Chapter Two

Jamie's perspective. Equally as short, as most of my chapters are:)

 

Jamie’s P.O.V

 

          “OMG, Jamie, can we just forget about her and go to school?” Isabel whined from the backseat. She was contentedly lying across it, flipping through a magazine.

          I gave her a look in the rearview mirror when she said ‘OMG’ because that’s just weird but otherwise ignored her.

          “I mean, she should be glad to have missed the bus, it’s an excuse for a day off. And this is my car too, and I say we just leave her at her house -- she won’t mind, we’ll be doing her a favor.” Isabel went on.

          “It’s not your car, Isabel; you don’t even have your license because you’re too lazy to get it.”

          “I’ll get it when I’m good and ready,” She mumbled, crossing her arms, pouting and finally giving up.

          I fought the urge to roll my eyes at her and succeeded -- barely.

          I was kind of glad that Viola had missed the bus. It meant I got to see her earlier than usual. Because … I really like Viola. Sometimes I’m not sure how much.

          But I knew she liked Jack because she told me. But that had been last year at the ski lodge. Could she still really like him after all that time?

          Then again …

          I still liked her. So I suppose it’s possible.

          I drove around a bend and up a hill. The trees in people’s yards were blossoming with green leaves that glowed in the sunlight. It was about twenty five degrees out. Typical June weather for Ontario.

          I pulled into Viola’s driveway, the gravel crunching under the tires. Viola was sitting in the grass, pulling the petals out of a flower. For a moment she looked disappointed, but then she brightened, seeing me. She pushed herself up off the ground and ran over to the truck, her backpack only hanging over one shoulder.

          She threw open the door and climbed into the truck, her foot slipping a little. She buckled her seatbelt, placed her backpack on her lap, smiled and then said hello.

          “Hi,” I answered, smiling back at her. I found it hard not to.

          “Hey, Is!” Viola called, turning around to face the backseat.

          Isabel grinned. “Hey Viola! Did you study for the French test?”

          “No. Why would I do that?”

          Isabel brushed a hand across her forehead, relieved. “Good. So I’m not the only one.”

          “I never study for French tests.” Viola shrugged as I backed out of the driveway.

          “Then why do you always get perfect?” I asked her with a doubtful look.

          She put a finger to her lips, thinking. “It’s a gift of mine, I suppose.”

          “Sure.”

          She whacked me on the arm.

          “I wish I had that gift.” Isabel sighed.

          “Viola’s not gifted, Is, so don’t worry, you’re not missing out on anything.”

          Viola hit me again. “I’ll have you know I am incredibly gifted.”

          “Don’t hit a driver while he’s operating a vehicle.” I joked.

          “Yeah, well, don’t mock a gifted person while they’re … being gifted.”

          “Good comeback.” I said sarcastically.

          “I try.” Viola beamed and looked back at Isabel again. “So, Isabel, Maggie told me that you’re going out with Julius, is that true?”

          Isabel blushed and drew her eyes to her magazine.

          “That’s what I thought.” Viola said with a raise of her eyebrow and turned back around.

          I decided not to comment.

          Viola turned her head and looked out the window as we drove. She was one of those people who don’t talk in cars.

          I thought Viola was beautiful. Not beautiful in the obvious way, but in a more subtle way. She had long, dark hair and olive skin and a huge smile. I thought she was perfect.

          I drew my eyes back to the road reluctantly but gratefully. Viola doesn’t like you, I told myself.

          “You know what?” Viola said in a thoughtful voice without turning her head from the window.

          For a moment I wondered if she was talking to me or herself, but assuming she was talking to me, I asked, “What?”

          “I think I’ll talk to Lilly today.” She finally turned around to face me. And, of course, she was smiling.

          My eyes widened slightly. “Vi, I don’t think that’s a good idea …”

          “Why not?” She shrugged.

          “Well … because of what happened when we were skiing …” I trailed off. The Ski Lodge Incident was horrible, yet also wonderful for another reason. But I shouldn’t think about that. I’m supposed to forget about it, even though it’s so hard …

          Viola’s face fell. “But … that was over a year ago. I know I was over it a few days after it happened, Lilly still can’t be bitter.”

          “She’s not the one who should be bitter.” I muttered. What Lilly had done to Viola that night had been … well, horrible for Viola. It only started by a few simple words, but it had ended up -- No, I can’t think about it. I won’t think about it.

          “Well … I did start it, after all. If I hadn’t seen that … and if I hadn’t of told her …”

          “You did the right thing.” I assured her. It hadn’t been Viola’s fault that she’d walked into the Member’s Lounge at that moment … Ugh. It’s nearly impossible not to think about it.

          “I know, but it turned out it wasn’t even Jack’s fault. Or that’s what he told me.” Viola sighed. She’d believe anything Jack told her. It most certainly was his fault. Or, it partly was his fault, at least.

          “Let’s … not talk about it.” I finally said.

          Viola smiled weakly. “Right. We agreed not to.”

          “Talk about what?” Isabel called form the backseat, sounding confused. She hadn’t been involved in The Ski Lodge Incident. It had only been Viola, Lilly, Regan and Jack. And then me, since Viola somehow dragged me into it. I don’t resent her for it, though. Not at all.

          “Nothing!” Viola and I chimed together as I pulled into the school parking lot.

          “Secrets, huh?” Isabel taunted.

          “Yeah,” Viola answered, smiling at me.

          “Can you tell me?” Is sung.

          “No.” I told her firmly.

          “You guys suck.” She groaned and opened her door, flinging herself out of the truck, holding onto her backpack as if it were a purse.

          Before Viola got out of the car, I grabbed her arm. She turned to look at me, her golden - brown eyes shining in the sunlight that filtered in through the car window.

          “You have something to say?” She asked me, sounding almost smug.

          I smiled at her. “Do you still have the plan to talk to Lilly today?”

          “Yep.”

          Something told me this wasn’t going to end well. “Good luck.” I said, letting go of her arm.

          “Thanks,” She smirked, hopping out of the truck. “I have a feeling that I’ll need it.”