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  My eyes passed over Lacey, and I redirected my attention to the males in their group. I noticed that Gloria’s most recent arm candy, Freddie Sharpe, sat across from her and right next to Trace. My heart did a flip as I stared over at him longingly. Although Freddie was the obvious heartthrob jock type, with his blonde waves and bulging muscles, I had always considered Trace to be more attractive.

  Trace didn’t have that same macho appeal that Freddie possessed; his features were much more softer and striking. He wasn’t as interested in sports the way Freddie was either, which I also considered a plus. Guys that were obsessed with sports always bugged me. I’d pick a bookworm over a jock any day, but Trace wasn’t a geek either. He didn’t belong in any category. He was simply Trace Gibson, and that had always been good enough for me.

  “Jade? Hello?” My eyes snapped back to find Harvey and Marla staring at me with puzzled expressions.

  “What?” I mumbled, face growing hot as my eyes flickered back in Trace’s direction. I dreaded that they knew I’d just been drooling over him.

  “Where were you just a second ago? Did you even hear what I said?” Marla asked angrily. I saw her brown eyes narrow at the thought of me not paying attention. It was a known fact that Marla hated it when people ignored her.

  Trying to come up with some excuse, I blurted, “Sorry, I was just thinking about Gloria…the way she embarrassed me in front of everyone today was so humiliating.”

  Instantly, Marla’s expression morphed from irritated to sympathetic. “Oh, yeah, I heard about that. Sorry, Jade. What is her problem anyway? She can be such a bitch sometimes.”

  Sighing softly with relief that Marla fell for it, I simply nodded. “Who knows why Gloria comes after me like that? I never do anything to provoke her.”

  Marla gave my shoulder a reassuring rub. “You need to put that stuck-up heathen in her place. Maybe then she’ll back off.”

  Harvey sent me a smile and nodded. “She does cause tons of trouble for our student body. Just yesterday, I saw Kimberly Locke and she was---” he froze in the middle of his sentence as Gloria sauntered over to our table, her long blonde hair swirling behind her back. She was smiling---but not in my direction---as she took a seat next to Marla.

  “Hi, Marla, Harvey…Jade.” She said my name with a wrinkled up face, almost as if it disgusted her to let my name pass by her lips. I took a deep breath to silence myself from saying something I would later regret. All I could do was stare at her blankly.

  “So, Marla,” Gloria turned to face her cheerfully. Her voice held an urgent tone as she said, “I need to go over the plans for the cheer bake off with you. It’s really important that we discuss it before next week.”

  Nodding at her, Marla appeared less than thrilled to be spending time with Gloria. “Yeah, sure,” she muttered.

  Gloria’s green eyes scanned the table before saying, “I was hoping we could do it now, before lunch ends.” Staring in my direction, she added coldly, “And I kind of want to do it in private, if you don’t mind, Marla.”

  I wasn’t shocked, but I couldn’t believe that she had just kicked me from my own table. My mind conjured up various curse words to call her, and I could feel myself on the verge of saying them. Luckily, I managed to conceal the obscenities by biting down on my lip. Hard. Embarrassed by my lack of backbone, I stood up quickly with my lunch tray.

  “Fine,” I mumbled. Not wanting her to cause another scene, I would let her have her way, like usual.

  “See you guys later,” I told Marla and Harvey, ignoring the huge smirk from Gloria; seeing her so happy with herself made me queasy. As I walked away, I resisted the urge to slap that smirk right off of her face.

  “Bitch,” I muttered under my breath as I dumped my trash into the can near the door. Taking a deep breath, I returned the tray to the line and moved towards the exit. Staring down at my feet as I walked, my mind fantasized over ways on how I could kill Gloria. Smiling as I imagined her falling and getting trapped under the bleachers at one of the stupid football games, I wasn’t paying attention as I slammed into something hard, yet soft.

  “Hey!” Trace growled after our bodies had collided.

  Gazing up at him nervously, I covered my blush by saying, “Watch where you’re going next time, Tracey.” He hated it when I called him Tracey, which is exactly why I do it. I enjoyed watching his face crumple from annoyance. But he has a nickname for me too, and I don’t really love it when he calls me it either.

  “Listen up, Jewels. You’re the one who needs to “watch out”, okay?” he replied, using air quotations. “I’m the most popular guy in this school, remember?” He flashed me a large smile and winked.

  “Oh, really?” I pretended to act surprised. “I thought Freddie was number one around these halls?”

  Trace shrugged as he passed a hand through his mess of brown hair. He didn’t even have to brush it. That’s how hot he is. “You know…we’re a tie for first.”

  “Right,” I laughed, pushing my way past him.

  Just as I thought, and hoped he would, he followed me out of the cafeteria and into the hall. I glowed secretly on the inside.

  “So, I heard you were dreaming about me last night.” He asked, grinning, “You wanna tell me what that’s all about, Jade Cannon?”

  I gave him a smirk and tried to keep my laughter down. “Yeah, I was totally dreaming about you. As a matter of fact, I dream about you every night, Trace.”

  “Really?” He asked happily.

  Shaking my head at his delight, I replied, “No! Wow, you are so full of yourself.”

  Cocking his brow, he muttered, “Am not.”

  I smiled and said, “Of course you are. How else could you be so naïve, Trace? You think you’re the most gorgeous guy in the world.”

  “Whatever,” he grinned again. “You want me, I know it.”

  Sending him back an even larger grin, I replied in a singsong voice, “You know nothing.”

  I started walking faster as my next class approached, leaving Trace behind. I was sure I was walking the hall alone, until I felt a light tap on my shoulder and found him still alongside me.

  I raised my eyebrows at him in surprise before asking, “Didn’t I leave you back there?”

  “I caught up.”

  “What for? Isn’t your class in the opposite direction?” I asked, tucking a few strands of my red hair behind my ear.

  “Yep,” he replied shortly.

  I blushed. “Then why are you following me?” I was confused by his behavior. Trace and I usually talked between classes, but rarely did he ever follow me to my classroom, especially when his was on the other end of the building. It wasn’t like we were that close anymore.

  “Because…” Trace began, sending me a genuine smile. “There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

  “Oh? What is it?” I asked him curiously.

  “Well, the thing is, Jade, I---” He paused suddenly, glancing around. “What is going on?”

  “Huh?” I gazed about too, noticing that most of the students in the hallway were staring and laughing at us. After a few moments of gazing about at them all, Trace and I looked back at each other in confusion.

  “What’s their problem?” Trace muttered, sending them all glares. “Ha-ha-ha,” he mocked them angrily.

  Fear crept up my neck when I realized that they were laughing at me, and I knew why. I gripped my bag strap tightly and prayed that they wouldn't humiliate me in front of Trace. Please God, let them spare me just this once.

  Then, a girl standing off to the right pointed and said to the boy next to her, loud enough for me to hear, “That’s Jade Cannon, the girl who pissed her pants in Mr. Reid’s class today.”

  “Oh,” the boy replied knowingly and snickered. “I wonder if she changed her pants yet? Hey, Jade! Still wet down below?” He asked me loudly, and that aroused more laughter from the crowd. I wanted to die as my cheeks flared red.

  Gazing up at Trace, I was shamed by the
baffled expression on his face. It was obvious he hadn’t heard the latest gossip until now. I didn’t dare say anything as I lowered my head; I felt too disgusted. Brushing past him, I hurried down the hall, running from all of the laughing students, trying to ignore the tears that threatened to slip out of my eyes.

  I scrambled into the science hall, where Chemistry awaited me. When I walked into the class, just as I expected, the humiliation carried on. Taking my seat grimly, I lowered my head onto my desk, trying to escape. I closed my eyes and thought of Trace, wondering if he would believe that horrid rumor. I was quite certain he wouldn’t; he wasn’t one to gossip. It was one of many qualities that I admired about him.

  That realization brightened me up a little, but as people around me continued to mumble insulting comments, I knew that the end of the day would not come fast enough. I decided to just keep my eyes fixed on the chalk board and pretend to be invisible. If only I were transparent, maybe then everyone would just leave me be.

  3

  THEY DIDN’T STOP LAUGHING until the sixth period bell rang. Then, almost instantly, it was as if nothing had happened. The entire student body forgot about me. I knew why: they just wanted to get out of there and go home. I know I did. My whole day had revolved around Gloria and her wickedness. Like usual, it had been a nonstop nightmare.

  While I was walking home, it suddenly dawned on me. Not only had they dismissed the harassment, but they had also dismissed me. It kind of irked my brain when I realized that I was that easy to forget about. Not that I wanted them to continue badgering me---but they could’ve at least took notice of how terrible I was feeling, how much pain they had caused me throughout the day. Why did they do it? It was all thanks to a dangerous six letter word.

  I hated gossip almost as much as I hated the people who did it. It’s a terrible nuisance that puts you through complete hell for no reason whatsoever. Frankly, half of what Gloria reports isn’t the truth. But does anyone care? No. It doesn’t matter what Gloria Malone says so long as it comes out of her mouth. West Haven High is her domain and she’s queen within it’s walls. Gloria is aware of the power she holds, which is why she weaves her gossip web, coating the school with her lies, turning it into one huge network of deceit. Gloria’s not entirely to blame though; she has her minions do most of the dirty work.

  Girls like Camille and Lacey spread her every word, destroying the reputations of students they feel deserve to suffer. Their prey are less than social, and I’m always at the top of their list. Since I don’t defend myself, they use it to their advantage, but I avoid the battles the best way I know how. I just try to be invisible, and it often works…but not always. There are still times when Gloria finds ways to outdo herself, making me feel like the most pathetic person alive. Many nights have I cried over her stupid insults and pranks.

  I’m not proud to admit it, but I used to want to be like the populars. I had always craved to know what it felt like to be envied the way Gloria was. Though, as the years have gone by, my desire to be like Gloria Malone and her clique has withered away. At one time, I used to think she was a queen, just like the rest of West Havenbrook High. However, my opinion of her these days is less than grand: I simply think she’s a callous bitch. Now, instead of praying to be like them, I pray for them to just leave me alone. As pathetic as that may sound, I don’t care. I just want to get through high school painlessly. Is that really too much to ask? Apparently it is, if your name is Jade Cannon.

  By the time I got home I was fuming, and it didn’t help matters when I found my father’s latest girlfriend lounging out on the deck in a crisp white two-piece. How productive she was.

  “Hello, Jade,” she waved cheerfully, scooting up straight in the patio chair. As she waved at me, her short blonde bob was tousled by the wind, making her appear even more beautiful than she already was. Oh, how I hated her beauty, yet secretly wished to belong to that gene pool.

  I didn’t return the smile as I stomped up the steps and into the house, where heavenly fumes drifted up my nostrils. Now that gave me something to smile about. Rushing into the kitchen, I laughed as I watched my father flip a chunk of dough high into the air. I sniffed the delicious aromas surrounding me and grinned. Oh how I loved when he cooked.

  My father was a great chef, the head of the kitchen at the five-star restaurant where he worked. It was called the Grand Gourmet, and it was the nicest restaurant in West Havenbrook. People came from miles around to dine there, and food critics always gave it their highest score. I’d only been there twice, but I didn’t really need to dine at the restaurant; I had their famous chef’s cooking almost every day.

  “Pizza?” I asked him happily, after setting my turquoise messenger-bag down onto the table.

  He glanced back at me and nodded. “Why else would I be throwing balls of dough into the air while wearing such a ridiculous garb?” My father gestured to his infamous red apron. He always wore it when he cooked; it was his own personal trademark.

  I laughed and replied with a shrug, “I don’t know? Cause you’re weird?”

  Setting the dough down onto the counter, he approached me with spread out arms. I backed away quickly, shaking my head and pointing at his flour covered hands. “Don’t touch me,” I grinned.

  “What are you going do about it, huh?” Lunging at me, my father grabbed my wrist and pulled me to his chest. Wrapping his arms around me as I laughed, and I felt him kiss the top of my forehead. “So, how was your day, Kiddo?” He asked.

  “Terrible,” I mumbled as he held me tight. “Just like each and every day,” I replied with a fake, cheery tone.

  “Oh come now, I’m sure it wasn’t that bad,” My father said after he dropped his hold on me. He moved back towards the stove to stir something in a metal pot; it smelt like marinara sauce. He glanced over at me when I didn’t reply. Noticing my stern expression, the one that usually meant business, he then asked, “What happened?”

  I rolled my eyes and sighed, “I can’t talk to you about it. It’s girl stuff.”

  “Are you sure, Jade? I’m always here for you, I hope you know that.”

  Nodding, I plopped myself down on a chair near the buffet table. Laying my head onto it, I muttered, “You wouldn’t understand. My life sucks.”

  He laughed then, giving me a slight smile. “Come on. You don’t mean that.”

  I shrugged and replied, “I know…it’s just sometimes, things can be so difficult for me at school. ”

  “It can for everyone, Jade. Remember, I was a teenager once too. I know how horrible growing up can be.”

  “I just don’t understand why I have to get the brunt of everything,” I told him with a frown. “Or why I’m a social reject…”

  “It’ll get better,” my dad replied optimistically. “You’ll see. You just can’t let anybody get you down, honey.”

  I knew he was just trying to cheer me up, but the reality of my life was that it never would get any better, at least not until I went off to college. I was a nobody to a lot of people at my school…maybe to people who weren’t really important to me, but it didn’t hurt any less to know how big of a loser I was. Everything that had happened to me, up until middle school, had been wonderful. But I was a kid back then, so I guess it doesn’t really count.

  I just remember that life had been so easy and care free. I had the coolest best friends in the world, my mom and dad were still together and happy…and no one had ever heard of Gloria Malone. It was just a bummer that I couldn’t tap my heels together three times and wish for things to go back to the way they used to be, before life had to go and screw it all up. If only I had a magic lamp, maybe then my life would be how I wanted it. Leave it to me to resort to fairytale objects to sort out my problems.

  Standing up from the table swiftly, I grabbed my bag as I went towards the doorway. “I’ll be in my room, brooding and finishing my homework. Call me when dinner is done.”

  “Okay, Jade.” My father smiled and whipped another chunk of dough
into the air. I grinned back at him before walking away. I passed Erika as she was entering the house.

  “Jade, how are you?” She asked me with a smile.

  “Fine,” I replied bluntly.

  My rude tone didn’t seem to faze her. Still smiling cheerfully, Erika asked, “I was wondering, Jade, if you would like to go shopping with me later? I heard of some great deals going on at the mall and I was thinking about heading down there after dinner. What do you say?”

  My stomach churned at the thought of spending time alone with her. Hurrying on down the hall, I cleverly used my schoolwork as an excuse. It was the perfect defense. “Sorry, but I have to do my homework now, Erika. Then, I have to study afterwards…so I won‘t have time to go tonight.”

  “Oh, okay. Another time then,” she replied, giving me another little smile.

  I watched happily as she wandered off into the kitchen, while I was left alone in the hallway. Sighing with relief, I ran towards my bedroom, hurrying inside and shutting the door behind me. I really couldn’t deal with Erika tonight. My day had been a complete disaster, and I didn’t want to add anymore stress on myself.

  Lying down on my bed, I kicked my book bag onto the floor to give my legs more space. When I was finally comfortable, I allowed my mind to drift off. The first thing I thought of was Trace, and I frowned when I imagined the thoughts that went through his head today, after he had heard that horrible rubbish about me.

  “Please, God,” I whispered. “Don’t let him believe Gloria’s lies.”

  Then, I realized something. If I didn’t have my homework out when my father came to get me for dinner, I would look like a horrible liar. I bet Erika would just love that. Sitting up quickly, I reached for my bag and whipped out my chemistry folder and textbook. I opened both and laid them on my bed, so it would look like I was working. What a clever fox I was.

  Laying back down, I glanced over at my nightstand and reached out my hand, searching for a familiar book. I grasped West Haven’s yearbook from the previous year, and quickly flipped open to the sophomore index, then to the G’s, where I found Trace’s charming picture. I stared longingly at his face, disgusted with myself for being so pathetic, but I couldn’t toss the book away.