“Yes Jared?”
“I wrote the last secret letter to Grace, but she’s not here. I’m going to her house tonight and give her some soup so I’ll take it to her. I’ll tell her you gave it to me to deliver and that I told you I was going to see her.”
“Fine with me, good luck Jared. You two would make a good couple.”
“She broke up with Greg last night. I suspect that’s why or she caught the cold he had.”
Jared was quiet in drama. He kept thinking of Grace, yearning to see her. I want to see her. I want to make her happy. I don’t care if it makes me sick! I just want to see her smile today.
Drama went slow. Drama went too slow for Jared. He looked at the clock, staring at the second hand. The bell rang and he was on his way. He gathered up everything she might have missed in her classes to take to her. Even if she didn’t feel like doing it, she’d have the weekend to not get behind.
Jared went home and made some homemade chicken noodle soup. He explained to his dad all that has gone on at school since it started. His dad is usually at work when he’s home. Jared hasn’t seen him all week.
Six o’clock came quick. It was still daylight but Jared was anxious to see Grace. He loaded up the chicken soup in a glass container and drove to her house. Mrs. Maynard was on watch knowing he was going to arrive. She opened the door quietly and he snuck in.
“She’s up in her room. I don’t know if she’s still asleep or not but she’s been lying down all day.”
“Thanks. Do you have a spoon and I’ll take this right up to her. It’s still hot.”
“I sure do.” Mrs. Maynard jogged into the kitchen for a spoon and put it on top of the container with soup.
“Thank you Mrs. Maynard,” Jared whispered. He stepped slowly up the stairs not just to surprise her, but so he wouldn’t drop the spoon in the process. He knocked on the white wooden door.
“Come in,” Grace managed to slur out with her stuffy nose and sore throat. Jared peeked in and saw her propped up with several pillows lying on her back under the comforter.
“Jared? Jared!” Grace put her arms out for a hug. He sat the soup on the other end of the bed and hugged her back.
“How are you?” Jared whispered in her ear.
“A little under the weather. I’m sorry you sat out there this morning. I started to get a sore throat and I was upset so I took some cough medicine and it knocked me out.” Jared sat up next to her knees on the bed.
“I have something for you,” Jared pulled out the letter from his pocket. “I have this letter from your secret admirer and I made you some homemade chicken noodle soup.”
“Mmm the soup sounds delicious.” She reaches out for the letter and reads it aloud.
“Dearest Grace, I hope you enjoy yourself at the dance. That will be where I reveal who I am. Don’t worry, I won’t interrupt a dance with him or make him mad. You’ll know it’s me by a kiss. I will kiss you on the lips. I may just walk up to you and kiss you or make you wait until the end of the night – we’ll see won’t we? I heard you were a little under the weather. Hope you’re better by next week. I might catch whatever you have if not. I hope you make it to the dance regardless. I’d hate for Jared to be disappointed if you were still sick.” Jared laughed. “Anyway, this will be my last letter to you as I don’t know how I will get this to you if you’re not in school. You may get one more for your birthday. I’m not sure what to write yet. I hope you feel better soon. Have a good weekend if you haven’t already. Yours Truly, secret admirer.”
Grace folded the letter up and put it in her little nightstand. Jared noticed the other notes folded up and put in her drawer.
“Do you have any ideas of who it could be?”
“A couple.”
“Who?”
“Well, you,” she blushes, “and Greg. Even after breaking up with him. The way he always is, he may have wrote this one saying he was the secret admirer, although the handwriting does match, so maybe Greg was trying to be weird. I don’t know.” Grace quickly grabbed a handkerchief and sneezed into it. Her hair flew all over the place. “I’m sorry Jared.”
“No reason to be sorry. I also brought the work you were assigned in your classes.”
“Oh joy. Thanks though. I’ll get caught up. I don’t like being behind.”
“I know that’s why I picked it up during lunch. You think you’ll be better by Monday?”
“I doubt it. I feel worse today than I did this morning. I think it’ll get worse before it gets better.”
“Okay, I’ll pick you up if your desk lamp is on Monday. If not, I’ll assume you’re still asleep.”
“Good. This is the top left corner of the house looking at. That window you’ll see.” She pointed to where the desk lamp is and the window he’d see from outside.
“Ready to eat?” he asked.
“Sure. You made it homemade? How homemade?”
“Well my dad likes fresh pasta, so I took some of that and made the noodles, baked the chicken breast, and we had broth. I added some cooked celery in it. I’m a pretty good cook for being a guy. I guess my mother not being around I had no choice but to learn. Dad sure can’t cook.”
Grace grinned. She opened up the container and smelled the soup. “Ah I can tell it’s good. It smells so wonderful.” Jared smiled.
“You want some crackers?”
“Yeah a few,” Grace crunched up some saltine crackers in her soup and stirred it all together with the spoon. Jared sat to watch her eat. “It’s so good Jared. Thank you. This beats chicken soup from a can any day.”
“You’re welcome. I thought you’d like it.”
“You want a bite?”
“No that’s fine. I left some at the house to eat or bring over tomorrow if you want some more.”
“This is so good. You did such a good job I could kiss you.” Grace continued to eat watching her bowl of soup.
“I might have to take you up on that offer. One of these days.”
“Anytime,” she wasn’t paying attention to what he said.
“One more week and you’ll be…eighteen?”
“Yeah, not too long from now.”
“Do you even have your permit yet?”
“Nope. Surprised? They said when I get a job and start saving they’d get that stuff going.”
“Ha. Guess I’ll be driving you around for a while after graduation.”
“Yeah but you don’t have to. You know you don’t have to give me rides to school or home either you know?”
“I know but I enjoy spending time with you and hanging out and all that kind of stuff. I hope what you ate from the dairy bar didn’t make you sick?”
“No. I think I caught this bug from Greg. He coughed some when he argued with me after school that day.”
“How are you taking it? The break up I mean?”
“Okay. I will survive. There’s plenty of fish in the sea.” She finished her last bite and handed him the container.
“Full?”
“Yes. I can’t thank you enough Jared. How can I thank you?”
“Hum, I’ll keep that in mind and tell you later sometime. Not sure what but I’ll hold you up to it, okay?”
“Alright…Jared?”
“What Grace?”
“Uh, you have made me really happy today. This is the happiest I’ve felt for at least the last few weeks. Just all the drama and crap with Greg and me actually getting to get back in touch with you this school year. I’m glad we finally have classes. I hate that it didn’t happen ‘til now as seniors.”
“I’m glad I make you happy. I like making you happy Grace.” He leaned in toward her.
Grace leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Jared’s shoulders to hug him. She wouldn’t let go. He moved the container and scooted closer and held her in his arms. Grace rested cheek to cheek with Jared. All was quiet. Grace slowly pulled away and she wanted to kiss him but afraid of making him sick as well. Jared knew she wanted to kiss him. She breathed downward looking into his eyes. Their foreheads rested on each other’s as he stared back at Grace.
“So, you going to write your secret admirer back one more time?” He raised his head.
“I don’t know. Maybe.”
“I was just curious. I figured I could take it to school for you.”
“Thanks for the thought Jared. I may write one today or tomorrow.”
They continued to catch up on old times and the few years they didn’t get to share class and silly family stories. Jared never kissed her that night. The weekend flew by pretty quick for Jared. Slow for Grace. She was still feeling bad so she left her desk lamp off. Jared didn’t get to talk to her over the weekend. He wanted to give her some time to rest and get back to normal.
Monday came but she never called him for a ride. He spent three days contemplating what has caused her to be sick. As Jared sat at lunch alone again, watching Greg sit alone, he thought constantly about Grace. I forgot the letter!
Jared read the letter he put in his coat pocket Friday from Grace to her secret admirer. He read it at lunch.
Hello secret admirer. I don’t really know what to put. I’ve spent the last couple of days feeling groggy since I broke up with Greg. Everyone has told me I can do better and they’re right. You’re right! I can do much better.
As I sit here with a fever I can’t help but think of Jared. I keep thinking how he’s came back into my life. He never left, but having different classes it would have been hard to date then anyhow. I don’t know how he feels about me. I catch myself realizing how close his lips are to mine and how much I want to go ahead and kiss him. What do you think about me wanting to kiss Jared? Does it make you want to make your move? I have a couple suspicions of who you are. Although I could be completely wrong. One I keep thinking its Jared. That Jared is writing these letters. I know he can be really romantic and these letters make me feel romantic. It's like a secret type of love. I’m sorry to keep rambling. Maybe it’s because I know that there will not be any more notes after Friday? I hope I’m better by then or I may not know who you are. Honestly, lately I haven’t really cared if I find out.
I want to know what Jared thinks of me. That’s all I have on my mind. He’s coming over and checking on me but not being annoying or here too much. He’s here the right about of time. Greg was always in my face and smothering me. Know what I mean? – G.M.
The bell rang for 5th. Jared folded up the letter and put it back in his coat pocket. As soon as he turned around…punch! Greg stood behind him waiting on him to get up. Greg punched him. Jared knew he couldn’t fight back because he was eighteen and didn’t want to end up going to court since they were on school grounds. Jared blocked the next punch and a teacher showed up.
The principal suspended Greg for two days and Jared was sent home for the day. Greg would not be allowed at the dance but Jared could still go, shew! Jared’s nose bled and bruised a little but not much. He went home and wrote Grace back. It was the letter he planned to give her at the dance.
Later, he headed straight to Grace’s house to check on her. He decided to walk to give him a break and get a little exercise.
He said hello to her mom and headed upstairs. Knocking on the door, he peeked in like he always does. Her cell phone rang at the same time. “Hey Tekia, what’s up?” From outside the bedroom, he couldn’t hear Tekia but he did hear what Grace had to say. She was walking around her room talking on the cell phone.
“This time it’s over with Greg…he did what? Is Jared okay? No he hasn’t called me today or talked to me. He’s been really nice. You know he brought over chicken noodle soup? My favorite! Oh really? Yeah, I don’t know for sure. I think its Jared. I guess I’m hoping Jared. I’m beginning to fall for him, Tekia. He’s so nice and considerate of my feelings.” Maybe I should tell her today? I want her birthday to be as special as I can make it. “Yeah. No. I like the purple dress best! I don’t want to look like Barbie! You wear the pink one. They just sent him home for today? He should be able to go to the dance still.
I still can’t believe Greg did that. He hasn’t called me since I’ve missed school. Maybe he thinks I’m avoiding him and had my schedule changed? No you’re right. I don’t care. He’s a jerk. Okay, that’s cool. I’m going to try and make it tomorrow so I can see Jared and turn in all the work I missed. Jared brought me some for last week that I missed. Yeah, okay. I’ll see you tomorrow in drama hopefully. Okay, bye.” Grace closed her cell phone and sat it on her desk. She looked out the window putting her hands in her pockets.
Jared knocked on the door. “Come in mom,” she continued to look out the window. Jared walked up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders.
“What do you see?” She quickly turned and hugged Jared.
“Jared! I thought that was your car!”
“Miss me I suppose?”
“Glad to see someone other than my mom and dad. Tekia calls but she never stops by. I started to worry since I haven’t seen you. Your eye is a little bruised.” Grace rubbed his eye where it was slowly turning purple, then continued to run her hand through his hair. They looked deep into each other’s eyes. She reached up and kissed his bruised eye. She blushed but he grinned at her.
Jared wanted to kiss her then. He couldn’t find the right time to make his move. “I have a letter from your secret admirer,” Jared pulled out the note from his jean pocket.
Grace read it.
“I think you and Jared would make a great couple. You’ll be happier with him. Maybe just give him a big smooch, eh? I wouldn’t be offended if you chose him over me, after all, who am I? This is a short one, but remember! I will kiss you sometime Friday. It may be at school, the dance, or parking lot. Greg hit Jared today. Greg can’t go to the dance at all. Are you glad of that? He always seems like the jealous type. I’ll reveal myself soon. Your secret admirer.”
Jared knew she didn’t read the note exactly as he wrote it. Jared wrote the letter using his name instead of the word ‘him’.
“You know what Jared? This secret admirer thing is neat but then again I like someone else. I know that someone else for who he is and this secret admirer I have never met. I…I don’t know what to think anymore.”
“You’ll find out at the dance, right? I wouldn’t worry. Uh, who do you like?”
“Oh Jared! You might be my best friend but I can’t tell you that stuff. You’re a guy!”
“So?” he smiled. “You know I’m just messing with you,” Jared continued.
“I know,” Grace sat down on the bed and Jared sat next to her.
“Grace, I…” he paused. He wants to tell her how he feels about her knowing she cares about him.
“Yeah?”
“I…brought your other homework if you want it tonight. It’s still in the car,” he chickened out. He knows it would come out how he wants. I’ll wait until Friday. At the dance I will kiss her.
“Oh, sure. Of course.” Jared could hear the disappointment in her voice. They’re crazy about each other and he knows it.
“Uh Friday is it alright if I pick you up earlier? Maybe we can go somewhere besides just dinner and the dance. Maybe a movie too?”
“Sure,” she thought. “I’ll begin getting ready after I get home from school.”
“Good. I’ll go home after I drop you off, get ready and come back to the house.” He didn’t give her any hints but her parents already knew what he had planned for them to do. Do you think you’ll make it to school tomorrow?”
“Yeah, if I don’t feel better, I’ll have to. You have to be at school all day if you attend dances.”
“Oh yeah, I don’t always go so wasn’t sure. I forgot. What have you been doing?”
“I’ve been lazy and groggy, and coughing too. How much homework?”
“Not too much. They all said you have until Wednesday morning to turn it in at the beginning of classes.”
“Wow. That’s great but I’ll probably start on it tonight.”
“Well that’s good. You don’t want to do homework ALL weekend long.”
“Exactly. So what are you going to do tonight?”
“I don’t know yet. You want to go get some dairy bar or something?”

PART 3:

“That sounds good.”
They went downstairs and Grace told her mom where they were headed. Her mom gives Jared a wink and he waves bye. They eat some deep fried mini tacos and chocolate shakes sitting at the dairy bar.
“Ready for the dance?” Jared asks sipping the last of his shake.
“Yeah, I have to find something to wear,” looking at each other, Jared rolls his eyes.
“Typical woman!”
“What?”
“Worrying about what to wear. Don’t worry; you don’t have to impress me. Wear something comfortable because we might go bowling.”
“Oh my! Bowling?” Jared laughs.
“Yeah! Maybe some bowling.”
“Jared…”
“Yeah?”
“I um…I…I don’t know what I was going to say. Um…I kind of wrote you a note but I want to wait and give it to you after the dance or I don’t know it’s a jumble of different things that I want to say.”
“Whenever you want me to have it is fine. No rush. Hey, you ready to find out who your admirer is?”
“Yeah. It’s weird having an admirer. It’s almost like having a stalker I guess. I don’t know never had a stalker but it’s mysterious.”
“Wish I had one,” someone knocked on the window behind Grace. It was Greg and he was mad as a swatted hornet.
“I think it’s time to go, how about you Grace?”
“GET OUT HERE NOW! I’M GOING TO BEAT YOU TIL YOU’RE BLACK AND BLUE JARED! NOW!” He pointed down at the ground. Grace locked her door.
“I’d say we should go now.”
“Yeah lets go back to my house.”
“He might follow.”
“Um, let’s just go and we’ll think of somewhere.”
Jared backed up the car quick, while Greg still yelled, and then gassed it quickly.
“I get so scared,” Grace whispered as they drove down a back road toward her house.
“Why?” he took a left toward the hill where they watched the sunrise a couple of times.
“I’m scared that he’ll beat you up again or that he’ll hit me. He never has hit me but he never had a reason to be jealous.” Jared parked the car.
“Don’t worry, okay? I’ll always protect you or whoever you date will protect you, okay?”
“I know Jared. I just wanted you to know how I feel.” Grace unbuckled and reached over toward Jared kissing him on the cheek and gave him a hug. This of course excited Jared but he tried to stay collected and kissed her back on her cheek. She sat back down in the passenger seat and watched the horizon.
“Thanks Grace. I’m glad you are comfortable enough to tell me.”
“What are you wearing to the dance?” Jared laughed.
“Quick change in subject,” they both smiled, “khaki pants and a dressy button shirt I guess. I don’t want to go all out.”
“Hmm, what color?”
“Uh…you asked me too quick. I have a red one?”
“Okay.” I want us to match.
“Oh! Of course! It doesn’t really matter does it? If we match or not?”
“No but I’d like to. We’ll look cuter together if we match. Like we planned it.”
“Yeah,” Jared stared at her with his soft eyes. He was at a loss for words. He wanted them to be together so bad and kept putting it off. “You ready to go home?”
“Whenever Jared. I enjoy spending time with you.”
“Me too. We’ll have almost all day tomorrow together.”
“I know. I’m looking forward to it.”
Jared drove her home. He spent most of the evening thinking about what to get her for the dance. Sure he didn’t have to get her anything but he wanted to. Jared went to the mall and picked her out something nice along with a single red rose.
Grace spent the evening working on her makeup work trying to get rid of her cough so her secret admirer wont catch a cold or cough from her.
Greg spent the evening calling Grace’s cell phone and their home phone trying to talk to her. Finally, she gave up and answered it.
“Yes? What do you want?”
“Why aren’t you answering?”
“I just did. What do you want?”
“Why are you avoiding me?”
“Well for one we broke up and you went berserk over it. You’re insanely jealous and punched my best friend for no reason. Then we go to the dairy bar and you freak out again. We’re over why can’t you get that?”
“I don’t want us to be over. I was wrong. IT was my fault. Take me back Grace.”
“I can’t. I can do better and I will do better. Good bye.” Click.
She closed her cell phone and placed it on her bed. She sat on her bed looking at the phone. Greg called back again. It buzzed and rang almost falling off the bed. She sat Indian style staring at it holding her head up with her hands. After the phone stopped moving, she picked it up and called Jared on his cell phone. She wanted someone to talk to and whine to but didn’t feel like talking to anyone but Jared.
“Hello? Grace?”
“Hey. I was just wondering what you’re doing.”
“Oh nothing really. Driving around right now. What are you doing?”
“I’m about to finish my homework for science. It’s a nightmare.”
“You want some help?”
“Yeah how about Saturday?”
“Homework on a Saturday? You’re nuts!”
“He. He. Yeah, I am. Um…Greg keeps calling me. I told him to leave me alone and he’s wanting me to take him back.”
“Don’t take him back! Grace, you have a great opportunity to do so much better than him. Don’t blow it. Just hold out for a while, okay?”
“Who Jared? Who’s this secret admirer that is so secretive? Why is he waiting until the dance to reveal him self? Why can’t he do it now? Maybe he doesn’t know where I live. I’m just…I don’t know. Too much on my mind.”
“I’ll come over soon tonight, okay? Long as your parents don’t care since it’s already going on ten. I’ll help you with your science and that will be off your mind and we’ll just talk okay?”
“Okay, I’ll leave the door unlocked. Dad has gone to bed already so just come up to my room. I’ll let mom know.”
“Alright, give me twenty minutes and I’ll be there.”
“Okay. Bye.”
“Bye. See you soon.” Click. Click.
Jared was driving back to his house at the time. He quickly took a shower and put on some clean clothes and put on some cologne. He wrapped her gift and put the flower in a vase with water. He drove over to her house and walked upstairs to her room trying not to wake anyone. Her mom was asleep on the couch with the TV blaring on MTV.
Her door was creaked open and he peeked. No Grace. He looked around the hallway and didn’t see her hiding so he went on in her room and sat on the bed. He saw a note on her desk with his name on it with hearts squiggled all over it. Not knowing if that was the note she meant for him to see now or later, he read it.
Jared, Hey! I’ve got so much going through my mind and it’s for no reason. I feel like I’m falling down an endless well and can’t find a rope to hold onto or anyone to help me. Then, I have a dream that you catch me and you kiss me. Then it’s all okay. What’s it mean? I want to tell you how I feel but I don’t know how you feel about me. I mean, more than a friend. If you do or don’t. I’m afraid to make the first move. Sometimes I get these ‘hints’ that maybe you want to kiss me or make a move but I don’t want to kiss you and end up embarrassed or be rejected if you don’t feel the same way.
What are you doing lately? I miss seeing you but I don’t miss school. Ha! Ha! What’s school like without me there? I keep thinking you’re my secret admirer but it could be someone else. I mean, what are the chances of it being you when we talk everyday now.
Are you going to college? I want to but for some reason I can’t make up my mind where. I want to go where you go. Do I sound like a little lost puppy dog? Please tell me how you feel. I promise not to feel bad if you don’t feel the same way about me. I feel like we belong together and I don’t mean just puppy love.
Jared folded it up and stood up looking around the room. Completely spotless! Who in their right mind has time to keep their room clean as a teenager? Seriously! Jared put the note where he found it. Just in case she didn’t want him to see it yet.
Grace walked in behind him and shut the door gently. He thought he heard something so he looked. “Hey Grace,” he whispered, “Did you tell your mom?”
“Yeah, she knows you’re here. She said it was okay until 11.”
“That’s cool. I respect that…” Grace could hear the hesitance in his voice.
“What? Did you want to say something else?”
“Me? Oh! Nothing. I just have a lot on my mind.” Jared had her gift in his back pocket for her to wear to the dance but wasn’t sure weather to wait or not. He decided in that moment to wait until he picks her up for the date.
“Okay, it seemed like you had more you wanted to say.”
They worked on her science homework and they finished a little before eleven. He said good night and went home. She waved good night to him after he started up the Camry. He waved back.
Jared couldn’t sleep that night. Neither could Grace. They both thought of each other while she also thought of her secret admirer, whoever he was and what her response would be if it weren’t Jared who revealed himself. She sat back up and wrote her secret admirer a last letter.
Dear Secret Admirer, I’m writing this letter as I can’t sleep and have Jared on my mind. I keep wondering who you are; the mystery of it all is so sexy. I keep thinking you’re Jared. Maybe you’re not. If you’re not, you may not even get this letter. I can’t sleep. I’m anxious to find out who you are. Either way, I’m in love with someone. If you turn out to not be Jared, I’m sorry but I’m in love with him. If you are Jared, then hooray! I hope you feel the same way. I think you do. I’ll find out at the dance.
Grace lay in the bed staring at the light that shined in from her window onto the ceiling from the streetlight. “Jared, I hope you are my secret admirer. I can’t imagine being with anyone else.” She closed her eyes and fell asleep.
It seemed like she had slept for 5 minutes when she heard a car horn. She forgot to set the alarm. What a way to start Friday! She jumped up and looked out the window. Sure enough she recognized the car horn as belonging to Jared. He came in downstairs as she started to get ready for school. It was 7:45. We might have enough time to make it to school. It would be close.
“Grace? You awake?” Jared knocked on her bedroom door. She panicked. She had left her school clothes hanging in her bathroom to put on after her morning shower.
“Um, yeah I’m awake.” She peeked out the door wearing her silky gown. Jared couldn’t help but look her over in her quite revealing ensemble. She blushed as she slipped through him and the door, smiling, and ran into the bathroom.
“Sorry, I didn’t know you weren’t dressed.” Jared stood outside the bathroom slightly embarrassed himself.
“No problem. I’m going to take a quick shower ok?”
“Go ahead. I don’t think we can make it to school on time anyway. No rush.”
“You’re quiet,” Jared commented before they got out of the car.
“Sorry, still have a lot on my mind. Ready for tonight.”
“You want to find out who he is don’t you?”
“Hang on. I don’t think I can hear you while the shower runs. Give me five quick minutes.”
“Okay,” Jared sat in the hallway waiting on her to finish. The shower ran and he felt the warm mist of the water come through under the door. Soon the water turned off.
“Jared? What were you saying?”
“I said you want to find out who your secret admirer is don’t you?”
“Well, yes, but I’m more excited to spend the time with you. I feel safe with you.”
Jared smiled as she came out of the bathroom. He sprung up quickly.
“Well…” he pulled out the gift from his back pocket and handed it to her. Grace looked it over. “I was going to wait until tonight but I’m tired of waiting Grace. I’m tired of Greg bothering you. It’s going to stop and I’ll make sure of it. I thought this would be nice for you. I hope it goes with your dress.”
Grace opened it up and smiled, “I love it! Can you help me put it on?” Jared pulled the silver heart necklace out of her hands and unhooked it. He stood close as he could in front of her, their bodies almost touching, and reached around her neck gently to hook the necklace. He traced it back around with his hands, and then put his hands on her shoulders.
“Jared, I…” Jared shushed her and kissed her neck and then her cheek. Chills went rolling up her back and down her arms. She didn’t want him to stop kissing her. Maybe he’s making his move? What am I supposed to do?
“Grace?” Grace quickly pulled away and stood looking at Jared. He quickly pulled his arms back at the same time and put them in his pockets.
“Yes mom?”
“Did Jared come up?”
“Yeah I overslept. He just got here.”
“Oh ok.”
Jared and Grace looked at each other, grinning. Grace was flushed as red as a cherry. Her mom never went upstairs, just asked. Jared knew she must have trusted him and he didn’t want to do anything to ruin that trust. Her mom stayed downstairs.
Grace grabber he books and they headed to school. The day seemed to fly by – until lunch. Greg watched Jared’s’ every move and Jared took note of it.
Jared knew Greg was jealous and wanted Grace back but tried to ignore Greg’s stares. As Jared walked out of the lunch line with his tray – boom! Greg punched him in the eye. Grace was behind him in line and tried to separate them. The principal was watching the cafeteria but was a moment too late…Greg accidentally punched Grace in the eye meaning to hit Jared.
“Oh my God that hurt! You stupid son-of-a,” Grace stopped when a lunch lady came up and started talking.
“Oh my goodness sweetheart! Are you okay?” Grace looked up. She squatted down as her head went dizzy. Grace recognized the lunch lady. It was her Aunt Carol.
“I’m fine Carol. I am just dizzy. Everything is spinning,” she grabbed her head with both her hands. Most of the students went back to eating lunch. The entertainment didn’t last long for them.
“Do you want to see the nurse?”
“I want to go to the office wherever he took the guys.”
“Okay lets go.” Another cook filled in for her at the register while she walked Grace to the office in her dizzy state. They all sat on a bench except Greg. He had his arms folded sitting inside the principal’s office with the principal scolding him. Grace sat next to Jared on the bench, each of them holding one of their eyes.
“I’ll get the nurse to come to you two if I see her okay?”
“Okay, thanks Aunt Carol!” Grace thanked her. Carol left for the nurse’s office.
“Are you okay sweet…uh…Grace?”
“Besides my headache, I think I’ll survive, you?”
“Not bad. Just the normal eye sting feeling hasn’t gone away yet.”
“This will be my first black eye!”
“Oh you might be swollen for a few days,” Jared added.
“You will be too,” Grace giggled.
“Thanks, and yeah you’re right. It's probably not as bad as yours. I’m beginning to get used to this.”
The principal came out with Greg. Greg did not even glance at either of them. He didn’t mean to hit Grace but they were over. Grace continued to look at the carpet and Jared’s shoes holding her swollen eye as they left around the corner.
“You know we should look pretty good tonight with each of us having a black eye!” Jared couldn’t help but laugh a little bit imagining the sight.
“Yeah that will be a sight. We’ll have to get a picture for sure,” Grace lifted her head up. Jared was looking at her.
“Oh my, yeah what a sight. Your whole cheek and eye are swollen red and blue Grace.”
The nurse walked around the corner. “Hello I’m Ms. Jenkins, you two doing okay?” She looked more at Grace concerned since she looked more fragile.
“I’m okay, getting used to his punches,” Jared rubbed his forehead with his fingers than sat up.
“I am feeling a little better. I’m not so dizzy now.” The nurse handed her a cold pack. She put it on her face and leaded back against the wall.
“If you two need anything tell him to send you on over to my office, okay?”
“Yes ma’am,” they replied as she left back toward her office.
After a few more minutes the principal returned. “Come on in, both of you,” he said firmly but not angry. They all discussed what happened. The principal did not mention what he did to Greg.
“I think you two should go home to rest.”
“We can’t!” Grace raised her voice a little.
“You’ll be excused for the rest of the day without any problem.”
“The dance tonight, we have to be here all day to be able to go, I have to go…”
“Don’t worry about it Grace. You’ll still get to go. You two did not punch back so you’ll just go home for the day excused.”
“Okay,” Grace looked at Jared and he smiled looking at her.
One of the student office aides went around and collected homework for the both of them. Grace and Jared rested on the bench outside of his office until the girl brought the work. They already had their backpacks from lunch.
“Can you drive with a black eye?” asked the secretary.
“It wouldn’t be the first time.” Jared answered.
They both checked out with their homework and Jared opened the door for Grace. She still held the cold pack on her face. He began driving to her house to drop her off.
“Are you sure you still want to go to the dance? We could go somewhere else if you want to Grace?”
“I will feel better by then but if you’d rather do something else,” she didn’t finish.
“It’s up to you Grace. We’ll go if you want to go to the dance. You want to get something to eat for lunch? I’m starving!”
“Sure! How about dairy bar?”
“Of course. I love eating there. It’s not very healthy but will hold us over until supper.”
“Where are we going to eat for supper?”
“It’s a surprise,” Jared grinned watching the road.
They ate their usual at the dairy bar. Jared drove her home after they ate to rest.
“I’ll pick you up at four. We want to beat the crowd for supper.”
“Okay. I’ll try to be ready by four.”
Grace unbuckled and opened the door. “Bye Grace. See you later,” Jared said before she shut the car door. Grace waved and said bye.
Grace went in and in a matter of seconds her mom inspected her eye. “It was an accident mom. Jared was in front of me and moved after he was hit the first time and Greg hit me by accident.”
“No more Greg, right?”
“Right. I see more of Jared in my future though,” Grace smiled.
“He’s a good boy…err…he’s a good gentleman Grace.”
“I know. We’re still going to the dance. Did you see his eye? He has a black eye too.”
“I’m sure you two will look good together.”
“Yeah, I hope he likes me more than a friend. I don’t know how to ask him and find out.”
“If he likes you, just give it time honey.”
“I just hope he doesn’t like someone else. I know we’re going to the dance together but friends do that all the time.”
“Don’t worry honey. If it’s meant to be things will work out eventually. What did they do to Greg this time?”
“I don’t know. The principal talked to him first and then escorted him out of his office since we were sitting there. He didn’t say anything to us about him.”
“Well I’m sure the punishment will fit the crime. He’s been in trouble so many times who knows honey.”
“Mom will you wake me up at 2:30 so I can get ready? Jared is going to pick me up at 4 and I don’t want him to wait on me but I need to shower and fix my hair and –“
“No problem sweetie. Just get some rest. Where’d you get that beautiful necklace?”
“Jared bought it for me to wear for the dance. It’s pretty isn’t it?”
“Yes it sure is. That’s not a cheap one either! I saw that in display at the mall in Kay Jewelers.”
“Wow! Okay I’ll get some rest now if I can.”
Grace had a 2-hour nap that felt like she slept for 2 minutes.
“It’s 3 o’clock sweetie!”
“Okay mom,” she sounded still asleep. She fumbled out of her bed and began getting ready.
Meanwhile, at Jared’s house he was ready to leave his house at 3. He kept debating weather to show up before 4 or wait until 4. It didn’t take long and he was bored of pacing so he drove over to see Grace 30 minutes early.
“Hello Jared!” Grace’s mom opened the door to greet Jared. Upstairs there were loud noises. “Everything okay up there?”
“Yeah mom I’m fine! I’m just trying to hurry and get ready. I dropped the curling iron.” They hear a big thud again, “OW! That hurt. Um, I’m fine just dropped the curling iron on my little toe. I’m fine!”
“I think she’s a little nervous, don’t you?” She spoke softly to Jared.
“I think so too,” Jared added, “I must say I am a little bit too.”
“Aw that’s so sweet. I’m sure you two will have a fun evening.”
“I think so too. I think I’m going to take her bowling but I don’t want her to rip her dress or anything.”
“It shouldn’t bother her. She’s not wearing sequins it’s more like a summer dress style.”
“Okay, great.”
They sat in the living room talking for the next twenty minutes. Grace walked down the stairwell and Jared stood up. He heard her high heels clicking on the steps. Jared couldn’t help but look at her up and down. She was beautiful in his eyes. Her hair was mostly pinned up with large curls and she wore a dark red dress floor length. It was sleeveless but she had a white see through shawl wrapped around her shoulders.
“Wow!” he whispered. Jared walked toward the bottom of the steps looking up at her. “You look…gorgeous!” Grace looked up and blushed. She didn’t see Jared until now.
“Thank you Jared. You’re looking really good yourself!” Jared pulled out a red rose from behind his back. Grace smelled it and smiled.
“I love roses! How’d you know?” Jared glanced at her mom and she winked back at him. “Let me put it in some water and I’ll be ready!” Grace was both excited and nervous.
Before heading out, pictures were taken. Jared held the door open for Grace and she sat inside. She held onto her red handbag. Jared hurried around the car and started the engine.
“I’m really nervous Jared,” she spoke almost choking.
“Why?”
“I don’t know. I’m just really excited I guess. I don’t hardly go anywhere unless it’s with mom and dad. It’s just so formal. The last time I dressed up like this was for a funeral but that was a black dress and –“
“-Yeah! It’s okay. No reason to be nervous around me. I’m excited too. I enjoy spending time with you outside of school.” Jared tried to calm her down by interrupting her nervous and consistent blabbering.
“I know I talk a lot. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry tonight. No reason to be.”
“Where we going first?”
“I figured maybe some bowling? They have other games too if you want to do something else. Then somewhere special to eat.”
“Ooh what are we going to eat? I mean…where?”
“You’ll just have to wait and find out.”
The next 4 hours went by quick. They played a few games of air hockey, two games of bowling, and a racing game that took tokens to play. Once they arrived to Mulini Cosini’s Restaurant, Jared continued to be the gentleman he had been all evening. He opened her door and took her hand to help her out of the car. He had their names reserved for a table, and they went right in. The restaurant was a darker setting, candles sitting on round covered tables with green table clothes. The floor looked like wood flooring tiles and the walls were a creamy off white. Along the walls were pictures of Italian cooks and Italian food, pictures of food they sold. The waitresses were very elegant and formally dressed. In the background you can hear classical music playing from the speakers.
When Grace and Jared were younger they played with other neighbor kids during the summer breaks and always had fun. They talked about their parents and realized how much their parents used to meet and go do things together before they were born.
“I’ve never been to this restaurant. It’s very pretty.” Grace commented.
“It is nice. I’ve been here a couple of times with my Aunt and Uncle.” Grace continued to enjoy the romantic setting as she looked around the restaurant.
“Grace, I have a question.” Jared quietly scooted his chair next to hers.
“Hmm?”
“You remember when I brought you soup when you were sick and you said it was so good you could kiss me?”
“Yeah!”
“Well can I take you up on - ” Grace didn’t let him finish before she pressed her lips up to his and they kissed. She stopped and looked at his response. Jared looked her back in the eyes and then kissed her again. Grace sat back in her seat and watched the customers in the restaurant.
“Thanks. You’re a good kisser by the way. Your secret admirer will like it.” Jared smiled.
“Thank you and you’re welcome but I don’t think I’m a good kisser,” she paused, “Jared?”
“Yeah?”
“I…I don’t know…just so much on my mind, you know? I don’t know what I wanted to say.”
“It’s okay Grace. Just relax. I want us to have a great evening.”
“Thanks Jared. Me too.”
As they continued to talk, Jared glanced around the room and saw Greg. Greg did not notice them but he sat next to the front door. He was sitting with Graces’ best friend Tekia. Jared looked back at Grace who was rambling about school grades so far.
“Grace. Grace.” He looked at her.
“What?”
“Glance near the front door. Look who’s here.” Grace took two looks to accept the fact her best friend was with her ex. Grace dropped her mouth open when she discovered who was here.
“She’s too good for him! He’s such a loser!”
“Can you text her?”
“Yeah! I’ll do that but I wont tell her we’re here she might tell him.”
Grace sent a text to Tekia.
Hey T. What’s going on? Going 2 dance 2nite?
They watched her to see if she’d respond. Greg talked to her and she was listening to him. They weren’t close enough to hear what they were discussing. Tekia picked up her cell and read the text while Greg continued to talk. She responded twice.
Talkin 2 ur ex so annoying. Crzy bout u.
we r @ the Italian place. No dance. Save me wherever u r!
“She isn’t on a date Jared. She wants me to save her. I can’t do it because then he’ll follow us the rest of the evening. You can’t either because of Greg. He’d assume I’m with you too.”
“Unless…”
“Yeah?”
“I saw someone I recognized on the way in. If I can get her to pretend we’re on a date, he won’t follow me. He’ll know you’re not with me. He can’t get into the dance anyway.”
“Yeah, that could work. I need to sneak out first. I’ll tell her I have a plan and to follow you.”
“Yeah, I’ll let the waiter know what’s going on. You sneak out and text her then I’ll talk to Michelle. She’s sitting in the smoking section.”
“Okay.”
“Would you like any dessert tonight?” The waiter laid the check on the table next to Jared.
“No thank you. I need to talk to your boss a minute. It’s nothing wrong.”
“Yes sir I will send him right over, thank you.” Jared handed him cash.
“Thanks and keep the change.”
“Thank you sir. You two have a wonderful evening.”
Grace smiled and followed him past Greg’s table and snuck out the front door without detection. Grace sent a reply to Tekia.
Jared will save u. follow him out. Don’t let idiot see u leave or he’ll follow me. Will explain soon. We r here 2. don’t tell Greg.
Tekia checked her text and didn’t show any hints of plans. She didn’t look around the room and continued to talk with Greg.
Jared went and talked to his ex-girlfriend Michelle who was on a date. He explained the situation after he talked to the manager. The manager said he’d stand at the table when he started to head there to avoid Greg from wanting to start a fight.
Grace waited patiently outside. She stood near the police man who was patrolling outside just incase Greg came outside before the others.
Michelle and Jared held hands as they pretended to leave the restaurant together. Michelle and her date were finished and the date would head out after he pays for their meal. Jared glanced at Tekia who saw him. He stopped. The manager was at a table beside them talking to other customers, facing Greg’s table.
“Tekia! Hey, haven’t seen you for a while.” Jared started interrupting her talk to Greg. Greg said nothing. He looked at Tekia then at Jared.
“What you going to steal my date too? You already stole my ex-girlfriend!”
“I’m on a date with Michelle. She and I used to date and now we’re dating again. What do you mean I stole your ex? I told you Grace and I are just good friends. You are still jealous? Anyway, I’ll talk to you later Tekia!” Tekia could see the plan. She was to go like she needed to ask him something else or go to the bathroom.
Michelle and Jared headed to the front door. Jared glanced back at Tekia. “Greg, will you excuse me a minute? I forgot to ask him something.”
“Fine. I’ll wait.”
Tekia stood up and carried her purse next to her. Greg did not look back to watch. He watched the other customers in the restaurant eat. She headed quickly out the front door. Michelle talked with them outside until her date came out.
“Thank you Michelle. I owe you.” Jared said, “see you later.”
“No problem. Talk to you later.” Michelle finished.
Tekia hugged Grace. “How’d you sneak out? I thought I recognized the dress. You sent me a text picture of it!”
“Yeah, glad I didn’t show it to Greg. He’s clueless so he might not have noticed anyway. Let’s get out of here before he suspects something.” Grace stated.
“Yes, let’s go,” Jared added. “Tekia, are you going to the dance or you want us to take you home? That’s our next destination is the dance.”
“Oh take me home if you don’t mind. I’m not dressed for the dance.” Tekia and Grace sat in the back to chitchat on the way to Tekia’s house.
Jared drove quietly and already knew where Tekia lived so he didn’t need to ask for directions. The girls whispered. They whispered quite loudly that even over the radio playing country music, he could hear every word.
“Has he asked you out?”
“We’re on a date now, what do you mean?”
“I mean to be his girlfriend silly!”
“No you think he will?”
“If not he’s a loser.” She put her thumb and index finger on her forehead in the shape of an L.
“Well he might like someone else. We’re on a date but we’re just friends.”
“Do you want him to ask you out?”
“Yes of course. We get along so well and so much to talk about.”
“Cool. Text me later and let me know.”
“Sure.”
They pulled into Tekia’s driveway.
“Thank you for the ride Jared! Grace, text me ASAP!” Tekia pointed her finger at Grace as she stood up out of the car.
“I will don’t wait up!” Grace moved to the front seat to sit with Jared.
“Ready?” Jared asked.
“Yep! Let’s go!”
After a few silent minutes of driving - other than listening to the country music - Jared parked next to the school doors in the end parking spot where they’ll enter for the dance. He opened Grace’s door and helped her out. Walking inside, Jared looked around to see who else came whom he knew. The dance was well lit and the dance theme looked retro. Grace looked around to see what boys showed up and to see if any watched her walk with Jared. She wanted to know if her secret admirer was watching for her. She didn’t notice any eyes.
Jared paid for two tickets and went inside, following the other teenagers who just entered ahead of them.
In the cafeteria, where most of the dancing took place, there were lunch tables everywhere with rainbow colored table cloths, strobe lights, black lights, and of course teenagers dancing and chatting in groups. The Macarena was playing loudly and most peers were dancing in the center of the room. Jared held Grace’s hand guiding her through the cafeteria. They managed to find an open table and sat for a few minutes. A couple of Jared’s friends came over and sat with them. Joey was a real country boy and the other, Donald, hated farms. They were very good friends considering how different they are. The boys talked to each other about classes they hate this year and Jared noticed Grace seemed bored. She scanned the room every few minutes for possible admirer suspects, but she seemed disappointed. Luckily, for Jared, a slow song began to play.
“Let’s slow down for a little bit for the lovers in here and we’ll play some more fast songs in a minute for you wild dancers!” The disc jockey announced. The first slow song the DJ played is “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion. Joey and Donald talked. Grace looking around the room suddenly had a hand in front of her wanting to dance. It was Jared.
“Would you like to dance?” Jared asked. Grace smiling stood up and took his hand. They went out to the dance floor. Nervously, Grace put her hands on his shoulders and he slipped his hands on her sides toward her back. “Having fun?”
“Yeah. Those two are a little boring after a while, to listen to them talk,” Jared laughed.
“Yeah, they are boring but at the same time entertaining,” Jared answered.
Jared looked around to see who was monitoring where they stood, both teachers and students dancing. No one was dancing too close to listen. He didn’t want to embarrass her.
“Grace?”
“Yeah?”
“I have tried to keep this secret as long as I could without ruining it. But…”
“But what?”
“I…I’m your secret admirer. I tried my hardest not to let you figure it out. I think you suspected me somewhat didn’t you?” Grace smiled ear to ear.
“Yes but I didn’t know for sure.” With little hesitation, Grace put her hands on his cheeks and kissed Jared very intimately. He held her closer and the slow dancing stopped as they stood kissing. Jared heard some whistling behind him. It was Donald.
“Go Jared!” Most whistling continued.
“Oh Jared,” Grace continued, “I’m so glad it’s you.” They kissed some more as the song came to an end. Sitting back down, Donald and Joey made some more whistling sounds and watched them. Jared sat closer to Grace after they sat down.
“Grace?” She looked at Jared, “will you be my girlfriend?”
“Yes Jared! Of course I will!” More kissing occurred.
The DJ played more fast songs throughout the evening. Jared and Grace danced to all the slow ones and a few of the country songs that played. Half way through the dance Donald and Joey left them to talk and didn’t over stay their welcome. Grace made sure to text Tekia so she wouldn’t wait up all night in suspense.
We r a couple! Omg so happy. C u at school mon
They stayed until 11 o’clock talking about this and that, mostly their parents. Now they are more interested in learning about things other than school and sports. The hours flew by and Jared had to drive Grace home. Jared walked her to the door and her mom opened it for her. Her mom knew by the smile on her face that they were a couple. The blushed face was a dead giveaway.
“Jared, will you come over Sunday afternoon for supper? I’m not sure what I will fix. Any favorites?”
“Sure, I’ll come over! I love tacos and lasagna but I’m not picky. Whatever you feel like fixing.”
“Okay, we’ll see you about two?”
“Sounds great!”
“Okay, you all say good night. Grace, we have some shopping to do tomorrow and I want to leave fairly early.”
“I know,” Grace watched her mom go into the other room and she kissed Jared again. They kissed a few times before saying goodnight.
The rest of the weekend fly by and soon it was time to find out about Romeo and Juliet. Jared picked Grace up for school Monday morning. Greg was back in school but even after he saw them together, he didn’t say anything. He was fooled thinking Jared was dating Michelle. Michelle wasn’t a student there. Jared walked her to all the classes and in drama they now sat next to each other. Tekia gave up her seat and switched with Jared. She was happy to see Grace with a decent boyfriend. One she knew would take care of her in a good way and respect her.
“Okay,” the teacher began, “to keep you all from worrying all period. Here are the pickings:” He walked around the room as he announced. Last but not least he announced the parts for Romeo and Juliet. “Romeo is Jared Moore and Juliet is Grace Morgan. Congratulations to all who made a main part and I know you will work very hard to put on an excellent play!” He continued to pace the room as he talked about when the play would be performed, and all those intricate details.
Grace glanced outside, past Jared gazing back at her, and saw rain begin to pour. The sun was still shining without visible clouds. The rain began roaring out of nowhere. “Well actors,” continued Mr.Mitchell, “I thought we’d practice outside but lets just head to the stage again. Maybe it will be nice tomorrow.”
“I think it’s nice out, just wet.” Jared commented receiving several laughs. Mr. Mitchell laughed as well.
“You have a sense of humor,” he looked around and outside at the rain, “alright! Let’s go. Everyone else whose name I didn’t mention, pick someone to understudy and learn their part as well incase something happens last minute. He passed out a sheet with dates on it to each student. They were all practice dates after school, full dressed rehearsals, and production dates on weekends.
Grace put her paper in her notebook. “I forgot to grab a play book,” she hesitated wanting to go back to class to get one so she’d say her lines right.
“Grace, don’t worry. Just pretend like you really are Juliet, and I’m you’re Romeo. Pretend it’s real. When we really perform on stage and we forget a line, we can’t look it up in the book. We’ll know for sure by the time we need to know. I’ll make sure we practice it.”
Mr. Mitchell would pick a single scene each day of class to practice. After school they’d practice a third of the entire play to give everyone some stage time.
Time flew by with Grace and Jared spending every possible moment together. They did homework together, ate at each other’s houses, and most of their classes at school. There were no arguments, fights, or disagreements. It was bliss.
Several months had gone by and it was time for the drama play. It was early April. Everyone had practiced his or her part to the max. Now it was time to perform without a script for anyone. As the play began, Grace was nervous. Even with practicing on stage, it was different. Now there were parents and adults from the community who came to see the play. Hundreds of eyes will be watching at the same time. Grace peeked from the side of the stage at the audience. It was dark with all lights on stage. Sweat began to roll down her face. Mr. Mitchell watched from the back. He had his wife recording the play from the audience.
“Grace,” Mr. Mitchell said, “You’ll do fine. Just think as if you’re Juliet, because you are Juliet. Jared is Romeo, you just have stage names.”
“I know Mr. Mitchell, its just so many eyes will be watching.” Jared handed her a wet washcloth to cool off.
“Thanks Jared,” she padded her forehead. Tekia wasn’t on stage at the time and came storming over with powder and blush, the works. Tekia patted her face and tried to cover up the sweaty look Grace had. Grace began to relax as the play went on. The more times she was on stage, the easier it was to pretend there was no audience. She pretended like the stage was her world and nothing was outside of it watching or judging.
It was nearing the end of the play. Grace was on stage with Jared for the final scene. Grace choked on her words once but didn’t let it get to her. Jared had a small surprised look on his face while they acted, but tried to continue as well. Jared was lying on the bench pretending to be dead. It was the final moment in the play. The kiss. The famous kiss where Juliet kisses him before she kills herself. They kiss.
In her mind, fireworks were going off even though it wasn’t their first kiss. He couldn’t kiss back since he was a dead Romeo. She finally pretended to stab herself and fell over. The curtains closed. She knew there was more than just a kiss. She was engrossed in the characters. Mr. Mitchell was right. She was Juliet and Jared was Romeo.
Once the cast bowed and thanked the audience, it quickly cleared out. Most of the parents were gone, except for a few talking to Mr. Mitchell and his wife with the camcorder. The cast was undressing, putting their regular clothes back on.
Jared and Grace were in a corner separate from the other peers. “Jared?”
“Yeah?” he buttoned his pants and put on his t-shirt then his button shirt. Grace buttoned his shirt for him.
“I feel like…”
“What is it? Is something wrong?”
“No. You know, Mr. Mitchell is right. Except for the characters dying at the end. We really are Romeo and Juliet. I believe so anyway.”
“Me too Grace. I am really, and utterly, in love with you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I have already talked to your mom, dad, and my dad. I know we still have college to go as well. He bent down on one knee like he was going to put his shoes on. He pulls out something from his pocket. Grace doesn’t understand what he’s doing because there is no box for the ring. He pulls it out inside his fist.
“Did you get me something?” Jared was trying to be serious but couldn’t help but laugh. He opened up his fist and handed her the ring.
“Grace, will you marry me someday?” Grace turned as white as a sheet of paper. She dropped her mouth open covering it up with a hand. She smiled and started jumping. Jared slipped the ring on her finger.
“Jared, of course! Of course Jared! YES!” She jumped for joy. He stood up and kissed her. As they kissed, they both heard a loud “AWW” sound. They looked smiling as they looked. Standing there was Mr. Mitchell, their parents, and Tekia. Jared had given them a heads up. He previously asked her dad for permission to propose.
Although they were only dating a few months, they knew each other since grade school and their parents were already good friends. They had no intension of being in a rush to get married. They were truly in love.
They were truly Romeo and Juliet in real life.

Okay, I've posted it in 3 sections for those whom it's easier to have online and read in sections. I have done all the editing suggested by Jessa even if you can't tell it where I copy/pasted it directly.

kathy45662 wrote:I am editing my post because I posted my "short story" without realizing it's longer than a short story by about 10 K so I am going to repost it in the proper forum. Please check my page if you've already downloaded it to leave me critique there. THank you all very much! Sorry I posted in the wrong place!

Below is still my story in 3 sections or you can review as 1 all together. MODERATORS: Could you please move this to the appropriate location?

EDIT: Moderators have moved my story. Thank you so very much! Below I have the story in 3 sections.

SECTION 1:

Part 1:
Stealing Grace

It was the first day of his Senior Year. Jared Moore rushed to park his Camry in the school parking lot. He proceeded to catch his t-shirt in the door first thing. After being launched back into the car door, he opened it and pulled out his now stretched t-shirt. Jared ran up the steps to Lincoln High School and headed straight to the office. He knew he’d be late but needed his class schedule. The bell rang for the students to head to their scheduled homeroom. Jared tried to straighten his plain red t-shirt with gray collar before reaching the office.

“I need to get my schedule. I wasn’t able to get it over the summer.” Jared said as he put his hands on the counter top as he talked to Rose, the secretary. Rose was an older woman with fifty's style glasses and a gray beehive hair do.
“Just a second…Jared Moore?” she asked. Jared nodded. Looking around the office he could see where they remodeled over the summer break. The walls were painted a light dull gray and white on the top half bricks. The counter was the same black counter top with sparkles in the design and they had put white tiles in for the floor than the retro orange carpet that previously colored the office.

“Here you go, and here’s a note to your homeroom so you won’t get wrote up tardy the first day. Be sure to make it to all your classes on time this year, okay honey?” she said as she handed him the paper.
“Sure thing Ms. Rose.” he replied. Rose was her first name, but didn’t like going by her last name Staten. Jared hurried out of the office and looked at his schedule.
“Yuck! Mr. Smith for homeroom. Glad we don’t go there everyday. He’s such a butt hole.” Jared ran to the stairway and up the steps. Quickly turning the corner he bumped into Grace Maynard. To Jared, Grace is one of the friendliest and one of the most beautiful girls in school. He knew she was too good for him. He knocked her books into the floor and started to pick them up. Grace bent over and helped.

Jared looked at Grace with a smile. He loved her long curly brunette hair and blue eyes. She wore khaki pants and a green top.
“Uh…sorry Grace. I was trying to hurry to homeroom and forgot to look both ways. Ha-ha. You look nice today.”he said. Grace smiled and blushed at Jared. She knew Jared existed but mostly they never had classes together.
“Thank you. No problem Jared. Uh, do you know where Mr. Smith’s room is located?” she asked him as they stood up, standing still in the empty cold hallway.
“Follow me. I think he’s up here somewhere. I have him for homeroom too.” he replied.
“Thanks Jared. That does make sense. My last name is Maynard and yours is Moore.” They both smiled at each other.
“Yeah,” Jared laughed.

“Hall passes please!” Mrs. Jones was walking the halls. She didn’t have a homeroom class apparently. Jared quickly gave her his hall pass.
“I don’t have one. I couldn’t find Mr. Smith’s room,” Grace nervously stated. She didn’t want to get wrote up for no note on the first day. She is a good student. Jared noticed her uneasiness in her voice so he made an excuse.
“She was in the office when I was and Ms. Rose didn’t write her a note but wrote me one.” Jared said quickly.
“Okay, I’ll let you go this time. Ms. Rose may have forgotten.” Mrs. Jones went on down the hallway to catch some other students who were roaming the halls.

Grace thanked Jared for his help again. He quickly wrote her name on the hall pass with his as they walked in Mr. Smith’s classroom late. All eyes staring at them of course, they both headed to the two empty seats left with red cheeks.
“So glad you could join us.” Mr. Smith stated as Jared stood back up and gave Mr. Smith his note. Mr. Smith looked at the note and then crumpled it up to feed the trash can. “All we have to do is take attendance and I have to turn in to the office weather whether or not you are going to ride a bus or not this year. So on a scrap piece of paper, write T1 if you at any time will ride the bus even just once this year. If you will be driving or ride to school with someone, put T2, and if you’re a walker, write T3. Please put your names on them as well and pass them forward in your row.”

Mr. Smith took attendance as the students wrote down their transportation codes. Mr. Smith knew everyone pretty well knew everyone in his homeroom class because he had them in class last year as juniors. Behind Grace sat Tekia Mullins. Tekia passed up a note under Grace’s elbow, which she had resting on the arm of the desk.
How was summer break? Did you meet any cool boys? Look to your left. Okay, well he’s not looking now. Jared kept watching you write in your notebook. I think he’s checking you out. LOL! He’s so weird, huh? This needs to be diffterent from the rest of the story. Either color it or make it a different font so that we know that they are passing notes.Grace peeked to her left but Jared was writing down his transportation code and then passed his slip up. He caught her looking so he looked and smiled at her. Maybe he does have a chance to date her this year? He was contemplating what to say.

Weird? No he’s just quiet I guess. He gets into trouble a lot it seems. At least someone is checking me out! My boyfriend doesn’t care anymore. He’s always checking out other girls. I wish I had the guts to break up with him. He’s a tough guy too and if some other guy came along, he’d probably beat them up [color=#FF0000]as well out of anger. [/color]She passed the note back to Tekia. The bell rang to go to 1st period. Grace looked at her schedule.
“Where you headed?” Jared asked looking over her shoulder. At that time, Greg walked in toward Grace. He didn’t have a very friendly smile as he looked at Jared peeking over her shoulder.

“C’mon I’ll walk you to class sweetie.” he said roughly. Greg’s muscles intimidated Jared. Jared has muscles, but they weren’t like rocks staring back at him. Greg has a big tattoo that went down his right arm. It had some roses and R.I.P. in the middle of it. He also had that spiky black hair most tough guys thought was cool.
Grace picked up her books and followed Greg out of class. She didn’t get to answer Jared but she knew Greg would get jealous and cause a big fuss if she said anything to him. She smiled at Jared as she went out the classroom door.

“Too bad she has a tough boyfriend Jared. Maybe you’d have a chance then.” Tekia commented and started to head to the door.
“What makes you think I want her?”
“You were checking her out or at least thinking about her. I’m good at this stuff.”
Jared started to walk quickly to try and talk to Tekia. “Then if you’re so good at this stuff, what can I do to get to talk to her without the big jerk clinging to her?”
“I don’t know. She likes to go to the dairy bar on Main Street. Greg hates it. He says that would make his muscles deflate or something stupid like that.”Jared laughed. OK, you need to start using "He said" "She said" It's great that you separated them (the lines) from one another, but if you use those words it will make ofr less confusion. Lunchtime came quickly. The first day of school always went by fast because they hardly do any work on the first day. It’s mostly going over the syllabus in each class and expectations in the classroom, rules, and supplies needed for each class.
Jared stood in line and saw across the lunch room Grace and Greg holding hands. She seems happy with him but he’s such a bully. Sure I’m not much better, but she deserves someone who is nice and maybe cares for her. How could he care for her? He’s always looking at the cheerleaders.

Jared rambled on in his head contemplating his chances with Grace. Chicken rings for lunch? Yuck. As the lunch ladies call it – chicken chunks. Chicken chunks sound like such lovely, nasty, mushy crap.
Jared loaded his plate with the too small carton of milk, chicken rings, and some mashed potatoes and pears. He went and sat down at a table behind Greg and Grace. They didn’t get anything to eat yet so he was hoping they’d sit back at the same seat. They left their books. Jared had an idea. It was a secret and neat idea. He pulled out a piece of notebook paper and scribbling to cover up his handwriting, he wrote:

You deserve better than Greg. He’s a bully and always will be a loser. You deserve so much better, although you’re probably too good for me as well. I like you a lot. I’ve always had a thing for you and maybe this year we’ll get to know each other better. Keep wondering who I am because I’m keeping it secret – for now. Enjoy the nasty lunch – hope you don’t get sick. I like you so much and want to know you better. – Your Secret Admirer
Most students were still in the lunch line so Jared quickly slid the piece of paper into the front of her notebook, making sure it wouldn’t fall out by accident. He saw a note with his name on it and read it. It was the note Tekia wrote in homeroom. Jared smiled then quickly turned back around to his seat. Greg and Grace were inside the lunch line so they’d be out headed to their seats soon.

“So what I’m saying baby is we could go out to the movie, skip the movie, and do what we wanted to wherever you want.” Greg was obviously trying to get some personal attention.
“I don’t know Greg. I want to see the movie and what if mom asks me how it was? What if I tell her it was a good movie, then she watches it and it totally sucks? I can’t lie to my mom or step-dad. If you don’t want to watch the movie, don’t go. I’m a big girl. I over heard them talking saying something about buying me a car. SO hopefully I’ll get something for my birthday.”
“When was that again? I forgot sweets.”
“Next week. Friday. The 13th of September.”
“Sorry sweets. I forgot…again.” Greg said with a frustrated expression.
“Yeah, nothing new,” she complained under her breath. They ate lunch.

October You just said her birthday was in September! 13th. I need to talk to her before then. Somehow tell her happy birthday. Maybe tell her who admires her. What if she doesn’t even see the note? What if she really doesn’t care to like me and wants to be with Greg?
“Hey give me a piece of paper!” Demanded Greg.
“Why?” Grace opens her notebook. She sees a new note saying secret admirer at the bottom. She pulls out a piece of paper from the back, hiding the note. She knew not to let him see.
“Here’s my class schedule. I’ll know my work schedule by tomorrow hopefully.”
“Okay,” she hesitated. The bell rang to 5th period.

Grace and Jared had the rest of the classes together. Jared said no words to her the remainder of the day. He waited hesitantly on her to mention the letter to one of her friends. Seventh period came quickly for the first day of school.
Grace had her last period with Tekia. They sat next to each other in the drama classroom. Drama had a classroom and a stage area to use all to themselves. The teacher, Mr. Aaron Mitchell was a very dramatic person. He originally went to college to be an actor and ended up wanting to teach others how to act, knowing he’d make less money and never be in a movie. Live drama seemed to be more interesting to him. Jared sat behind Tekia and Grace’s table alone. There were an odd number of students in the class. A total of 21 students to be exact entered class. So being last to class, he sat behind Grace.

No Greg. Thank God!
“Hey how’s your day been girl?” Tekia asked as she sat down with Grace.
“Um…it’s gone by fast. You?”
“Fast for me too,” she paused, “what happened? Did Greg make you mad? You just look confused!”
“I have this letter,” she looked around and whispered. Jared was looking at his drama book. “It’s not from Greg. Or at least he didn’t write it. Unless he had a friend write it but I don’t think he’d do this…”
“DO WHAT?” Tekia was a little loud and caught some ears but class hadn’t started yet.
“It’s from a secret admirer.”
“Wow! Grace, find out who it is girl! Greg is not good enough for you. He’s such a jerk. This is your chance to get rid of him.”
They didn’t see, but Jared smiled ear to ear. He brushed his fingers through his hair and looked at Grace with a smile still on his face. She saw him.

Grace looked at him when she saw him look up. “Hey Jared,” she smiled with her face blood red.
“Hey,” he started.
“I know it’s the first day of school and everything but we have to get the ball rolling. This year we’re going to do Romeo and Juliet. It’s a big production so we will be working on it most of the year. We have time before starting on The Christmas Carol”. Mr. Mitchell began class. Jared couldn’t finish.
Mr. Mitchell stood at the front of class with his black hair slicked back wearing a black suit. He continued, “I want by the end of the day which characters you’d like to try out for. We will have understudies for this play. Volunteers if we need them who are not in drama. Put your name on the top, 7th period, and the character names of whom you’d like to try out for. If you need a copy of the play to remember the names, I have a couple here now. The rest I’ll have shortly once I bring them from home.

Jared quickly wrote down:
Jared Moore, 7th period, Romeo.
Please pick Grace for Juliet. I know it would be her dream to play that part.
Grace wrote down on her piece of paper:
Grace Maynard, 7th period, Juliet or Juliet’s mother.
I’ll be Juliet’s understudy if nothing else. J
“Pass up your papers when you’re done.” Mr. Mitchell paced back and forth and began collecting the papers from each row. Jared handed his to Grace as soon as she turned to him. As she turned back forward, she noticed his handwriting. She glared at it for a few seconds then passed it on up. Didn't she see what was written if she could she the hand writing?

Oh no! She will figure it out quick! What do I do now? Nothing I can do.
Near the end of the period, Mr. Mitchell let them have a few minutes to talk before the afternoon announcements.
Grace put her books in her backpack.
“Let me see the letter,” Tekia demanded.
“Here,” she pulled it out of her backpack. After Tekia read it she handed it back and smiled.
“Looks like you do have an admirer, any hints in the letter or any idea of who it might be?”
“Not really. Even if I recognized the hand writing, all guys write in that small, choppy, squiggly way.” They both giggled.
“Oh one more thing,” Mr. Mitchell added, “Make sure you can stay after school tomorrow to audition. We may not get everyone tomorrow, but I’d like to start anyway.” He looked at the papers glancing through them all. “Jared? Let me see you a minute please,” he sat down at his desk looking at his paper. Jared put his backpack on and went up to the desk.
He didn’t hear but Grace whispered to Tekia, “I think its Jared. He bumped into me this morning and I’m not sure what, but I felt something. Like I’m attracted to him and I want to know him more anyway as a friend.”

“You go girl. I won’t tell as soul! No worries there.”
“I don’t know for sure, but his hand writing does look like this letter. I wonder if he’ll write any more?”
“I wonder how long he’ll go before telling you if it is him or whoever it is! I wonder what parts he put down to audition for.”
“Hopefully Romeo. Do you remember in 4th grade when we had a talent show? Jared, Kim, Andy, Richard, and I put on a short version of Romeo and Juliet? We only kissed on the cheek but I remember telling him several times how I’d love to play Juliet in real life.”
“How romantic! If it is him, I hope he remembers 4th grade play. That’s so cool. Are you going to say anything to Greg?”
“No!” Grace shook her head with no hesitation.
Up at Mr. Mitchell’s desk, he talks to Jared about his picks. “So only Romeo huh?”
“Yeah. I know I can do it.”
“Why the extra comment?”
“She played Juliet in the 4th grade play. I know she has a real passion for drama like I do. She’d do great as Juliet.”
“We’ll see at the auditions won’t we?”
“Yes sir, you will!”

The bell rang for bus and driver dismissal. Jared slowly headed out to his car. He was in front of the two girls.
“So you think he’ll write tomorrow?”
“My secret admirer? I hope so. I can’t figure out who he is. Whoever it is, they must have our lunch or sat next to us somewhere.” I can’t sit behind her tomorrow at lunch and give her a secret note as well.
“That doesn’t really narrow it down unless you know everyone at your lunch.”
“Yeah, true. I don’t know almost 200 people.” She giggles.
“You riding the bus today? I am.” They didn’t live near each other.
“Yeah I suppose. My car is getting worked on.”
“I’ll give you a ride if you want,” Jared interrupted as they headed out the school doors to the parking lot.
“Um…yeah, okay. Sure Jared. Thanks.”
“Well I hope you hear from HIM!” Tekia winked at Grace.
Jared was looking toward his car.
“I’ll let you know. See you later.”
Don’t open her door. It's too obvious. Jared unlocked the drivers’ door and then unlocked the rest with the door button.
She went around for shotgun. They both climbed in and buckled up.

They waited in the car line to get to the highway.
“You still live on Sesame Drive?” Jared questioned.
“Yep. You got it. It's the same as always. I don’t think mom and dad will ever move. So I’m stuck ‘til I make it rich or get married,” then she mumbled, “my kind of luck.”
“It can’t be that bad?”
“Just over protective and nosey.”
“How old are you?”
“Almost eighteen.”
“Cool. We should hang out or something on your birthday.” He tried to play it cool and ignore the fact she did have a boyfriend.
“Yeah that’d be nice,” she answered him not mentioning Greg, “We could see a movie or something. Parents might have a party. I don’t know they haven’t mentioned anything. I’d have to call you. They have always had a family party before.”
“I’ll write my number down tomorrow,” Jared added. Finally, they made it to the highway. It was five minutes of highway driving, an exit, and then down one road to get to her house. His house was at the end of her street. They were always neighbors, but never hung out outside of school.
“So…you have a girlfriend this year?” She watched the road ahead and looked at the new cars passing by.
“Wish I could get away with speeding. I don’t even have a sports car. Ummm…oh! No, I don’t. Why?”
“I was just curious. We haven’t talked that much past few years.”
“Yeah, that’s true.”

Jared glanced at her then back to the road and the fast cars. He tried to be flirty in his voice but he knew he was no good at it.
Grace smiled thinking she knew he had to be the secret admirer. They happen to bump into each other; he is always near her when they’re in the same classroom, and he sounds nervous – not flirty.
“You can give me your phone number in drama tomorrow. That way Greg won’t get jealous.” Grace smiled and looked at him resting her head on the headrest. Seeing her in his peripheral vision, he grinned too still watching the highway.
“Exit 26B, we’re almost there,” he added.
“Yeah,” It was quiet the rest of the way to her house.
Jared pulled into her driveway and parked the car, still running the engine. He looked up at the garage doors then at Grace. “It’s a pretty nice house. I don’t blame your parents for staying here and not moving.”
“I know, but the town is boring. You know it is! We’re lucky to have a four-way stop. That’s how exciting this town is.”
“You’re an exciting person!” He whispered still looking at her.
Grace felt her face blush. Laughing she replied, “I suppose so. I think I’m pretty boring. You want to come in for a little bit? Maybe supper? Or do you have to go home?”
“I can call dad and see if he minds I’m not there for supper. Long as it’s ok with your folks?”
“Why not? I don’t bring boys home very often. Anyway, it would be a relief for them not bringing Greg here. I don’t think they like him.”

“What makes you think that?”
“They are constantly asking him questions like what he’s going to do in college, where he’s going, when is he going to get a job, blah, blah and blah! I’m their daughter and they don’t ask me!”
“Maybe they’re making sure he can support you incase you two married?”
Grace laughed out loud. Jared turned the engine off on the Camry.
“What’s so funny?” He laughed as well. Glad he made her smile.
“I don’t know about Greg. He’s different. Immature really. He acts all tuff and he’s not. Sure he works out but I think I’d laugh if I saw him fight a nerd. He doesn’t pick on them but you know what I mean? Physical fight.”
Grace’s dad Ronald came out on the porch crossing his arms. “Hey Grace. No yellow limo today?”
They both stood up out of the car and shut the doors. “Not today dad. You remember Jared Moore don’t you? From down the street?”
“I sure do, how are you son?” Son? We haven’t kept in touch that much. Maybe he still talks to dad?
“Okay Mr. Maynard. Okay for the first day of senior year.”
“Oh yes, senior year! You headed off to college after this year?”
“Yes I’m already looking. I’d sort of like something close. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see who accepts me and the best tuition price.”

“That’s good thinking! You know Greg? He wants to be a boxer!” Jared couldn’t help but laugh. He knew Greg but didn’t think he was that childish to think he could make a career from boxing. He wasn’t that in shape. Jared covered his mouth when he saw Grace’s smile disappear.
“Dad, can he stay for supper?”
“Sure honey, you two have homework to study already?”
“Well not yet, but we will for drama probably.”
“Let’s go in. It’s kind of warm out today.”
“Yes it is!” Jared and Grace both answered.
“Mom’s in the kitchen. I think there’s a good twenty minutes left before supper.”
Jared peeked in the kitchen and said hello to Tina Maynard, Graces’ skinny mom with blonde hair and green eyes. She was pretty, much like her daughter.
“You want to see my room? Maybe we can practice the parts we want for the play.”
“Do you have the script?”
“No but I remember much of it from –“
“- From when we performed it before?”
“Yeah,” Grace smiled. She turned and headed upstairs. She was getting nervous. She felt that she liked Jared, even if he wasn’t her secret admirer. He followed, naturally.

“Here it is, nothing special.” They walked in. He looked around at the not so girly room.
“Looks nice. Comfortable.”
“What’s your favorite part of the play?” She put her backpack down on the bed.
“Probably act 3. Where they first kiss.” I hope she remembers it. I remember it because she was my first kiss. Maybe I was her first kiss too?
Grace stood in front of Jared thinking hard looking at his face. She was trying to remember the script word for word. She scratched her head. He stood with his hands in his jean pockets as she ran her hands through her hair still thinking. Now grunting from frustration.
Uh...Then, window, let day in, and let life out,” She smiled looking up at Jared. He smiled in return.
“Farewell,” he continued and stepped closer to her acting out the play, “farewell, and farewell! One kiss, and I’ll descend.”
Grace stared at Jared. She felt in love. She felt like Juliet. “Art thou gone so? Love, lord, husband, friend! I…I must hear from thee every hour in the day, for in a minute there are many days: O, by the count I shall be much in years. Ere again behold my Romeo!”

Jared and Grace were close now, feeling each other’s breath on their faces. Jared reached up with his left hand, brushing her hair behind her ear.
“Farewell! I will omit no opportunity that may convey my greetings, love, to thee.”
Grace put her right hand on his left palm, her left hand up on his arm feeling his tight biceps, and looked at his lips. Jared watched her and looked at her lips as well, closing in shooting for a kiss. Right before their attempted kiss, Grace’s cell phone rang from her pocket. Jared startled and moved back, feeling like he had been caught.
“Hello?” She didn’t check the caller id. It was Greg.
“Where are you?” he asked concerned. She crossed her arms and still looked at Jared. Jared put his hand back in his pocket and just looked around quietly.
“I’m at home. Why? I thought you had to work today?”
“Not tonight. I’m going in to get my schedule. You busy or would you like some company?”
“Mom and dad are about to have supper. Neighbor over.”
“Oh, well, I guess I’ll do my homework then. DO you have much homework?”
“Nope. I’m going to study on Juliet Capulet for the play. I think I’ll get the part.”
“I hope you do too,” Greg coughed loudly into the phone. Grace quickly pulled her cell phone from the ear. Jared could hear the cough too. He slowly walked around the room waiting on the call to end. He sat on the edge of her bed. Greg continued, “is there something wrong? You’ve been quiet all day today. All summer you were really talkative. Today, you're hardly talking. What’s the deal?”

“What do you mean?” She was watching Jared, distracted. Jared looked back at her, waiting patiently.
“What I said. You’re too quiet for you. What’s up?”
“Nothing, it’s just been a long tiring day. I’ve got to go. It’s time for supper.”
“I guess I’ll call you tonight before bed? Around 9?”
“Okay. I’ll talk to you then,” Grace was not interested in talking to Greg. Not even looking forward to it tonight. Jared could hear everything they said to each other.
“Talk at you later Grace, love you,” Grace looked down at the carpet and her shoes.
“Uh talk to ya then honey, bye.”
“…Bye.”

Jared smiled when she looked back up at him. “What?” she asked.
“Nothing. Why didn’t you tell him I was here?”
“Too much drama would have arisen from the depths of his Earth! He’s always jealous. I like to have peaceful evenings without him sometimes.”
“I understand,” he sighed, “if I had a boyfriend I’d want breaks from him too.” They both laughed. “Of course, I’d never have one.” Jared shrugged and stood up.
“Supper is about ready! Wash up guys! What do you want to drink?” They headed downstairs and washed up for supper.
“I’ll take a tea that’s fine.”
“Me too mom!” Grace decided.
“Okay, everyone settle,” she finished.
“Jared, I called your dad and let him know you were here,” Mr. Maynard spoke up.
“Oh thanks! I forgot to call them and let them know. I appreciate it.”
“No problem,” everyone sat down to eat. Jared shared a piano stool with Grace. Their elbows rubbed every time they moved. It didn’t take long for them to adjust and be comfortable.
Mrs. Maynard gave everyone a glass of ice and poured some sweet tea in the glasses before she sat down.
They all caught up on what has been going on in the Moore and Maynard houses while they ate some delicious ham, green beans, mashed potatoes, and rolls. Once everyone seemed full and talked for a little bit longer, Mrs. Maynard stood up and excused herself. Soon, she returned with a freshly baked pecan pie. Yum!

“Wow, you trying to stuff me Mrs. Maynard?”
“No Jared, of course not. We like you!” They all laughed in agreement.
Grace couldn’t help it but keep thinking of Jared rubbing her arm by accident as they ate. She felt silly to pig out in front of him but she was starving. Chicken chunk lunch doesn’t stay on your stomach long. Grace also felt nervous. She was nervous like a little girl climbing onto her first big roller coaster or on stage alone to perform with the spotlight on her.
“Let me have your plates now. Here are some saucers for dessert.” She handed the saucers to Jared and he gave them out to Grace and her father, “Thank you,” Jared commented.
She headed back to the kitchen. Jared elbowed Grace on purpose in a flirty way. She smiled and blushed.

“What honey?” Her dad asked.
“Nothing dad,” Grace replied. Once her dad was looking down at the pie again, she elbowed him back in the ribs making him cough. Jared looked at her and grinned wide.
Jared was there nearly all evening, forgetting about needing to study for the drama play, which he knew pretty well anyway. They played a couple games of spades and hearts before Jared realized it was almost midnight.
“Jared wins again!” Grace declared. She kept score of all the games.
“Dad we should keep a record sheet. Put who won, who played, the date, and what we played, and the score.”
“Sure that sounds fun. Makes it more challenging.”
“I guess I better head home. It’s almost midnight. I can’t believe how much time flies when you’re doing things you enjoy. Why can’t school go by this quick?” He looks at Grace, still sitting at the table.

“I wish it would go by quicker, except drama.”
“True. I enjoy that class. Study hall is okay, but boring. It does drag. Uh, you need me to help you with anything Mrs. Maynard?”
“No Jared, everything is good. I’m going to let the dishwasher do all the work tonight.”
“Yeah maybe we can study some more Shakespeare this weekend Jared?”
“Sure! I’m available so far.” Jared stands up to stretch and leave. Grace follows him to the front door.
“So, you riding the bus tomorrow?”
“I suppose. NO use wasting my parents’ gas and having to fill it back up. I have to save my allowance to try and help pay for my car fixings.”
“You want a ride? I don’t mind since we live so close. Unless Mr. Jealous would have an issue with that?”
“I don’t really care what he thinks anymore. We are neighbors, and best friends, and I…REALLY hate riding the bus.” Grace gently punched Jared in one arm.

“Well good night Grace. I’ll pick you up about 7.”
“Seven! Seven?”
“Yeah I want to show you something before school.”
“What?”
“It’s a surprise.”
“I guess so. I won’t guarantee I’m awake then but mom will be up so you can ring the doorbell if anything else.”
“Okay. I’ll just sit in the car and honk uncontrollably and drive everyone insane!”
“Whatever,” she rolls her eyes at him.
“Good night Grace,” he says with a smile.
“Good night Jared,” she smiles back.

He quickly headed out to the Camry and started it up. Jared looked at the front door and Grace stood watching him. They waved to each other with a smile.
After he drove off, she shut the door. Her mom commented, “You know we love that boy!”
“I know mom, I’m beginning to have a crush on him. He’s nice and we finally have some of the same classes together. We really haven’t been able to talk since 5th grade.” She didn’t want to tell her mom she was falling in love with him.
“What does Greg think about him giving you a ride?”
“He doesn’t know. I think the less he knows the better.”
“Well just stay honest and don’t lie to him. Especially Jared.”
“Thanks mom. I don’t know how much longer Greg and I will last. I keep catching myself thinking of Jared. I know we just started back to school today, but Jared helped me find a couple of my classes, he’s in my drama class which is a major plus, and I forgot!”

“What did you forget?”
“I got a letter from a secret admirer. I think it’s Jared but I don’t want him to know I think it’s him. Know what I mean?”
“Yeah,” she laughed.
“The note is romantic and I don’t know. In drama we wrote down some things, turned them in, and his handwriting is similar to the note.”
“Could be him, or he’s writing it for a friend, keep that in mind too!”
“Yeah, you’re right mom,” suddenly, “oh shoot!”
“What?”
“I left my phone upstairs on the bed. I bet Greg tried to call. He said he was going to call around 9.”
“Go check but wait until tomorrow. It’s too late to bother him now. He might be sleeping.”
“Yeah, you’re right,” she sighed, “good night mom. I love you.”
“I love you too honey,” she hugged Grace.

The next couple of days went quickly. Jared picked Grace up at 7 a.m. like he said and took her to another road that led up a hillside. They watched the sunrise across the city.
Grace didn’t have many chances to talk with Jared except in drama and the free rides to and from school in his Camry. Soon, the next secret admirer letter showed up – at lunchtime again.
Greg was absent. He seemed to be catching the flu. Jared sat across from Grace with two tables in between. He hadn’t realized Greg was absent or he might have sat with Grace. She didn’t seem to notice where he sat. Cheerleaders and other students with whom she usually didn’t communicate surrounded her. Jared watched her as she read the letter:
Hello beautiful! I want to tell you who I am. However, then it wouldn’t be a secret would it? Are you enjoying these letters or do you love Greg so much that you’d rather be left alone? Let me know. If you want to keep getting letters, look up now and stand up, look around, and sit back down.

Grace peeked around and saw Jared watching her but kept glancing around him like she didn’t notice. She stood up, looked around for a couple of minutes, and returned to finish the letter.
If you stood up, you just made me very happy. I’m glad that you have higher hopes than Greg. I never could stand him much. Always annoying, boasting about himself and how superior he is than others. He did in junior high school. Write me back. Here’s how to get it to me: Give the note to Mr. Mitchell, he won’t read it, and I will get it from him at the end of the day, sometime. It’s hard to be a secret admirer! I don’t know what to say to keep my identity secret and let you learn about me at the same time. Please tell me your hopes and dreams, what type of guy you want to have for yourself – don’t say ‘someone like Greg’. I know you better than that. Always yours – Secret Admirer. P.S. Don’t worry, I’ve talked to Mr. Mitchell and he’s ok with this secretive note thing.

word- I would cut this form the story
word- add/change words
word- my notes/thoughts
word- highlights/pointing something out.


It was a good story overall, just had a lot of mistakes. You need to start using he said/she said. And try to separate your paragraphs, and when the characters are thinking/writing note you need to find a way to separate those from therst of the story. But good job all things considered. Keep writing!

HorsebackWriter

Thanks for the review! I have changed the novel some and indentent the notes and italicized them so I can see them easier. Thanks for the review I will look at the other edits and things too! Thanks for the input!