PART 2: I AM EDITING TODAY 4-1-11 AND TRYING TO MAKE SURE I SEPERATE PARAGRAPHS AND ITALICIZE AND INDENT NOTES. I HAVE IN THE DOCUMENT BUT WHEN I POST IT DOESN'T KEEP IT ON HERE HOW I HAVE IT. SO IF I MISSED SEPERATING A PARAGRAPH OR INDENTING A NOTE, DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT I HAVE IN THE STORY. THANKS ALSO, FROM THE REVIEWS ON MY FIRST PART, I AM GOING TO GO THROUGH THE REST TODAY AND ADD SOME HE SAID SHE SAID WITH SOME CONVERSATIONS BUT U CAN POINT THEM OUT IF U WANT. THEY WILL NOT SHOW HERE YET.
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?”
