For Allena Johnson, serving the most popular girl in school, Monique Forrester, was her life. When Monique decided to enter the Miss Bay High pageant, Allena was determined to support her all the way, even doing Monique's homework! But then a new girl, Deena Durwin comes to school and becomes Allena's friend. Finding out that Allena has awesome singing ability, Deena invites her to be the new lead singer of her band which happens to be TruHeart, Allena's favorite music group of all time. Allena is given a rockstar makeover, but when she returns to school, there's all kinds of trouble, and she ends up becoming Monique's #1 enemy...




Being eternally banished from Monique's table, I ate with Deena, Corey, and Edna. Corey, staying in complete character, said that this was his first time in years not having lunch alone. Edna said that this was her first time eating in the lunchroom ever. And Deena was just like, "I'm glad I'm more social than both of you."

"You and Amy had that in common," Corey mumbled, but Edna nudged him in the side with her elbow as a signal to shut up.

He delicately removed the plastic wrapping from a honey bun and took a bite. His face was so flat. It's easy to forget that Corey and Amy Grace were once a couple, especially since at school, he seems like the kind of guy who can't even approach a girl. The breakup is still kinda fresh, and I guess it's still affecting him.

"We're having practice after school," said Deena. "Edna and I have to leave class early to take care of some stuff, so Corey, you'll have to bring Allena to my house."

"No problem."

After school, I went out to the student parking lot to meet him. On the way there, I met up with Hector. He was on his way to Monique's pageant practice in the auditorium. I past him like someone I didn't know, without any acknowledgment whatsoever. He did the same. But then I heard returning steps and a touch on my shoulder. I couldn't be anyone else.

"Why don't you bother your girlfriend?" I said. And my day was just starting to look up after that disaster this morning.

He was all like, "Allena, I'm sorry. I should've defended you."

Uh. Too late.

"It's over, Hector. Why you're always trying to kiss up to her and let her push you around like that?"

He flinched. My words hurt. I knew they would, and it was difficult watching that pained expression flicker across his face, while his lips maintained that cold, stable smile.

"I don't know what to believe, but Allena, if you need anything, call me whenever."

"I'm not calling you. It wouldn't be fair to Monique or myself."

He arched his brows like he wasn't getting it, so I clarified. "I'm not talking to you anymore."

"Okay, I understand-but Allena, are you sure every thing's alright?"

"I'm a little upset, sick of seeing you, but other than that, I'm good. Why?"

"It's like~I don't know...you're different from the last time I saw you. It freaks me out, but then it's really cool..."

I noticed that he didn't seem mad anymore. At least, he didn't show it. His smile went from forced to curious, and I was getting some awkward vibes. Then, an unlike hero arrived. Techie came shuffling up to me, head down, hands shoved into pockets, and saturated with insecurity. I was so relieved.

"We gotta go," he said in his weak voice.

"Thanks. I'll see you later Hector."

I didn't glance behind me as I left with Corey. I could still envision Hector's beautiful face in my mind, golden eyes calmly taking me in.

I thought he was better than this. I really thought I knew him, and I could predict how he would act in a situation like this. This may sound lame, but all the girls at school see Hector as the handsome fireman. When your house is burning down, he'll tear down the door and courageously rescue you in his arms. Then after he lays you out on the front lawn, you'll faint either from heat exhaustion or from the thought that he physically picked you up in first place. But I'm seeing more and more that Hector, despite his looks, is only a guy. A very smart and athletic guy, but normal. He's only strong when things are easy. He's the fireman that flees from the fire.

"Allena, is everything good? You looked mad when I got you."

I'm so horrible. I've been riding in the car with Corey for five minutes now, and I haven't said a single thing to him.

"Sorry, my brain's preoccupied."

"That's okay. I'm always daydreaming."

"You like spacing out?"

"Yeah. I need to escape sometimes, and sometimes, my mind is the best place to go. Guess what I've been thinking about recently."

"I couldn't."

"I've been thinking about how great you'll be for TruHeart, and how happy I am that you said you'll do it."

Although at that moment he resembled someone who spends their nights on a park bench, hearing his voice made my insides ache. I couldn't wrap my mind around how a guy who plays a character like Techie everyday could possibly be so fine.

We didn't talk anymore after that, but the silence wasn't bad. I leaned my head against the window absorbing the smooth vibrations of the car. The engine slowed down when he suppressed the breaks, and it would rev up when he'd let go and mash the gas. At every takeoff, he would smile, satisfied. Such an attractive smile for the geekiest boy in school to have.




End of Chapter 5