Post by Dash on May 22, 2009 15:54:28 GMT -5
The Final Years: When All the World was Young
*Meant to be a short story for my creative writing class...but then it expanded into a novel.
The assignment was to write a story about the people around us and so...The Final Years represents the crazy lives of my friends and me. Most of the characters in this story are actually real people, you guys might even notice some of the crazy stories I've told you about in here. I hope you guys enjoy!
Chapter 1: Fresh Start
September, 2007
"What seven letter word has hundreds of letters in it?"
Bailey grinned when she heard Susannah's voice on the other side of the locker bay. Slamming her locker door shut, Bailey slung her heavy backpack over her shoulders. The sixteen-year-old left the locker bay, passing a group of seniors on her way to the long table in the hallway. Bailey met the eyes of a dark-haired, blue-eyed senior, Daniel, who was in her Chemistry class. His eyes met hers and he looked away. Bailey rolled her eyes, Daniel always ignored her when his friends were around, but he seemed to talk to her in class when his friends weren't around.
"Give up yet?" Susannah asked as Bailey set her backpack down on the table.
"Bailey's here!" Jonathan yelled, shoving his identical twin brother, Tyler, out of his seat to make room for Bailey. Both boys were tall, blond, had greens eyes, and were extremely good looking. The only distinguishing feature between them was the small mole on Tyler's chin. "Let the ladies sit, Ty!"
Tyler glared at his brother. "Then why don't you give up your seat?"
"Because I'm special."
"No," Tyler grinned. "It's because you're a lady too."
"I am not!" Jonathan jumped up from his seat, his face turning a dark red.
Bailey bit her lip, trying not to laugh. She met Jonathan's eyes, wiggling auburn eyebrows at him. Jonathan's scowl turned into a smile.
"What are you laughing at?" Jonathan gave her a look.
"Nothing," Bailey giggled. "Johanna."
A laugh turned Bailey's head towards the locker bay. A tall, sandy blond, blue-eyed, tan sixteen-year-old boy walked towards them. "Johanna?"
"Yes?" Jonathan asked.
"Wow," Damien threw his backpack on the table next to Bailey, nearly knocking her off her chair. "You even answer to the name."
"Well, it is my name," Jonathan said in a high, girly voice.
Ashton, a Goth wannabe with badly dyed hair, black clothes, and chains arrived, dumping his bag on the table. "Who kicked Jon in the balls?"
"No one. Jon just feels like getting in touch with his girly side today," Tyler replied. "Aw, look. His eyes are sparkling."
Bailey looked at Jonathan who was currently glaring daggers at Tyler. "Oh yes. Those emerald beauties sure do sparkle."
"You're just jealous you can't be as beautiful as me," Jonathan sniffed.
"I feel bad for your girlfriends," Susannah said softly. "You worry more about your looks then you worry about them."
"Maybe if a girl could keep my interest I'd worry about her," Jonathan looked away, supposedly looking for something in his backpack.
"Well, if you ever meet this girl, I'd love to meet her," Damien grinned. Jonathan shot him a look. Damien raised an eyebrow, then his eyes widened. He glared back at Jonathan.
Bailey turned to Tyler. "You and Jon are twins. You must have some sort of telepathic powers. Why are they glaring at each other?"
Tyler shook his head. "I have no idea, hon."
"I'm back!"
Bailey jumped up from her seat, running to her friend, Natalie as she left the locker bay. Natalie had been out of school for the past few days because of the flu. "We missed you, Natalie!"
"You must have missed me," Natalie grinned, hugging Bailey. "You're letting me hug you, shortie."
"What is it with you and the short jokes?"
"It makes Natalie feel superior," Ashton drawled. "You are the only person she's taller then."
"You certainly know how to make a person feel good about themselves," Bailey said dryly as they walked over to the table. As she passed the group of seniors, she noticed Daniel looking at her again. She raised an eyebrow, he looked away quickly. Bailey rolled her eyes. Stupid seniors…thinking they're so much better then the rest of the high school population.
Susannah gasped. "You guys never figured out my riddle!"
Natalie giggled. "You guys are still going at those riddles?"
"Yes," Susannah grinned. "What seven letter word has hundreds of letters in it?"
"A mailbox!" Jonathan yelled.
Susannah threw her empty water bottle at him. "You jerk! I told you not to talk until they gave up!"
The bell rang, signaling the start of another boring school day. Bailey grabbed her backpack, waving good-bye to her friends as she walked down the hall. Tyler joined her down the hall since the two of them shared first hour, Algebra II. They also had A.P. Language, and Chemistry together.
"Feeling better, Ty?" Bailey asked, looking over at the blond boy.
Tyler shrugged. "Stupid cold won't go away. But I am feeling better, I guess." He turned to her. "So …how did your job interview go?"
Bailey grinned. "The interview went well I think. I have a job trial tonight."
"Tonight?" Tyler's eyes widened. "You going to be late to Alex's party?"
"Maybe," Bailey shrugged. "Depends on how long I work."
"Well, good luck," Tyler grinned. "And I hope you get the job."
"Thanks," Bailey bit her lip. "I'll need it."
"Don't be so down on yourself," Tyler replied. "If you go in with an attitude like that, you won't get the job."
"You sound like my mother," Bailey teased. "She always says that before one of my auditions."
Tyler laughed. "Well, I guess I do have some paternal instincts."
"You mean maternal instincts?"
"I'm not a girl!"
"I was joking, Ty! Jeez…" Bailey made a face, noticing the look of hurt in Tyler's eyes. "I didn't mean to upset you."
Tyler forced a smile. "You didn't upset me. I was just being sensitive. I didn't sleep well last night. I shouldn't take my crabbiness out on you."
"Ty…" Bailey followed her friend into their math class.
"Don't fall asleep in class today, Bailey," Tyler grinned, any sign of him being upset before had vanished. "We don't want you to do a face plant into your desk."
Bailey scowled. "Hey! That was one time…"
"That was Monday."
"Yeah…so?"
"It could happen again. You always fall asleep in math."
"Who always falls asleep in math?" Bailey and Tyler both jumped when they heard their teacher's voice behind them. They turned slowly, looking up at the middle-aged man dressed in black pants and a green dress shirt. He had his usual Diet Coke bottle in his hand.
"That David kid who sits in the back row," Bailey replied. "He's always sleeping. He just looks like he's awake. He's sly like that."
Mr. Pearson raised his eyebrows. "Hm." He mumbled something as he walked away. Tyler covered his mouth with a hand, trying to keep his laughter under control as he sat down. Bailey sat down next to him, throwing her backpack at him.
"Shut up, Tyler! It's not that funny!"
"Yes, it is."
Bailey lowered her voice when Mr. Pearson went to talk with David. "Math is the first class of the day and Mr. Pearson talks in a monotone voice. How is a person supposed to be able to stay awake in class?"
"I don't know," Tyler replied. "Maybe if you paid attention."
"Paying attention in class is why I fall asleep," Bailey pulled her math book out of her bag.
Tyler made a face. "And you always manage to finish your homework before the lesson even starts…"
"Mr. P says if we understand the lesson, we can start on our homework. If I don't get something, then I pay attention in class."
Tyler shook his head. "Whatever you say, Sleepyhead."
XxXxXxXxXxXx
The school day dragged on. Bailey couldn't wait for sixth hour. Not only because it was the last hour of the day, but because Mr. Garibaldi was her favorite teacher. Mr. Garibaldi made things interesting and always had a story to tell. He should've been a history teacher with all the little stories he knew that weren't in the history books at school.
When fifth hour, Photography 1, ended Bailey grabbed her backpack and left the room. She barely made it to class on time every day. Photography and Chemistry were on opposite sides of the school. Bailey soon got stuck in a crowded staircase. Two freshman stood at the top of the staircase, blocking everybody from getting up or down the stairs. Tired of waiting, a junior Bailey recognized as the Varsity Football Captain, Brandon, shoved the girls out of the way, and everyone went on their way. Bailey passed the two girls, hearing them squeal and sigh over Brandon. Bailey rolled her eyes, wondering what they saw in the arrogant jock.
Bailey turned the corner and was shoved against the hall. "What the hell?!" She turned around to face Daniel Frederickson.
"Whoa, I didn't see you there, shortie." Bailey scowled. "Sorry. I don't usually see freshmen…they're so tiny."
"I'm not a freshie!" Bailey sputtered. "I'm a junior!"
Daniel opened and shut his mouth. "Yeah, I probably should've known that, seeing as Chemistry is for seniors and juniors only." He smiled stupidly. "You know, I thought you were a really smart freshman the first day of school."
Bailey shoved him out of the way and continued on her way to class. She felt her face burn up, either in shame or something else. Bailey didn't know why that annoying, arrogant senior made her heart flutter or blush.
The bell rang and Bailey was late for class. Mr. Garibaldi locked the door when the bell rang, finding it quite enjoyable to lock his late students out of the room. Sometimes he would make them do stupid things to get into the classroom, like sing a stupid song or dance. Bailey saw the door closing and ran to the door. She swore, grabbing the door handle. It was locked.
"Miss Henderson, you're late," Mr. Garibaldi's voice crooned from the other side of the door.
"Yes, I know," Bailey muttered. "A stupid senior ran into me."
"Hey!" Daniel exclaimed. "I'm right behind you."
Bailey shot him a look. "Stupid Daniel Frederickson shoved me into a wall." She heard the class laughing, the door opened with Mr. Garibaldi blocking the entrance to the classroom.
"We always knew you two flirts would get together, we just wish you'd keep your signs of affection outside of school."
When Mr. Garibaldi moved out of the way, Bailey stormed across the room to her seat next to Tyler, who just so happened to be laughing his head off.
"If you say anything, I will rip your head off," Bailey muttered. Tyler shut up.
"Are you two really dating?"
Bailey turned to the seat behind her. Eric Gardener, an unkempt overweight junior with mousy eyes, stared intently at her. Eric had had a crush on Bailey back in elementary school. Rumor around school said he still liked her. "No!"
She turned back to the board and jumped when she noticed Mr. Garibaldi standing in front of her desk. "What?!"
"There has been a new seating arrangement. You, Bailey, are switching seats with Brandon."
Tyler and Bailey switched glances. "What?!"
"Brandon and Scarlet are just as annoying as you two. So what better way to silence the crowds, then split them up?" Mr. Garibaldi went to the front of the class. "Brandon, Bailey. Grab your bags and switch seats."
Tyler cowered in his seat. Brandon loved teasing Tyler. Bailey smiled sadly at him before going to her seat. Brandon accidentally bumped into Bailey when they passed in the aisle. Bailey scowled, tempted to shove Brandon into a desk until Mr. Garibaldi looked at her and she decided against it.
She dumped her backpack on the floor next to her desk and took her seat.
"Do you still think I'm stupid?" her new table partner asked. Bailey glared daggers at him. "I'll take that as a yes."
The blond girl in front of Bailey's seat turned around. She smiled at Daniel, blinking her big brown eyes up at him. "You know, Daniel. If this seating arrangement doesn't work out, you can always sit next to me."
Daniel blushed. "Ah…no thanks."
Bailey guffawed, covering her mouth with her hand when the girl glared at her.
"Something funny, Henderson?"
Bailey shook her head. "Nothing, Scarlet. Nothing at all."
"Miss Curry, could you please turn around? I would like to start my class sometime today," Mr. Garibaldi said.
Scarlet glared at Bailey again before turning around in her seat. Class began. Mr. Garibaldi turned the lights off and handed out note packets. Bailey moaned silently, class always seemed to go on for an eternity during lectures.
"Mr. Frederickson? Are you having problems with your bag?"
Bailey looked at her table partner who was furiously searching through his bag for something. Daniel gave up and started dumping his backpack's contents on his desk. Out fell three notebooks, papers, homework assignments, a guitar book, and a silver iPod which started playing The Remedy by Jason Mraz at full blast. Daniel grabbed the iPod and shut it off before shoving it and the rest of his stuff back into his backpack.
"I can't find my pen," Daniel replied.
Mr. Garibaldi sighed, "Does anybody have a pen for Mr. Frederickson?"
Scarlet turned around quickly, handing Daniel a pen. "Here you go, Danny."
Daniel made a face. "It's Daniel. Not Danny."
Scarlet turned back to her table partner and sister, Kelsey, who also happened to be Ashton's girlfriend. The Curry girls both had long, blond hair and big, brown eyes. The two girls knew they were beautiful and loved being treated like princesses.
Class started. As the teacher droned on about the Periodic Table, Bailey felt eyes on her. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Daniel staring at either her or the board. Bailey scowled herself, why would Daniel be staring at her? Of course, he'd be staring at the whiteboard.
The subject changed from elements to families and groups. Bailey sighed when worksheets were handed out. Homework on a Friday night. Bailey looked over the worksheet, she'd work on it either Sunday or sometime Monday before sixth hour.
"Hey, Bailey," Daniel whispered, scooting his chair even closer to hers. "Do you understand how to do this?"
Bailey raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you paying attention in class?"
Daniel's face turned a light pink. "Yes…"
The girl looked at his note packet, the mini booklet was blank. "I'll help you with one problem, alright? I'm not going to do the entire thing for you, unlike some people…"
"I'll do your homework for you," Scarlet purred, turning around.
Daniel shook his head. "I think I'd rather have Bailey do it. She's better than you at Chemistry."
Scarlet's shoulders fell. "Are you saying I'm stupid?"
"What?!" Daniel exclaimed. "No!"
Scarlet's lower lip trembled. She grabbed her backpack, got up from her seat, and rushed over to Brandon's desk. Bailey noticed Tyler grabbing his backpack, jumped from his seat, and practically ran over to the empty desk next to Kelsey. He sat down, dumping his Chemistry book, notes packet, and worksheet down. He turned around to face Bailey and Daniel.
"Hi Tyler," Kelsey purred.
Tyler blushed. "Uh…hi Kelsey."
"Is that a new shirt, Tyler? It looks nice on you."
"Thanks."
Kelsey reached up slowly and ran a hand through Tyler's hair. Tyler jerked away. "What are you doing?!"
"Your hair is so soft, Tyler."
"Don't you already have a boyfriend, Kelsey?" Bailey snapped, jumping to Tyler's defense.
Kelsey smiled cruelly. "Aw. Is somebody getting jealous?" Bailey blushed up to her hairline. "I think somebody likes you, Tyler."
Bailey groaned, Scarlet returned to her seat with Brandon. The two of them towered over Tyler. Tyler closed his eyes, bowing his head. Tyler often reminded Bailey of a turtle with the way he'd scrunch his neck down into his shirt, trying to hide himself from the world.
"How cute, the couple is reunited," Scarlet purred.
"Shut up, Scarlet," Bailey snapped.
"Mr. and Mrs. Henderson," Brandon yanked Tyler from his seat so Scarlet could sit down.
"Actually, I think it would be the other way around," Tyler replied as he tried to yank free of Brandon's grip. "Mr. and Mrs. Grabel. I'm the guy, Bailey's the girl."
"Sometimes we wonder," Scarlet teased.
Bailey jumped out of her chair, stuffing her homework and book into her backpack. Kelsey, Scarlet, and Brandon waited for Bailey to react. Daniel stared at Bailey, trying to figure out what Bailey was going to do before she did it. Tyler finally yanked his arm free of Brandon's hand, watching Bailey nervously.
Bailey walked down the aisle, passing the teacher's desk. "Going out in the hall."
Tyler ran after her. "Me too!"
As they left the room, Bailey scowled when she heard Brandon, Kelsey, and Scarlet laugh. Tyler squeaked. Bailey grabbed his arm and brought him over to a table in the hallway. She sat down, smiling softly at Tyler. "Just ignore them, Ty. They just want to get a rise out of you."
Tyler shifted uneasily in his seat. "I wish I could ignore them."
Bailey reached across the table to take his hand. "Hey. It's going to be okay, Ty."
He looked up at her. "Do you think I'm gay?"
She blushed, opening and shutting her mouth. "I…um…Tyler…"
"I'll take that as a yes."
"Tyler…"
The blond boy sat up straight, his eyes going to someone behind Bailey. She turned her head, seeing Daniel leave the room. He smiled and walked over to them. "Mind if I sit with you?"
"Yes," Bailey said.
"No," Tyler replied.
The two glared at each other. "Yes! No!"
Daniel looked at them. "I'll just go sit somewhere else."
Tyler gave Bailey a look. "If he sits alone, I'll go join him."
"Fine, go join him," Bailey said. "Because you know I'll sit by myself."
"Fine," Tyler got up from his seat, leaving Bailey by herself. Tyler joined Daniel at the other table across the hall.
"Fine," Bailey pulled her homework out of her bag. "Now I can concentrate on homework without any distractions." She looked the worksheet over, growing bored quickly, and stuffed it back into her bag. It was the last hour of the school day and Bailey felt restless. Tonight was her first job trial as a hostess at a small five star restaurant called Chateau Rouge. Bailey had never hosted anything in her life and she was terrified. If she got the job, it would give her an excuse to get out of the house. It wasn't that she didn't like her home, she just didn't like being home with her father. He had lost his job a year ago and wasn't exactly in the nicest of moods. Bailey looked over at Tyler and Daniel. She scowled, grabbing her backpack and went over to the table.
"Would you mind if I sat here?"
"No," Daniel said, looking up from his paper.
"Yes," Tyler said, not looking up from his homework. "Will you get along?"
"Yes," Bailey dropped her bag on the floor and took a seat.
"I knew you'd come along," Tyler grinned.
"I hate that you know me so well," Bailey scowled.
Daniel looked at them. "So are you two really dating?"
Bailey and Tyler froze. "Where'd you hear that?"
Daniel shrugged. "In class."
"It's not true," Tyler replied. "Bailey likes my brother."
"What?" Bailey blushed. "I do not!"
"I was kidding, Bailey," Tyler grinned. "But it's true though, about me and Bailey not dating. It could never happen. We're more like brother and sister anyway."
Tyler's phone went off. The boy squeaked, his hand going to his pocket. He whipped his phone out.
Daniel grinned. "Lucky you weren't in class."
Tyler nodded slowly. He rolled his eyes. "Just Alex. She wanted to know if you can come to her party."
"Seriously?" Bailey made a face. "Why couldn't she just text me? I told her I had a job trial tonight and that I'd come after."
"I'll tell her that."
"Thanks." Bailey raised an eyebrow when she saw Daniel looking at her. "What?"
"Are you working at Chateau Rouge tonight?"
"Yes. How'd you guess ?"
"I'm the dishwasher," Daniel replied. "I saw your name on the schedule."
The bell rang. Bailey remained motionless in her seat.
"Good luck, Bailey," Daniel grinned, grabbing his bag. He rose from his seat and walked away as students started filling up the hall.
Tyler waved his hand in front of Bailey's face. "Hello? Is anybody in there?"
Bailey gave Tyler a look. "No. I've been taken over by an evil spirit named Scarlet."
"Oh how scary," Tyler grinned. "And where can I get an evil spirit?"
Bailey grabbed her backpack. "In your parents' liquor cabinet."
"Funny," Tyler played with one of the straps on his backpack. "Not only do you see Daniel at school, but if you get the job, you get to see him at work too."
"Oh joy," Bailey muttered as she walked down the hall. "Do you think you and Jonathan could give me a ride home?"
Tyler shrugged. "I'm not the one driving." He grinned. "You could always ask Damien if Jonathan says no."
"Jon won't say no," Bailey gave Tyler a look. "And no. I won't ask Damien."
"Why Bailey? Things still awkward between you?"
Bailey made a face. In tenth grade, Damien had asked Bailey out. They dated for a few months before Bailey broke it off. She never told Damien how awkward it was dating him, she just told him that she saw him as a brother. She wished it had ended like that, but it didn’t. Bailey had moved on and Damien still liked her. It was quite obvious even though he tried to hide it.
"No, things aren't awkward. It's just…you know how Damien is…"
"Yeah," Tyler grinned. "I was just joking, Bailey."
An arm appeared around Bailey's shoulders, she looked up to see Jonathan. He smiled down at her, his green eyes laughing. "And how are you two today?"
Tyler pulled away from his brother. "Just peachy."
"Nervous," Bailey said softly.
"You're going to do just fine at your job trail, Bailey," Jonathan replied. "They'd be crazy not to hire you."
"Thanks." Bailey pulled away. "Can I have a ride?"
"Of course you can, babe!" Jonathan grinned his usual thingyy smirk. "You can have a ride anytime."
Bailey made a face. "I didn't mean that kind of ride!"
"Oh," Jonathan's shoulders fell. "Well, you can still get a ride from me anytime."
"Can I get a ride home?"
"Yes."
"Thanks."
"Is your father going to be home?"
"I don't know. Where would an unemployed man be?"
"Out looking for a job?"
"That was him a year ago. Not so much anymore," Bailey shoved him. "Besides, if you were to give me a ride, I don't think your girlfriend would be very happy with you."
"Ex-girlfriend actually," Jonathan said. "Claire and I broke up."
Bailey's mouth fell open. "When did this happen?"
Jonathan shrugged. "A few moments ago."
"You don't seem fazed."
"That's because I keep my emotions locked deep inside of me and hide them from the world."
"So, what was the reason for breaking up this time? You've been going out for a what…a month?"
"Yes. I didn't remember our first month anniversary, so she broke up with me. I didn't do the dumping for once."
"Wow," Bailey bit her lip. "Harsh much?"
Jonathan shrugged. "Not my problem. If she gets angry because I didn't remember a month anniversary, then I don't need to date her."
"What is it with you and long term relationships anyway?" Tyler piped up. "Your first relationship lasted for six months, since then a girl's been lucky to make to a week or two. Claire had you in her grasp for a month."
"Well, I have one girl in mind," Jonathan replied. "She's not that into me at the moment. So I'm just playing the field until then."
"Who is she?" Bailey asked.
Jonathan stared at her for a moment. "You'd laugh if I told you. So I'm not going to tell you."
"Aw, Johnny!" Bailey teased. "Why won't you tell me?"
"Because I don't want to," He scowled. "Alright?"
Bailey's shoulders fell. "Alright." They walked in silence down the rest of the hall. Tyler looked from his brother to Bailey. Catching Bailey's eye, Tyler shrugged.
"I'll catch up with you guys later," Tyler said.
"Where are you going?" Jonathan asked.
"To talk with Stephen…"
"Have fun," Jonathan looked away, picking up his speed once Tyler left.
Bailey sighed, picking up her speed to catch up with Jonathan. "Jeez…why do you get to have the long legs? Can't you slow down?" He didn't say anything. "Hey…Jon. I didn't mean to upset you."
"You didn't upset me," Jonathan snapped.
"Right, so the snapping is just something you do when you're happy?"
Jonathan stopped in his tracks. "No." Bailey ran into him. "Open your eyes for once, Bailey. And you'll see her." He started walking again. "Get a ride from Damien." Jonathan disappeared into the crowd. Bailey walked slowly down the hall when she heard, "TYLER! IF YOU DON'T COME NOW I'M LEAVING WITHOUT YOU!"
Bailey arrived in the cafeteria, walking over to the table where her friends sat. She dumped her backpack on the table, seeing Alex walking over to her.
"Hey, Bailey! I haven't seen you all week!" Alex smiled, lighting up her beautiful face. "Coming to my party tonight?"
Bailey gave Alex a look. "Maybe if you read my texts for once, you would've known that I have a job trial tonight and I'll come after work. Alright?"
"Hey, where are the twinnies?" Ashton asked.
"Jonathan and Claire broke up," Bailey replied. "They left early."
"Poor Johnny," Natalie said softly. "Guess we'll just have to cheer him up tonight. It's a shame you aren't coming earlier, Bailey. You always manage to cheer him up."
Bailey laughed. "Yeah? Well I'm the one he's mad at right now."
Everyone exchanged glances.
"Seriously?" Damien opened and shut his mouth. "Jon's never mad at you."
"Well, he is now," Bailey scratched her head. "He left without giving me a ride home. So…could I smooch a ride off of someone?"
"Yeah," Natalie replied. "My mom'll be here in a few minutes. We can give you a ride home."
XxXxXxXxXx
Upon entering the Chateau Rouge, Bailey felt at home. She had a feeling that she would be working here, even if she hadn't worked here just yet. She met the manager and part of the staff during her interview, they liked her. One of the head servers, a short woman in her sixties named Camille, loved Bailey because she, Bailey, was shorter then her. Bailey liked the headstrong server, finding her hilarious and easy to talk to. The other server working that night was Ellen, but everyone called her Elle. Where Camille was outgoing and spontaneous, Elle was serious and concise.
The owner, Adelle, offered Bailey her hand, giving the teenage girl a firm hand shake. Adelle told Bailey that you can tell what kind of person someone is just by shaking their hand. Adelle was the head chef, along with Rosemary, a young woman in college, the other head chef when Adelle was out front checking on things. The other two chefs were Jack and Sean, two young men fresh out of college. They reminded Bailey of her younger twin brothers.
During her interview, Adelle gave Bailey a tour of the small restaurant, showing her the kitchens, the beautiful event room, and finally the cozy, warm dining room and bar. Behind the bar was Adelle's husband and co-owner, Gregory, and their daughter who was also a server, Amy.
"Good evening, Bailey! We're so glad to have you back!"
Bailey smiled when she was greeted by Elle, the older woman taking her back into the kitchen to grab an apron. "Hello Elle."
"You'll be working up front with me tonight," Elle explained. "Adelle is at an offsite event. She'll be back in an hour or so to help you hostess."
Bailey waved to Rosemary, Jack, and Sean when they passed, the three chefs currently making dinner for a small party in the event room. In the back of the kitchen, a young man stood at the counter, bagging trays of cookies. He had his back to them. Elle tapped him on the shoulder. Bailey felt her heart speed up when she realized the young man was Daniel. His face lit up upon seeing her.
"Welcome to the Chateau, Bailey."
Elle's eyes widened. "So you speak, Daniel."
Bailey smiled, "Hey Daniel."
Elle placed her hands on her hips. "I see you two already know each other." Her eyes went from Daniel to Bailey and back to Daniel. "Hm. Well, I guess it will be nice to hear Daniel talk now." Elle led Bailey to the employee room.
"What did you mean exactly?" Bailey asked softly as Elle searched through the closet for a small apron. "About Daniel finally speaking?"
"Daniel's a quiet boy. He talks some of the time, but mostly with the chefs. He'll talk to the servers, but not very much. I've never seen him smile or his eyes go that wide before. Do you go to the same school?"
"Yeah. We have a class together. Chemistry."
"Yes, you two certainly have some chemistry."
"I was talking about the class."
"Oh," Elle pulled an apron off a hanger. She handed it to Bailey. "Try this one on." Bailey did. Elle looked the girl over in the mirror. "It's a little big, but it's the smallest size we have. It looks nice on you anyway."
Bailey inspected herself in the mirror as Elle rummaged through a small wooden box on the shelf. Elle had a point. The apron actually looked nice on her small, trim figure. Bailey turned around when Elle pulled a diamond tie necklace from the box. The tie was a signature trade mark for the servers at the Chateau. Bailey clipped the tie around her neck and looked herself over in the mirror. She found she liked the uniform.
"Don't you look cute?" Rosemary cooed, sticking her head in the room.
Bailey blushed. "Thanks."
"Stop teasing, Rosemary," Elle grinned. "We don't want to scare Bailey away now, do we?"
Rosemary smirked. "I would never do such a thing."
Bailey followed Elle back into the kitchen. Daniel looked up at her and smiled, "Good luck, Bailey." He went back to work when Rosemary, Elle, and Bailey went up front.
"You got Daniel to talk," Rosemary gave Bailey a look. Jack and Sean appeared, both six foot tall, the two men towered over four foot eleven Bailey.
"She got Dan to talk?" Jack and Sean grinned.
Elle grabbed Bailey's hand and whisked her away from the two men and out of the kitchen. As the doors swung open and closed, Bailey could hear Jack and Sean talking.
"She's a cute one," Jack said. "No wonder Daniel talked."
"Dude, she's underage."
"Yeah, but she got Daniel to talk. He never talks to new people."
"Bailey?"
Bailey jumped when she realized Elle had been talking to her. "Yes?"
"The customers will be arriving soon. I'm going to give you a tour of the dining room before they start arriving."
As the night wore on, Bailey thought for sure she would never get the job. It would be a miracle if Adelle hired her. On her first night, Bailey managed to get the table numbers mixed up and sat people at the wrong tables. Too shy and embarrassed to talk to the customers about needing to change their seats, Elle talked to them for Bailey. The teenager also learned that as a hostess, it was her job to tell the servers when reservations arrived. Bailey forgot to tell Amy about a table and so the table went without service for ten minutes. Amy was furious.
Later that night, Elle sent Bailey in the kitchen to grab a bus tub so she could take the full tub in the bar back to the kitchen. Bailey made it half way to the kitchen, before losing her grip of the heavy bus tub. Luckily, Daniel had followed her out of the kitchen to grab the tub. He grabbed the tub from her hands before she could drop it. He smiled at her, telling her he could take the tub from there, and the next time the tub needed to be changed, he would grab it for her. Bailey returned to the hostess station.
A table of four, two men and two women, arrived. Elle asked Bailey to pour four waters for them. Bailey grinned, how easy would that be? She couldn't mess that up! …Or could she? Bailey put the four glasses on a tray and walked back to the table. Bailey quickly grabbed a glass and set it down on the table. One of the men bumped into Bailey offsetting the balance of tray. The tray flipped over, spilling ice cold water on the men's laps. Their wives laughed as Bailey ran away to grab some towels. As she cleaned the men's pants, Bailey apologized over and over again. When the men needed water later that night, they kindly asked Elle to water their table instead of Bailey.
During the night, Bailey met several people the servers called "regulars." One man, Anthony, sat at the bar most of the night. He talked to Bailey, somehow finding a way to get her out of her shell. He told her that he was the security guard at parties and that he would get to work with her next time there was a party. He appointed her as his junior security guard because he needed someone to keep the children in order at parties.
Upon hearing Anthony's idea, Gregory laughed, thinking a junior security guard was an excellent idea. He talked to Adelle before letting Bailey work in the kitchen. Rosemary had Bailey help Daniel put dishes away.
"How'd your first night go?" Daniel asked.
Bailey made a face. "I really don't think I'm going to be hired."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm a terrible hostess."
"It's your first night. I'm sure you didn't screw up that badly."
"I mixed up the table numbers. I spilled water in two men's laps. I nearly broke all the dishes in the bus tray."
Daniel opened his mouth to speak when Adelle appeared behind him. "Bailey, I'd like to speak with you."
Adelle led Bailey back to her office. She closed the door behind her.
"I heard you had a pretty rough night," she said kindly.
Nodding slowly, Bailey looked at her feet.
"Hostess," she said sternly. She looked up to meet her eyes. "That's better." She smiled at Bailey, trying to relieve her nerves. "Everyone has a bad day sometimes. And you're just getting the hang of everything. Don't worry. Things will get better."
Bailey blushed softly. "So…I'm not fired?"
"Oh Bailey! You thought I was going to fire you?" Adelle laughed. "You poor girl. No wonder you were so jumpy." Adelle put her hands on Bailey's shoulders. "From the moment I met you Bailey, I saw something in your eyes that made me think you're perfect for the job. You just had a bad night. We would love to have you join the Chateau."
Bailey's eyebrows rose. "Really? You really mean it?"
"Yes," Adelle smiled. "Welcome to Chateau Rouge."
"Thank you!" Bailey beamed. "So…when do I start?"
"How does tomorrow night at six sound?"
"Perfect."
"Alright. We'll see you tomorrow at six. Good night, Bailey."
"Good night, Adelle." Bailey left the office, still smiling. She hung her apron up in the employee closet and put her necklace in the wooden box on top of the closet shelf. Bailey left the employee room and ran into Daniel.
"On your way out?"
"Yes," Bailey played with the hem of her shirt. "You?"
Daniel pulled his coat on. "Yes."
Bailey grabbed her phone from her pocket and texted Alex to let her know she was on her way.
"Going somewhere tonight?"
"Yeah, my friend Alex is having a party."
"Alex? You mean Alex Martins?"
"Yeah. Do you know her?"
"She's my neighbor."
"Oh," Bailey followed Daniel outside into the employee parking lot.
"Someone giving you a ride?"
"Yes. I just have to call my mom first…"
"I could give you a ride," Daniel offered. "Since I'm going that way."
Bailey looked up at him. "Seriously?"
Daniel grinned. "What? It's not like I'm a rapist or anything."
Bailey laughed. "Alright."
"So, do you still think I'm stupid?" He asked as he led her out to his car.
"No. Sorry about that. I have a temper."
"I hadn't noticed."
XxXxXxXxXx
Bailey walked silently down the steps to Alex's basement. Before going to work that night, Bailey had dropped off her backpack and pillow so she wouldn't have to bring them to the Chateau. Upon entering the basement, Bailey could hear the sounds of a Guitar Hero contest, laughing, music, and talking. She lingered in the door way, watching Jonathan and Damien who were the ones playing video games. Everybody else sat on the couches. The party was quiet and tame compared to the party she had been to last weekend where the house had been filled with students. No parents around. Alcoholic beverages passed around. Dancing. Loud music. Bailey found she liked the quiet parties. She was with her friends, where she could hang out and relax.
"Did I miss anything important?"
Then, all at once, seven pairs of eyes turned on her. Blank expressions turned into surprise. Surprise turned into happiness.
"Bailey's finally here!"
Everyone, but Jonathan, greeted her. Bailey bit her lip, the boy turned slightly to her, his guitar held loosely in his hands. He looked at her for a moment, smiling softly. "How'd your job trial go?"
"I guess it went well," Bailey shrugged. "They hired me tonight."
"Congratulations, Bailey!" Alex squealed. "By the way…are there any cute guys at work?"
Bailey grinned. "Yeah, but they're all too old for you, Alex."
"Darn it!"
They laughed. Bailey went to her bag to grab a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. "I'll be back. I want to change first."
She ducked into the bathroom to change. She changed quickly out of her work clothes and into her jeans and t-shirt. She left the bathroom, finding her friends pulling on their coats and shoes.
"Where we going?" Bailey asked.
"Outside," Natalie replied. "To play night games since you're here finally."
"Fun," Bailey jumped when her phone started vibrating in her pocket. "Jeez, Dad. What the hell are you texting me for?" She pulled her phone out. The text wasn't from her father.
"So…if it isn't your father texting you, who is?" Natalie asked, noticing the look of surprise on her face.
Bailey blushed. "It's Daniel."
"Daniel? Who's Daniel?" Jonathan asked, perking up.
"Daniel, a guy from work," Bailey replied slowly.
"Daniel Frederickson," Tyler piped up. Bailey glared at him. He shrugged. "Senior at school. He's in our chemistry class."
"Oh," Alex smirked. "You mean my next door neighbor is one of your co-workers? Bailey, why didn't you say Daniel worked with you?"
Bailey smiled nervously. "You asked me if any cute guys were at work."
Susannah's mouth fell open. "You mean you don't think Daniel's cute?"
"Of course he isn't cute!" Alex giggled. "He's gorgeous! And Bailey was hiding him from us!"
"I was not!" Bailey exclaimed.
"So what was Daniel texting you about?" Damien asked, his tone defensive.
Bailey gave him a look. "He was wondering if I got to Alex's house safely, alright? The annoying twit should know I got to Alex's house safely. He gave me a ride here." Her eyes widened in horror when she realized what she said. Her friends all stared at her. She blushed up into her hairline. "Let's go outside." Bailey ran out of the house through the basement door.
She ran to the swing set in the backyard. Bailey jumped when a hand grabbed her wrist. She looked up to see Jonathan. He let her wrist go, his eyes unmoving.
"I'm…sorry about earlier today. I was a jerk. Yelling at you like that. I'm sorry. Forgive me?"
Bailey grinned. "Come on, Jon. I'm never mad at you. Why should I be mad at you now? I forgive you."
"Thanks," Jonathan grinned. "Be my partner for the games?"
"What if I don't want to be your partner?" Bailey teased.
Jonathan's shoulders fell. "But I want you to be my partner. Claire broke up with me…" He whined, making his lower lip tremble. "I'm miserable and only you can make me feel better."
Bailey hugged Jonathan around the waist. "Oh shut up, you big baby. I'll be your partner. Stop crying."
"Will you kiss my booboo?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Hey! Johnny! Bailey! We're about to start Kick the Can!" Damien yelled.
Bailey raced Jonathan to the front of the house to meet up with her friends on Alex's driveway. Alex set a coffee can down in the middle of the driveway. Bailey jumped again when her cell phone went off.
"You should turn your cell phone off," Jonathan advised. "You might get caught for once."
Bailey laughed. "Maybe." She checked her phone. "Daniel again."
"So was he the one who asked for your number? Or did you ask him for yours?"
"He asked me."
Jonathan shook his head. "Either way, he's screaming DESPERATE to me. A guy is not supposed to call or text a chick after getting her number. He's supposed to wait at least three days."
Bailey rolled her eyes. "Oh, who cares Jon? He was just asking me what time I worked tomorrow, alright?"
"Why don't you ask Daniel to join us?" Alex suggested. "After all, he is one of your co-workers, and as your friends, it is our job to make sure all your co-workers are nice to our little Bailey."
Bailey rolled her eyes. "Oh really, Alex? Is that the real reason why you want him to come over?"
"Just ask him to come!"
"What am I supposed to say?" Bailey made a face. "Hey Daniel, my friends and I were outside playing night games. Alex wants you to come over so she can look at your butt and flirt with you."
"You know me so well, Bailey!" Alex giggled. She grabbed Bailey's phone. "His house is the big white one."
"Yeah? What about it?"
"Go over to his house."
"What?! Are you serious?"
"I'm coming with you!"
"What? No, you're not! You'll scare him away!"
"But you don't know what to say!"
"I'll come up with something! You just stay here!"
"Aw," Alex pouted as Bailey walked over to Daniel's house. "Party pooper!"
"You'll get to see him anyway, Alex," Ashton replied. "What's the point of going to see him now?"
"Since when has Bailey been afraid of talking to a guy before?" Damien asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Natalie piped up. "She likes him."
Damien scowled. "What's so special about him?"
"Do we really need to tell you?" Ashton asked. "Because I thought it was obvious." Everyone glared at him. "Kidding."
"Look! She's at the door!" Susannah gasped.
"Is that Daniel?" Jonathan asked, squinting his eyes for a closer look.
"Yes," Alex sighed.
"He's not nearly as good looking as me," Jonathan said smoothly.
Alex looked Jonathan over. "You're right, but you're like a brother to me."
Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "A really hot brother?"
"Sure, whatever you say," Alex smiled. "But unlike you, I don't think of Daniel as a brother."
"Well, your competition is Scarlet," Tyler replied. "She practically has her hands all over him when Brandon isn't looking."
"Shhh!" Damien hissed. "They're talking!"
"It's not like we can hear them, smart one," Ashton drawled.
"What the heck are they talking about?" Susannah asked.
"What do you mean?"
"They're both blushing…"
"It doesn't take a lot to make Bailey blush."
"Yeah, but what about him?"
"Is she going into his house?"
"Nah. Bailey wouldn't do that. …okay, I was wrong."
"I think Damien's heart just broke."
"Again."
"I call her for my partner in the games!"
"Too late, Damien. I already asked her!"
"No fair! We all know you love her!"
"Yeah so? At least I'm not being a miserable puppy dog because she broke up with me!"
"Hey! That's not fair!"
"Neither is your whining or moping around! She's not going to take you back!"
"Who says she'd date you anyway?"
"Guys, will you shut up? I'm pretty sure they can hear you from all the way over here!"
"No they can't! They're in Daniel's house!"
"They probably went up to his room…"
"Ashton, if you open your mouth one more time, I swear I'm going to beat you up!"
"I've never seen Natalie beat a guy up before…"
"Shut up, Damien!"
"What's taking them so long?"
"Maybe they did go up to his room."
"ASHTON!"
"Which one's his room?"
"The window on the far right…"
"Alex! You mean you actually watch him?!"
"No. His blinds were open after school and I saw him working at a desk."
"Stalker."
"Bailey and Daniel sitting in a tree. F-U---"
"ASHTON!"
"Bailey's coming back!"
The friends looked across the street to see Bailey and Daniel walking down the street.
"They do look cute together," Alex sighed.
"No, they don't," Jonathan muttered.
Bailey and Daniel arrived, the group of friends crowding around the driveway to get a good look at Bailey's crush. "Daniel, I'd like you to meet my friends. This is Alex, Damien, Ashton, Natalie, Tyler, Susannah, and Jonathan. Everyone, this is Daniel."
"Hello Daniel," they said in unison as if they were at an Alcoholic Anonymous meeting.
"Hi," Daniel replied, looking amongst the new faces.
"Ever played Kick the Can before?" Jonathan asked.
Daniel shrugged. "Yeah."
"Well, we get very competitive with this game," Jonathan replied. "We play to the extreme. Are you ready to get your butt kicked?"
"Ignore him," Bailey gave Jonathan a look. "He gets all thingyy when we play games. It's not like he actually wins the games."
"Hey!" Jonathan snapped. "I almost beat you last time!"
"Yeah," Bailey grinned. "But almost doesn't mean you beat me!"
"Okay, children!" Alex yelled, stepping between the two. "Let's get the game started."
"NOSE GOES!"
Daniel touched his nose last, making him it. Everyone went to hide when Daniel closed his eyes. Bailey hid in the empty garbage cans at the end of the driveway, Jonathan hid in a tree. Tyler and Susannah hid under the porch. Natalie hid in the bushes. Alex climbed under a car parked in the driveway. Wearing all black, Ashton laid down on the ground, pulling his sweatshirt hood over his head. Daniel finished counting, he turned around to find Damien still looking for a hiding spot.
Bailey peeked out from her hiding spot, watching Daniel. The boy quickly, and silently, ran up behind Damien.
"Hello Damien."
Screaming, Damien jumped in the air. He turned to Daniel. "Don't do that!"
"Sorry."
Damien took a seat on the porch steps, the place to go once a person was out. He pulled out his iPod, putting the plugs in his ears to listen to music while he waited for Daniel to find everybody else.
"RUN!" Bailey heard Tyler yell. Tyler and Susannah appeared from underneath the porch with Daniel quickly on their heels. He tagged both of them out, making Susannah scream. The two teenagers ran over to Damien.
Grinning, Tyler sat next to Damien. "What do you know? I'm not the first one out!"
"Shut up, Tyler."
Moments later, Natalie was tagged out. Her shoes were untied and while Daniel had been chasing her, he stepped on her shoelace. Natalie fell on the driveway and screamed when she saw Alex under the car. Alex was also tagged. Both girls joined their friends on the porch. Daniel searched for the remaining three. He found Ashton by accidentally stepping on him.
Jonathan, laughing his head off about Ashton being stepped on, fell out of the tree. He swore when Daniel saw him. Jonathan jumped to his feet, taking off in a sprint for the can. He ran, his legs pumping underneath him. Inches away from the driveway, Jonathan tripped over a hidden sprinkler in the grass. Taking the chance, Daniel tackled Jonathan to the ground, the two boys rolling down the yard. Jonathan swore, shoving Daniel off of him.
"You alright?" Daniel asked, offering Jonathan his hand.
Jonathan jumped to his feet, ignoring Daniel. "Yeah. I'm fine. Do you run track or something?"
"No."
Jonathan swore again when he sat down with his friends.
"Jeez! Language Johnny!" Alex giggled. "It's just a game!"
Jonathan grinned. "I can say whatever the hell I want."
"Who haven't I caught?"
"His girlfriend," Ashton coughed into his hand. He winced when he realized Damien and Jonathan were sitting on either side of him. "I mean, Bailey."
"Where could she be hiding?"
"She's a midget!" Jonathan yelled. "She can hide anywhere! Even in the grass."
"What if one of us stepped on her?" Ashton gasped, checking his shoes. "Everybody check your shoes! I didn't step on her!"
They all expected Bailey to leap out of her hiding place to attack Jonathan and Ashton; but the girl remained hidden.
Daniel was at the end of the driveway. "Do you think she left the yard?"
"Nah," Ashton grinned. "Bailey knows the rules. Last time she broke a rule, we sprayed her with a hose."
"Actually I was the one who sprayed her with a hose," Jonathan grinned.
"And Bailey has never worn white since," Tyler rubbed his eyes.
Jonathan pouted. "It's a shame. I'd get her wet anytime."
Alex shoved Jonathan out of his seat. "Bailey's also very competitive. She hardly ever looses Kick the Can."
"She's going to lose this time," Daniel smirked.
"Don't be so sure of that," Bailey hissed as Daniel took a step past her. The girl jumped out of the empty recycling bin, shoving it so it would hit Daniel. She took off down the yard to get the can. Daniel jerked out of the way before the bin could hit him. A moment too late was when he realized Bailey was already running. He ran full speed after her.
The senior tripped over the same hidden sprinkler that Jonathan had tripped over in the long grass. He fell forward making a grab for Bailey's sweatshirt. Bailey jumped over Daniel as he rolled under her in the grass. Daniel jumped up and Bailey swerved out of his reach. She ducked past him, diving under his arm, and knocked the can over.
"Ha!" Bailey laughed. "I won!"
"And she isn't in track?" Daniel gasped for breath.
"Nope," Bailey struck a pose. "I'm just awesome."
Ashton ruffled her hair. "Whatever midget."
"I'm not a midget!" Bailey kicked his shin and Ashton winced rubbing his leg. "And I'm not short! You're just tall, Ash!"
"Now that Bailey has kicked all of our butts again," Tyler said, "Let's play a new game."
"Yeah," Jonathan grinned. "So we won't have to worry about scaring the ladies and making them scream!"
"Hey! I'm not a girl!" Damien exclaimed.
Jonathan looked Damien over and smirked.
"What's that look for, Johanna?"
"Nothing."
"I don't believe you."
"Nothing. I swear on my life."
"You are a dead man."
"No, I'm not!"
"Alex!" Everyone froze when Alex's mother appeared on the porch.
"Yes Mom?"
"We just got a complaint from the neighbors. You're being too loud. You need to come back inside."
Jonathan and Bailey scrambled to their feet. They raced each other down to the basement, both of them racing to the Playstation 2. Jonathan shoved Bailey on the stairs, only slowing himself down since Bailey grabbed the stair railing to balance herself and blocking him from running past. Bailey jumped over the couch and dove for the video game controllers. Jonathan tackled her to the ground. Bailey lay face up on the floor with the controller underneath her back. Jonathan, on his hands and knees, looked down at her.
"You're so lucky you're a girl," Jonathan scowled.
"Why?" Bailey asked slowly. "You would've been on top of me?"
"Nah." Jonathan grinned. "I would've beaten you up." He jumped to his feet. "But what's stopping me from getting on top of you is the fact that I know you would beat me up."
"You should be scared," Bailey replied when Jonathan offered her his hand to help her up. She took it and got to her feet. She handed him the controller. "My father's teaching me new boxing moves."
"Scary," Jonathan looked at her.
She raised an eyebrow. "What?"
He shrugged. "Nothing."
"I don't believe you."
Jonathan paused for a moment. "Do you really like Daniel?"
Bailey blushed. "I…don't know. Why does everybody keep asking me that?"
"Is it a bad thing to be a little curious?"
"No," Bailey looked at him again. "Speaking of curiosity, are you feeling better? About breaking up with Claire?"
"Yeah," He closed the distance between them. "When she broke up with me, she said she couldn't be part of a loveless relationship. She said she loved me, but I didn't seem to return the feelings. She said I had feelings for another girl, which is true…"
"Will you tell me who she is?"
Jonathan looked her in the eyes and opened his mouth to speak. She looked away when she heard her friends coming downstairs. "You." Bailey looked at Jonathan in surprise, he had pulled away to start the video game. She watched him for a moment, wondering if she had heard right. She shrugged it off, going to sit next to him on the couch.
"Ha!" Tyler exclaimed, sitting next to Bailey. "I told you they wouldn't be making out when we got down here! Pay up, Ashton!"
Jonathan shot his friends a look. "Who says we would've been making out? If we were to make out, we would have at least done it in private."
"Well, I should hope you'd do it in private," Ashton drawled, chucking a handful of Twizzlers at Tyler.
"That's not what I meant!" Jonathan snapped.
Bailey remained silent, her eyes going to her friends who sat around them. She was somewhat surprised to find Daniel sitting next to Alex. He looked at her, smiling gently, before turning to Alex.
Suddenly the radio turned on with the volume turned up all the way. Everyone covered their ears as Natalie quickly turned the sound down. Natalie took a seat next to Ashton when Kelly Clarkson's Since You Been Gone started playing. As Jonathan and Bailey battled each other in SuperMario Smash Brothers, Bailey sang along to the song.
"Jeez…" Daniel whistled when the song was over. "You've got some pipes, Bailey."
Bailey blushed, handing the controller to Damien. "Thanks, but I'm not that great."
"You'll have to excuse, Bailey. She's very self-conscious when it comes to her singing voice," Alex replied.
"You're really good," Daniel pulled his phone out of his pocket. "Do you know who Ashley Rosenthal and Craig Barry are?"
"Yeah," Bailey grinned. "Ashley and Craig are in my gym class."
"We have a band," Daniel looked Bailey over. "A band without a singer. How would you like to be a part of it?"
"Just like that?" Bailey made a face. "No audition?"
Daniel grinned. "You did just fine a few moments ago. We have practice every other day during the week and in the early afternoon on the weekends. Practice is at my house. So…is that a yes?"
Bailey couldn't help but beam. "Yes."
*Meant to be a short story for my creative writing class...but then it expanded into a novel.
The assignment was to write a story about the people around us and so...The Final Years represents the crazy lives of my friends and me. Most of the characters in this story are actually real people, you guys might even notice some of the crazy stories I've told you about in here. I hope you guys enjoy!Chapter 1: Fresh Start
September, 2007
"What seven letter word has hundreds of letters in it?"
Bailey grinned when she heard Susannah's voice on the other side of the locker bay. Slamming her locker door shut, Bailey slung her heavy backpack over her shoulders. The sixteen-year-old left the locker bay, passing a group of seniors on her way to the long table in the hallway. Bailey met the eyes of a dark-haired, blue-eyed senior, Daniel, who was in her Chemistry class. His eyes met hers and he looked away. Bailey rolled her eyes, Daniel always ignored her when his friends were around, but he seemed to talk to her in class when his friends weren't around.
"Give up yet?" Susannah asked as Bailey set her backpack down on the table.
"Bailey's here!" Jonathan yelled, shoving his identical twin brother, Tyler, out of his seat to make room for Bailey. Both boys were tall, blond, had greens eyes, and were extremely good looking. The only distinguishing feature between them was the small mole on Tyler's chin. "Let the ladies sit, Ty!"
Tyler glared at his brother. "Then why don't you give up your seat?"
"Because I'm special."
"No," Tyler grinned. "It's because you're a lady too."
"I am not!" Jonathan jumped up from his seat, his face turning a dark red.
Bailey bit her lip, trying not to laugh. She met Jonathan's eyes, wiggling auburn eyebrows at him. Jonathan's scowl turned into a smile.
"What are you laughing at?" Jonathan gave her a look.
"Nothing," Bailey giggled. "Johanna."
A laugh turned Bailey's head towards the locker bay. A tall, sandy blond, blue-eyed, tan sixteen-year-old boy walked towards them. "Johanna?"
"Yes?" Jonathan asked.
"Wow," Damien threw his backpack on the table next to Bailey, nearly knocking her off her chair. "You even answer to the name."
"Well, it is my name," Jonathan said in a high, girly voice.
Ashton, a Goth wannabe with badly dyed hair, black clothes, and chains arrived, dumping his bag on the table. "Who kicked Jon in the balls?"
"No one. Jon just feels like getting in touch with his girly side today," Tyler replied. "Aw, look. His eyes are sparkling."
Bailey looked at Jonathan who was currently glaring daggers at Tyler. "Oh yes. Those emerald beauties sure do sparkle."
"You're just jealous you can't be as beautiful as me," Jonathan sniffed.
"I feel bad for your girlfriends," Susannah said softly. "You worry more about your looks then you worry about them."
"Maybe if a girl could keep my interest I'd worry about her," Jonathan looked away, supposedly looking for something in his backpack.
"Well, if you ever meet this girl, I'd love to meet her," Damien grinned. Jonathan shot him a look. Damien raised an eyebrow, then his eyes widened. He glared back at Jonathan.
Bailey turned to Tyler. "You and Jon are twins. You must have some sort of telepathic powers. Why are they glaring at each other?"
Tyler shook his head. "I have no idea, hon."
"I'm back!"
Bailey jumped up from her seat, running to her friend, Natalie as she left the locker bay. Natalie had been out of school for the past few days because of the flu. "We missed you, Natalie!"
"You must have missed me," Natalie grinned, hugging Bailey. "You're letting me hug you, shortie."
"What is it with you and the short jokes?"
"It makes Natalie feel superior," Ashton drawled. "You are the only person she's taller then."
"You certainly know how to make a person feel good about themselves," Bailey said dryly as they walked over to the table. As she passed the group of seniors, she noticed Daniel looking at her again. She raised an eyebrow, he looked away quickly. Bailey rolled her eyes. Stupid seniors…thinking they're so much better then the rest of the high school population.
Susannah gasped. "You guys never figured out my riddle!"
Natalie giggled. "You guys are still going at those riddles?"
"Yes," Susannah grinned. "What seven letter word has hundreds of letters in it?"
"A mailbox!" Jonathan yelled.
Susannah threw her empty water bottle at him. "You jerk! I told you not to talk until they gave up!"
The bell rang, signaling the start of another boring school day. Bailey grabbed her backpack, waving good-bye to her friends as she walked down the hall. Tyler joined her down the hall since the two of them shared first hour, Algebra II. They also had A.P. Language, and Chemistry together.
"Feeling better, Ty?" Bailey asked, looking over at the blond boy.
Tyler shrugged. "Stupid cold won't go away. But I am feeling better, I guess." He turned to her. "So …how did your job interview go?"
Bailey grinned. "The interview went well I think. I have a job trial tonight."
"Tonight?" Tyler's eyes widened. "You going to be late to Alex's party?"
"Maybe," Bailey shrugged. "Depends on how long I work."
"Well, good luck," Tyler grinned. "And I hope you get the job."
"Thanks," Bailey bit her lip. "I'll need it."
"Don't be so down on yourself," Tyler replied. "If you go in with an attitude like that, you won't get the job."
"You sound like my mother," Bailey teased. "She always says that before one of my auditions."
Tyler laughed. "Well, I guess I do have some paternal instincts."
"You mean maternal instincts?"
"I'm not a girl!"
"I was joking, Ty! Jeez…" Bailey made a face, noticing the look of hurt in Tyler's eyes. "I didn't mean to upset you."
Tyler forced a smile. "You didn't upset me. I was just being sensitive. I didn't sleep well last night. I shouldn't take my crabbiness out on you."
"Ty…" Bailey followed her friend into their math class.
"Don't fall asleep in class today, Bailey," Tyler grinned, any sign of him being upset before had vanished. "We don't want you to do a face plant into your desk."
Bailey scowled. "Hey! That was one time…"
"That was Monday."
"Yeah…so?"
"It could happen again. You always fall asleep in math."
"Who always falls asleep in math?" Bailey and Tyler both jumped when they heard their teacher's voice behind them. They turned slowly, looking up at the middle-aged man dressed in black pants and a green dress shirt. He had his usual Diet Coke bottle in his hand.
"That David kid who sits in the back row," Bailey replied. "He's always sleeping. He just looks like he's awake. He's sly like that."
Mr. Pearson raised his eyebrows. "Hm." He mumbled something as he walked away. Tyler covered his mouth with a hand, trying to keep his laughter under control as he sat down. Bailey sat down next to him, throwing her backpack at him.
"Shut up, Tyler! It's not that funny!"
"Yes, it is."
Bailey lowered her voice when Mr. Pearson went to talk with David. "Math is the first class of the day and Mr. Pearson talks in a monotone voice. How is a person supposed to be able to stay awake in class?"
"I don't know," Tyler replied. "Maybe if you paid attention."
"Paying attention in class is why I fall asleep," Bailey pulled her math book out of her bag.
Tyler made a face. "And you always manage to finish your homework before the lesson even starts…"
"Mr. P says if we understand the lesson, we can start on our homework. If I don't get something, then I pay attention in class."
Tyler shook his head. "Whatever you say, Sleepyhead."
XxXxXxXxXxXx
The school day dragged on. Bailey couldn't wait for sixth hour. Not only because it was the last hour of the day, but because Mr. Garibaldi was her favorite teacher. Mr. Garibaldi made things interesting and always had a story to tell. He should've been a history teacher with all the little stories he knew that weren't in the history books at school.
When fifth hour, Photography 1, ended Bailey grabbed her backpack and left the room. She barely made it to class on time every day. Photography and Chemistry were on opposite sides of the school. Bailey soon got stuck in a crowded staircase. Two freshman stood at the top of the staircase, blocking everybody from getting up or down the stairs. Tired of waiting, a junior Bailey recognized as the Varsity Football Captain, Brandon, shoved the girls out of the way, and everyone went on their way. Bailey passed the two girls, hearing them squeal and sigh over Brandon. Bailey rolled her eyes, wondering what they saw in the arrogant jock.
Bailey turned the corner and was shoved against the hall. "What the hell?!" She turned around to face Daniel Frederickson.
"Whoa, I didn't see you there, shortie." Bailey scowled. "Sorry. I don't usually see freshmen…they're so tiny."
"I'm not a freshie!" Bailey sputtered. "I'm a junior!"
Daniel opened and shut his mouth. "Yeah, I probably should've known that, seeing as Chemistry is for seniors and juniors only." He smiled stupidly. "You know, I thought you were a really smart freshman the first day of school."
Bailey shoved him out of the way and continued on her way to class. She felt her face burn up, either in shame or something else. Bailey didn't know why that annoying, arrogant senior made her heart flutter or blush.
The bell rang and Bailey was late for class. Mr. Garibaldi locked the door when the bell rang, finding it quite enjoyable to lock his late students out of the room. Sometimes he would make them do stupid things to get into the classroom, like sing a stupid song or dance. Bailey saw the door closing and ran to the door. She swore, grabbing the door handle. It was locked.
"Miss Henderson, you're late," Mr. Garibaldi's voice crooned from the other side of the door.
"Yes, I know," Bailey muttered. "A stupid senior ran into me."
"Hey!" Daniel exclaimed. "I'm right behind you."
Bailey shot him a look. "Stupid Daniel Frederickson shoved me into a wall." She heard the class laughing, the door opened with Mr. Garibaldi blocking the entrance to the classroom.
"We always knew you two flirts would get together, we just wish you'd keep your signs of affection outside of school."
When Mr. Garibaldi moved out of the way, Bailey stormed across the room to her seat next to Tyler, who just so happened to be laughing his head off.
"If you say anything, I will rip your head off," Bailey muttered. Tyler shut up.
"Are you two really dating?"
Bailey turned to the seat behind her. Eric Gardener, an unkempt overweight junior with mousy eyes, stared intently at her. Eric had had a crush on Bailey back in elementary school. Rumor around school said he still liked her. "No!"
She turned back to the board and jumped when she noticed Mr. Garibaldi standing in front of her desk. "What?!"
"There has been a new seating arrangement. You, Bailey, are switching seats with Brandon."
Tyler and Bailey switched glances. "What?!"
"Brandon and Scarlet are just as annoying as you two. So what better way to silence the crowds, then split them up?" Mr. Garibaldi went to the front of the class. "Brandon, Bailey. Grab your bags and switch seats."
Tyler cowered in his seat. Brandon loved teasing Tyler. Bailey smiled sadly at him before going to her seat. Brandon accidentally bumped into Bailey when they passed in the aisle. Bailey scowled, tempted to shove Brandon into a desk until Mr. Garibaldi looked at her and she decided against it.
She dumped her backpack on the floor next to her desk and took her seat.
"Do you still think I'm stupid?" her new table partner asked. Bailey glared daggers at him. "I'll take that as a yes."
The blond girl in front of Bailey's seat turned around. She smiled at Daniel, blinking her big brown eyes up at him. "You know, Daniel. If this seating arrangement doesn't work out, you can always sit next to me."
Daniel blushed. "Ah…no thanks."
Bailey guffawed, covering her mouth with her hand when the girl glared at her.
"Something funny, Henderson?"
Bailey shook her head. "Nothing, Scarlet. Nothing at all."
"Miss Curry, could you please turn around? I would like to start my class sometime today," Mr. Garibaldi said.
Scarlet glared at Bailey again before turning around in her seat. Class began. Mr. Garibaldi turned the lights off and handed out note packets. Bailey moaned silently, class always seemed to go on for an eternity during lectures.
"Mr. Frederickson? Are you having problems with your bag?"
Bailey looked at her table partner who was furiously searching through his bag for something. Daniel gave up and started dumping his backpack's contents on his desk. Out fell three notebooks, papers, homework assignments, a guitar book, and a silver iPod which started playing The Remedy by Jason Mraz at full blast. Daniel grabbed the iPod and shut it off before shoving it and the rest of his stuff back into his backpack.
"I can't find my pen," Daniel replied.
Mr. Garibaldi sighed, "Does anybody have a pen for Mr. Frederickson?"
Scarlet turned around quickly, handing Daniel a pen. "Here you go, Danny."
Daniel made a face. "It's Daniel. Not Danny."
Scarlet turned back to her table partner and sister, Kelsey, who also happened to be Ashton's girlfriend. The Curry girls both had long, blond hair and big, brown eyes. The two girls knew they were beautiful and loved being treated like princesses.
Class started. As the teacher droned on about the Periodic Table, Bailey felt eyes on her. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Daniel staring at either her or the board. Bailey scowled herself, why would Daniel be staring at her? Of course, he'd be staring at the whiteboard.
The subject changed from elements to families and groups. Bailey sighed when worksheets were handed out. Homework on a Friday night. Bailey looked over the worksheet, she'd work on it either Sunday or sometime Monday before sixth hour.
"Hey, Bailey," Daniel whispered, scooting his chair even closer to hers. "Do you understand how to do this?"
Bailey raised an eyebrow. "Weren't you paying attention in class?"
Daniel's face turned a light pink. "Yes…"
The girl looked at his note packet, the mini booklet was blank. "I'll help you with one problem, alright? I'm not going to do the entire thing for you, unlike some people…"
"I'll do your homework for you," Scarlet purred, turning around.
Daniel shook his head. "I think I'd rather have Bailey do it. She's better than you at Chemistry."
Scarlet's shoulders fell. "Are you saying I'm stupid?"
"What?!" Daniel exclaimed. "No!"
Scarlet's lower lip trembled. She grabbed her backpack, got up from her seat, and rushed over to Brandon's desk. Bailey noticed Tyler grabbing his backpack, jumped from his seat, and practically ran over to the empty desk next to Kelsey. He sat down, dumping his Chemistry book, notes packet, and worksheet down. He turned around to face Bailey and Daniel.
"Hi Tyler," Kelsey purred.
Tyler blushed. "Uh…hi Kelsey."
"Is that a new shirt, Tyler? It looks nice on you."
"Thanks."
Kelsey reached up slowly and ran a hand through Tyler's hair. Tyler jerked away. "What are you doing?!"
"Your hair is so soft, Tyler."
"Don't you already have a boyfriend, Kelsey?" Bailey snapped, jumping to Tyler's defense.
Kelsey smiled cruelly. "Aw. Is somebody getting jealous?" Bailey blushed up to her hairline. "I think somebody likes you, Tyler."
Bailey groaned, Scarlet returned to her seat with Brandon. The two of them towered over Tyler. Tyler closed his eyes, bowing his head. Tyler often reminded Bailey of a turtle with the way he'd scrunch his neck down into his shirt, trying to hide himself from the world.
"How cute, the couple is reunited," Scarlet purred.
"Shut up, Scarlet," Bailey snapped.
"Mr. and Mrs. Henderson," Brandon yanked Tyler from his seat so Scarlet could sit down.
"Actually, I think it would be the other way around," Tyler replied as he tried to yank free of Brandon's grip. "Mr. and Mrs. Grabel. I'm the guy, Bailey's the girl."
"Sometimes we wonder," Scarlet teased.
Bailey jumped out of her chair, stuffing her homework and book into her backpack. Kelsey, Scarlet, and Brandon waited for Bailey to react. Daniel stared at Bailey, trying to figure out what Bailey was going to do before she did it. Tyler finally yanked his arm free of Brandon's hand, watching Bailey nervously.
Bailey walked down the aisle, passing the teacher's desk. "Going out in the hall."
Tyler ran after her. "Me too!"
As they left the room, Bailey scowled when she heard Brandon, Kelsey, and Scarlet laugh. Tyler squeaked. Bailey grabbed his arm and brought him over to a table in the hallway. She sat down, smiling softly at Tyler. "Just ignore them, Ty. They just want to get a rise out of you."
Tyler shifted uneasily in his seat. "I wish I could ignore them."
Bailey reached across the table to take his hand. "Hey. It's going to be okay, Ty."
He looked up at her. "Do you think I'm gay?"
She blushed, opening and shutting her mouth. "I…um…Tyler…"
"I'll take that as a yes."
"Tyler…"
The blond boy sat up straight, his eyes going to someone behind Bailey. She turned her head, seeing Daniel leave the room. He smiled and walked over to them. "Mind if I sit with you?"
"Yes," Bailey said.
"No," Tyler replied.
The two glared at each other. "Yes! No!"
Daniel looked at them. "I'll just go sit somewhere else."
Tyler gave Bailey a look. "If he sits alone, I'll go join him."
"Fine, go join him," Bailey said. "Because you know I'll sit by myself."
"Fine," Tyler got up from his seat, leaving Bailey by herself. Tyler joined Daniel at the other table across the hall.
"Fine," Bailey pulled her homework out of her bag. "Now I can concentrate on homework without any distractions." She looked the worksheet over, growing bored quickly, and stuffed it back into her bag. It was the last hour of the school day and Bailey felt restless. Tonight was her first job trial as a hostess at a small five star restaurant called Chateau Rouge. Bailey had never hosted anything in her life and she was terrified. If she got the job, it would give her an excuse to get out of the house. It wasn't that she didn't like her home, she just didn't like being home with her father. He had lost his job a year ago and wasn't exactly in the nicest of moods. Bailey looked over at Tyler and Daniel. She scowled, grabbing her backpack and went over to the table.
"Would you mind if I sat here?"
"No," Daniel said, looking up from his paper.
"Yes," Tyler said, not looking up from his homework. "Will you get along?"
"Yes," Bailey dropped her bag on the floor and took a seat.
"I knew you'd come along," Tyler grinned.
"I hate that you know me so well," Bailey scowled.
Daniel looked at them. "So are you two really dating?"
Bailey and Tyler froze. "Where'd you hear that?"
Daniel shrugged. "In class."
"It's not true," Tyler replied. "Bailey likes my brother."
"What?" Bailey blushed. "I do not!"
"I was kidding, Bailey," Tyler grinned. "But it's true though, about me and Bailey not dating. It could never happen. We're more like brother and sister anyway."
Tyler's phone went off. The boy squeaked, his hand going to his pocket. He whipped his phone out.
Daniel grinned. "Lucky you weren't in class."
Tyler nodded slowly. He rolled his eyes. "Just Alex. She wanted to know if you can come to her party."
"Seriously?" Bailey made a face. "Why couldn't she just text me? I told her I had a job trial tonight and that I'd come after."
"I'll tell her that."
"Thanks." Bailey raised an eyebrow when she saw Daniel looking at her. "What?"
"Are you working at Chateau Rouge tonight?"
"Yes. How'd you guess ?"
"I'm the dishwasher," Daniel replied. "I saw your name on the schedule."
The bell rang. Bailey remained motionless in her seat.
"Good luck, Bailey," Daniel grinned, grabbing his bag. He rose from his seat and walked away as students started filling up the hall.
Tyler waved his hand in front of Bailey's face. "Hello? Is anybody in there?"
Bailey gave Tyler a look. "No. I've been taken over by an evil spirit named Scarlet."
"Oh how scary," Tyler grinned. "And where can I get an evil spirit?"
Bailey grabbed her backpack. "In your parents' liquor cabinet."
"Funny," Tyler played with one of the straps on his backpack. "Not only do you see Daniel at school, but if you get the job, you get to see him at work too."
"Oh joy," Bailey muttered as she walked down the hall. "Do you think you and Jonathan could give me a ride home?"
Tyler shrugged. "I'm not the one driving." He grinned. "You could always ask Damien if Jonathan says no."
"Jon won't say no," Bailey gave Tyler a look. "And no. I won't ask Damien."
"Why Bailey? Things still awkward between you?"
Bailey made a face. In tenth grade, Damien had asked Bailey out. They dated for a few months before Bailey broke it off. She never told Damien how awkward it was dating him, she just told him that she saw him as a brother. She wished it had ended like that, but it didn’t. Bailey had moved on and Damien still liked her. It was quite obvious even though he tried to hide it.
"No, things aren't awkward. It's just…you know how Damien is…"
"Yeah," Tyler grinned. "I was just joking, Bailey."
An arm appeared around Bailey's shoulders, she looked up to see Jonathan. He smiled down at her, his green eyes laughing. "And how are you two today?"
Tyler pulled away from his brother. "Just peachy."
"Nervous," Bailey said softly.
"You're going to do just fine at your job trail, Bailey," Jonathan replied. "They'd be crazy not to hire you."
"Thanks." Bailey pulled away. "Can I have a ride?"
"Of course you can, babe!" Jonathan grinned his usual thingyy smirk. "You can have a ride anytime."
Bailey made a face. "I didn't mean that kind of ride!"
"Oh," Jonathan's shoulders fell. "Well, you can still get a ride from me anytime."
"Can I get a ride home?"
"Yes."
"Thanks."
"Is your father going to be home?"
"I don't know. Where would an unemployed man be?"
"Out looking for a job?"
"That was him a year ago. Not so much anymore," Bailey shoved him. "Besides, if you were to give me a ride, I don't think your girlfriend would be very happy with you."
"Ex-girlfriend actually," Jonathan said. "Claire and I broke up."
Bailey's mouth fell open. "When did this happen?"
Jonathan shrugged. "A few moments ago."
"You don't seem fazed."
"That's because I keep my emotions locked deep inside of me and hide them from the world."
"So, what was the reason for breaking up this time? You've been going out for a what…a month?"
"Yes. I didn't remember our first month anniversary, so she broke up with me. I didn't do the dumping for once."
"Wow," Bailey bit her lip. "Harsh much?"
Jonathan shrugged. "Not my problem. If she gets angry because I didn't remember a month anniversary, then I don't need to date her."
"What is it with you and long term relationships anyway?" Tyler piped up. "Your first relationship lasted for six months, since then a girl's been lucky to make to a week or two. Claire had you in her grasp for a month."
"Well, I have one girl in mind," Jonathan replied. "She's not that into me at the moment. So I'm just playing the field until then."
"Who is she?" Bailey asked.
Jonathan stared at her for a moment. "You'd laugh if I told you. So I'm not going to tell you."
"Aw, Johnny!" Bailey teased. "Why won't you tell me?"
"Because I don't want to," He scowled. "Alright?"
Bailey's shoulders fell. "Alright." They walked in silence down the rest of the hall. Tyler looked from his brother to Bailey. Catching Bailey's eye, Tyler shrugged.
"I'll catch up with you guys later," Tyler said.
"Where are you going?" Jonathan asked.
"To talk with Stephen…"
"Have fun," Jonathan looked away, picking up his speed once Tyler left.
Bailey sighed, picking up her speed to catch up with Jonathan. "Jeez…why do you get to have the long legs? Can't you slow down?" He didn't say anything. "Hey…Jon. I didn't mean to upset you."
"You didn't upset me," Jonathan snapped.
"Right, so the snapping is just something you do when you're happy?"
Jonathan stopped in his tracks. "No." Bailey ran into him. "Open your eyes for once, Bailey. And you'll see her." He started walking again. "Get a ride from Damien." Jonathan disappeared into the crowd. Bailey walked slowly down the hall when she heard, "TYLER! IF YOU DON'T COME NOW I'M LEAVING WITHOUT YOU!"
Bailey arrived in the cafeteria, walking over to the table where her friends sat. She dumped her backpack on the table, seeing Alex walking over to her.
"Hey, Bailey! I haven't seen you all week!" Alex smiled, lighting up her beautiful face. "Coming to my party tonight?"
Bailey gave Alex a look. "Maybe if you read my texts for once, you would've known that I have a job trial tonight and I'll come after work. Alright?"
"Hey, where are the twinnies?" Ashton asked.
"Jonathan and Claire broke up," Bailey replied. "They left early."
"Poor Johnny," Natalie said softly. "Guess we'll just have to cheer him up tonight. It's a shame you aren't coming earlier, Bailey. You always manage to cheer him up."
Bailey laughed. "Yeah? Well I'm the one he's mad at right now."
Everyone exchanged glances.
"Seriously?" Damien opened and shut his mouth. "Jon's never mad at you."
"Well, he is now," Bailey scratched her head. "He left without giving me a ride home. So…could I smooch a ride off of someone?"
"Yeah," Natalie replied. "My mom'll be here in a few minutes. We can give you a ride home."
XxXxXxXxXx
Upon entering the Chateau Rouge, Bailey felt at home. She had a feeling that she would be working here, even if she hadn't worked here just yet. She met the manager and part of the staff during her interview, they liked her. One of the head servers, a short woman in her sixties named Camille, loved Bailey because she, Bailey, was shorter then her. Bailey liked the headstrong server, finding her hilarious and easy to talk to. The other server working that night was Ellen, but everyone called her Elle. Where Camille was outgoing and spontaneous, Elle was serious and concise.
The owner, Adelle, offered Bailey her hand, giving the teenage girl a firm hand shake. Adelle told Bailey that you can tell what kind of person someone is just by shaking their hand. Adelle was the head chef, along with Rosemary, a young woman in college, the other head chef when Adelle was out front checking on things. The other two chefs were Jack and Sean, two young men fresh out of college. They reminded Bailey of her younger twin brothers.
During her interview, Adelle gave Bailey a tour of the small restaurant, showing her the kitchens, the beautiful event room, and finally the cozy, warm dining room and bar. Behind the bar was Adelle's husband and co-owner, Gregory, and their daughter who was also a server, Amy.
"Good evening, Bailey! We're so glad to have you back!"
Bailey smiled when she was greeted by Elle, the older woman taking her back into the kitchen to grab an apron. "Hello Elle."
"You'll be working up front with me tonight," Elle explained. "Adelle is at an offsite event. She'll be back in an hour or so to help you hostess."
Bailey waved to Rosemary, Jack, and Sean when they passed, the three chefs currently making dinner for a small party in the event room. In the back of the kitchen, a young man stood at the counter, bagging trays of cookies. He had his back to them. Elle tapped him on the shoulder. Bailey felt her heart speed up when she realized the young man was Daniel. His face lit up upon seeing her.
"Welcome to the Chateau, Bailey."
Elle's eyes widened. "So you speak, Daniel."
Bailey smiled, "Hey Daniel."
Elle placed her hands on her hips. "I see you two already know each other." Her eyes went from Daniel to Bailey and back to Daniel. "Hm. Well, I guess it will be nice to hear Daniel talk now." Elle led Bailey to the employee room.
"What did you mean exactly?" Bailey asked softly as Elle searched through the closet for a small apron. "About Daniel finally speaking?"
"Daniel's a quiet boy. He talks some of the time, but mostly with the chefs. He'll talk to the servers, but not very much. I've never seen him smile or his eyes go that wide before. Do you go to the same school?"
"Yeah. We have a class together. Chemistry."
"Yes, you two certainly have some chemistry."
"I was talking about the class."
"Oh," Elle pulled an apron off a hanger. She handed it to Bailey. "Try this one on." Bailey did. Elle looked the girl over in the mirror. "It's a little big, but it's the smallest size we have. It looks nice on you anyway."
Bailey inspected herself in the mirror as Elle rummaged through a small wooden box on the shelf. Elle had a point. The apron actually looked nice on her small, trim figure. Bailey turned around when Elle pulled a diamond tie necklace from the box. The tie was a signature trade mark for the servers at the Chateau. Bailey clipped the tie around her neck and looked herself over in the mirror. She found she liked the uniform.
"Don't you look cute?" Rosemary cooed, sticking her head in the room.
Bailey blushed. "Thanks."
"Stop teasing, Rosemary," Elle grinned. "We don't want to scare Bailey away now, do we?"
Rosemary smirked. "I would never do such a thing."
Bailey followed Elle back into the kitchen. Daniel looked up at her and smiled, "Good luck, Bailey." He went back to work when Rosemary, Elle, and Bailey went up front.
"You got Daniel to talk," Rosemary gave Bailey a look. Jack and Sean appeared, both six foot tall, the two men towered over four foot eleven Bailey.
"She got Dan to talk?" Jack and Sean grinned.
Elle grabbed Bailey's hand and whisked her away from the two men and out of the kitchen. As the doors swung open and closed, Bailey could hear Jack and Sean talking.
"She's a cute one," Jack said. "No wonder Daniel talked."
"Dude, she's underage."
"Yeah, but she got Daniel to talk. He never talks to new people."
"Bailey?"
Bailey jumped when she realized Elle had been talking to her. "Yes?"
"The customers will be arriving soon. I'm going to give you a tour of the dining room before they start arriving."
As the night wore on, Bailey thought for sure she would never get the job. It would be a miracle if Adelle hired her. On her first night, Bailey managed to get the table numbers mixed up and sat people at the wrong tables. Too shy and embarrassed to talk to the customers about needing to change their seats, Elle talked to them for Bailey. The teenager also learned that as a hostess, it was her job to tell the servers when reservations arrived. Bailey forgot to tell Amy about a table and so the table went without service for ten minutes. Amy was furious.
Later that night, Elle sent Bailey in the kitchen to grab a bus tub so she could take the full tub in the bar back to the kitchen. Bailey made it half way to the kitchen, before losing her grip of the heavy bus tub. Luckily, Daniel had followed her out of the kitchen to grab the tub. He grabbed the tub from her hands before she could drop it. He smiled at her, telling her he could take the tub from there, and the next time the tub needed to be changed, he would grab it for her. Bailey returned to the hostess station.
A table of four, two men and two women, arrived. Elle asked Bailey to pour four waters for them. Bailey grinned, how easy would that be? She couldn't mess that up! …Or could she? Bailey put the four glasses on a tray and walked back to the table. Bailey quickly grabbed a glass and set it down on the table. One of the men bumped into Bailey offsetting the balance of tray. The tray flipped over, spilling ice cold water on the men's laps. Their wives laughed as Bailey ran away to grab some towels. As she cleaned the men's pants, Bailey apologized over and over again. When the men needed water later that night, they kindly asked Elle to water their table instead of Bailey.
During the night, Bailey met several people the servers called "regulars." One man, Anthony, sat at the bar most of the night. He talked to Bailey, somehow finding a way to get her out of her shell. He told her that he was the security guard at parties and that he would get to work with her next time there was a party. He appointed her as his junior security guard because he needed someone to keep the children in order at parties.
Upon hearing Anthony's idea, Gregory laughed, thinking a junior security guard was an excellent idea. He talked to Adelle before letting Bailey work in the kitchen. Rosemary had Bailey help Daniel put dishes away.
"How'd your first night go?" Daniel asked.
Bailey made a face. "I really don't think I'm going to be hired."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm a terrible hostess."
"It's your first night. I'm sure you didn't screw up that badly."
"I mixed up the table numbers. I spilled water in two men's laps. I nearly broke all the dishes in the bus tray."
Daniel opened his mouth to speak when Adelle appeared behind him. "Bailey, I'd like to speak with you."
Adelle led Bailey back to her office. She closed the door behind her.
"I heard you had a pretty rough night," she said kindly.
Nodding slowly, Bailey looked at her feet.
"Hostess," she said sternly. She looked up to meet her eyes. "That's better." She smiled at Bailey, trying to relieve her nerves. "Everyone has a bad day sometimes. And you're just getting the hang of everything. Don't worry. Things will get better."
Bailey blushed softly. "So…I'm not fired?"
"Oh Bailey! You thought I was going to fire you?" Adelle laughed. "You poor girl. No wonder you were so jumpy." Adelle put her hands on Bailey's shoulders. "From the moment I met you Bailey, I saw something in your eyes that made me think you're perfect for the job. You just had a bad night. We would love to have you join the Chateau."
Bailey's eyebrows rose. "Really? You really mean it?"
"Yes," Adelle smiled. "Welcome to Chateau Rouge."
"Thank you!" Bailey beamed. "So…when do I start?"
"How does tomorrow night at six sound?"
"Perfect."
"Alright. We'll see you tomorrow at six. Good night, Bailey."
"Good night, Adelle." Bailey left the office, still smiling. She hung her apron up in the employee closet and put her necklace in the wooden box on top of the closet shelf. Bailey left the employee room and ran into Daniel.
"On your way out?"
"Yes," Bailey played with the hem of her shirt. "You?"
Daniel pulled his coat on. "Yes."
Bailey grabbed her phone from her pocket and texted Alex to let her know she was on her way.
"Going somewhere tonight?"
"Yeah, my friend Alex is having a party."
"Alex? You mean Alex Martins?"
"Yeah. Do you know her?"
"She's my neighbor."
"Oh," Bailey followed Daniel outside into the employee parking lot.
"Someone giving you a ride?"
"Yes. I just have to call my mom first…"
"I could give you a ride," Daniel offered. "Since I'm going that way."
Bailey looked up at him. "Seriously?"
Daniel grinned. "What? It's not like I'm a rapist or anything."
Bailey laughed. "Alright."
"So, do you still think I'm stupid?" He asked as he led her out to his car.
"No. Sorry about that. I have a temper."
"I hadn't noticed."
XxXxXxXxXx
Bailey walked silently down the steps to Alex's basement. Before going to work that night, Bailey had dropped off her backpack and pillow so she wouldn't have to bring them to the Chateau. Upon entering the basement, Bailey could hear the sounds of a Guitar Hero contest, laughing, music, and talking. She lingered in the door way, watching Jonathan and Damien who were the ones playing video games. Everybody else sat on the couches. The party was quiet and tame compared to the party she had been to last weekend where the house had been filled with students. No parents around. Alcoholic beverages passed around. Dancing. Loud music. Bailey found she liked the quiet parties. She was with her friends, where she could hang out and relax.
"Did I miss anything important?"
Then, all at once, seven pairs of eyes turned on her. Blank expressions turned into surprise. Surprise turned into happiness.
"Bailey's finally here!"
Everyone, but Jonathan, greeted her. Bailey bit her lip, the boy turned slightly to her, his guitar held loosely in his hands. He looked at her for a moment, smiling softly. "How'd your job trial go?"
"I guess it went well," Bailey shrugged. "They hired me tonight."
"Congratulations, Bailey!" Alex squealed. "By the way…are there any cute guys at work?"
Bailey grinned. "Yeah, but they're all too old for you, Alex."
"Darn it!"
They laughed. Bailey went to her bag to grab a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. "I'll be back. I want to change first."
She ducked into the bathroom to change. She changed quickly out of her work clothes and into her jeans and t-shirt. She left the bathroom, finding her friends pulling on their coats and shoes.
"Where we going?" Bailey asked.
"Outside," Natalie replied. "To play night games since you're here finally."
"Fun," Bailey jumped when her phone started vibrating in her pocket. "Jeez, Dad. What the hell are you texting me for?" She pulled her phone out. The text wasn't from her father.
"So…if it isn't your father texting you, who is?" Natalie asked, noticing the look of surprise on her face.
Bailey blushed. "It's Daniel."
"Daniel? Who's Daniel?" Jonathan asked, perking up.
"Daniel, a guy from work," Bailey replied slowly.
"Daniel Frederickson," Tyler piped up. Bailey glared at him. He shrugged. "Senior at school. He's in our chemistry class."
"Oh," Alex smirked. "You mean my next door neighbor is one of your co-workers? Bailey, why didn't you say Daniel worked with you?"
Bailey smiled nervously. "You asked me if any cute guys were at work."
Susannah's mouth fell open. "You mean you don't think Daniel's cute?"
"Of course he isn't cute!" Alex giggled. "He's gorgeous! And Bailey was hiding him from us!"
"I was not!" Bailey exclaimed.
"So what was Daniel texting you about?" Damien asked, his tone defensive.
Bailey gave him a look. "He was wondering if I got to Alex's house safely, alright? The annoying twit should know I got to Alex's house safely. He gave me a ride here." Her eyes widened in horror when she realized what she said. Her friends all stared at her. She blushed up into her hairline. "Let's go outside." Bailey ran out of the house through the basement door.
She ran to the swing set in the backyard. Bailey jumped when a hand grabbed her wrist. She looked up to see Jonathan. He let her wrist go, his eyes unmoving.
"I'm…sorry about earlier today. I was a jerk. Yelling at you like that. I'm sorry. Forgive me?"
Bailey grinned. "Come on, Jon. I'm never mad at you. Why should I be mad at you now? I forgive you."
"Thanks," Jonathan grinned. "Be my partner for the games?"
"What if I don't want to be your partner?" Bailey teased.
Jonathan's shoulders fell. "But I want you to be my partner. Claire broke up with me…" He whined, making his lower lip tremble. "I'm miserable and only you can make me feel better."
Bailey hugged Jonathan around the waist. "Oh shut up, you big baby. I'll be your partner. Stop crying."
"Will you kiss my booboo?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Hey! Johnny! Bailey! We're about to start Kick the Can!" Damien yelled.
Bailey raced Jonathan to the front of the house to meet up with her friends on Alex's driveway. Alex set a coffee can down in the middle of the driveway. Bailey jumped again when her cell phone went off.
"You should turn your cell phone off," Jonathan advised. "You might get caught for once."
Bailey laughed. "Maybe." She checked her phone. "Daniel again."
"So was he the one who asked for your number? Or did you ask him for yours?"
"He asked me."
Jonathan shook his head. "Either way, he's screaming DESPERATE to me. A guy is not supposed to call or text a chick after getting her number. He's supposed to wait at least three days."
Bailey rolled her eyes. "Oh, who cares Jon? He was just asking me what time I worked tomorrow, alright?"
"Why don't you ask Daniel to join us?" Alex suggested. "After all, he is one of your co-workers, and as your friends, it is our job to make sure all your co-workers are nice to our little Bailey."
Bailey rolled her eyes. "Oh really, Alex? Is that the real reason why you want him to come over?"
"Just ask him to come!"
"What am I supposed to say?" Bailey made a face. "Hey Daniel, my friends and I were outside playing night games. Alex wants you to come over so she can look at your butt and flirt with you."
"You know me so well, Bailey!" Alex giggled. She grabbed Bailey's phone. "His house is the big white one."
"Yeah? What about it?"
"Go over to his house."
"What?! Are you serious?"
"I'm coming with you!"
"What? No, you're not! You'll scare him away!"
"But you don't know what to say!"
"I'll come up with something! You just stay here!"
"Aw," Alex pouted as Bailey walked over to Daniel's house. "Party pooper!"
"You'll get to see him anyway, Alex," Ashton replied. "What's the point of going to see him now?"
"Since when has Bailey been afraid of talking to a guy before?" Damien asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Natalie piped up. "She likes him."
Damien scowled. "What's so special about him?"
"Do we really need to tell you?" Ashton asked. "Because I thought it was obvious." Everyone glared at him. "Kidding."
"Look! She's at the door!" Susannah gasped.
"Is that Daniel?" Jonathan asked, squinting his eyes for a closer look.
"Yes," Alex sighed.
"He's not nearly as good looking as me," Jonathan said smoothly.
Alex looked Jonathan over. "You're right, but you're like a brother to me."
Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "A really hot brother?"
"Sure, whatever you say," Alex smiled. "But unlike you, I don't think of Daniel as a brother."
"Well, your competition is Scarlet," Tyler replied. "She practically has her hands all over him when Brandon isn't looking."
"Shhh!" Damien hissed. "They're talking!"
"It's not like we can hear them, smart one," Ashton drawled.
"What the heck are they talking about?" Susannah asked.
"What do you mean?"
"They're both blushing…"
"It doesn't take a lot to make Bailey blush."
"Yeah, but what about him?"
"Is she going into his house?"
"Nah. Bailey wouldn't do that. …okay, I was wrong."
"I think Damien's heart just broke."
"Again."
"I call her for my partner in the games!"
"Too late, Damien. I already asked her!"
"No fair! We all know you love her!"
"Yeah so? At least I'm not being a miserable puppy dog because she broke up with me!"
"Hey! That's not fair!"
"Neither is your whining or moping around! She's not going to take you back!"
"Who says she'd date you anyway?"
"Guys, will you shut up? I'm pretty sure they can hear you from all the way over here!"
"No they can't! They're in Daniel's house!"
"They probably went up to his room…"
"Ashton, if you open your mouth one more time, I swear I'm going to beat you up!"
"I've never seen Natalie beat a guy up before…"
"Shut up, Damien!"
"What's taking them so long?"
"Maybe they did go up to his room."
"ASHTON!"
"Which one's his room?"
"The window on the far right…"
"Alex! You mean you actually watch him?!"
"No. His blinds were open after school and I saw him working at a desk."
"Stalker."
"Bailey and Daniel sitting in a tree. F-U---"
"ASHTON!"
"Bailey's coming back!"
The friends looked across the street to see Bailey and Daniel walking down the street.
"They do look cute together," Alex sighed.
"No, they don't," Jonathan muttered.
Bailey and Daniel arrived, the group of friends crowding around the driveway to get a good look at Bailey's crush. "Daniel, I'd like you to meet my friends. This is Alex, Damien, Ashton, Natalie, Tyler, Susannah, and Jonathan. Everyone, this is Daniel."
"Hello Daniel," they said in unison as if they were at an Alcoholic Anonymous meeting.
"Hi," Daniel replied, looking amongst the new faces.
"Ever played Kick the Can before?" Jonathan asked.
Daniel shrugged. "Yeah."
"Well, we get very competitive with this game," Jonathan replied. "We play to the extreme. Are you ready to get your butt kicked?"
"Ignore him," Bailey gave Jonathan a look. "He gets all thingyy when we play games. It's not like he actually wins the games."
"Hey!" Jonathan snapped. "I almost beat you last time!"
"Yeah," Bailey grinned. "But almost doesn't mean you beat me!"
"Okay, children!" Alex yelled, stepping between the two. "Let's get the game started."
"NOSE GOES!"
Daniel touched his nose last, making him it. Everyone went to hide when Daniel closed his eyes. Bailey hid in the empty garbage cans at the end of the driveway, Jonathan hid in a tree. Tyler and Susannah hid under the porch. Natalie hid in the bushes. Alex climbed under a car parked in the driveway. Wearing all black, Ashton laid down on the ground, pulling his sweatshirt hood over his head. Daniel finished counting, he turned around to find Damien still looking for a hiding spot.
Bailey peeked out from her hiding spot, watching Daniel. The boy quickly, and silently, ran up behind Damien.
"Hello Damien."
Screaming, Damien jumped in the air. He turned to Daniel. "Don't do that!"
"Sorry."
Damien took a seat on the porch steps, the place to go once a person was out. He pulled out his iPod, putting the plugs in his ears to listen to music while he waited for Daniel to find everybody else.
"RUN!" Bailey heard Tyler yell. Tyler and Susannah appeared from underneath the porch with Daniel quickly on their heels. He tagged both of them out, making Susannah scream. The two teenagers ran over to Damien.
Grinning, Tyler sat next to Damien. "What do you know? I'm not the first one out!"
"Shut up, Tyler."
Moments later, Natalie was tagged out. Her shoes were untied and while Daniel had been chasing her, he stepped on her shoelace. Natalie fell on the driveway and screamed when she saw Alex under the car. Alex was also tagged. Both girls joined their friends on the porch. Daniel searched for the remaining three. He found Ashton by accidentally stepping on him.
Jonathan, laughing his head off about Ashton being stepped on, fell out of the tree. He swore when Daniel saw him. Jonathan jumped to his feet, taking off in a sprint for the can. He ran, his legs pumping underneath him. Inches away from the driveway, Jonathan tripped over a hidden sprinkler in the grass. Taking the chance, Daniel tackled Jonathan to the ground, the two boys rolling down the yard. Jonathan swore, shoving Daniel off of him.
"You alright?" Daniel asked, offering Jonathan his hand.
Jonathan jumped to his feet, ignoring Daniel. "Yeah. I'm fine. Do you run track or something?"
"No."
Jonathan swore again when he sat down with his friends.
"Jeez! Language Johnny!" Alex giggled. "It's just a game!"
Jonathan grinned. "I can say whatever the hell I want."
"Who haven't I caught?"
"His girlfriend," Ashton coughed into his hand. He winced when he realized Damien and Jonathan were sitting on either side of him. "I mean, Bailey."
"Where could she be hiding?"
"She's a midget!" Jonathan yelled. "She can hide anywhere! Even in the grass."
"What if one of us stepped on her?" Ashton gasped, checking his shoes. "Everybody check your shoes! I didn't step on her!"
They all expected Bailey to leap out of her hiding place to attack Jonathan and Ashton; but the girl remained hidden.
Daniel was at the end of the driveway. "Do you think she left the yard?"
"Nah," Ashton grinned. "Bailey knows the rules. Last time she broke a rule, we sprayed her with a hose."
"Actually I was the one who sprayed her with a hose," Jonathan grinned.
"And Bailey has never worn white since," Tyler rubbed his eyes.
Jonathan pouted. "It's a shame. I'd get her wet anytime."
Alex shoved Jonathan out of his seat. "Bailey's also very competitive. She hardly ever looses Kick the Can."
"She's going to lose this time," Daniel smirked.
"Don't be so sure of that," Bailey hissed as Daniel took a step past her. The girl jumped out of the empty recycling bin, shoving it so it would hit Daniel. She took off down the yard to get the can. Daniel jerked out of the way before the bin could hit him. A moment too late was when he realized Bailey was already running. He ran full speed after her.
The senior tripped over the same hidden sprinkler that Jonathan had tripped over in the long grass. He fell forward making a grab for Bailey's sweatshirt. Bailey jumped over Daniel as he rolled under her in the grass. Daniel jumped up and Bailey swerved out of his reach. She ducked past him, diving under his arm, and knocked the can over.
"Ha!" Bailey laughed. "I won!"
"And she isn't in track?" Daniel gasped for breath.
"Nope," Bailey struck a pose. "I'm just awesome."
Ashton ruffled her hair. "Whatever midget."
"I'm not a midget!" Bailey kicked his shin and Ashton winced rubbing his leg. "And I'm not short! You're just tall, Ash!"
"Now that Bailey has kicked all of our butts again," Tyler said, "Let's play a new game."
"Yeah," Jonathan grinned. "So we won't have to worry about scaring the ladies and making them scream!"
"Hey! I'm not a girl!" Damien exclaimed.
Jonathan looked Damien over and smirked.
"What's that look for, Johanna?"
"Nothing."
"I don't believe you."
"Nothing. I swear on my life."
"You are a dead man."
"No, I'm not!"
"Alex!" Everyone froze when Alex's mother appeared on the porch.
"Yes Mom?"
"We just got a complaint from the neighbors. You're being too loud. You need to come back inside."
Jonathan and Bailey scrambled to their feet. They raced each other down to the basement, both of them racing to the Playstation 2. Jonathan shoved Bailey on the stairs, only slowing himself down since Bailey grabbed the stair railing to balance herself and blocking him from running past. Bailey jumped over the couch and dove for the video game controllers. Jonathan tackled her to the ground. Bailey lay face up on the floor with the controller underneath her back. Jonathan, on his hands and knees, looked down at her.
"You're so lucky you're a girl," Jonathan scowled.
"Why?" Bailey asked slowly. "You would've been on top of me?"
"Nah." Jonathan grinned. "I would've beaten you up." He jumped to his feet. "But what's stopping me from getting on top of you is the fact that I know you would beat me up."
"You should be scared," Bailey replied when Jonathan offered her his hand to help her up. She took it and got to her feet. She handed him the controller. "My father's teaching me new boxing moves."
"Scary," Jonathan looked at her.
She raised an eyebrow. "What?"
He shrugged. "Nothing."
"I don't believe you."
Jonathan paused for a moment. "Do you really like Daniel?"
Bailey blushed. "I…don't know. Why does everybody keep asking me that?"
"Is it a bad thing to be a little curious?"
"No," Bailey looked at him again. "Speaking of curiosity, are you feeling better? About breaking up with Claire?"
"Yeah," He closed the distance between them. "When she broke up with me, she said she couldn't be part of a loveless relationship. She said she loved me, but I didn't seem to return the feelings. She said I had feelings for another girl, which is true…"
"Will you tell me who she is?"
Jonathan looked her in the eyes and opened his mouth to speak. She looked away when she heard her friends coming downstairs. "You." Bailey looked at Jonathan in surprise, he had pulled away to start the video game. She watched him for a moment, wondering if she had heard right. She shrugged it off, going to sit next to him on the couch.
"Ha!" Tyler exclaimed, sitting next to Bailey. "I told you they wouldn't be making out when we got down here! Pay up, Ashton!"
Jonathan shot his friends a look. "Who says we would've been making out? If we were to make out, we would have at least done it in private."
"Well, I should hope you'd do it in private," Ashton drawled, chucking a handful of Twizzlers at Tyler.
"That's not what I meant!" Jonathan snapped.
Bailey remained silent, her eyes going to her friends who sat around them. She was somewhat surprised to find Daniel sitting next to Alex. He looked at her, smiling gently, before turning to Alex.
Suddenly the radio turned on with the volume turned up all the way. Everyone covered their ears as Natalie quickly turned the sound down. Natalie took a seat next to Ashton when Kelly Clarkson's Since You Been Gone started playing. As Jonathan and Bailey battled each other in SuperMario Smash Brothers, Bailey sang along to the song.
"Jeez…" Daniel whistled when the song was over. "You've got some pipes, Bailey."
Bailey blushed, handing the controller to Damien. "Thanks, but I'm not that great."
"You'll have to excuse, Bailey. She's very self-conscious when it comes to her singing voice," Alex replied.
"You're really good," Daniel pulled his phone out of his pocket. "Do you know who Ashley Rosenthal and Craig Barry are?"
"Yeah," Bailey grinned. "Ashley and Craig are in my gym class."
"We have a band," Daniel looked Bailey over. "A band without a singer. How would you like to be a part of it?"
"Just like that?" Bailey made a face. "No audition?"
Daniel grinned. "You did just fine a few moments ago. We have practice every other day during the week and in the early afternoon on the weekends. Practice is at my house. So…is that a yes?"
Bailey couldn't help but beam. "Yes."