“Jenny honey, you need to get up.” my mom whispered as she gently shook me trying to get me out of my really really comfortable bed.
“No.” I protested as I pulled the white comforter over my head.
“Jennifer Marks you will get out of that bed this instant.” my mother said as she tore the comforter off of me. “You have a plane to catch.” I looked at the clock 3:30am.
“Not for another three hours!” I said curling up in a little ball, clinging desperately to my pillow.
“Jennifer you are going back to school whether you like it or not.” I groaned.
“Why do I have to go to school in stupid Brittan?” I asked looking up at her. “There are Tons of prep schools right here in New York.” my mom groaned and plopped down on the bed.
“Because your father went there and you and your brother are going to continue that legacy, now up.”
‘I’m seventeen I don’t care about Legacy.”
“Just get up Jenny!” my twin James yelled from the door.
“You sleep in more than I do!” I yelled as I rubbed my legs.
“Jennifer!” my father Jeff called from the ground floor.
“Fine I’m up!” I called as I got up.
“You’re welcome Valerie!” my father yelled and my mom rolled her eyes.
“I want you both downstairs dressed and ready by four forty five!” I gave her an are you insane look.
“I have to get ready and he hogs the bathroom!” I yelled and James just whistled and walked by me heading to the bathroom.
“First born first in.” he said as he closed the door. “Toodles.” He said waving his fingers.
“First born by one minute and three seconds!” I yelled as I hit the door.
“Jennifer you can use my bathroom.” my mother said as she pushed me across the top floor of our Park ave apartment. “Your aunt Kate will call in a minute.” she said as I turned on the water.
“Thanks mom.” I said as I closed the French doors. I took a long shower slowly waking up as I washed my elbow length blonde hair, shaved my legs, washed my face and flipped off the water. I pulled the fluffy white towel around my body and climbed out. I sand along to the queen song playing on the shower radio while I blew out my hair curling it so it hung in those thick curls which I call my signature look. I pulled on my favorite jeans and my lacrosse tee. Three years a forward on Kingston Prep’s varsity. Heck yes! Oh yeah I should introduce myself. My Name is Jennifer Ray Marks; we don’t mention the Ray part. I am seventeen years old and in grade eleven at the number one Preparatory Academy in Great Brittan. We have a week till the fall term begins but my mom sends us over to stay with our Aunt Kate. Just because she wants us to become accustomed to the European times before we go to school.
“Jennifer!”My mother called as she banged on the door.
“What?” I asked as I threw it open.
“Get out here.” she said anger on her face.
“Whatever it is I didn’t do it.” I said as I pulled on my blue zip up hoodie.
“James come in here please.” James walked in pulling on his rugby tee.
“Yeah?” he asked sitting down next to me.
“You two need to listen to Me.” my mother said pointing at us as our father dashed into the bathroom sports illustrated tucked under his arm. “No pranks.” she said simply. Ah yes the yearly talk about how we need to behave that our father’s name should not be tainted by our ridiculous antics and frivolous escapades. James and I nodded and pretended to listen until five when we were ushered into the waiting town car our parents sliding in after us. My mom cast a few glances at my father as he worked on the crossword puzzle in the times. James and I played the point to nothing get your twins attention and annoy the crap out of mom game. “Stop it.” my mother said as I gently hit James’s chest with the back of my hand.
“Valerie they were just saying good bye to their NYC.” My dad said winking at us.
“Do not encourage them Jeff.” My dad smiled that I am so not letting this opportunity pass up smile.
“I am not encouraging them Val, I am simply giving them a good send off.”
“Yeah, mom.” I piped up.
“Jennifer.” she said tossing her black wave of hair over her shoulder.
“Yes ma’am.” I said looking down. I’m a daddy’s girl I look like him, talk like him, act like him, I am my father’s child right down to my hair and eyes. James is a dad’s boy with black hair. Mom feels a bit left out at times like she has no followers but we love her it’s just we are teenagers who are kind of tired of the parent who is home every hour of every day.
“Valerie just let the twins play.”
“We are not a unit.” James and I said in unison.
“Ah!” my dad said holding his finger up. “You’re my twins...always going to be that way kiddos.” he said with a smile. “Okay you two what are you going to do when you get to London.” he said a bit of his classic British accent coming out.
“Go see Sam.” I said with a smile. Samuel Black the most amazing best friend in the whole wide world! My dad laughed and pulled his plastic rimmed glasses on his face. You could tell he was getting worried about the day. When the glasses come on Dad’s getting ready for work. Our dad is the owner and CEO of the largest advertising Firm in the (clear my throat) world. No joke that’s my dad. It’s hard to believe that the cool, laid back always in the mood for fun dad can be a cut throat, no nonsense, cut to the bottom line businessman when he has to be. He is six three sandy blonde hair tan complexion, striking blue eyes, and a million dollar smile. My smile as my granddad says. My mom however is five three long shinny black hair, dark chocolate eyes, and a killer tan completion which last’s all year long. Lucky! Dad James and I become ghosts in the middle of winter. Anyway why we go to school across the pond for the entirety of a school year? Its tradition, our parents went to Kingston Prep and James and I will send our children to Kingston Prep as well. So no more words be spoken save its tradition.
“Jenny and her Sam.” my dad said under his breath.
“He’s my best friend daddy.” I said as I played with my hair.
“Not the way you look at him.” James said with that prat smile.
“Shut up James.” I said as I leaned against the door.
“Jenny stares at him with this lovey dovey gaze all through bio.”
“Shut up!” I said as I kicked him.
“Ow!” he cried as I hit him in the leg. “Mom she kicked Me.” he said as he grabbed my tennis shoe.
“Your children await you.” My mom said to my Dad. James and I began to push on each other we sort of roughhoused till my dad’s strong arms forced us apart.
“Jennifer. James.” he said now fully British. “Into your corners.” I stuck my tongue out at James and sat against the door. James gave me a stupid face and sat against his door.
“Very good Jeffery.” my mother said as we both sat our arms crossed over our chests. “You have successfully made them angry at each other for the flight to London.” she said as she rolled her eyes. I jumped when my cell phone buzzed in my pocket. I took it out and glanced at the screen. The screen blinked the words Instant Message from SAM.
Samblack2247: hello Jenny!
Jmarks-da-spot: Sam!
Samblack2247: so when do I get to c u???
Jmarks-da-spot: Soon! James an I r getn on da plane in less than an hr! I can’t wait to c u!
SamBlack2247: Same! I’ve missed u Jenny! Da says dat if u want u and James can spend fall recess here. Since ur rents make u stay back at the acad.
Jmarks-da-spot: Lemme ask! 2 secs.
SamBlack2247: Kk.
I pushed my phone into my pocket and looked up at my dad. Time to beg Jen time to beg.
“Hey daddy?” I began getting a chuckle out of James.
“Yes peanut?” he asked looking up at me from his palm pilot
“Can James and I spend fall recess with the Blacks? Mr. Black invited us and all I swear.” My dad looked over at my mom who shot him a, you handle it look.
“Now how long is fall recess?” he asked looking at me.
“Just a week, the week of our thanksgiving, but it’s something to do with the foundation of the school.”
“The founding of the school.” James corrected.
“Yeah that.” I said with a smile. “Please daddy.” I begged giving him a good puppy dog face.
“Any objection to this James?” My father asked. Don’t ask him, he’ll say no. He just shrugged.
“I’m cool as long as Kale’s going to be there.” Kale is Sam’s older brother captain of the rugby team.
“Is he?” My dad asked.
“I can ask.” I said as I pulled my phone out.
Jmarks-da-spot: Will Kale be there? James won’t go if he’s not.
SamBlack2247: Well duh he’ll be here. Ur dad making u ask?
Jmarks-da-spot: Ya. Hld on brb.
“Yeah, Kale will be there.” I said looking up at my dad.
“Val anything?” he asked giving me a- you better be good look.
“No.” my mom said with a smile.
“Okay its fine with us, as long as we get a call every night.” my dad said pointing to me smiling at my excitement. I did the girly squeal and kissed my dad’s cheek.
“Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” I said with a huge smile.
Jmarks-da-spot: HE SAID YES!!!
SamBlack2247: YESSSS!!! OMG dat’s awsum! What time is it there?
Jmarks-da-spot: ummm round five. Y?
SamBlack2247: jus wundrin, so u takin normal plane or Air Marks?
Jmarks-da-spot: we are takin da jet, jus cause ma does nt like us traveling by our selves on the big planes. She’s ceen to many have you seen this child? stories.
SamBlack2247: LMHO! Tru tru, my mum same way.
Jmarks-da-spot: Not 2 this extent. She still tells me. “Don’t talk 2 strangers.” I’M NOT TEN MA!
SamBlack2247: No ur def not 10. So Jenny am I in for any surprises?
Jmarks-da-spot: huh?
SamBlack2247: do u look any difrnt?
Jmarks-Da-Spot: o! Not really... U?
SamBlack2247: A lttl taller bt nt much a diff. Hb James?
Jmarks-da-spot: idk and IDC.
SamBlack2247: C’mon u must knw if something’s diff bout ur brother!
Jmarks-da-spot: He’s bout an inch taller, has scruff right now and has been working out. Dat’s bout it.
SamBlack2247: C! Was that hard?
Jmarks-da-spot: No, but...
SamBlack2247: No BUTS!!
Jmarks-da-spot: Fine, so am I gonna c ya b4 term starts?
SamBlack2247: Wht u mean?
Jmarks-da-spot: I’m in London 4 a week am I gonna c my sam?
SamBlack2247: O! Ok! Jup Jup! Bt u wnt knw wen or where. Muhaha!
Jmarks-da-spot: okay dat’s not fair!
SamBlack2247: I dnt hve 2 b fair, I’m ur bff.
Jmarks-da-spot: Oh ha ha!
“Jen you need to put that away we are getting on the plane.” James said as we walked out to the private gate my dad’s company uses.
“Oh.” I said looking down at the screen.
Jmarks-da-spot: Heyy I g2go, gettin on da plane. TTY wen we land?
SamBlack2247: Dat a ? Or a promise?
Jmarks-da-spot: A promise!
SamBlack2247: I guess I can let u go.
Jmarks-da-spot: Kk ttyl Sam!
SamBlack2247: Jup Jup xoxo. Ttyl Jenny!
Jmarks-da-spot: Bye!
SamBlac2247:Bye
AIM: You have Logged off
“Okay you two be good and call us when you land.” my mom said hugging each of us. “Make sure you eat what they give you and do not give aunt Kate any trouble.” she said as she stepped back.
“Ok twins.” my dad said with a smile and a wink. “I mean James and Jennifer, be good and stay safe.” he said as he hugged us. “Oh and do not give professor Gregson any bull spit, I do not want to have a two hour conversation (long distance) about how my kids are not behaving in the proper manner.” we both laughed and then he kissed our foreheads. “I love you both.” he said putting his hands on our shoulders. “I love you so much.” we both hugged our dad and I kissed his cheek.
“Love you too daddy.” I said and then as I pulled back I walked over to my mom and hugged her like bear hug. “I love you mom.” I said with a smile as she sniffled.
“I love you too Jennifer.” she said as she pulled back and wiped her eyes. “Now get on that plane before it leaves.” I laughed and kissed my dad one more time before James pulled me on the plane.
“Come on Jen.” he said as I stood by the door-waving goodbye as it closed. He sat down in the leather padded chair and looked out the window.
“Come on Jen.” I mocked and he smiled up at me.
“Got to love me.” he said as the pilot opened the cockpit door.
“Hey I’m captain Herdman. You guys ready?” he asked clasping his hands together.
“Yup.” we said in unison.
“Stop doing that.” I said as I sat back.
“Twins.” James said with a smile.
“Ah I see. Okay well we’ll be off in about ten minutes.” We waved out the window of the private plane and then after ten minutes of preparations, we were going down the runway heading off to the land across the pond.
“So what do we do first?” James asked as we leveled out.
“I don’t know.” I said as I got up and grabbed a soda.
“Want to play me?” he asked as he hit the button, which brought the projector screen down.
“In?” I asked as I cracked open the can.
“Um...racing?”
“Um no.” I said with a smile.
“Shot em up?” I laughed.
“Star Battle.” I said as I grabbed my remote and pulled my legs up.
“Okay lights on or off?”
“Let’s play in the dark.” I said with a smile.
“Cool by me.” he said as he hit the large black button which closes off all light in the cabin save for the star lights in the ceiling. James and I played the battle game for close to 2 hours before my stomach growled.
“Hungry?” I asked as I turned on a few lights.
“Ya.” he said as he walked back to the galley.
“You want cereal?” I asked as I got back there.
“Jup.” we looked at each other and smiled.
“Fruit loops.” we laughed as we poured out the cereal and added the correct amount of milk then walked back to the cabin and turned on a movie. We ate and watched TV. The rest of the way to London. We landed around four pm, James waking me up as I sat curled up in the seat.
“Jenny, we’re landing.” he said and I sat up and rubbed my eyes.
“Oh.” I said leaning back into the seat. I know what you’re thinking what is this story going to be about? A bunch of rich kids at a boarding school in the English country? Kind of, I’m not going to lie, but it’s mostly about finding your true passion. I can tell you that now. But just bear with me, and if I’m sounding like a braggart I’m not trying to, I’m just telling you how it is.
“You okay?” James asked as he sat across from me.
“Yup.” I said looking at him. “Why?”
“You look pale…” he said bumping my foot with his. “You sure you feel okay?”
“Yeah. Must be the jet lag.”
“True.” he said as we hit the ground. “I’m so ready to be back.” he said running his hands through his hair.
“Hoping to land a girl friend this year?” I asked as I pulled my bag on.
“Hoping.” he said with a smile. “You hoping Sam will finally ask you out this year?”
“James he’s my best friend I’m not going to date him.” I said as the stairs came down and we descended setting foot on British soil. I shivered and pulled my sweatshirt closer around me. “Got to love the cold.” I smiled when I saw Aunt Kate hurrying toward us. “Aunt Kate!” I called as I hurried toward her and wrapped her in my arms.
“Oh Jenny!” she said in her warm British accent as she hugged me. “Look at you, you’re more beautiful than when I last saw you! Oh gods look at you.” she said as she brushed her black hair back. “And James!” she called looking at him. “Look at you!” he laughed and hugged her.
“Hi aunt Kate.” he said with a smile.
“Oh you both must be so tired let’s get you in to the car and we’ll head to my place.” We sat in Aunt Kate’s Buick as she drove to her flat in the heart of London our bags loaded in the back while she drove.
“So how you been Aunt Kate?” I asked as she turned toward her house.
“Great, got to little surprise for you Jen when we get to the flat.” she said as she pulled on to her street.
“Really what is it?”
“What about me?” James asked.
“Your surprise will just have to fall out of the sky like Jen’s did.”
“Huh?” I asked and James smiled.
“What is this surprise?” James asked.
“Let’s just say I didn’t plan this. It just sort of happened, that’s why I couldn’t get James one.” She smiled at us in the rearview mirror. “But I promise James I will even it out somehow.”
“It’s okay Aunt Kate. We aren’t in a competition about everything.”
“Just the bathroom.” I said with a smile, which made them both start laughing.
“Okay well here we are.” she said as she pulled in front of her building. The doorman walking over and opening her door. The valet taking her keys and the deskmen taking our bags and loading them onto a cart, which would be brought up to the apartment. We loaded into the elevator and I got really antsy as I watched the elevator climb to the top floor. When the doors opened my aunt Kate smiled and made me wait in the hall while she and James walked into the apartment. I was allowed to come in after ten minutes and when I walked in a huge vase of red roses sat on the table. “They came for you this morning.” Aunt Kate said as I took the card.
“Somebody has a lover.” James said as he began to eat cheese from the plate.
“Hey, did you take Lactate?” I asked and he nodded. (FYI we are lactose intolerant.) I smiled and pulled the card out of the envelope.
Welcome Home Jenny
Sam
I smiled and looked at James.
“Sam.” he said with a smile.
“I swear that Twin stuff I just never understood.” My aunt Kate said as she began to make dinner. I however locked myself in my room and logged on.
AIM: You Have Logged on Jmarks-da-spot.
Jmarks-da-spot: U R AMAZING
SamBlack2247: I knw, I try.
Jmarks-da-spot: O ha ha… bt thanx they r amazing, as r u!
SamBlack2247: Jenny u flatter me 2 much. They r jus a welcome home prsnt.
Jmarks-da-spot: And ur just Sam!!
SamBlack2247: I am jus Sam Black.
Jmarks-da-spot: No ur not. Ur my Sam.
SamBlack2247: Ur my Jenny!
Jmarks-da-spot: I knw I knw.
SamBlack2247: Oh Jenny I cnt wait to c ya.
Jmarks-da-spot: SAME!!! On so many levels!
SamBlack2247: Oh cruds Da’s calln I g2g Jen. I’ll IM u later. Dat ok?
Jmarks-da-spot: I guess bt idw u 2 go!
SamBlack2247: IDW GO!
Jmarks-da-spot: I knw okay I’ll talk to u tonite reg time?
SamBlack2247: Yup!
Jmarks-da-spot: Okay ttyl Sammy!
SamBlack2247: How many times I hate that name.
Jmarks-da-spot: at least one more kk bye!
SamBlack2247: BYE JEN!
I hit my away message and set my phone on the bed. I moved onto my back pulling off my tennis shoes and rolling off walking out of the room.
“Ah you’re alive” Aunt Kate said as she handed me the phone. “Your mother.” I cringed I had forgotten to call. I took the phone gingerly from my aunts hand and held it to my ear.
“Hello?” I asked in a small voice
“What was the one thing I told you to do when you got there?” my mother yelled at me.
“I’m so sorry mom” I said as I looked at James who was eating cheese with ranch dressing. Seriously he has the weirdest tastes in food. Okay it tastes okay at times but he eats it too much. “I got a present from Sam so I went to talk to him and completely forgot, that and I am a bit jet lag.” She exhaled and I knew she was calming down.
“Your brother didn’t forget.”
“Well maybe he could have reminded me.” I said as I wacked the back of his head.
“Ow!” he yelled as he bit into a piece of cheese.
“Mom James is eating cheese.”
“Jamieson” my mother yelled
“You are so dead.” he said with that evil glare.
“I’m so scared.” I said looking at him.
“Tell him I want him to take a lactate drink a glass of water and lay down.”
“Mom says take a pill, drink some agua, and go to bed.”
“Jennifer you are a lady please try and behave like one.”
“Sorry mom.” I said as I grabbed his cheese and bit into it.
“So dead.” he said under his breath as my Aunt Kate handed him the lactate and a glass of water.
“What did Sam get you?” My mom asked as I sat down on Aunt Kate’s fluffy white sofa.
“Two dozen red roses.” I said as I looked at them. “He’s such a good friend.” I said as I rubbed my stomach.
“He is Jenny, he is. Okay, did you have a good flight?”
“Yes.” I said with a huge smile. “We got along the whole way here.”
“Are you being good for aunt Kate?”
“So far yes.” I said as I watched her scoop spaghetti on to four plates. One for James, one for me, one for her, and one for Uncle Jerry. Who would be home any minute. I love Uncle Jerry he’s like the ultimate cool uncle. Him and Aunt Kate are both thirty five, been married for ten years, have no children and don’t plan on having any anytime soon.
“Now you and James get along and do not. I repeat do not give your aunt and uncle trouble. I will know. I have eyes everywhere.” I laughed and nodded.
“Yes mom.” I said and she laughed.
“Okay Jenny I love you, your father wants to say hi. Be good.”
“Love you too mom.” I said and she laughed and the phone changed hands.
“Jennifer!” he exclaimed in a thick British accent.
“Hi daddy.” I said with a smile as I sat up.
“You and your brother behaving?”
“Yes. We are.” I said with a smile.
“What are you having for dinner?” he asked. Even though back home it was around one pm, we were still really hungry and willing to eat Aunt Kate’s spaghetti.
“Sketti.” I said like a little kid.
“So Sammy bought you roses?” he said in a deeper voice.
“Still just a friend dad. He’s still just a friend.” He exhaled and laughed.
‘I know kiddo.” he said in his normal tone. “Okay I have to go. I love you.”
“I love you too I’ll call you tomorrow.” he laughed
“You do that. Be good.”
“I will. Bye dad.”
“Bye Jenny.” Click. I stood up and smiled at my aunt Kate who was tastefully adding correct spices to her special spaghetti sauce.
“How are your parents?” she asked as I grabbed the plates and began to set up the dinning room table.
“Good.” I said as I snuck a noddle off of one of the plates.
‘No noodle stealing.” she said as she banged the spoon agianst the pot. Just then a key in the door made my ears perk up. I set the final plate down and hurried toward the door throwing my arms around my uncle as he stood in the door opened armed.
“Uncle Jerry !” I said with delight as he spun me around his dark chocolate hair blowing in the wind.
“Hello Jenny.” he said as he set me down fixing his tie. “How’s my favorite niece?’
“I’m your only niece.” I said as I hugged him again. “And wonderful.” I said kissing his cheek.
“Oh good. I see your aunt gave you your gift?” I nodded. “Who’s the admirer?”
“They are from Sam.” I said as I handed him the card. He read it over quickly.
“Just date the lad already Jenny.” he said as he walked into the kitchen.
“I will not date Sam. He’s my best friend.” Uncle Jerry laughed and wrapped his arms around Aunt Kate from behind kissing her neck. “Please!” I said as I turned away.
“I thought you grew up Jenny?” Kate said as she rubbed the back of his head.
“I did but still old people kissing blegh.” Uncle Jerry grabbed the sauce soaked towel from Aunt Kate and charged at me wiping sauce all over my face.
“Who are you calling old?” He said not aware James was standing behind him.
“You.” I said as I pushed him back and James head locked him.
“Oh! A twin move no fair.” he said as he tried to fight James off but James held firm as I got away grabbing the towel and handing it to Aunt Kate.
“it didn’t get on anything.” I said as I wiped my face off with a paper towel.
“Look at him you two show up and he’s a child agian.”
“All the more reason to have one of your own.” she shot me a glare and stirred the sauce. “Come on Aunt Kate I’ve always wanted a little cousin, maybe a girl so when she’s like five I can play dress up with her and do her hair and all the girly stuff.” Aunt Kate laughed and turned off the oven and lifted the sauce pan.
“Dinner’s ready.” she said as Uncle Jerry sat on James. “Jerrold you weigh twice what he does get off.” James laughed and then yelped as uncle Jerry got up then fell back on him. I walked over and offered him a hand.
“Come on Jamie.” I said with a smile. He grabbed my hand and got up.
“Jenny.” he said as he got up.
“Yeah?” I asked looking at him
“I love you you know that right?”
“I love you too James.” I said hugging him.
“Good. Cause you aren’t going to like me for a while.” he said as he snuck into the dining room. I ran in and grabbed his hair. “Ow ow ow ow ow.” He said as he tried to pry my hand off of his head.
“What. Did. You. Do?” I asked looking
“Nothing.” he said looking at Aunt Kate and mouthing Help Me.
“Jennifer what is this about?” Uncle Jerry asked as he tore his tie off his neck and tossed it over the back of his chair.
“He said that I’m not going to like him for a while and earlier he said I was dead.”
“What did you do?” Aunt Kate asked pionting a fork at him.
“I may have put a special Away message up on your AIM. But I don’t remember.” My eyes widened with shock and I tossed his head towards my chair and ran to my phone.
Jmarks-da-spot: Hey guy’s finally in the UK and ready to confess. I DO have a crush on Samuel Michael Black. Thank you and Good night. LOL!
I screamed into my pillow and then grabbed the phone deleted my brother’s ass of a message and typed in an immediate redaction.
Jmarks-da-spot: Anybody who read the past away message concerning Sam, James is a prick who can’t sleep with out his blanket. No joke he has a blue blanket which is sewn into the pillow case of his favorite pillow. NO JOKE! Luv ya all Jenny.
I tossed my phone on the bed and walked out of the room and sat down next to James a content look on my face.
“Uh oh.” he said with a mouth full of spaghetti making a complete fool of himself.
“What?” Uncle Jerry asked as I pushed my hair over one shoulder.
“Oh Nothing.” I said as I bit into my spaghetti.
“I know you did something.” James said looking at me. “My twinedy sense is tingling.” he said like an idiot.
“Your what sense?” I asked looking at him.
“My little twin sense. You know the thing that goes off when your twin is up to something.”
“Oh that.” I said “I’ve learned to ignore mine. The one when you’re in trouble that one goes off way too much.”
“Oh ha ha!” he said shoving my arm.
“Do you understand a word they are saying?” Aunt Kate asked and Uncle Jerry shook his head as he sucked a noddle into his mouth.
“It’s the twin things.” he said with a smile. “Jeff tried to explian it to me once or what he thought it was.”
“No offense Uncle Jeff but your brother isn’t the best source for twin explanation. His field guide was escape from witch mountain.” (For those of you who don’t know that is a disney movie about twins who are magical) James said as he twirled the noodles around his fork.
“Oh you are sooo dead when I tell him you said that.” I said with a huge smile.
“You wouldn’t.” he said glaring at me.
“Oh and I would never tell anybody about bankie?” I said in a baby voice.
“You didn’t!” he said slamming his fork down.
“What are you talking about?” Aunt Kate asked as he pushed back his chair.
“The baby blanket James still has to sleep with.” I said quickly then I yelped as he poked my side.
“You swore!” he yelled pionting in my face.
“Oh it’s not like anybody’s online anyway.” I said with my mischievous smile.
“Jennifer!” He yelled as he ran from the room coming back pawing at my cell phone. “Take it off please!” he begged.
“You owe me a big apology.” I said and he set my phone in front of me and got down on his knees grabbing my wrists.
“I will do anything please! Just take that dumb away message off!” My aunt Kate was laughing as she read it.
“Jerry look at this.”
“No!” James said horrified and I snatched my phone away from my aunt and logged on.
“There.” I said with a smile.
“Hold on.” he said looking at me.
“Oh you better believe it.”
“What?” Uncle Jerry asked as James sluggishly slumped into his chair.
“I still have to do whatever she wants.” he said with a frown.
“What if all I want is five bucks?” I said hating seeing him all dopey and droopy.
“Really?” he asked looking at me.
“Five bucks and you let me pick out your fall ball outfit.”
“Five bucks and the first village trip out fit and get outta trouble free card.”
“You used all yours last time.”
“Well be the bigger twin.”
“Five bucks, get outta trouble card, first village, and I get shower first all week.”
“Hey this offers going up? Isn’t it supposed to be going down?” Uncle Jerry said as he sipped his bear.
“Shh. I’m winning.” I said shooting him a shhh kind of look.
“Fine deal.” he said offering his hand. I slapped it and we did our secret hand shake almost with out realizing it. Then faced our meals and began to finish the rest of the meal.
“What?” we asked in unison as Aunt Kate and Uncle Jerry just looked at us bewildered.
“No twins.” she said to him and we all laughed.
“Hey they are some pretty cool kids.” uncle Jerry said as I broke a peice of garlic bread in half and dropped one half on James’s plate.
“Yup.” he said as he drank some Coke.
“He does have a point.” I said as he placed the butter next to me.
‘Okay look at them.” Uncle Jerry said with a smile.
“They work in sync like it’s second nature.” Aunt Kate said with a smile.
“Seventeen years of sitting next to each other, and being forced next to each other. You pick it up.” I said and James nodded.
“She has a point.” I nodded.
“Like I can tell you that James hates anything to do with pistachios.” he nodded.
“And she can’t stand bare lettuce.”
“He eats with his left hand but he’s right handed.”
“She arranges every thing on her plate in perfect order unless she wants to mix something and then they are perfectly mixed.”
“He doesn’t organize anything but his underwear.”
“Okay we get it.” Aunt Kate said and James rolled his eyes at me.
“Underwear?” he asked like that’s it?
“Lettuce?” I asked in the same tone. We both laughed and continued to eat. Then after a half hour we both stood doing the dishes together like clockwork we loaded the dishwasher while our aunt and uncle sat on the couch each enjoying a glass of after dinner wine.
“It’s so good to have helping hands around here.” Aunt Kate said as she sipped her wine flipping through the channels. James and I laughed and continued about our work until I sat on the counter and he was leaning against the perpendicular counter each of us eating a chocolate chip cookie.
“To twins.” I said as I held out my cookie.
“Here here.” he said and then we both took a giant bite out of each cookie. We sat there together eating our cookies until the plate of six were gone then we migrated to the living room. I grabbed a random book and began reading while James quietly sketched in his sketchbook. I read half way through my book until James’s head fell on my shoulder.
“Aww.” Uncle Jerry said and I laughed and he shot awake.
“Sorry Jen.” he said rubbing his eyes.
“It’s okay I’m tired too.” I said looking at him.
“You two should get to bed.” Aunt Kate said as she leaned against Uncle Jerry. “We won’t keep you up.”
‘Eww!” James and I squealed making them roll their eyes.
“Oh grow up.” Uncle Jerry said chucking a pillow at me. We both just started laughing then stood up and walked over to them, and kissed them goodnight. “You two need to get to sleep.” he said as he pointed at us.
“We know.” we said in unison. I hugged James and kissed his cheek.
‘Love ya.” he said looking at me.
‘Love you.” I said as I rubbed his arm and walked into my room. I plopped down on the bed and looked at my phone. No new messages. “Okay Sam you have one hour.” I said looking at the ceiling. I turned on my ipod trying to fall asleep. Until.
SamBlack2247: JENNY U THERE?
Jmarks-da-spot: Yeah wuts up?
SamBlack2247: Nothing just fell asleep and almost forgot to IM u.
Jmarks-da-spot: O! Well Im here Sam.
SamBlack2247: good.
Jmarks-da-spot: Im lookin at your roeses.
I was I had moved them in to my room and was staring at them while we talked.
SamBlack2247: U think anything big will happn this yr?
Jmarks-da-spot: Mayb IDK. Do U?
SamBlack2247: I have this gut feeling.
Jmarks-da-spot: c if u were me ud be questioning if dat was lactose.
SamBlack2247: LOL! I who’s afraid of cheese? Who’s afraid of cheese?
Jmarks-da-spot: I am not afraid of Cheese, I like cheese. I just need to take a special little pill in order to eat it.
SamBlack2247: O ok. So if u dnt hav that pill what happens?
Jmarks-da-spot: I barf.
SamBlack2247: that was blunt.
Jmarks-da-spot: Hi, I’m Jennifer it’s so nice to meet you.
SamBlack2247: Sod off!
Jmarks-da-spot: O dat hurts Sam! Dat hurts. Im gonna go die in a corner.
SamBlack2247: U knw I was kidding.
Jmarks-da-spot: do I?
SamBlack2247: U do.
Jmarks-da-spot: I do.
SamBlack2247: Okay I do have one serious ? 4 u dat if u answer I win fifty pounds.
Jmarks-da-spot: ask away.
SamBlcak2247: I have to say dis is Kale’s ? And I really don’t want to make things weired between us if I ask it.
Jmarks-da-spot: Sam just ask da damn ?
SamBlack2247: Which of us would u date?
Okay so a normal girl would flip out at this because it’s ur BFF and he’s asking you a deep personal question. Not Jenny Marks, I handle this cool and calm. The Marks way. But have you ever had a seed planted in your brain? One that starts to grow into big thoughts? One of those was just planted in my brain.
Jmarks-da-spot: Who is us?
SamBlack2247: Me or Kale (u dnt hv 2 anser)
Jmarks-da-spot: U.
SamBlack2247: really?
Jmarks-da-spot: ya sam, I mean u r my best friend, and I bareley knw Kale.
SamBlack2247: Jenny I love u U knw that. :^)
Jmarks-da-spot: I luv u 2 bt I gotta get to bed. Im beat.
SamBlack2247: Same ill call u later and c ya soon.
Jmarks-da-spot: Cool bye
SamBlack2247: bye jenny.
I logged off and pulled on my pajamas pulling back the covers and closing my eyes. Could I be somewhat crushing on Sam? Could James be right? I shook the thoughts off and snuggled deep into my covers. I fell asleep instantly thinking of Sam, wondering what’s going on inside his mind. I closed my eyes and didn’t wake up until James pushed on my side sending me off the edge of the bed. I landed with a thud and groaned.
“Go away James.” I said pulling my legs up to my chest.
“Come on Jen you have to get out of bed.”
“I am out of bed.” I said as I rolled on to my back.
“Get up.” he said as he stood over me fully dressed in jeans a sweater and his glasses.
“Why?” I asked as I covered my face with the covers.
“Because we are going shopping today.”
“Oh that’s gonna get me to get up.”
“Jen just get up.” he said pulling on my wrists. I pulled against him and he pinned me agianst the wall. “You are getting up.” I groaned and stood on my own feet.
“Fine.” I said looking at him. He released me and I walked into the bathroom got dressed after I took a shower. Then I put on my glasses the black plastic rimmed which looked simmilar to James’s. Contacts stink when you’re really tired. Anyway I put on a nice red cami under a different blue zip up hoddie and a pair of ugg boots. I walked out to Uncle Jerry in a pair of jeans a dark blue button shirt, holding two muggs.
“Tea?” he asked and I shook my head.
“No thanks.”
‘We’re coffee people.” James said as he handed me a mug of coffee.
“Oh christ!” Aunt Kate yelled as she came in the room.
“What?” we all asked and she looked at us.
“Jerry I have to go to work.” she said as she pulled on her power suit jacket.
“Why hon today we are going out with the twins.”
“Because we had a branch completely fall apart over the last twenty four hours and we have quarterly’s coming up and we can not be behind. Just take them out you guys don’t mind do you?” she asked with an apologetic look on her face.
“No.” we said together.
“We completely understand.” I said and James nodded.
“Completely.” he reinforced.
‘Oh god bless you.” she said as she kissed both our cheeks and hurried out the door. “I promise the moment I can I’ll get back. I really am sorry.” we both just smiled and waved out hands like go.
“It’s okay just go!” James said and she hurried from the apartment.
‘Okay coffee drinkers let’s hit this town in style.” he said as he grabbed his car keys.
“Let’s go.” James said as he pured both our mugs into our specifec travel mugs.
“Okay uncle Jerry where are we going?”
“Well you guys need to get all your uniform stuff right?” we nodded. Oh the uniforms gotta love them. “So there. And your school list’s were forwarded from your mother to my black berry this morning.”
‘You mean your crackberry.” I said and James started laughing.
“What?” he asked as we got on the elevator.
“Dad refuses to buy one of those because he thinks they are addicting so he calls them crackberry’s.” Uncle Jerry just started laughing and shaking his head as the elevator descended.
“Okay so he’s still using the Palm?” we nodded. “So Like Jeff. Okay you two let’s hit this town.” We went to every store imaginable getting everything we needed for school until I looked out the car window staring at the front of the beloved uniform store.
“I say we start a revolution against the uniforms.” I whispered to James as we got out of the car.
“I say you start your own little revolution and leave me outta it. I don’t mind them that much.” He said as he ruffled his hair.
“You don’t have to wear the dumb skirts. You get to wear pants.” I said in protest and he just shrugged.
“You were the girl.” he said with a smile I just laughed and walked inside.
“Kingston Prep uniforms.” Uncle Jerry said as he placed his hands on the counter.
‘Oh yes.” the lady behind the counter. “You two follow me.” she said as she lead us back to the ever familiar dressing room. “Sizes?” we gave her our sizes and she came back with the classic uniform. The red and brown skirt, white button up shirt, burgundy and gold tie, tall white socks, and crappy black shoes. I got dressed very quickly and walked out James standing against the stall next to mines door.
“Your’s fit?” I asked and he nodded.
“Your’s?” he asked and I nodded.
“How many do we get it this year?” I asked as I pulled on the tie.
“Eight?” he asked and I shook my head.“Fourteen?”
“Sixteen.” I said with a smile.
“We have some already.” as I walked back into the room
“I do not want to do a ton of laundry this year!” I said as I locked the door.
“Well it will make things a lot easier.” he said as his pants flopped up on the seperating wall.
“True.” I said as I pulled on my jeans.
“You excited to see Sam?” he asked as I saw him pull his sweater off the floor.
“So excited.” I said as I pulled on my sweater and folded the uniform up.
“You are so blind you know that.” he said as we both came out of the dressing room.
“How am I blind?” I asked as we both smiled at Uncle Jerry sleeping in the front seat of the car.
“You really don’t see it do you?” I rolled my eyes and paid for my uniforms taking my bag and standing arms folded as he paid.
“What don’t I see?”
“Sam loves you Jen.” I laughed out loud and shook my head.
“You are insane.” I said as I got in the car and gentley shook uncle Jerry who jolted awake.
“Fine, but I know I’m right.” he said as Uncle Jerry pulled out of his space.
“Whatever.” I said and that day went off boringly. We ate at a new restaurant, we went to see an action movie and then when we got home James and I passed out on the couch while uncle Jerry cooked.
‘What did you do to them?” Aunt Kate asked as she shook us.
“Nothing they’re just worn out.” He said as he handed us each a plate with a large sub and Mac and Cheese. We both smiled and ate quietly almost falling asleep again. It took two hours until I fell asleep again in bed totally worn out. Sam and I talked that night, about what our classes might look like. See at Kingston Prep the classes are dived by teams. (It’s a lot like Houses in Harry Potter, only we don’t play against them and it’s just so that the teachers don’t have to teach about a thousand students.) Sam James and I are all on the same team. 11-1 (that’s all there is too it.) Well we are always in the same class that’s how we got to be such good friends. Well that was our conversation on that night. Nothing about the night before besides he bought a couple of CD’s with his winnings. That was pretty much our week. We went a few places and did a few things until Aunt Kate and Uncle Jerry stood with us on the waiting dock at the train station. Yes we have to take a train and no it is not a train that only students from our school ride but many of them do.
“Okay.” Aunt Kate said as she handed me my black back pack. “You need to get on, but I want you to call us when you get to the school just so we know you got there.” I nodded and hugged her.
“We will aunt Kate. And thanks so much for taken care of us.” I said with a smile. She laughed and rubbed my back.
“Anytime Jenny.” she whispered and I pulled back and wrapped my arms around Uncle Jerry who laughed and held on.
“Be good Jenny.” He said as he set me down.
‘I will Uncle Jerry.” I said as James pulled on my arm.
“We love you.” Aunt Kate said as we jumped on the trian.
“Love you too.” James and I said as we waved goodbye.
“Come on let’s get a room before they all fill up and we end up sitting with the bag lady for a day.” he said with a laugh. We walked down the aisle ways until he pushed open a door and plopped down on the seat.
“I’m hungry.” I said and he laughed.
“Fruit loops in a zip lock bag in the front pocket of your bag.” he said as he grabbed the bankie pillow and pulled the bed off the wall. “I’m taking a nap.” he said as he pulled up the comforters and laid down.
“Just go to bed it’s ten o’clock anyway.” I said as I ate some fruit loops.
“You promise you won’t let me sleep past 6 tomorrow?” I stood up and walked over to him.
“Gimmie your phone.” I said holding out my hand.
“Why?” he asked as he reached into his sweat pant pockets and grabbed his phone and plopped it in my hand.
“I am setting your alarm.” I said as I did just that and then handed it to him. “I’m gonna walk around for a little bit.”
“Insomnia?” he asked and I gave him the not funny look and pulled on my London sweatshirt and ugg slippers and walked into the hallway. I walked around all of these cars until I saw him from behind one of the glass doors. He was standing on one foot with his back against the wall outside one of the many closed doors in the hallway. He was wearing a pair of dark black sweat pants and a white t-shirt. Which clung to his biceps and rested on his toned chest perfectly. In his hand clasped was his cell phone, his lifeline. His dark jet black hair, which had the look of just recently being pushed from in front of his face. The soft tresses of the black were falling around his ears and neck. The black tresses of hair didn’t dare to grace his cheek bones but hung just above them. His face was molded into a look of utter concentration as his steal blue eyes scanned out the window in thought. Sam. I stood there for a moment with a huge smile on my face before I pulled open the door and he looked over at me and beamed.
“Jenny!” he said in a rushed whisper, as he hurried over to me. I wrapped him in my arms and he hoisted me up and swung me around.
“Oh Sam!” I said as I gripped him.
“You look amazing.” he said as we stepped back from each other, still holding each others arms.
“Oh shut up. You look great too.” I said as I played with a bit of his hair. “You let your hair grow out?” I asked and he nodded.
“You did too it has to be like at least three inches longer.” I smiled and hugged him.
“I have missed you so much.” I said as he wrapped his arms around me.
“Same Jen same.” he said as he squeezed me.
“Why are you doing out here.”
“Kale was snoring.” He said with a laugh and I laughed and stepped back.
“You can come hang with me. James is comatose.” I said with a laugh. He smiled down at me and ran a hand through his hair.
“Sounds like a plan.” he said and I nodded and lead him back to my room so glad to be in his company once more.
“Okay so even though he’s out he still could wake up and he’s really cranky in the morning.” I said as I pulled open our door. He was spread out limbs hanging off the bed. “Now that’s a good sight.” I said as I put his arm and leg back under the blanket.
“Aww Jenny.” Sam said as he pulled my bed down.
“Shh.” I said as I jumped down. Sam just laughed and climbed up into my bed.
“What do you want to talk about?” he asked as I jumped up and sat next to him. We looked out the window at the disappearing city life and the approaching the country.
“Anything Sam.” I said as I laid down and put my head on my pillow and he laid next to me looking out the sky light at the stars.
“Give me your hand.” he said holding up his hand. I clasped my hand in his and we laced fingers. “I missed you Jen.” he said looking over at me.
“I missed you too Sam.” I said with a big smile. “But I get to be with you now.” I said as I returned to looking at the stars.
“Okay we need a topic.” he said as he played with my hand.
“Any relationship prospects?” I asked as I looked over at him.
“No.” he said really quickly.
“Oh that’s convincing.” I said as I hit his arm.
“Really there is none.” He said with that smile.
“Fine.” I said giving up.
“How about you?”
“None whatsoever.” I said as I rolled onto my stomach letting go of his hand.
“Do you mind if I stay here?” he asked with a yawn.
“Not at all.” I said with a smile.
“Good.” he said as he rolled himself up and climbed down and lay on the couch.
“Night Jen.” He said as he stood up and kissed my cheek.
“Night Sam.” I said as I kissed his cheek back. “See you in the morning.”
“Yup.” he said in that tired voice thick with a British accent. He curled up with the spair blanket and slowly fell asleep while I lay looking out the window. Wondering what on earth could James have meant. I finally fell asleep waking up to James falling off the bunk.
“God dammit James.” I said as he rolled on his back.
“You alright?” Sam asked as he got up.
“What are you doing in here?” James asked Sam as I jumped down.
“She found me last night. Kale snores.” James nodded and Sam helped him up.
“How ya been?” James asked as he ruffled his own hair.
“Great. Glad to be going back.” he said with a smile.
“Jenny you want the compartment to get dressed?” I shook my head.
‘I can use the bathroom.” I said with a smile. I walked into the bathroom and got dressed in my uniform. Fixed my hair just the way I wanted and walked out to find two guys fully dressed brushing their teeth in a cereal bowl and bottled water. “Just knock.” I said as Sam finished putting his tie on.
“We thought we’d let you have the bathroom.” James said as he sat down.
“Oh well thank you.” I said as I pushed the bed up against the wall and plopped down.
“So Sam how was your summer?” James asked and Sam laughed and sat down next to me.
“Boring beyond all reason.” he said as he pulled one leg up and rested his arm on it. “I had to go to all these stupid parties.” he said as he ran a hand through his hair. “I swear if I have to put a tux on and smile for another three hours I will literally scream my head off.”
“Been there.” we said in unison.
“Woah.” he said with a smile.
“Worst party ever.” James said looking at me.
“Two years ago governors ball.” I said running a hand over my hair.
“What happened?”
“Nothing.” we said together.
“That’s why it was so bad.” James said with a laugh.
“We spent four hours in really uncomfortable clothes, smiling, shaking hands, meeting people that five minutes later we are supposed to know all about in order to carry out a civilized conversation with them.” I exclaimed angrily.
“Calm down Jen.” Sam said and I laid down on the seat.
“It was worse.” James said with a laugh. We sat there talking for close to an hour before the train came to a stop at the village where we take a car from there.
“Okay guys term starts now.” Sam said as he pulled me off the seat. “What do we do?”
“We find Ryan, and Jack.” I said as I looked around until a pair of strong arms pulled my hips backward.
“Jackson Richards!” I exclaimed as I recovered from the shock. “How the hell are you?” I asked as I hugged him.
“Great! How about you?” I smiled and stood next to Sam as we walked towards the cars.
“Great.” I said and then Jack and James began a long conversation about Rugby, Sam inserting bits and pieces until the book worm Ryan walked up and wacked their heads with his seasoned copy of War and Peace.
“Your excluding our Jenny.” he said as he hugged me.
“Oh I’m used to it.” I said as I hugged the six two, blonde haired, semi muscular man.
“Okay students into the cars.” the owner of the train station yelled as we slid into the car.
“So Sammy.” Ryan said raising his eyebrows.
“What?” I asked as Sam glared at him.
“Nothing.” Sam said looking out the window.
“Hey!” I said grabbing his face. “I’m the best friend I get to know all.” He laughed and grabbed my face back.
“He’s just being an ass okay Jen?”
“Fine.” I said as I leaned up against James who just rolled his eyes.
“Get off.” he said as he pushed me.
“I need girl friends.” I said as I crossed my legs.
“No you don’t.” Sam said with an offended look on his face.
“Oh so I don’t need somebody to talk to about guys?”
“We are guys.” Ryan said with a laugh.
“But you’d think it was weird if I talked to you about liking a guy now wouldn’t you?” they all shivered, and did the blegh noise. “Exactly.” I said looking at them.
“You don’t like anybody do you?” Sam asked as he rubbed the back of his neck.
“Not really no guy save you guys in Kingston prep is worth the time.” They all laughed and shook their hands. “Well there is Lucas.” they all cracked up. Lucas Kalvern, the most stuck up snob in the world. His father donated the Kalvern wing our first year. So naturally the world must revolve around him. Oh and he’s had a huge crush on me since I was thirteen. So that’s just perfect.
“I swear I will pay you three hundred quid if you go on one dat with the guy hooked up with a secret cam.”
“Oh yeah right. You talked about the boob cam last year when I was stage managing the ballet.” I said glaring at them.
“Oh c’mon Ballerinas?” Sam said with a disgusted face. “There is nothing to them. That is not attractive at all. I’m sorry but a stick figure with clothes is not attractive. Plus thier bodies are so starved for food that thier matabolisms eat away at thier breasts.”
“Always a poet Sam.” I said as I laughed.
“Just saying.” he said as he fixed his tie.
“I don’t think I’ve gotten that much about girls out of Sam ever.” James whispered in my ear. I jabbed him in his ribs and he let out a deep cut off breath. “Ow.” he said poking my side.
“Cit it out.” I said smacking his stomach.
“Yo little sis calm down before I mkae you regret it.”
“90 seconds dickwad. 90 seconds!” I sad as I wacked the back of his head.
“90 seconds of life longer than you.” I grabbed his tie and pushed up till he gaged.
“I can take those 90 back right now bucko.”
“Down Jen.” Sam said grabbing my arms and pulling me back into him.
“That’s right you let your boyfriend take care of you.” James spat.
“Not my boyfriend.” I said at the same time as Sam yelling.
“I’m not her boyfriend.”
‘Oh hush.” James said as he fixed his hair. We sat in utter silence for a minute before.
“Look I’m sorry okay.” I said lookig over at him.
“I am too, sorry.” he said then he leaned in and kissed my cheek. “I was outta line.”
“Same.” I said hugging him.
“Can they be mad at each other for longer than a minute?” Jack asked as Sam played with his shoe laces.
“In my experience. No.” he said looking up at them. I laughed then groaned as we stopped outside the academy. The huge brick building looked like something you’d find on Harvard or Oxfords campus, and that’s just the head building. The Kingston Preparatory Academy, has fifty wings. Including a performance hall larger than Radio City, and a dinning hall larger than the largest dinning room in the white house. Each team has it’s own dorm wings which are on one of the 9 floors which move fluidly through the school. We are all in the 11-1 which means we are on the eighth floor. Oh that’s gonna be fun. The grounds include a field for every kind of sport imaginable, a full on outdoor theater, twenty green houses, stables, and well it’s huge. There is a lake that rides just along the far left side of the large forest which surrounds the entire academy like a giant fence. This was Kingston Prep.
“No.” I said under my breath. “Why don’t we just hijack the car?”
“Get out there.” Sam said as he pushed on my back.
“C’mon sam you and me we can take it. The old guy won’t know what hit him.”
“Jen just get out of the car.” I groaned and got out.
“You know what I want to know Jen?” Jack asked as we began the walk up the cement and marble stairs.
“What?” I asked as I pulled my bag over my head.
“Why do you stay involved with the theater stuff if your never on stage? I mean you must want to be on stage? I mean nobody wants to stand backstage and get no credit for hard work.” James punched his arm.
‘Leave my sister alone. She doesn’t have to explain anything.” he said with a smile at me.
“I do want to be on stage Jack. I just can’t.” I said as we walked into the front hall. “Oh it’s so not good to be back.”
“What do you mean can’t?”
“I physically cannot make myself stand on a stage in front of more than one person.”
“It’s not pretty when she does trust me.” James said with a shake of her head.
“I puke.” I said as we found a spot against the wall.
“Oh.” Jack said with a nod.
“But let’s not talk about th-. Kalvern alert.” I said as he ran a hand through his greasy black hair. I was alone save Sam in less than to seconds.
“Black let me talk with Miss Marks alone.”
“Where ever Jen is I am.”
“You have no stake on her, she is not property.”
“He never said I was Lucas you did.” I said and he tossed a lock of the dreadful hair out of his face.
“Well perhaps we’ll talk at a later time Jennifer.” I smiled politely and nodded.
“Perhaps.” I said and Sam ruffled the change in his pockets. Lucas turned on his heal and walked away. “That guy is going to die married to a golddigger.” I said looking up at Sam.
“And the world will be a better place.” he said looking down with that smile.
“Ah look dinner’s starting.” James said as he walked by grabbing my arm. He pulled me three paces ahead of Sam then leaned in. “Have your phone on at ten thirty.” I nodded and walked to the table smiling at Sam as he pulled my chair out for me. The dinning hall is filled with five hundred tables. Each seats five people do the math. The tables are always draped in white table cloths and have small flowers in the center. Meals are served by white gloved butlers and well you eat what your given. At the head of the hall the staff table where our head master. Gregory Rider, the most amazing headmaster ever. He’s around seventy years old, loves kids and believes in minimum punishment. His number two. Clayton Pricks, the name says it all. He’s a prick. A huge prick. Maximum punishment, hates children and loathes happiness. Mr. Rider got up to speak normally he just says a prayer and welcomes us all back with a long drawn out speech about what we should and should not do. Then he has all the newbies stand up, we clap and dinner is served. Same as always he gave a speech which lasted long enough for James and I to look up at each other in synchronization our stomachs growling.
“Okay now with out further adieu, the opening year feast shall begin.” The butlers went to work placing plates of food in front of us and trays on the tables.
“Okay let’s figure out what we can do this year.” James said as he began to eat with great conviction.
“What are you talking about?” Sam asked as he took a drink.
“Okay we have two years left you guys we need to figure out some sorta lasting prank.” He said with a let’s do this tone.
“James lay down before you hurt yourself.” I said pionting my fork at him. “You know thinking hurts your brain.”
“Oh you are so funny my dear sibling.”
“And you left the womb to soon and too much air flew up into your head, and just sorta, kinda, lodged itself up there.” I said with a series of funny hand motions.
“Oh shut up.” He said as he bit into a roll.
“I’ve tried it doesn’t last.” I said with a smile.
“Lord knows that’s true.” Sam said and I pinched his leg and he yelped and banged the table with his leg making everybody look at us. He just sorta waved and turned back to me who once the noise resumed in the hall started cracking up. “Nice Jen real nice.” he said shoving my arm.
“Anytime.” I said as I began to eat my corn. We sat and ate sharing the normal jovial conversations before we were walking towards the dorms.
“Okay so Jenny you going to get on stage this year?” Ryan asked and I glared at him.
“Leave me alone.” I said as I rubbed my arms.
“Guys there is a reason behind it okay, just leave her alone on it.” James said as he wrapped an arm around me. We walked along at peace for longer until I was hugging them all good night and walking up the sitars to my room. I share a room with four other girls. Laura Elvers, Kelly Tvin, Charlie Nicholson, Angela Bradbury. They are the closet things to girl friends I have. I got really excited as I pushed open the door. They all cheered and I ran at them hugging each of them with the girly squeal.
‘Oh gods I’m so glad to be back.” I said as I hugged Laura.
“Come on Jenny I wanna here all about the Banna Boys.” the Banna’s are my dad’s VP’s sons. Evan, Kale, Adian, and Jack. Hotties yes, ass holes oh yeah.
“Oh please you want to talk about them?” they all giggled and nodded.
‘Of course!” Laura said looking at me like I was insane. I laughed and sat down and began to regale them of stories of my forced frivoling with them this summer. We talked for close to an hour before I fell onto my bed in my night shirt and crawled under my covers James texing me.
James: Okay so Ryan told me something today.
Me: what?
James: Sam hinted at having a crush on you.
Me: Oh you are a liar!
James: Jen why would I lie about this?
Me: 4 a laugh.
James: Jennifer Ray Marks I am our twin I am looking out for you and I am telling you that your best friend Samuel Black basically admitted liking you.
Me: well we don’t know for sure and nothing is going to come between me and Sam okay rite now he’s my best friend and that’s all.
James: Oh my God!
Me: What?
James: U like him!
Me: Go to bed!
James: You do you do you do! Fine I’ll leave you alone but YOU DO!
Me: good now night.
I turned off my phone and fell asleep, waking up to Laura’s alarm clock.
“Somebody kill it!” I yelled as I pulled the covers over my head.
“Get up Jen!” Charlie said as she walked out of the bathroom.
“No.” I said with a moan.
“Just do it.” Kelly said with a smile as she tickled my sides.
“Fine.” I said as I got up and got ready walking into the dinning hall still half asleep. I plopped down to a completely awake group of morning people, save James. But he was even awake.
“Good morning.” Sam said as he pushed my plate towards me.
“Coffee.” I said looking at James who laughed and pushed a mug towards me. “Ah coffee.” I said as I took a sip. “Okay.” I said looking at the letter with my name on it.
“It’s our schedules. Today we have Chem, Trig, and ah lookie here theater arts.” I groaned and took a bite of bacon.”I call no notes first to periods.” they all laughed and I sat there nursing the coffee for so long until the bell rang and we were rushed off to class. I sat through a whole day of classes completely zoning out until I found myself sitting in the library propped up agianst sam reading a book.
“You know in two weeks you won’t be able to open a book that isn’t a text book.” He said as he sketched in his pad.
“What you drawing?” I asked and he smiled.
“You.” he said holing it up to me. It looked just like me. Like really like me all perched up. “I’ve been using the reflection in the window.” he said as he went back to it.
“Sam that’s really amazing. How come you never draw around me besides now?” I asked as I turned around. “I mean when you pulled the sketch pad out of your bag I was completely shocked but well didn’t say anything. Why?”
“Cause Jen it’s a little passion of mine I don’t like to share with a lot of people. It’s just how I get through life.” he said grabbing my arm. “Now get back into position before I lose the muse.” I laughed and turned around leaning against him again.
‘Do you draw at home?” I asked as I closed my book and watched him work in the relfection of the window.
“All the time.” he said as he rubbed his hand around. “Sometimes I’ll lock myself in one of the old rooms and sit in the window sills and draw for hours just draw what ever my mid sees.” I nodded and looked at him.
“I write music.” I said in a small voice.
“What?” he asked after he dropped his pencil.
“I write music.” I said looking at him. “Like piano pieces, and concertos, symphonies, everything.” I said as I rubbed my arms. “I write just to get what ever’s inside of me out.”
“Does James know?” he asked and I shook my head.
“My dad kinda knows. I mean he bought me my keyboard.” Sam just sorta sat back in shock.
“Jen that’s like really hard to beliave.” he said running a hand through his hair.
“Well it’s what gets me through life.” I said looking at him.
‘How is it we keep stuff from even each other?” he asked looking up at me setting his pad on the ground. “I mean no more Jen. You and I are best friends, and if we don’t know every thing about each other how can we claim to be that?” he said as he stood up and walked around.
“You know everything about me.” I said looking up at him. “Save the few details I did just divuldge.”
“Same I’m just wondering why we are best friends?” I said up.
“What?” I asked kind of angrily.
“That came out wrong. I’m just wondering why you haven’t given up on me yet jen?” I stood up and grabbed his face.
“Because Samuel you are my best friend. I know that for the rest of my life you will be my best friend. I don’t give up on people I love Sam.” he smiled and hugged me.
“Is that a promise?” I nodded and hugged him.
“It’s a vow.” I said holding on to him. He laughed and kissed the top of my head. We parted and then were ushered out of the library and we sat in the house room waiting for the lights out until I laid down and Sam let me rest me head on his thigh. He played with my hand while I stared at the fire.
“Penny for your thoughts?” he asked as he folded my pinky into my palm.
“What?” I asked looking up at him.
“What’s on your mind?” I shrugged.
‘Nothing really.”
“Uh huh. The only time you don’t talk is when your thinking.” he said as he rubbed the back of my hand with his thumb.
“Just somethings James was talking about yesterday.” I said looking back at the fire.
“And that is?”
“Why you haven’t even tried to have a girlfriend all theses years?”
“Is he worried about me or something?” he said with a laugh.
“Come on Sam. You know you could have any girl in the whole Academy yet you don’t even look at them.”
“Because the one girl I want Jen wont look at me the way I want her too.” he said squeezing my hand. ‘Can we just drop it?” I nodded.
“For now.” I said looking up at him. He smiled down at me and nodded.
“Same question.” he said looking towards the fire.
“I don’t want to get in a relationship before I’m done with school.” I said as I played with his fingers.
“Makes sense.” he said his voice deepening in his British accent. “No it doesn’t make sense at all.” he said looking down at me.
“Yeah it does.” I said looking at him. “I don’t want a relationship that starts in high school and then I’m left holding pieces of a shattered heart while he gets to live free of any care or worry in his college life. While I’m stuck being the typical girl wallowing over something that was torn apart by geography.” He looked up and set his jaw.
“What if the guy was willing to make it work?” he asked as he played with my hands softly, gently, sincerely.
“Long distance relationships never work.” I said as I played wit my shirt.
“They can work.” he said trying to convince me.
“Sam no guy’s gonna ask me out any way so let’s just leave it alone.”
“If a guy does ask you out, and you might have feelings for him you are not going to blow him off are you?” I shook my head.
“Depends on the guy.” I said rolling on my side pulling hand with me.
“Hmm Jack?”
“Jack I would kick in the balls.” I said looking at the ceiling.
“Ow. Not nice.” he said poking me. “you have to be nice.” he said as he began to tickle me. I cried out and he just kept tickling me until I was laughing so hard I was crying. That’s when.
“Get off my sister!” James said in a menacing tone. Then I looked up and Sam was kind of straddling me.
“James!” I said looking at him, a look of please no on my face. “He was just tickling me, making me laugh. It was nothing like that.” I said as Sam shot up and I made my way to my feet.” James looked at me then Sam who nodded and ran his hand through his hair like three times.
“You swear?” he asked looking at me pionting a finger. “Cause you would protect him no matter what. I know that.” I nodded.
“I swear.” I said putting a hand on my heart.
“Good now fix your shirt.” he said looking up.
“Oh dammit.” Sam said and I looked down, my bra was showing.
“Yeah guys I’m a girl thought the skirt gave that away.” I said as I fixed it.
“How’d you manage that?” James asked Sam.
“I think it was when she fell. But I wasn’t really looking there. I was just laughing.” I shook my head and fixed my tie.
‘Well gentleman on that lovely note I’m going to bed.” they all nodded and I kissed each of their cheeks then headed up to a room full of sleeping girls. I fell asleep to the sounds of my Ipod playing soft music taking me away from the world. The next day was uneventful in the school department but when I went to meet Sam in the library like always he was holding something, that looked like a diary.
“Jen.” he said as he saw me.
‘Hey Sammy.” he grumbled in his throat and I laughed and hugged him. “You’re my Sammy.” he laughed and held me close then after we let go of each other he handed me the book.
“It’s a gift Jen.” he said as I sat down. “One of my aunts got it for me for my birthday and I was going to use it in music comp but I think it will serve better perpose in your hands.” he said as he sat down on the rug in front of me. It was a music journal. With a staff and note patterns, sharps and flats, all pre written. “It’s for a concert piano. Mum tried to get me to play but you know me.”
“Always gonna play that guitar.” I said with a laugh.
“Do you like it?” he asked rubbing the back of his neck.
‘I love it Sam thank you.” I said as I moved down and hugged him. I slipped on my knee and almost fell if he hadn’t of caught me so his arm was around me holding me up while he looked down at me. His eyes locked on mine and something changed deep in my soul at that moment I felt it.
“You alright?” he asked looking at me. I nodded and he pulled me up. “Good.” he said as he moved back to his knees. “Now what do we have for homework?” he asked looking at me, his arms slowly falling off my body.
“Summer reading essay due in English next week would get a head start on that.” he nodded.
“Or we could enjoy the free time we have.” he said as we moved to sitting in the window once again.
“Hmm I like your plan.” I said as I grabbed my pen and sat agianst the window. The chilled glass stinging my back at first.
“Are you already writing in that?” he asked as I uncapped my felt tipped pen.
“Yup.” I said as I wrote out the time signatures.
“What are you gonna write a song about?” he asked as he began to get his sketching materials out.
“I don’t write songs about things.”I said as I began the opening notes remebering the keybord in my head. “I write songs that sound like things.” I said as I continued.
“That doesn’t make sense.” he said looking at me.
“When you watch a movie the scores sound like the people or the scenarios going on don’t they?” he nodded. “That’s what I write.” I told him as I began to create my most difficult song ever.
“Well than who or what are you going to make the song sound like?” he asked with a smile.
“That’s a surprise.” I laughed.
“Oh come on!”he said and I shook my head.
“No Sam it’s my little secret.” I said looking at him.
“Hmm how to get a secret out of Jennifer Marks?” He asked rubbing his chin and I noticed he had a slight scruff forming on his chin.
“You will never know not till It is done.” I said as I closed the book and poked him with my foot.
“Oh c’mon let me hear at least one.” he begged as he pulled my leg.
‘I don’t see a piano anywhere around here.” I said looking at him with my are you insane look.
“I know where one is.” he said as he grabbed my hand and pulled me off the window seat.
“Sam no c’mon.” I said as I pulled back and he just showed his strength and pulled me to the music department sneaking me into the auditorium. There on the stage sat a piano in the dark.
“I’ll be right back.” he said as he disappeared and soon three spotlights focused on the piano.
“No sam no.” I said as I looked at him walking down the main aslie way.
“Jennifer Ray Marks get to that piano.” he said pionting to it.
“No.” I said crossing my arms.
“Don’t make me come up there.” He said with a stern look.
“Fine.” I said as I sat down on the bench and played the c major scale just accustoming myself to the keys. “Requests?” I asked him as he sat down front row center.
“Your favorite song you’ve written.” he said as he crossed his legs sitting like my dad does at the theater.
“That’s the one I wrote about James.”
‘I am offended.” he said running his hands through his hair.
“Don’t be you’re to hard to write one about, there is just too much to you.” I said as I took a deep breath and began the song. The chords, and notes flowing through my fingers and body like a force. The notes poured out in rhythms and measures each one sounding like James exactly. His personality, his smile, his way of life, just who he is if he were a melody. I played the five minute song until I did the round off scale and looked out at Sam. He stood up and clapped loudly.
“I must say I am amazed.” he said as he pulled himself on stage. “Truly deeply amazed.” he said as he put his hands on the piano looking at me. I just smiled at him and blushed. “Am I seeing things or is Jenny Marks blushing.” I laughed and put my arm on the top of the piano and rested my head on my arm. “Something is wrong?’ he asked as he sat down next to me.
“What am I gonna do sam?” I asked as I looked over at him.
“What do you mean?” he asked putting his hand on my knee trying to comfort me. His face looked deep in concern.
“This is what I want to do with my life.” I said as I sat back and slammed my hands on the keys. “But there is no way my mom will even let me consider it.” I said as I looked up utterly destroyed. “That and the whole not able to stand on a stage in front of anybody thing.” he nodded and looked ahead. “So my question is What the hell am I gonna do when the life I want is a million miles away from the life I lead?” he looked at me and played with the keys making really bad chords. “Oh that’s not helping.” I said placing my hand on his. He laughed and looked at me, something inside us connected again and he inched towards me his hand grasping mine as I to involuntarily moved closer to him. I had no idea how close we were, or what we were even going to do what he was moving in to do but the door opening and banging against the wall made us jump apart.
“You two need to be in bed.” our team leader Mrs. Richards said as she hurried in.
“Oh sorry Mrs. Richards.” I said as I grabbed my book and Sam’s shirt collar.
“Yep Sorry.” he said as he exhaled and ran his hands through his hair, then he jumped up and followed me out. We were silent for most of the walk then finally. “Look Jen I have no idea what was going on, so if I was forward or out of line I apologize.” I gave him a quizzical look.
“What are you talking about we just got caught out of bed after light’s out that’s all.” I said as I hugged him good night. He held on to me.
“Oh yeah a course.” he said as we pulled back. I laughed and kissed his cheek.
‘Night Sammy.” I said as I pulled back and raced up the sitars. What the hell was going on? Had I almost kissed Sam? No that’s impossible he’s my best friend nothing more. James is never right about anything like that. Laura saw the look on my face and rushed over.
‘Hey Jen what’s wrong?” she asked and I shook my head and rubbed my brow.
“Nothing.” I said as I pulled my hair down. “Just confused about something.” I said as I set my book on the table.
“What?” she asked as I walked into the bathroom and pulled my pajamas on.
“Just stuff that’s not important.”
“Sam.” she said looking at me.
“Huh?” I asked and she rolled her eyes.
“Really jen how can you be best friends with a guy and not have some feelings for him?”
“Cause we are just best friends.” I said as I braided my hair.
“I still think you two we would be the perfect couple.” she said as she pulled on her warm socks.
‘Oh that’s not right at all.” I said looking at her. “He’s my buddy, my best mate, just my friend.” she laughed.
“I bet you anything you and he wind up dating at some piont in your lives.” I laughed and laid down.
“Go to sleep.” I said looking at her.
“You just wait.” she said as I covered my self.
“I’ll wait.” I said looking at the ceiling. “I am waiting.” I said looking at my phone as it buzzed.
Sam: hey I didn’t get a chance to say good night.
Me: oh sorry.
Sam: I never said I was mad about it.
Me: oh well yeah.
Sam: Look Jen things can’t get weird between us. I couldn’t stand it if things got weird between us.
Me: what’s getting weird?
Sam: Jen r u saying that you don’t realize what almost happened in the PAC?
Me: umm let me in on the secret.
Sam: No I think it’s best this way.
Me: uh huh?
Sam: for now Jen for now.
Me: Understandable. Ok ok well I do have to go to bed we have gym tommorow.
Sam: oh goodie. Night Jen.
Me: night sam.
Oh god we did almost kiss. This is not good not good at all. James!
Me: JAMES!
James: go to bed.
Me: I almost kissed sam.
James: HOLD UP!! WHAT!!!!!
Me: it just sorta almost happened.
James: Jennifer!
Me; I don’t know what to do James?
James: You didn’t actually kiss though right?
Me: no.
James: Then nothing happened.
Me: but he and I both know it did but he thinks I don’t know.
James: let it work it’s self out.
Me: That’s the best you got?
James: I’m a guy.
Me: fine. C ya tomorrow.
James: C ya
I didn’t fall asleep easy that night, I tossed and turned thoughts of Sam on my mind. His smile his arms, everything about him just made me confused. The next morning he and I were back to normal on the outside but I knew we were going to have awkward moments later on. We were seated next to each other in history and were selected as partners.
“Looks like this years gonna be a breeze.” He whispered to me as I covered my history book.
“Looks that way.” I said as he spied the journal in my bag my pen now laying halfway through it.
“no way you are that far into it.” he saida s he snatched it up.
‘No.” I said grabbing it and shoving it in the bag.
“Oh come on jen.” he whispered looking at me as the Mrs. Lingerni showed us a video composition of our ciriculum. “Please.”
“No.” I said as I crossed my legs.
“I’ll see it tonight while we’re in the library.”
‘I’m not going to be in the library.” he looked at me shocked.
“Why the bloody hell not? Jen I said I didn’t want things to get weird-.” I gave him a your being dumb look.
“I am going to be writing in the auditorium. You’re free to join me. In fact I wish you would.” he laughed and shook his head.
“Don’t do that.” he said with his smile.
“Just meet me there after dinner.” I said and Laura looked at me and smiled.
“Should I bring something?”
“Yeah anything you want.” I said as I closed my notebook and the bell rang.
“So my sketch pad is allowed?” he asked as he pulled the brown cloth back pack onto his right shoulder.
“Sam I don’t care what you bring I’m gonna be writing.” he laughed and grabbed my hand.
“Nothing’s weird right?” I nodded.
“Nothing.” I said squeezing his hand.
“Ok well I’ve got to get to boys gym, what you got this period?”
“Girls Gym.” I said with a groan.
“Oh have fun.” he said as we had to separate.
“Thanks you too.” I said as I pulled my back pack on and walked to the locker room. I got dressed for gym after coach Henderson’s talk then we just did basic work outs and then after Laura and I played a game of horse we ran into the locker room and after I got dressed and grabbed my book I walked out of the locker room and into the hallway.
“Jennifer.” Sam’s voice said in a sing song voice as he came up behind me.
“Hello sam.” I said as I turned around and looked at him.
“Okay come on Lunch.” he said hungrily. I laughed and followed him to Lunch Jack and James sitting at the table while Ryan talked to Kayla across the room.
“Umm did we miss something?” I asked as I sat down and two waiters immeadeatly brought us food.
“Yeah. Ryan’s getting a date to the fall ball.”
“That’s a bit early isn’t it?” I asked looking around.
“Jen Ryan is a over annalistic freak.” I nodded.
“Plans far in ahead right?” I asked and they all nodded.
“When is the fal ball anyway?” Sam asked as he took a drink.
“Day before fall break.”
“We going as a group again?” I asked and they all shrugged.
“I guess.” James said as he played with his food.
“Yeah.”
“Sure.”
“Men.” I said as I looked at Laura who waved me over. “Be right back.” I said as I pushed myself up and walked over to her. “Yeah what’s up?”
“Rumor has it Sam’s gonna ask you to the fall ball.”
‘What is it with you people eleven years of nothing and then all the sudden you all think I should be dateing him.”
“Maybe it has something to do with the fact you two are constantly flirting, and basically holding hands in the hall ways. Your closer than Charlie and Kale.” I laughed and Charlie glared.
“Sorry but that was funny.” I said and she just huffed.
“So what you gonna say?”
“A- it’s like two months away, B- He’s not gonna ask and C- I’d say yes as friends.” I said as I walked back to the table.
“What was that about?” James asked and I just tossed my hair over my shoulder.
‘Nothing of great importance.” I said with a smile. “Girl talk James Girl talk.”
‘Oh girl talk.” he said in a femy voice.
“Sod off.” I said as I took a bite of my food. We trussed for the remainder of the lunch then we were on our way to study hall. The large castle like hallways were crammed with students as we forced our way into the quiet room.
“Girls on the left, boys the right. Only mingling to be done among projects.” an old man teacher known as Lecher Creature said as we walked in. Sam grabbed my elbow and leaned in.
“Have your phone on.” I nodded and walked to my side of the room sitting next to Laura and Charlie.
“No talking, no pranks, no frivolous chatter, and only work is to be done.” we all nodded and I got my music note book out and wrote while talking to sam. For three hours. Then the bell rang.
“Freedom.” I said as I walked over to them.
“Free period for juniors, let’s go to our spot.” Jack said with a smile. Our spot was a large oak tree at the top of a hill which over looked the lake. We all hurried out to the tree and climbed to our respective branches letting the late summer sun shine through the leaves and down on us.
“Okay who thinks that this school is slowly going insane?” I asked and they all raised their hands. “Case closed.” They all laughed and we basically sat there waiting for dinner. Free period lasted two hours. We talked for a while and then we hurried inside talked all through dinner and then sam and I walked to the auditorium.
“I want to know one thing Jen.” he said as he walked backwards down the hall.
“And what’s that one thing?”
“When are you going to tell me who that song is about?” I shook my head and pushed open the door to the theater.
“Hmmm never if you keep asking.” I said with a smile.
“You are impossible sometimes.” he said under his breath.
“I know.” I laughed as I pulled myself on to the stage and sat down at the piano and began to work out the chords I’d written.
“It sounds like Jack.” he said with a question in his voice.
“Wrong.” I said as I played a five note chord progression.
“Dammit.” he said as he continued to sketch.
“Just let it be a surprise.” I said with a smile.
“I don’t like surprises Jen.”
“Oh what ever.” I said with a laugh as I moved on in the music. That was life for the next couple of weeks. Classes, and meals then Sam and I either in the auditorium working on the song piece or sketching, in the library doing home work, or sitting in the house room talking. Then one night two weeks before the fall ball Sam wasn’t at dinner. I walked into the dinning hall after leaving music theory and he wasn’t in the hall way and he wasn’t in the dinning hall.
“Jen you seen Sam?”
‘Not since Music theory.” I said as I sat down.
“Maybe he didn’t feel well?” Jack said with a shrug.
“I’m not hungry.” I said pushing my food away.
“I’m sure he’s fine now eat.” James said and then Sam walked in. He looked great. He’d showered since music theory, he was wearing all new clothes, everything was in place and he just had this glow.
“Hey guys.” he said as he sat down.
“Where were you?” James asked.
“My pen exploded all over my shirt and face after Music Theory.” I smiled and shook my head. “So I had to go get it off.” he said with a smile. We all nodded and after dinner Sam and I walked to the auditorium and there laying on the piano keys was a single red rose. “Jen I just want to know if you’d go with me to the fall ball. As friends. Cause you know James, Ryan, and Jack all have dates. And we both don’t have dates...-.”
“Yes sam.” I said cutting him off.
“What?” he asked looking in my eyes.
“Yes.” I said as I laid the rose in between the pages of my journal.
“Oh good.” he said with a smile.
“Now let’s get to work.” I said and he nodded and sat down against the piano leg and continued to draw, I played with a ton of passion and fervor that night. I was really happy. I was going to the fall ball with Sam. It was going to be amazing. Sam and I did not announce that we were dating cause we weren’t we just said we were going as friends. And before I knew what happened I was standing in the mirror looking at my slef in the strappless black dress I’d bought. It was long ball like gown with a minor beaded top along with white strips of silk covered in lace. My hair hung in curls down my back the sides pinned up and a few jewels clipped into my hair. I told Sam I’d meet him in the library a half hour before the doors opened for the dance. Laura and Charlie had already gone to see their dates, as had Kelly and Angie. I took a deep breath and grabbed my wrap and hurried down to the library. There he stood his back to the door in a tux his hands folded behind his back his hair slicked back in a soft manner. He turned around slowly and smiled widely as I slid my wrap off.
“You look great.” he said as he hugged me.
“So do you. You clean up nice Sammy.” he laughed and kissed my cheek.
“I have something for you.” he said as he reached into his pocket. He pulled out a jewelry box and I looked at him like no way. “It’s a gift Jen my dad told me I had to.” He said with that smile. He opened the box and a beautiful silver necklace with a star like shape made of diamonds.
“Sam it’s beautiful.”
“It’s a snowflake.” he said as he pulled it out of the box. “Since you love the winter so much.” I do love winter, James and I were born in winter, I love the way the world looks in winter and I just love that season. “May I?” I nodded and took off the black stoned Necklace and lifted my hair up and felt his warm hands place the necklace around my neck. I put my hand on it and rubbed my fingers along the stones then looked up at him. “Do you like it?” he asked with a smile.
“Sam I love it.” I said as I wrapped my arms around him. “But I didn’t get you anything.”
“I have you for a date I don’t need anything else tonight.” he said kissing my cheek.
“You’re too sweet.” I said as I hugged him. He laughed and offered me his arm.
“Shall we Miss Marks?” he asked in this thick James Bond like accent.
“Yes Mr. Black I believe we shall.” I said taking his arm. We had a great time the entire time we were at the ball and then around midnight when the night was ending and a slow song began to play Sam pulled me into him and we danced like you would with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Close, soft, gentle, intamite. I felt at peace while I was in his arms. Then the song ended and he escorted me to my room. “I had an amazing time Sam I really did. Thank you so much for everything.” I said as I kissed his cheek and hugged him feeling his arms snake around my waist.
“Don’t forget tomorrow we leave at noon.”
“Wait here.” I said with a smile. He pulled his tie off and nodded. I ran into my room and got dressed in pajama’s and grabbed my bag. “I’m sleeping in your room tonight.” I said with a smile.
“How?” I shook my head.
“Do you think I have never spent the night with James?” he shrugged. “You need to be close to your twin at least once every three months.” he nodded and we walked to his dorm talking and dodging chaperones until he walked out of the bathroom in a pair of sweat pants and no shirt and I took in his deeply chizzled form. I have to admit I swooned I swooned. I swooned so much he noticed.
‘You alright?” he asked as he rubbed his hair shaking out the gel.
‘Yup, just tired.” I said with a yawn. The rest of the dorm was filled with snores and all the guys sleep with iPod in and alarms set. But tonight the alarms were off. Sam laughed and slid into bed and normally this wouldn’t be awkward. I mean I have slept in the same bed as him before. Like when I get scared and I need someone I’ll sneak in, but we did just go on a date. I laid down and pulled my pillow to the position I sleep in and then I looked at him as he laid on his side resting his head on his hand.
“So what do you want to do on our seven day vacation?” he asked as he played with his hair.
“Whatever you want to do.” I said looking up at him.
‘I want to take you riding along the north border it’s a place I think you’d like.” I laughed and accedentialy rubbed my foot agianst his.
“Sorry.” I said looking at him.
“It’s a small bed we’re bound to bump into eachother at some piont.” he said with a smile. “It’s okay.” I nodded and pulled a few bobby pins out and tucked them on my waist bacnd. “How many are in ther?” he asked as he looked at my hair.
“Too many.” I grumbled as I pulled the curls over one shoulder.
‘You looked radiant tonight Jen.” he said with that I’m not joking smile.
“Thank you.” I said as I played with his free hand. “You didn’t look that bad.” I said and he laughed. “I have to say I think I made a few girls jealous tonight.” he just shoved my arm and laughed.
“Sod off Jen.” he said shaking his head. I laughed and laid on my back.
“Sam.” I said not looking at him compleatley.
“Yeah?” he asked as he rubbed my forearm.
“This is gonna sound weird but can I sleep in your arms?”
“That just sounds so strange coming from you. Why?” he asked kinda blushing.
“I really don’t know. It just seems like a good idea.” he nodded and pulled the curtians closed around his bed and I snuggled into him holding him close.
“You smell good. But your cold. Here.” he said pulling the blanket up around me.
“You realize you and I are going to over heat.” I said and he laughed.
“Then you can burn me with the bobby pins.” He laughed thinking that made sense.
“Okay Sam you’re tired you don’t make sense when you’re tired.”
“I make perfect sense when I’m tired.” He said as he rested his chin on my head.
“No Sam you say stuff you don’t mean.” I said as he moved his foot up my calf, curling up like he always does.
“I do not.” He said within a huge yawn.
“Uh huh and I am not a man is something you mean?” I asked and he cracked up. When we had a class trip last year he and I talked on the phone and I said that his voice sounded so much deeper and that he was a man. He was tired and said. “I am so not a man.”
“Fine I’ll go to sleep.” He said kissing my forehead. “Something tells me I’m sleeping good tonight.” I laughed and pushed my head against his chest. I fell asleep listening to the beat of his heart thumping in my ears. I woke up to Sam shaking me lightly. “Jenny come on.” he whispered in my ears. “Wakey Wakey sleepy.” he said and I opened one eye.
“Um no.” I whispered as I curled up and closed my eyes shut.
“Jen if James catches us together like this he’s not gonna beliave the she wanted to stay the night excuse.” I sighed and stretched out and sat up.
“Fine.” I said as I grabbed my bag off the ground and pulled a pair of jeans out of the ouver night bag. “Close your eyes.” I said and he laughed and laid on his stomach, burring his face in the pillow. I got dressed quickly then poked Sam.
“Geeze take long enough.” He said with a smile.
“Sorry.” I said as I zipped up my grey hoodie. I laid down and he immeadetly rested his hand on my hip.
“Okay so we are gonna go riding. Anything else you want to do?”
“I really just want to hang with you for a week.” I said as I looked at him with a smile.
“Oh really?” he asked looked at me with that smile.
“Yup.” I said looking at his watch. “It’s six a.m. Sam.” I said hitting his chest.
“Ah so it is.” he said and I shoved his chest and pinned him.
“I don’t do mornings.” I said and he put his hands on my waist. I bent over and grabbed his shoulders. He and I locked eyes, and the involuntarily movement began. “Sam.” I said as I turned my head to the side and sat back up and rolled off him.
“I’m sorry Jen.” he said as I sat with my legs crossed indan style my back to him. “I don’t know what we’ve been almost doing.” he said as he moved one of his legs up and grabbed his knee. “Let’s go for a walk Jen.” he said as he sat up. I looked back at him.
“Sam just promise me one thing.” I said as I turned around.
“Anything.” he said as he dissapered behind the curtian and came back wearing a pair of jeans and a polo t-shirt under a blue zip hoddie.
“Come here.” I said grabbing his hand.
“Jen what’s up?” he asked looking at me.
“You wouldn’t hide anything from me right?” he nodded.
“Nothing.” he said holding my face.
“Even if you had feelings for me?” he tensed up.
“Jen I don’t know what you are implying.” I shook my head and stood up.
‘I don’t either. Let’s just forget the conversation ever happened.” I said looking at him. He nodded and I pulled on my sneakers and then as we reached the door. “Five bucks says I can beat you to the lake?” he smiled and closed the door.
“Your on.” he said as he fixed his hoodie. I shot off. “Hey!” he called as he raced after me. I bolted through the hallways breaking free of the school and running towards the lake Sam close behind. I was almost to the beach when his hands grabbed me and we fell. Sam landing on top of me.
‘Oh ow.” I said as he pushed him self on to his hands breathing really heavaly.
“You alright?” he asked out of breath.
“Yeah you just landed on me.” I said as I looked up at him.
“Jen.” he said with a smile. “You landed in the way of my fall.” I laughed and pushed him off.
“Oh rejected little brother.” Kale said from behind us. Kale Sam’s older brother, stood around six three Sam’s height. Blonde hair, grey eyes, tan skin and well a bit of a jerky attitude. “Guess it just wasn’t meant to be.”
“Shut your mouth kale.” Sam said under his breath.
“Yeah Kale shut up.” I said as I jumped on Sam’s back. He held my legs and laughed.
“Dad’s gonna be here soon.” Kale said as Sam rubbed my leg.
“So?” Sam asked and I jumped down.
“So he’s gonna wanna know if you and Jenny here need to be put in different wings.”
“Sod off Kale she’s my best friend.” he said looking at him.
“And you weren’t gonna try and mack with her just now?” he said as he bit into an apple.
“No we weren’t.” I said as I grabbed a hand full of sand and chucked it at him. Kale looked shocked.
‘You are so lucky you are James’s sister.”
“Is she know?” James asked.
“Yo Jamie.” he said as he and James did thier handshake.
“What is it with older siblings?” I asked Sam as I put my arm on his shoulder and leaned agianst him.
“Hey Jenny.” James said as he walked over and hugged me. “Hey.” he said as he played with my hair. “You smell like his cologne Jen.” he whispered in my ear.
‘James just calm down.” I whispered and then I pulled him over to the beach.
“Sorry twin meeting.” james said with a smile.
“I fell asleep in his bed last night.”
“Oh that’s just what I want to hear.” he said looking at me angrily.
“Nothing happened he just let me stay with him okay.”
“No more Jen.” he said with a shake.
“You can’t tell me how to live my life.” I said with a smile.
“Oh come on.” he said with a laugh as he pulled me on his back.
“Ah there you lot are.” Mr. Black said as he came over the hill.
“Dad you’re like three hours early.” Sam said as he looked at me then his dad.
“That’s all I get Samuel? Not a hi dad and a Hug?” Sam rolled his eyes and walked over and smiled.
“Hi dad.” he said inside a laugh then hugged his dad.
“Kaleton.” Mr. Black said with a smile and Kale hugged his dad.
“Oh look at you Jennifer.” Mr. Black said as he made me do a turn. “I bet you looked wonderful last night.” I smiled and hugged him.
“Hey papa black.” that’s what I’ve called him since he told me to, two years ago.
“She looked great last night.” Sam said and the other guys all nodded.
“Thanks.” I said looking at Sam.
‘I’m early so we can get to the house and you guys can get all settled in and well we have a paty planned.” Sam groaned.
“Dad I invited them so they could have fun not spend their time at one of you and mom’s boring parties.”
“Samuel Markus.” his father said as he rubbed out his suit.
“Sam we’ll be fine.” James and I said together.
“No.” He whispered. “You really don’t want to go.” He said looking in my eyes.
“Mr. Black we’d be happy to go to the parties.” James and I said togehther. “Stop it.” We said to eachother. “I swear.” all the blacks just cracked up then I covered his mouth and smiled.
“We’d love to go to a party.” I said with a laugh.
“Okay the car has all your stuff in it and were taking the car.” he said and Sam groaned and followed his dad up to the car.
“You are so going to regret this.”
“Be my date and I wont.” he offered me his arm and I took it.
“Gladly, I’d gladly be your date.” I laughed and kissed his cheek.
“Good.” I said as he opened the door for me. “Thank you.” I slid into the limo and Sam sat next to me James across from me. Kale next to him, and Mr Balck on the side seat.
“Okay so how are classes going so far?” Sam’s dad asked as the driver pulled out of the schools gate.
“Good.” I said looking at the guys who nodded.
“Ah so it is going to be just you talking to me agian.” he said with a half smile. I laughed and nodded.
“It’s a girl thing.” I said and for the next thirty minutes Mr. Black and I just talked. Then he turned on a movie and all I remember was waking up leaning against Sam. “Sorry.” I said looking up at him.
“Nothing to be sorry about we’re here.” he said as we got out. Okay Sam and I have spent a few days in the summer together but that’s like in different cities than our own. So I was shocked when I saw the castle which was his home. You think I’m kidding don’t you. Um hell no this place was a literal castle. “I know I know.” he said as I took his arm. “I personally think it’s too much but dad thinks it’s just perfect.” Mr. Black was a British lord after all. But he does not like his friends and children’s friends and family to call him Lord Black. Sam and I walked into the large foye and it literally looked like a castle would. “You want the tour?” he asked and I nodded laughing as James and Kale ran straight for Kales’s room. “So immature.” he said as we walked towards this garden like area. We walked around talking and looking at the house for around an hour before he stopped outside a large oak door. “This is your room.” he said as he opened the door.
‘Oh my god.” is all I could say. The room was basically a princesses room. “Sam!” I shrieked as I jumped on him.
“I think you like it.” he said and I laguhed and nodded.
“Almost as much as my necklace.” I said as I held on to him.
“Make me a promise that you’ll wear that for a long time.” I nodded and kissed his cheek.
“I promise.” He smiled and set me down.
“Okay now tonight we have dinner at six.” He said as he sat down in the window seat.
“Wow you all eat dinner together?”
“Doesn’t yours?”
“Yeah, but Sam there are only four people in my family.”
“There are only four of us.” He said with a laugh.
“But you live in a freaking castle!” I said looking at him with this smile as I pulled froger my large stuffed frog out of my bag and lay down on the bed.
“Okay one, it’s not a castle it’s a manor.” I laughed.
“oh and there’s such a huge difference?!” I said looking at him.
“You’re house can’t be that different.” He said with a laugh as he swung his foot.
“Um we live forty floors up it’s the entire floor it has two levels roof acceses and you can see pretty much all of New York from the roof. But I’m sorry Sam we do not live like English royalty.”
“My dad’s a lord.” He said looking at me.
“My dad owns his own company.” I said with a laugh.
“Yeah the largest freaking advertising firm in the world.” He said with a laugh.
“Okay let’s end this conversation please.” He nodded and stood up.
“I want to show you one thing.” He said with a laugh.
“Okay Sam.” I said as I stood up and tucked Froger in.
“he’s cute.” Sam said with a smile.
“James gave him to me when we turned ten.” I said with a laugh.
“Okay follow me.” He said as he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards an unknown room. I looked at him as he put his hands on these two amazing French door’s handles. “This is the one thing I wanted to show you but didn’t know if you’d care.” I smiled and he shoved open the doors and this amazing room appeared before me.
“Is that a?” I asked as the amazing grand piano sat in the middle.
“The original.” He said as he knew I was talking about the Stevonich Piano’s there are only four in existence and each one is different in some way.
“Oh. My. God.” I said as I walked in.
“My mom had this room set up. See all the cellos, and violins, and oh look my guitars, and Kales drums. And look where she is already.” He said as he looked over and I was already marveling at then amazing piano that m fingers were touching.
“Can I?” I asked him with this little girl grin.
“Jen I’m not your father, go right ahead.” He said as he leaned on it.
“Get off!” I said and he laughed.
“You sound like my grandmother.” He said with a laugh.
“Hey ducky that better not be an insult.” His grandma said from the door.
“Lady Black.” I said as I stood and curtsied.
“Hello Grandma.” Sam said as he walked over and kissed her cheek.
“Now Jennifer I want to hear something come out of that piano that is not chopsticks.” She said pointing to Sam.
“That’s all I know.” He said with a shrug. I smiled and sat down.
“Go on ducky, sit with the lady.”
“Oh he’s fine you’re ladyship.” I said as I placed my hands on the amazing keys. I played the song I’d been writing and suddenly I knew how to finish it. The chords and notes flew through my body the sounds echoing through the amazing hall reaching up to the cealing until I stopped and looked at them.
“Sound’s like you Ducky.” She said as she hit his back. “manifiec my darling. Beautiful.” I smiled and nodded.
“Thank you.” I said and she folded her gloves in her hands and walked from the room.
“She’s wrong right. That wasn’t about me was it?” I gave him a smile and shook my head.
“Maybe.” I said with a laugh.
“Jen.” He said as I stood up.
“I’m not saying no and I’m not saying yes.” I laughed and he grabbed my arm.
“tell me.” He said softly.
“Yes sam it was about you.” I said as I placed my forehead on his.
“I sound like that to you?” he asked looking at me not moving.
“It’s the inner you the sam that only I see.” I said as I sat down at the keys again. “It’s like painting.” I said with a smile. “The basic chords are your first color.” I said as I played the small chord progressions which reminded me of Sam. “then the melody, that’s when I pull in the outer you.” I said as I played the melody. “But the harmony the underlaying chords which make the first two work in progression to a perfect note that’s the inner spirt of the person. That’s the you I see Sam the you that no one sees.” He looked a bit taken aback.
“Wow Jen.” He said as he sat down. “That’s deep.”
“It’s from a movie Sam.” I said as I looked away.
“Don’t lie.” He said grabbing my hand.
“Sam no.” I said standing up.
“I just touched you that’s all.”
“No Sam, it’s just every time we are holding hands and our eyes meet something….”
“Clicks.” We said together.
“Maybe we are just really good friends.”
“Then why do I feel like I’m going to kiss you?” I asked looking at him.
“Because we’re of the opposite gender.” He said with a laugh.
“You’re probably right.” I said as I leaned against the wall.
“Jen, no feelings right?”
“None right now.” I said looking at him.
“Okay then we’re good.” He said as he took my hand. We had a great afternoon and then at dinner Sam’s dad had them make James and I American dishes and when the bologna sandwiches and hotdogs were placed in front of us we both winked at each other.
“What?” sam asked and we just shrugged. Dinner was amazing and Sam and I hung out in my room and I guess we both fell asleep cause I woke to his sleeping face.
“Sam.” I said as I shook him.
“Jen it’s only seven I have three hours to go to bed.”
“its eleven thirty a.m.” he shot up and hit me in the face. “Oh ow.” I said as I rubbed my face.
“ Jen! Really sorry!” he said with a laugh
“nice hit black.” I said as I curled into the covers.
“Come on Jenny get up.” He said with a laugh.
“When are you people gonna realize I’m not aa morning person?” I asked as I looked at him. He put his nose on mine in a playful way.
“There is pudding at lunch.” He said with a smile.
“What kind?” I asked looking into his eyes.
“Chocolate.” He said with a smile.
“Fine.” I said as I made to move but Sam just grabbed me and kissed me full on. Then he shot back.
“Jen I don’t know what came over me…I’m really sorry.” I grabbed him and kissed him again savoring the taste of his lips and the feel of him that close to me.
“Don’t be sorry Sam.” I said as I wrapped my arms around him.
“Jen I’ve had a crush on you since grade five.” I smiled and kissed him.
“I think I may have liked you just as long Sam, I was just blind to it.” I said as I rubbed his sides.
“Jen be my girlfriend?” he asked as he placed his forehead on mine. Oh my god! How did I get here, am I here, is this really me being asked out by Sam, my best mate, am I gonna say yes to my best mate?
“Yes.” I am! I DID! Oh my god!
“Thank god.” He said before he kissed me again.
“Get off her!” James yelled as he came in the room shoving Sam off.
“James it’s alright.” I said grabbing his arm.
“But he was forcing himself on you. Forcing you to kiss him.”
‘No he wasn’t.” I said as I locked eyes with my twin.
“no way!” James said as he looked at Sam then me. “No? No? Jen say No!” he said with a smile.
“I cannot tell a lie.”
“OH THANK JESUS!” he said with a laugh. “okay I’ll leave you two alone.” He said bowing out of my room.
1 comment:
omg jill! i love this story! it's sooo sweet! :D
u should write more about Jen and Sam! i'd read all of it.
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