Chasing Chase

Chasing Chase

Chapter 1

London

September 9th 2012

I've stared at this photo for as long as I can remember, (3 years, 2 days, 14 hours, 34 minutes to be exact). I know every freckle, every hair, every crease and curve on his body, (well the parts I can see at least). I wouldn’t label it as obsessing- I just call it love. Good ol' fashioned, make-your-knees-weak, body tingles, heart fluttering, love. This photo is close to falling apart; I’ve actually done some serious repairs to it. Maybe I should get it laminated, that'll make it last forever. Okay, now I see, I'm obsessing. There's a song playing in the background, I think its Christina Perri, "One step closer. I have died everyday waiting for you. Darlin’ don't be afraid I have loved you for a thousand years...” Wow, pretty perfect for right now.

"Thanks iTunes for playing the soundtrack to my life!"

Oh, you'd like to know his name? I've actually only said it out loud four times.

Once in the hallway at school he dropped something out of him pocket while walking. He reached into his left back pocket (not that I was looking anywhere near that region). A folded up notebook paper shaped like a triangle, fell straight to the floor, (I think the boys play "football" with them). I quickly scooped it up and ran towards him, speaking before he even turned around.

"Chase, um, you dropped this, uh, okay bye". I spun around and walked away so fast he probably didn’t even know it was me; not that he knows I exist anyways.

Another time I said his name out loud was in Miss Drapers class, freshman year. I was standing in the back towards the window and as he came into class the students erupted into a joyous chord of "Happy Birthday". I don't even know if that time technically counts because I barely said it above a whisper; I was too entranced with his gorgeous smile. You can’t blame me; it’s breath taking in every sense. When he's really happy it reaches his eyes, which also light up. I can tell when it’s a fake one too; I've studied it from afar for a very long time.

There was also the time and the only time, at a baseball game of his. It was sophomore year and I was sitting behind the cheerleaders. I was with my two best friends, and twins, Eisley and Emery. The cheerleaders went into a chant to our relief pitcher, which happen to be Chase, "Put in our Ace, bring out Chase!" On the third chant I said it along with them, hoping to god he'd come running out of the dugout with his 1000-watt smile. At that moment my voice decided to betray me. It came out more like a squeak than anything resembling a coherent tune but like I said, first and last time.

Last but not least, was two and half years ago when I told my two best friends that I was head over heels for the guy.

"Oh no, him?" Eisley answered.

"Seriously, he so smug!" replied Emery, scrunching her nose.

They were both looking at me like I just told them I was in love with a blood-sucking vampire!

"Oh, he's not that bad, he’s just, particular.” I remarked.

"Well, I suggest using a nickname, so we can talk about him whenever we want." advised Emery.

"Yeah, like dumbass or shit-head or even Mr. Heartthrob." Eisley listed, putting her hands over her heart and fluttering her eyelashes.

I have a nickname for her, pain-in-my-ass!

"No, no, something more conspicuous like Lefty or Blondie." Said Emery.

She was referring to him being left-handed and he was a dirty blond.

"No, even more secret like, I don't know, Slingshot." I announced.

"YES!" My two best friends rang in corresponding cries.

That is the day his weird, but fitting nickname began.

Before I talk about me, I'll tell you the quick story of how I literally bumped into Chase Reed. It was the very first day of high school and I was in a rush to get to homeroom. It was a rainy morning, not that its uncommon, I mean it is Oregon. It just seem to put a damper on the already uncomfortable first day of freshman year. As I climbed out of moms SUV, almost tripping on my book bag. My mom yelled to me to have a great day and that high school years are to be cherished. "You only get them once dear, make the best of it". She knew I was not looking forward to high school. I ran into the double doors to Centennial High trying to stomp my feet of the excess water, from the now pouring rain. I turned the corner running, carefully maneuvering my not-so-graceful body to room 103, but ineffectively slipping anyways. It was sort of like I was gliding slash ice-skating towards homeroom. As I tried to balance myself by reaching for the wall I looked up to see this tall, dirty blond, green-eyed, beautiful male species also gliding slash ice-skating right towards me. It seemed like forever, but it was a mere 2.6 seconds until the actual collision happen. My shoulder crashed with his lower rib cage sending a big unattractive "oomph" from my mouth. I can’t complain a whole lot because being as smooth as he is; he barely thought anything of it, catching me easily in a one-armed side hug. With that, he held the door open for me and we never spoke of the incident again. To be honest we don't talk at all, ever. That is the day I started chasing Chase.

So now that you know the short story of the few times Chase's name has made an appearance from my lips, I'll introduce myself. I'm London, (yes, you said that right, London like the city in England). Last name Meyer. Seriously, my mom was high on pain pills the day she delivered me. Hazel eyes, shoulder length strawberry-blond hair, petite build, nothing fancy here. Just me, London Meyer, newly instated senior. I'm seventeen, well tomorrow is my birthday, only three more hours to go, but who's counting. I roll over on my bed blindly searching my dresser for my stereo remote.

"I need something a little more upbeat Chris Carraba, something that doesn't make me so damn sad".

Clicking the 'next' button on my remote, the sweet, sweet, sounds of Brandon Boyd's voice come blasting through my speakers, 'wish you were here', so true. I would love to have Chase with me, here at midnight, ringing in my birthday. That would truly be a gift in itself. I don't know if I could actually put together a sentence if he were really here, but we could be looking up at the stars from my patio, sitting close together (not speaking) and I would be so happy.

It's weird loving some one from afar; trying to be secretive all the time while catching glimpses of the boy you truly can’t take your eyes off of. It’s a daunting and tiresome task, but well worth it to discover a new habit of his or what he's doing over the weekend.

“Londoooon! Mom wants to see you down stairs, now!” My little sister Belle exclaims.

She always seems to be interrupting my daydreams. She turned seven a few weeks ago and she act all superior now, like she’s that much closer to being Queen or something.

“Okay, I’ll be there in just a minute” I reply.

I roll out of my bed with an exaggerated sluggishness, huffing and puffing louder than I should of. I stomp down the stairs to the kitchen where my mom is chopping onions. She turns around with tears in her eyes, but her smile is full of love, as always. I come up from behind her laying my chin on her shoulder and peeking over at the chopping board.

“You know I don’t like onions, Mom.” I sulk.

“Well Londy, their not for you,” she replies sarcastically. “It’s for a party tomorrow. I have a small cocktail soiree for the Thompsons’, it’s in the early evening. Don’t worry, I’ll be home for your birthday dinner honey.”

“Are you making lemon bars and macaroons?” I ask, even though I know the answer.

“Just like every year baby.”

“You rock mom.”

My mom Tammie is a pretty popular caterer in Gresham. She sticks to small parties during the week so she can have dinner with Belle and I. I very rarely see her out of this kitchen, always prepping for her next event. It’s crazy how organized she is, I like a little chaos, maybe I got that from my dad. She mostly works alone and she’s a really hard worker, but when it gets busier around the holidays she pays Max and Antonio to do the heavy lifting. They are so fun to be around, Alexandro is an older Spanish gentleman, he’s always kissing my hand telling me I’m going to grow up to be as beautiful as my mother. Max is really quiet; he’s a senior at University of Western States, he’s going to be a Chiropractor when all is said and done. He loosens up after a few beers; sometimes he even lets me have one. I don’t like the bitter taste, but I do love that tingly warm feeling after you take the last drink.

“Are Eisley and Emery coming over for dinner tomorrow?” Mom asks.

“I’m pretty sure, they haven’t missed one yet.”

“Good, they’re really funny to watch, always bickering at one another like an old married couple.”

“Yah, the other day they got into it over who was going to wear blue that day.” I scoff.

“Oh man, if only our problems were that simple huh.”

“Mom can I ask you something?”

“Anything, my love.”

“What was dad’s favorite birthday meal?”

“Oh honey, he loved it all, but his all time favorite was homemade chicken pot pie with sweet potatoes. He used to top it off with sour cream. He was a weird one!” Mom laughs lightly.

“Can we have that next year? I’ll even help cut the sweet potatoes.”

“Whatever you want London, it is after all, your birthday.”

I kiss her on the cheek while telling her thank you. She always knows just what to say.

I always dread the first day of school. I get the same butterflies and I feel like my heart is in my throat. To top it all off it’s my birthday as well and I always get so anxious, though I have no clue why, nothing ever happens that’s not expected.

At least it’s warm today, when the weather permits Eisley and Emery and myself like to walk to school. It’s 7:09 am, as I take one last look in my full-length mirror. I’m actually happy with what I see. I had a little growth spurt over the summer so I’m now officially 5’6’’. I’m also curvy in all the right spots now, thank you hormones! I’m wearing my new sea foam green jeans, a simple white tee and some really soft suede white slip-ons. I also just got a new haircut, it’s the shortest it’s been since I was a little girl, but I really like it. It stops just above my shoulders, straight, but not flat, I’ve got a lot of volume thanks to mom. I’m carrying a messenger bag instead of my usual backpack this year. I figured since I’m a senior I may as well dress the part. I make my way down stairs and grab a pop tart and a bottle of water. At about 7:15 I head over to Eisley and Emery’s house, they live three doors down and I let myself in as usual.

“Em? Eisley? Where are you? We gotta get going!” I shout up the stairs.

“Were coming!” One of them calls, I think Emery.

I can tell them apart when they’re standing in front of me, but their voices are eerily alike. The twins both have long brown hair, Emery always has hers down in light flowing curls that come to about mid-chest. Eisley usually wears hers up in a really sophisticated bun, with a few strands coming out delicately around her face; they are both naturally pretty. Emery is wearing a black skirt that comes mid-thigh and flows like an upside down flower on her petite frame. She’s wearing black tights and a gray, form-fitting v-neck shirt. As well as her not so in-expensive black boots, she adores. Eisley is wearing dark colored skinny jeans with a red and gray striped sweater, she has on slip-on like me, but hers are all black. She’s wearing her new square-framed glasses, which make her look very smart. They both come barreling down the stairs right towards me. They embrace me in a hug, jumping up and down, singing happy birthday right in my ear.

“Do you feel older? You look good babe. Skinny jeans are your thing!” exclaims Emery. “This might be your year, I can feel it in my bones Londy.”

“What are you talking about, you’re not making any sense Em.” I reply.

“You don’t know?” Adds Eisley

“No, what’s going on?”

“Slingshot and Reese, they broke up, how do you not know this?” Emery explains, shaking her shoulders at me.

“Um, and you’re just telling me this?”

“We thought you would have heard, haven’t you been on Facebook?” asks Eisley.

“No, my computer is acting stupid, I have to get it fixed. They aren’t together anymore? Are you sure?” I declare.

“Yeah it came up in my feed last night. Evan posted a comment on new ‘single’ status, asking him if he was alright and Chase replied, ‘never better, bro’.” Eisley explains to me, “I mean, he’s actually happy it’s over with, well, that’s what it sounds like it at least.”

“Wow, I don’t know what to say,” I reply, “just wow.”

I turn around reaching for the doorknob, “Let’s go, I have a lot to digest”.

Emery and Eisley lead the way to school, which is only about a mile away. I trail along in the back, barely listening to the twin’s conversation; I’m too focused on my new predicament. Reese and Chase have been together since ninth grade, I guess they met during spring break in Newport. Coincidentally both of their families have beach houses there. I was really bummed when I found out, but who was I to say anything, the guy barely makes eye contact with me. I wonder what kind of person he would be now that he was single; they’re always attached at the hip.

As we get closer to school I can feel the excitement of my peers, walking around campus with smiles on their faces and hugging their friends as they get reacquainted. The twins and I make it to school just as the first bell rings. I still have to get a book out of my locker, so I head out alone to get it. When I get to my locker there’s a pink tulip hanging out of the vent. When I open my locker to investigate there’s a note attached to the stem of the tulip, reading:

Happy Birthday London Meyer

I really hope that you have an amazing day!

I can’t wait to see your smile.

-Your Secret Admirer

What? Is this some kind of joke? I can feel my eyebrows furrowing and a scowl on my face. I do not like being the butt of some practical joke. I don’t have much time, the second bell is going to ring any second, and so I grab the flower and note and storm off towards homeroom. When I walk into Miss Woods’s class I still have my head down in confusion. Who in the world would do this to me, on my birthday at that? I swear if it was Emery and Eisley, I was going to…

Is Chase Reed smiling at me? This day just keeps getting weirder. I fake a smile because who knows if it’s even for me. I mean it’s one of his true smiles, the one that reaches his eyes, but it cant be for me. I make my way towards the back of the class where Emery and Eisley have saved me a seat. They both look up at me with wide eyes as they take in the bright pink petals of the tulip. They’re definitely not the perpetrators; they can’t keep a secret for the life of them, they’re as shocked as I am.

“What is that?” Emery asks.

“I don’t know, it was stuffed into my locker, with this note attached to it.” I pass her the said note.

She takes it from me, her eyes eagerly tracing over it and then passing it to Eisley in the seat next to her.

“I wonder…” she looks up at the ceiling as if in lost in her own thoughts. “I mean I guess…”

“Em what are you saying? Talk to me, I’m freaking out!” I say in a rushed voice.

"Well I don’t know, I guess its possible.” She replies.

“Good morning class! Don’t you just love the first day of school!”

Miss Woods come into the classroom door with a huge smile on her face. She’s really pretty, dressed in a plaid form-fitting dress that is on the border of being not so modest. She has on black stockings along with black pumps. Her jet-black hair is chin length and full of soft curls. The boys are sure going to take a liking to her.

“Well class lets get right to it. My name is Miss Woods and I’ll be your homeroom teacher for your senior year. I would like to start by saying this is my first year so please, take it easy on me, as I will try to be easy on you” she giggles.

“I would really like to get to know each and every one of you by doing a little exercise. We’ll go around the class to introduce our selves one by one. So if we could, lets turn our desks around and make a little circle, and get started”.

We all start shuffling around half picking up our desk, half dragging them, to make a large circle with Miss Woods in the middle.

“Great, I’ll start. Like I said this is my first year teaching. I received my bachelor degree in June from the University of Southern California. I moved back here to be close with my mom and dad, and also to teach at Centennial. I was once a student here as well. My hopes for this year are to help you guys and girls make it safely and productively to graduation. So if you have any problems at all please feel free to ask, my door will always be open.” Miss Woods concludes.

She turns her back to our side of the room and points to a boy who’s head is down, “Young man would you like to start us off? Just tell us your name and what you would like to accomplish this year,” asks Miss Woods.

“Um, okay. My name is Tyler. I would like to get onto the basketball team; I used to play at my school in Florida. This is my first year at Centennial High as well.” He replies nervously.

“Wonderful, really good to meet you Tyler. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to make your transition easier.” She responds. “Someone else like to go next?”

Emery raises her hand excitedly, “I’ll go Miss Woods.”

“Go right ahead, dear.”

“Hi, I’m Emery Mills, I would love to find a new boyfriend, and maybe get a part time job at Love Couture because their clothes are to die for. Oh and I’m applying to USC as well Miss Woods.” She says animatedly.

“That’s amazing Emery, I wish you the best of luck in both love and education.” She laughs.

Emery just smiles back at her. She’s such a big-mouthed butt kisser.

Miss Woods shifts her feet so she’s standing in front of my desk; I look up at her and smiled timidly.

“Would you care to go next?” She asks.

“Um sure,” suddenly my cheeks are hot and I’m sliding down my chair instinctively. “My name is London Meyer, I’m working towards getting into Cal State Long Beach, or maybe even University of Hawaii. I’ve wanted to be a marine biologist since I was a little girl.”

“It’s her birthday too!” Emery says excitedly.

Damn her and her big mouth. I give her a look silently telling her I’m going to choke her first chance I get. I could feel my body temperature rising as I look around the room, suddenly all eyes are on me.

“Well Happy Birthday London, I hope this year is everything you want and more!” Miss Woods responds.

“I’ll go next,” I follow the familiar voice with my eyes. “Hi, I’m Chase Reed, I’m hoping I get a scholarship for baseball, I don’t exactly have a college picked out, I’m still researching a few places. I just want to play ball. I’m also trying to tie up some loose ends that have gone untouched for far too long.” He kind of looks sad as he says it, but almost immediately meets my eyes before looking back at Miss Woods in approval. What the heck did he mean by ‘loose ends’. That guy will forever be a mystery to me.

Class seems to fly by after that, everyone went around the room telling us their names and dreams of the future. I look up at the clock just as the bell starts ringing. I gather up my stuff, as well as shoving the note and flower into my bag. I’m still so confused about all of this, if Emery and Eisley weren’t behind this, than who in the world is?

“Em, we have to talk, you were in the middle of some break through. Do you think you know who gave to me the note?” I tug on her arm as she races out of class.

“No, I don’t know, it’s just a wild guess.”

“Well are you going to elaborate or are you just going to keep me hanging?”

“It’s stupid, I don’t want to get your hopes up.” Emery states.

“Spill it Em!” I demand.

“Well he is recently single Londy.”

“Who?” I reply.

“Slingshot!” She says annoyingly.

My eyes must have looked like they were going to pop out of my head. I push her into the girls’ bathroom, needing a minute to clear my now fuzzy brain. Impossible.

“Did you say what I thought you just said?” I scoff.

“No, I know, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Emery remarks sadly.

“Well who knows, maybe it is him,” chimes in Eisley. “It’s not like you’re any less prettier than her.” Eisley’s referring to the ex, Reese.

“You both have lost your minds. Did you slip in the shower or something?” I exclaim.

“Lets just wait it out, admirers don’t stop at one card, maybe he’ll give us some hints,” Eisley adds “For now just soak it up and know that someone at our school likes you!”

She’s right; I could be cool about this and play along. We all head out of the bathroom, towards out respective classes. AP Math and AP Biology were as expected, boring, but mandatory if I wanted to get any closer to my dream of becoming a marine biologist. Fourth period is my elective class, for first semester I chose Photography. It’s an easy A and something I enjoy, so why not.

I’m early for class, so I head towards the back, taking an empty seat in the far corner. I take out my notebook and pen and start to absent-mindedly draw little doodles in the corner. The room starts filling in pretty quickly and before I know it Chase Reed is sitting in the desk in front of me. I know it without even looking up, his cologne mixed with his own scent, filling my nose. I’m immediately intoxicated and it’s really hard not to lean in closer and take a really large whiff. His best friend Evan takes the seat next to him and they started chatting immediately. Something about how exciting senior year is going to be and how many parties they’re going to attend. Evan turns around to get something out of his backpack that’s hanging on his chair; he looks up at me and smiles a real genuine smile. I return it and then his eyes are drawn down to the flower, lying in front of me, on my desk. He’s still smiling while he nods his head at it.

“Pretty flower, who’s the lucky guy?”

As soon as Evan asks the question Chase flies around in his chair looking at said flower and then smiling at me as well.

“Um I’m not sure, it was on my locker today, some secret admirer? I’m still a little confused.” I reply.

“Well, I’m sure he’ll grow a pair and fess up soon enough, he’d be an idiot to keep you waiting. Right Chase?” Evan give Chase a light punch in his arm wiggling his eyebrows at him suggestively.

“Well it’s just nice to be thought of, finally.” I reply.

“Do you have any clue who he might be?” Chase asks.

Chase is actually speaking to me.

“Uh, no freaking clue. I think I’m going to try and get some fingerprints off of the note he left.”

They both laugh in unison.

“Yeah, that should give you some leads. Good luck.” Replies Evan.

“Thanks” I say.

I sit in the back of the room with a ridiculously big grin on my face for the duration of class, I don’t think I heard anything the teacher said.

“London, hey you there?” Chase is talking to me again, pulling me out of my reverie.

“Huh, what?”

“I asked if you wanted to be my partner?”

“For what?” I question.

“Senior project? Were you off dreaming about lover boy?” He asks, his 1000-watt smile pointed right at me.

Did he really just say that? “No, sorry I must have been zoned out. Um, Evan isn’t going to be your partner?”

“No, he’s got his eyes on that new girl, Samantha, the ‘Jersey Shore’ wanna-be. I could ask someone else if you want?”

“No, no, I’ll be your partner.” I hope I don’t look like a lovesick puppy, I feel like it on the inside, but I’mtrying to hold it together as much as possible. Only sixty-seconds until the lunch bell rings. Keep it together London.

“So we should probably exchange numbers or something?” He looks as nervous as I feel.

“Uh, yeah here.” I rip out a piece of notebook paper, trying to maintain the shaking in my hand to write it legibly.

He tears off the bottom half of the paper and writes his name and number down quickly. He hands it to me just as the lunch bell rings.

“Well call me anytime, it’s my cell. Seriously.” He states.

“Yah, same to you.” I imply.

“See you around London, oh and uh, Happy Birthday.” He smiles and winks at me. If I was standing I think my knees would have given out.

He makes his way out of class and I pack up my stuff as soon as he’s out of view. I rush to the center of school where the cafeteria is, searching the tables for the twins. I finally spot them through the windows of the cafeteria, sitting in the senior square. I make my way towards them dodging around people as quickly and gracefully as I can manage. When I reach their table they both look up at me expectantly. I tell them the story of what happen in photography telling them about Evans’ incessant questions and Chases’ wink and smile. The twins’ looked at me, mouth gaping open and speechless. Which is new for both of them.

“Uh guys, some input here please.” I beg.

“Well, all my money is on Chase, he’s totally the not-so-secret-admirer.” Eisley exclaims.

“God I hope so.” I whisper. “I just don’t understand it. Why now?”

“Do you honestly care?” Emery asks.

“I do, what if it’s some sick joke? I wouldn’t be able to show my face ever again.”

“C’mon Londy, you’re a babe; he’d be dumb to mess around with you. Plus we got your back. If he does anything to hurt you, we’ll break that precious left arm of his.” Eisley states.

“Thanks girls.”

Emery hands me the other half of her peanut butter and jelly sandwich and I nibble on it, pretending I’m hungry. How could I eat when Chase Reed might be my secret admirer? When the lunch bell rings we all grab our bags and walk to gym.

Over the summer the school did some renovations so we have a new basketball court, as well as new locker rooms, which finally don’t smell like old gym socks and mildew. Us girls can finally shower in luxury, well compared to what it used to look like it sure felt like luxury. As I dress in my gym shorts, the twins talk about the fresh meat that has arrived on campus, transferred seniors and juniors that they can’t wait to get their claws into.

Mrs. Robbins our gym teacher is at least seventy-five years old and she can barely hear us when we yell at her. Most of the time she’s asleep in her chair with her whistle in her mouth. When she breathes it makes the slightest wheezing sound, sometimes she even snores and it wakes her up. Then she immediately falls back asleep. As usual the girls and I take our seats at the top of the bleachers to watch the boys play basketball. Half of the senior class has fifth period gym, this year Chase will be joining us until baseball season starts. Him and Evan are playing a little one-on-one on the far side of the court.

“Are you watching Slingshot right now, looks like he’s showing off,” Emery points out. “I bet I know who for!”

“Oh shut it Em, I already feel nauseated.” I grunt. “You two will be over for dinner right, my mom is making Chicken Parmesan and all the fixins.”

“Duh, we wouldn’t miss it dork.” Eisley says as she shoves me.

“Should we ask Slingshot to join us? I mean he is your photography partner, you guys can talk ‘ambient lighting’ versus ‘natural lighting’ or whatever.” Eisley rolls her eyes.

“I swear Eisley, I’ll push you off these bleachers in front of all the new boys.” I warn her.

“Okay, okay. Someone’s edgy!” Eisley apologized.

“I’m sorry, I’m just so frazzled that’s all. This is all new to me you know, I don’t know how to deal with any of it. I feel like I need a prescription for Xanax.”

“Damn girl, you’re that worked up over it? This is what you’ve always wanted, you’ve had three years to prepare for this moment.” Emery laughs. Apparently she thinks this is funny.

“No, there’s nothing that can prepare me for that gorgeous specimen over there.”

I stare down onto the court at Chase. Him and Evan are passing the ball back and forth, dribbling the ball naturally. Chase leaps up gracefully, shooting the ball into the basket with a quiet swish.

Mrs. Robbins is stirring in her chair, which means her internal clock is telling her class will be over any second. She’s so clueless to our antics. The twins and I spring up and make our way to the court.

“Alright dearies, great first day back. We’ll see you tomorrow same place, same time.” Mrs. Robbins wheezes.

At that, we skip back into the locker rooms changing back into our school clothes. The rest of the day is uneventful compared to the morning I’ve had. Eisley and Emery meet me by our usual spot under the big oak tree, in front of the school. The twins suggest they take me to the mall to get my mind off things and to buy me a few shirts for my birthday. I can’t oblige to clothes and a little shopping therapy, I am a seventeen-year-old girl after all.

__

We make our way back from the mall with my four new shirts and a very cute headband for my birthday gift. As we circle our block corner I notice a very shiny red car sitting in my driveway. The three of us stop dead in our tracks, looking back and forth at each other.

“What the hell is that Londy?” Eisley asks.

“I don’t know! Your guess is as good as mine,” I almost shout “C’mon lets go investigate.”

We make our way to my house; as soon as I come up the driveway I slowly take a lap around the shiny new VW Jetta. It’s perfect! Leather upholstery, GPS, tinted windows, the works.

“I’m getting way ahead of myself, how do we know if it’s even for me?” I ask to no one in particular.

Before anyone can answer I look up at my front door to see my Grandma Shirley standing on the porch with a huge smile on her face. I immediately run up to her, embracing her in a huge hug.

“Gran, what are you doing here? Do you know anything about this beautiful car?”

“Well I am so glad you like it, I picked it out baby girl. I have to tell you a story about it though; I think you’ll like it. Come inside.”

I tell Eisley and Em to be over for dinner at seven and they go on their way. I follow my Grandma inside to the kitchen island and look at her, insisting to hurry along with this story of hers.

“Well I am sure this is going to come to a shock to you, but the car is actually from your father. He wrote me a letter before he passed away asking me to please get you something nice for your seventeenth birthday. He insisted that it be red and shiny and he knew that I would pick out the perfect gift.” She pauses for a moment, thinking of her perished son. “Your father loved you very much and always wanted the best for you. I just wish he could have seen the look on your face.” Gran looks at me with tears in her eyes.

I cross the kitchen and wrap my arms around her, tears streaming down my face. “Thank you Gran, it’s the best car ever! You’re the best. Thank you, thank you!”

“Does Mom know about the car?” I ask Gran.

“No, not yet, I told her I had a present for you and I would be over, but I didn’t tell her specifics. I don’t think she will be mad though.”

“Can we drive it? Can we, can we?” I beg.

“Well I don’t see why not, you have your license?”

“It’s in my room, I’ll be right back!”

I run upstairs throwing my bag onto my unmade bed. I open up my desk drawer shuffling around papers and pens searching my for drivers license. I find it in the back under my photo of Chase. I pull them both out and put them in my back pocket, knowing the perfect spot for his picture. I head down stairs calling out to Gran, she’s already outside waiting for me. She tosses me the keys and we make our way to my new car. I slip into the driver seat, adjusting it so it’s just right. I turn the rearview mirror so I can see accordingly and put the key into the ignition. It starts right up with an almost silent purr. I look over at my grandma who has a grin almost as big as mine and put the car into reverse. I pull out slowly turning the wheel to the right and when I’m parallel to the curb I put it into drive. I make my way past the twins’ house and to the stop sign at the corner. I reach the stop, looking right then left and right again. I’m about to take off when I notice moms SUV coming up the street. I roll down my window to wave at her but she doesn’t look too happy. She rolls down her window and pulls up onto the side of us, her driver door a few feet away from me.

“Londy, where did this come from?” Mom asks.

Gran leans over me to see my mom, “Hi dear, I should have told you earlier, but I was sworn to secrecy. The car is from Bradley.”

“Bradley? Gran, you have officially lost your mind!” My mother scoffs.

“Lets go back to the house and I’ll explain everything.” Gran protests.

I make a u-turn at the intersection and follow mom back to the house. I pull my new Jetta up behind my moms’ car and regretfully turn it off. I take Chase’s photo out of my back pocket and place it in the dash, in front of my speedometer, smiling at it before I get out of the car. I make my way back inside where my mom is pacing in front of the dining room table.

“Ok Mom, spit it out.” My mom waves her hand at Gran impatiently.

“Well it’s pretty simple, Bradley wrote me a letter before he passed away asking me to buy London a car for her seventeenth birthday. His only requirements were that it was safe, red and shiny.” Gran explains with a smile on her face.

“It’s so safe mom, and red and super shiny. Can I keep it please?”

“Well of course honey, I’m not going to say no to a departed mans wishes. We’ll have to get you some insurance first thing in the morning.”

“Oh Tammie, that’s taken care of, I insist. Let me pay for it until London can take it over.”

“Thank you mom. This is above and beyond what I could have ever wished for my Londy.”

“Thank you mom, thank you Gran. You have made me a very happy girl!” I hug both my mom and grandma.

“Happy Birthday London, I love you. Just please be careful when your driving, no texting.” She points her finger at me.

“Of course mom.”

“Now go get cleaned up for dinner while your Grandma and I talk.” Mom instructs.

I make my way upstairs, running into Belle in the hallway, she gives me a hug around my waist wishing me a Happy Birthday.

“Thanks B.”

I open my bedroom door and walk into the bathroom that’s connected to my room. I slip off my clothes and hop into the shower trying to clear my head of this crazy day. First Chase, my ‘might be secret admirer’ and on top of that we were going to be photography partners, which means a lot of alone time. Now I had a bitchin’ car to go along with it. I feel like I’m in an alternate universe. Last year my life was nowhere close to being this good.

I turn off the shower and ring my hair out before I grab my towel. I wipe off the steam that has collected on my mirror and take a look at myself. I don’t even recognize this smile. I open the bathroom door to hear my cell phone ringing; I dump out the contents of my messenger bag searching for my phone. When I find it I can’t quite place the number and then the green-eyed boy pops into my mind causing me to drop my phone. I picked it up off the floor just as it stops ringing. I immediately call it back; my heart is in my throat and I feet like I need to puke.

“Hi, London?”

“Uh, yah it’s me, who is this?” I know exactly who it is; I just like to hear his name.

“It’s Chase, Chase Reed, your photography partner.” Like I don’t know who he is, ha!

“Oh right, sorry. I haven’t programmed your number into my phone yet. What’s up?” I sound so casual and cool, good job London!

“Oh, yah, I just wanted to see if you would like to meet up tomorrow, get a head start on this project. I think I have a few ideas for us.” A few ideas for us? Oh god, breathe London.

“Yah, that sounds good. Are you not going to class tomorrow? You could have asked me then.”

“Um, yah I guess I just got a little anxious to talk to you. I wanted to see how your birthday was going as well. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have called.” He’s apologizing to me?

“No Chase,” That’s the fifth time I’ve ever said his name and to him at that. “It’s fine, seriously. I’m just in my room getting ready for dinner. My birthday is going really really well. My dad bought me a car, a freakin’ car!” I exclaim.

“Wow, that was really nice of him. He must have been pretty stoked to see the look on your face huh?”

“Um, well yah, I guess.”

“Huh?”

“Well my dad passed away about 7 years ago. He had a brain tumor.”

“Oh man, I had no idea, I’m so sorry.” He actually sounds really sad.

“It’s okay; we still love him very much and celebrate his life. He wrote my Gran a letter before he died and asked her to buy me a car for my seventeenth birthday. I can’t believe he was thinking that far ahead for me. He was the best dad any little girl could ask for.”

“He sounds really amazing. Well, what kind of car is it?”

“A bright red VW Jetta, a brand spankin’ new one! It’s so cool!” I squeal.

“Ha-ha, well that’s really cool, I’m happy for you. Maybe I can catch a ride sometime?”

“Oh yah, anytime!” I say, almost too eagerly.

“Cool, well I’ll let you get back to your festivities. See you tomorrow?”

“Yes, you will. Bye Chase.” Six times!

“Bye birthday girl.”

I pushed ‘end’ on my phone and throw myself back onto my bed, throwing my feet up and kicking them, giggling loudly. Chase Reed is calling me to wish me happy birthday, to me.

I get dressed into dark blue skinny jeans and a sparkly top that reminds me of New Years Eve. I dry my hair, keeping it down with light waves in it. I put on some mascara and lip-gloss, and smile at myself in the mirror. I open up my door to the delightful smell of marinara sauce cooking downstairs. I can hear my mom and Gran laughing, Belle must be putting on a show for them. When I enter the kitchen my Gran has tears in her eyes from laughing. Belle is standing on the couch in the living room with moms’ bra on over her dress. She’s singing into a television remote and dancing to one of Katy Perry’s music videos playing on the T.V. She’s bobbing her head to and fro, she has no idea were all watching her.

There’s a knock at the door, which sends Belle flying upstairs. Eisley and Emery let themselves in hugging both my mom and Gran. I take the girls into my room telling them the story about the car and then going into full detail about Chases’ unexpected phone call.

“Wow London, you’re on a roll today! You go girl!” Emery shrieks.

“Yah, secret admirer or not, Chase has the hots for you.” Eisley adds.

“I don’t even care, I would die happy today!” I say as I flop onto my loveseat.

“Girls, dinners ready!” My mom yelled from downstairs.

We all jump up and run down stairs, eager to eat. My mom and Gran are both seated at the ends of the table; I’m sitting next to Gran with Belle on my right with the twins sitting across from us. After my mom says grace we dig in like it’s the first meal we’ve eaten in years. My mom made my favorite Parmesan crusted chicken with angel hair pasta and her delicious homemade marinara. She also made Caesar salad and tons of garlic knots. We have this meal every year for my birthday, being Italian, we love tradition.

After we all digest, somewhat, we dig into my moms famous lemon bars and very colorful macaroons. I could eat these for the rest of my life, I don’t care how many cavities I get. As tradition goes, we always play a game of ‘Go Fish’. My father started it when I was about four years old and we play it every birthday. I hope I never get too old to play.

At nine o’ clock the twins and I decide that we should ask my mom if we can take my new car out for a spin. She agrees on the terms that I’m home at ten thirty, since it’s a school night. Emery suggests the ice-cream shop since it’s always bustling with Centennial High students.

“Wow London, I’m seriously so jealous of you right now!” Eisley exclaims.

“Yah London, we’ll be lucky if we get to drive our moms’ mini van!” Emery scoffs. “How in the world are we supposed to pick up boys in that?”

We all erupt in laughter.

The girls are right; Mason’s Ice Cream Shoppe is full of our peers tonight. As we walk up we see Evan hanging onto the new girl, Samantha, the ‘Jersey Shore Wannabe’. When Evan sees us, his eyes light up.

“Hey Birthday Girl!” he shouts. “Have you met Sammie? She just moved here from the East Coast.”

All three of us girls look at each other, trying our best not to laugh out loud.

“No, I don’t think we’ve had the pleasure.” I hold out my hand to greet Sammie, but she just rolls her eyes at me.

“Awesome, good to meet you too.” Who the hell does she think she is and what does Evan see in her? “We’re going to grab some sodas and fries, do you want anything Evan?”

“No, I’m great thank you though.” He nods appreciatively.

We walk inside to stand in line when Eisley leans in and whispers, “Oh-my-god he’s here!”