Chapter One: Five Minutes of Fame

This is the first chapter of the book 'A Sweet Surrender'. This chapter contains the main character, Addison King, having to go through being at a new school. She will have her five minutes of fame while being the new girl.

Chapter One: Five Minutes of Fame

The morning air seemed thin and distant this morning, I had just stepped out to walk peacefully towards my car. Ahh, the sweet smell of New York smog. The thick odor had drifted from the city itself a few miles away. This was Lebanon. The town I had been born in, but not raised. I had grown up in a small town in Tennessee since I was about three years of age, it was called London, but not the one in England. My mother had told me I was supposed to start over here and make new friends. I knew no one. A normal story. The new girl comes to town and she is and automatic outcast. I know, this story has been told a million times, but I thought mine would be different.

My new life here wouldn’t be the same as back in London. I had a strange accent compared to everyone here. Most people here made fun of what they called hicks and I was nothing but a farm girl. I had raised hogs, horses, chickens. You name it and I raised it. I thought over all these things today as I crawled into my car, pulling out of the driveway. I’d have to abandon saying ‘ya’ll’ and saying other down home like sayings. Or I would be ostracized. Oh, sweet Lord, my life was going to be different. Back in London school started at 8:30. Here it starts at 7:30. What a jump. I’d have to get up an hour earlier than I usually did. Even on the farm I didn’t get up this early.

The school was large here too. Near 300 kids in my class alone. I was a sophomore and it seemed like I’d never be a senior. I was a smart girl. I usually got A’s and B’s. The occasional C, but that’s expected of every usual high school student who isn’t a genius. If I thought that the amount of kids was large the parking lot was definitely. It could fit nearly a thousand cars if needed. My old school had only fit about 100 and even then there were empty spaces. Everywhere. There were cars of all different sizes and shapes. Makes and models. You could tell that there were some mildly rich kids that went to this school, considering their cars were Escalades and Convertibles. Well, this little blue pinto gets me everywhere just fine so no need to complain.

I knew right when I walked into that school that today was going to interesting. It was only about 8:15 and yet there were tons of students roaming the halls. The office wasn’t so hard to find, but the secretary was quite annoying. Asking me tons of questions just to hear my darn, southern accent. No one knew how badly I wanted to lose it. It would help me fit in if I had a normal accent. I tried to leave the office as quick as I could, searching aimlessly for my locker. Took me a long time, I was nearly late. I threw my jacket inside and my book bag. Leaving all the crud there after sliding my phone into my pocket. I needed it so I could text. The worst thing about moving was leaving behind David. He was my life and my love. I had promised to text him as much as I could.

My first class would be Spanish III. I had qualified for that class, though most transfer students got sent to Spanish I. There were nearly thirty students in the class, crammed into desks that sat barely two feet apart. There was only one seat open that I saw and it was in the front what. Just my luck. I sat down nervously, trying to avoid the burning stares that surrounded me. No one had even said hello yet. Then, there came a sudden tap upon my shoulder. It was the student behind me. I turned around slowly, trying to hide my fear,.

It turned out to be this boy, dark brown hair and amazing brown eyes to match. He was gorgeous to say the least. Probably a cheerleader’s boyfriend. He began to talk, introducing himself as Gary. He went on to talk about himself, I was glad so I wouldn’t have to show off my accent. Then, a sudden sound came from the door of the classroom. Three blonde girls walked in. They were dressed in nearly matching outfits. Skirts, weird cotton sweaters, etc. Must have been the ’mean’ girls. I let out a rough sigh, looking towards Gary and in my country accent spoke, “Who are they?” My hand lifted to point towards the three girls.

He responded quickly, but in a hushed tone, “Those are the ’Zing” girls. I wouldn’t mess with them if I were you.” He then looked towards them, was he afraid of them as well? Even though he was probably popular as well. What power the girls held. It amazed me. They walked to the back of the classroom, making three people move out of seats so they could sit. The three people just kind of stood around, not enough desks? Seems the class was over filled. The teacher strolled in right as the bell rang, speaking loudly to the class. He was apparently Mr. Holt. He looked like he was on okay guy, but she wasn’t sure yet.

He looked down towards his desk before he looked up, eyes straight on me. All I could think was, Oh crap. This wasn’t going to be good.

“It seems we have a new student. Ms. King.” He pointed a hand towards her. “Please stand, Ms. King.”

I stood slowly, nervously looking around. I could feel the sweat accumulating upon my hands. He asked me to tell everyone about myself. Here comes the accent I though. “My name is Addison King. I’m from London, Tennessee.” I tried to stop there but he kept asking questions, he then decided to let the rest of the class ask questions. Out of no where someone asked me to say ‘ya’ll’. What a thing to ask.

I simply said it and sat down, everyone had finished interrogating me. Finally. My phone vibrated in my pocket, probably David. When Mr. Holt turned around to write on the board I looking down at the screen as it peeked out of my pocket. It was David. It said, “Morning, Sunshine.” I smiled to myself, hurrying to send a message then looking up at the board, Mr. Holt turned around right as I slid the phone back into my pocket. Phew, that was close. Every once in a while Gary or Mr. Holt would ask me a question in Spanish, letting me in answer with near perfect grammar. Even I was surprised. I was relieved as the bell rang. My schedule was my guide today, my next class was Marine Biology. Time to reintroduce myself. I let out another sigh as I stepped into the new classroom, searching for a seat.

This time there was a seat in the back. Yes! I sat in it immediately so that no one else could take it, I had picked up a book that I had left in my backpack, pulling it open to my bookmark where I could disappear to a mystical, medieval time. But no shorter than opening the page was someone talking to me. I looked up, it was Gary. He was surprised to find me here. We talked for a few minutes, though he did most of the talking. I tried to send another message to David before the teacher came in, just barely making it before she stepped in. Mrs. Ash. Well, would she ask her to introduce herself as well? Nope, she just announced that I was there and went on with class. There was another kid to my right that decided to talk to me. Probably out of pity for my friendless life form. His name was Cameron. He was a sweet guy, he was the same age as me, and we had quite a few classes together. I might as well make friends with him. He let me talk most of the time, though there wasn’t much to talk about. He told me that my accent was cute and I swore that I blushed. No it wasn’t was what I had told him but he protested. I had a little giggle fit before the teacher looked at us sternly. Oops. We laughed it off and soon class was over. Wow, did I even learn anything?

I carried off the new Marine Biology book to my locker, Cameron in heel. My next class was a free period, like study hall. I decided to try and read again, hoping it would go well. The teacher never really paid attention so I decided to text David while I had the chance. He told me that he missed me and that school was different without me. As usual, we both missed each other. We had decided to give the long distance relationship thing a try. Hoping that it would work out. I couldn’t think of myself without him. He was nearly perfect. Sweet blue eyes and soft brown colored hair. He also had a small fluff of hair on his chin, a soul patch of sorts. He was so cute with his little goatee thing I used to sit and scratch at it for hours, just to entertain myself.

People began to get a little loud in the classroom so I closed my book, looking around. A lot of sophomores in here. There were a couple of juniors and seniors, probably the slackers that weren’t in AP courses or in a vocational. They also seemed paired off. A girl and a boy. Couples. Now I missed David even more. He had been my life back in London, I wished I could go back to him. All of a sudden Cameron appeared by my side, he rested in the chair next to me. We talked for a while longer. These classes seemed so long. I wanted to just go home, but I still had another 4 classes not including lunch. Though that should be a class because you have to make an educated guess on what you are eating. Seriously.

I had disappeared to the empty library, browsing the many books. This library was huge. Twice as large as the library back home. I began to hum to occupy my mind to keep away unwanted thoughts, like about missing David. Was that all I could think about? It seemed so. I turned a book case bumping into a brick wall of muscle. I stumbled back. It was a person. More importantly an angel! He was amazing. He was so tall and masculine, he had a chiseled chin and thick cheekbones. He had medium length hair that was as black as night. His eyes were a jade green, a mesmerizing color. I apologized immediately, “Sorry. Excuse my clumsiness.”

He just kind of chucked at me softly, though it was quite breath taking, “Don’t worry.” He looked me over for a moment, what a day to wear sweatpants and an old t-shirt. His hand slowly slipped forward as he rested three books into his other hand.

“I’m Ethan.” He said.

“I’m Addison.” I reverently replied.

“It’s nice to meet you. Are you new here?” He questioned.

“Sort of. I used to live here when I was little. My mother and I just moved back.” I blushed slightly.

He let out a chuckle. At what? “I could tell you weren’t from here. Your accent is quite… refreshing.” He smiled.

“Refreshing. Most people here would call it annoying.” I admitted.

“Not me. I find the other voices here annoying, your accent is a change.” He chuckled once again, making me blush a bit. What was with this boy? He was so amazing. I looked towards the books he was going to read, Wuthering Heights. A good selection. I looked up to his face again as he browsed the books, what beautiful eyes. I turned slowly beginning to walk away. He stopped me.

“What class do you have next, Addison?” He asked.

“Uh,” I looked down at my schedule, “English.”

“Me too. Want to walk with me?” He seemed hopeful.

“Sure.” You can show me to the room. I let out a short giggle. Wow, did that sound corny? Maybe.

He smiled, dimples appearing upon both of his cheeks. How cute! This boy got better by the second. Then I remembered David. I quickly texted him before Ethan and I disappeared down the hallway. He had thrown his arm around my shoulder, he smelled of Axe. The chocolate scent. He wore a large black hoodie that looked comfortable. He could probably feel me shiver, because he pulled off his sweater, revealing part of his muscular torso. He slowly handed it to me.

“If your cold.” He smiled, the dimple appearing again.

“Thanks.” I slid it on as he held my books, the sleeves pretty long.

“You look cute.” He made me blush. Again.

We stepped into English, two seats were open in the back, turning out to be near a few of Ethan’s friends. None of them as gorgeous as he was. They all talked to me, though I paid attention to Ethan the most. The teacher asked a few questions to our little talkative group, all of us getting the questions right. We were just that good. It was nice to have made a group of friends. Even if I was the only girl in the group. The English class turned out to be reading Pride and Prejudice. I began to recite it word for word, Ethan joining in.

“My favorite book of all time.” He smiled.

“Mine too.” I giggled, adding a short giggle at the end. I blushed in embarrassment.

All he did was chuckle and look back to his book. This boy was amazing. I pulled out my phone, looking at the picture of me and David as the background. My curly brown hair covering up part of my cheeks from the bushiness. I decided that tomorrow I would straighten my hair before I came to school. It would make me look a little more put together. And I would definitely would not wear sweatpants, but I would keep the sweatshirt. Ethan’s sweatshirt. That sounded kind of funny.

When it was time for lunch Ethan threw his arm around my shoulder again, we were getting pretty close though I never forgot about David. We sat together at a table, waiting for his friends. I curled my arms up into the sleeves. Shivering again. He gently prodded my side with his finger. I let out a soft giggle forcing my hip to shift away from him.

“Quit. I’m ticklish.” Bad thing to say.

He threw his arms around me holding me tightly so that I couldn’t move. His fingers worked against my sides, making me giggle loudly, catching the attention of a few people in the cafeteria. He was so much fun. His friends finally came to sit with us when we were about to leave. We decided to stay for a while longer. There were three of his friends that were around me. Devon, Eric, and Seth. They were all a lot of fun. Cracking jokes and not caring what people thought. It was fun to have confident friends. My accent amused them all, especially Ethan. Remembering that he thought it was refreshing. Every once in a while I would see Cameron and wave, though he wouldn’t wave back.

Quiet fell upon the hall as the ‘Zing’ girls approached. They were heading straight for her.

“Are you Addison King?” That was the lead girl, I later found out her name was Mandy.

“Yes.” I quietly replied, Ethan’s arm still around me.

“No wonder everyone thinks your weird. You hang out with these freaks.” She cackled, her friends cackling as well.

“They’re not freaks, ya’ll are the freaks.” Darn accent.

“Awh. And are you a hillbilly?” She cackled again.

Ethan patted my arm, gently pulling me along. “Forget about her.” He pushed me along, not letting me look back. People were so mean here. Back in London everyone was accepted, especially if they were a new student. Ethan soothed her for the moment and all of them thanked her for standing up for them. Not many people had done that. Eventually there was a class of mine that Ethan wasn’t in and I sat alone, the scent of chocolate Axe reaching my nose every once in a while from the jacket. Many of the teachers didn’t even bother to introduce me now. Not caring. David began to constantly text me. I realized, I hadn’t texted back in forever. I hurriedly replied, apologizing and staring a new conversation.

It seemed he really missed me when my best friend from London texted me, Emily. It said something about that she saw David with another girl. Carly. She was a girl that he had dated before. Emily had to give her the news that he was cheating on her the first day of her new school? What a wonderful day…

Classes rushed by now as I thought about David. We had been together for over a year and I had been practically addicted to him. Ethan caught up with me, looking down at my face seeing the pain. He asked what was wrong.

“My boyfriend is cheating on me back home.” I sniffled.

“That’s just like a guy.” He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close to his chest.

“I know.” I sobbed softly as his hand smoothed over the back of my hair, making me feel a bit better. It was nice to have someone to confide in here. His friends kind of left us alone as we walked out to the parking lot. He walked me all the way to my car, waiting a few minutes outside my door before he walked away. I pulled out, speeding off home. What car was that behind me? A small black firebird. I didn’t know until it pulled into the driveway across from my house. I parked and got out, leaning in again to pick up my book bag. I looked over towards the driveway and there was Ethan. He lived so close? I smiled brightly, waving as he waved as well. I disappeared into the house, rushing upstairs to my room. My mother wouldn’t be home until around six so I had some free time. I looked out my window and Ethan was still out in his driveway. He was talking to Seth who had ridden with him. She changed into a pair of jeans and an old t-shirt before she ran outside, pulling on Ethan’s sweatshirt as she rushed across the street, stepping onto Ethan’s driveway.

“Hey guys.” I smiled.

They both smiled in return, in unison they said, “Hey.”

Ethan invited me into the house and I followed, might as well. I didn’t have to be home till six. We went up to his bedroom and hung out. Surfing the net and listening to minute. I laid upon his bed, looking over the many posters. They were of bands. Avenged Sevenfold and such. Ethan came over and jumped on top of me, tickling my sides as Seth joined in. I giggled loudly, every so often a snort erupting. Which they laughed at. Pretty soon in was fifteen minutes to six. I rushed home and sat in the living room, flipping through some channels upon the television. My mom got there about six, right on schedule. She went into the kitchen and cook some TV dinners, bringing them into the living room so we could eat and watch some shows. We hadn’t spent much time together since we had moved, she had a hard work schedule and I usually was doing other things.

When dinner was over I went up stairs, opening the curtains to my room I could see Ethan’s house, the light in his room was on. He walked by the window every so often. I sat at my desk which faced the window, turning on some music I began to play on my laptop. I looked over at Ethan’s window. Was he dancing? He had given me his IM address so I decided to use it. I added him and sent him a quick message.

“Nice moves. :]” I had said.

He replied quickly, “Thanks. Wanna show me some?”

I giggled, shaking my head, “That’ d be a painful site.”

He waved from his window before I said good night. I disappeared to the shower and got ready for bed. I had to set my alarm for an earlier time so I could straighten my hair. I wanted to look good for Ethan. He was my new crush. As if anyone couldn’t tell. I laid down in bed, thinking. The music from my iPod was still playing as I finally fell to sleep, setting a theme song for each of my many dreams about Ethan. There were quite a few actually.

Reviews

[Ashley Holtzman]

I like this story too. I wish we had guy ffriends that were that nice on the first day of school ;)) But yeah, I like this one, just like the rest of 'em, as usual. Who wouldnt? Unless they were hypocrytical idiots. lol. Louvs the story, keep writing!!!