Diary Chapter 9
Sunday, August 14
11am. We all went to church, including Grandpa. His last few chemo treatments seemed to help a great deal. I'm very thankful that he has the energy to get out and about. He is the wisest and most spirited person I know. He can lighten up the dimmest room with his personality. It made me feel good to see him talking and laughing with the other church members.
I was talking to Noah about Grandpa when something in me felt Cade's presence, and when I turned I found my feeling to be correct. Cade had just walked in with his friends. My heart skipped a couple of beats when he smiled and waved. I waved back. I don't think I could ever get tired of that beautiful smile.
Reverend James gave a great sermon today on living without fear. His sermon spoke of the unsettling times in our life. Time of not knowing how things will work out for us, which creates feelings of fear, anxiety, and apprehension. I felt as if he were talking directly to me.
I am often fearful that I may take the wrong path in life. What if I make the wrong decisions? I don't want to waste a huge part of my life on a career, only to wake up one day ten or fifteen years later and say "I don't want to do this anymore." What if I choose to marry the wrong man? I fear that I might decide after ten years of marriage that I really don't love this person or worse...what if my husband decides one day that he doesn't love me any longer? I'm not even out of high school yet, but I know that life after high school is probably the hardest part of our lives. The path we plan to travel may have major curves and dead ends that we least expect.
After the sermon was over, I met Cade in the parking lot. He introduced me to his sister Caylee, and his friends Preston and Alana. I'm glad that I finally know their names.
Caylee has light toffee brown hair and cobalt blue eyes like Cade. Also like Cade, she has perfect bone structure and a perfect complexion, but she doesn't have Cade's height. She is only about an inch taller than me.
Caylee extended her hand to me. "It's nice to finally meet you Jami."
I gently shook her hand. "It's nice to meet you too."
"You ready to go Jami?" Cade asked.
"Sure."
"You're going already? I wanted to talk to Jami for a minute." Caylee whined.
"Maybe she'll come over to the house for dinner one evening." He said and they both looked at me.
I'm not sure if it was a question, but I felt I should say something. "Oh. That would be great."
"Awesome! I would love to get to know you." Caylee said in a more cheerful voice.
"Can we go now?" Cade asked while glancing at Preston.
I couldn't help notice Preston is as tall as Cade, probably about six feet. He is slightly thin with some muscular tone. His ash blonde hair is longer than Cades, it lies just above his shoulders, but he is attractive just the same.
Preston held out his arm for Caylee. "Madam, your chariot awaits."
Caylee put her arm through Preston's. "I'll see you later Jami."
I waved. "Bye."
She walked with Preston to his Nissan GTR. Cade opened his car door for me and I happily slid inside.
***
12:45pm. Cade took me to the picnic area at the lake, which wasn't too far from the playground we had visited last night. There were picnic tables to eat on, but we chose to spread out a blanket and sit on the ground instead. He had packed turkey sandwiches, potato chips, apples, brownies, and bottled water. During lunch we ate mostly in silence, it wasn't an unpleasant silence that I loathed. Our silence was comfortable, even harmonious. After we ate we went for a walk around the lake.
"What was your favorite place you've traveled to so far?" He asked curiously.
"So far, I would say the Bahamas was my favorite."
"Where would you choose to visit in the future?"
"I would love to visit Cape Cod one day."
"Well, that wouldn't have been my first guess. Any special reasons?"
"Sure. Several. Light houses, whale watching, scenic tours, museums, and some of the best, fresh seafood in the U.S."
"Sounds very interesting."
I raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yeah, really." He paused for a heartbeat then changed the subject. "Can I give you a ride to school on Wednesday? I can show you how to get around in your new school."
Wow! "Um, sure. I hope it's not too far out of your way."
"It's not."
I had been trying to get up the nerve to tell him something that I've been meaning to tell him. "Um Cade?"
"Yes."
"I never got to officially thank you for helping me that night."
I felt him tense beside me, and he grimaced. "Your welcome Jami."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, anything."
"How did you know I was being attacked?"
"I guess we just happened to be in the right place at the right time."
"Well I'm glad you were."
"Me too." He said before changing the subject again, he began asking me more questions about me again. I've never met anyone so interested in knowing so many things about me. I'm not even sure there is anything left to tell him.
We spent another hour talking, and then he drove me home.
He opened the car door for me again and walked me to my front door.
"Can I have your cell phone number?" He asked.
"Sure." I thought he would never ask.
We gave each other our phone numbers, and saved them into our cell phones. Then we said our goodbyes and although I wished very much that he would kiss me, I thought my nerves might cause me to throw up if he did.
Unfortunately he didn't, but the way he looked at me, with such intensity before he left gave me hope that I might get that chance some day.
Monday, August 15
7am. I awoke to my cell phone vibrating so I checked my messages. There was a text from Cade.
Good morning Jami! I had a great time with you this past weekend and I hope we can spend more time together soon.
I wanted to send something back without sounding too veracious of my feelings.
Good morning! Ditto!
***
9am. I went to volleyball try-outs and Brianna kept giving me evil looks. She continued her spot as middle hitter, and I made the team as an outside hitter, which is the same position I played at my old high school. I only wished that I didn't have to deal with the drama. I promised myself that I wasn't going to let the drama get in the way of my game. I will just try to ignore Brianna, and her drama the best I can, I want to play volleyball and I want Cade. I'm not going to let her keep me from the things that make me happy.
11:30am. Kristin called me a few minutes after I got home and asked if she could come over. Of course I said yes, and fifteen minutes later, she was sitting in my great room.
"So. How did your dates go with Cade this weekend? I want all the juicy details." She asked curiously.
"Amazing! I kept thinking I was dreaming the whole time. Except I was a little worried Saturday night, when Brianna was dancing with Cade."
"Speaking of that, I heard that Brianna is saying that she feels she made a mistake by breaking it off with Cade, and may try to work things out with him."
I felt like I was punched in the stomach. "She broke it off with him?" I said, almost in a whisper.
"Really? That is what you got out of that? Did you hear what I said...she is going to try to work things out with him." Kristin almost yelled.
"I wouldn't blame her." I said sullenly.
Kristin shook her head. "This is not going the way I expected. I thought you would get angry, find a way to fight back."
"I can't fight for something that isn't mine."
"Are you blind? He's into you! Like I've said before, I can tell by the way he looks at you. I think everyone can see it but you."
I couldn't speak for a moment. I suddenly felt slightly depressed.
"If we are meant to be together, then we will be." I finally said.
"Okay, whatever you say." Kristin said sarcastically.
"Can we talk about something else please?" I pleaded.
Kristin then proceeded to talk about Derek, cheerleading, and her classes she will be taking this semester, but I hardly heard what she was saying. I did the occasional nod and gave the occasional "yeah," but my mind was on Cade, and the little bit of time I had got to spend with him up until now.
***
10pm. Right before I went to bed, I received a text from Cade.
Sweet dreams Jami!
I felt a tear trickle down my face as I sent my reply.
Goodnight Cade!
Wednesday, August 17
6:15am. I awoke for school, took a shower, and cooked some scrambled eggs for breakfast. I hadn't heard from Cade since his text on Monday night, and I wasn't sure if he was still picking me up for school or not, so I asked dad if I could ride with him just in case.
I assumed that maybe Brianna spoke with Cade about her feelings, and they, in fact, worked things out. I can't believe I actually thought he might be interested in me.
7:40am. Noah and I were walking out to dad's truck together, I froze in my tracks, and Noah ran smack into my back.
"Oww!" Noah exclaimed while rubbing his forehead. "Why did you stop?"
Cade was standing in the driveway talking with my dad. When he saw me he smiled, and my breath hitched.
"Sorry Noah." I said before I sauntered to the passenger side of Cade's car, he opened the door for me.
"Why do I get the impression you look surprised to see me?"
"It must be your imagination." I fibbed.
I got into the car so he could close the door.
On the way to school, I told him that I had made the volleyball team, and then we discussed our schedules. We learned that we have two classes together – English Literature second period and then Algebra part 2 fifth period.
Once we arrived at the school, he asked if I would go with him, to the gymnasium, to see his friends before the first bell rang.
When we got to the gym Connor, Takota, Preston, and Alana were all there sitting in a group.
"Hi guys." Cade greeted them.
"Hi Jami, it's nice to finally get to speak with you." Alana said glancing at Cade.
Alana is gorgeous with long, chili chocolate red hair, deep brown eyes, and perfect, tanned skin.
"Likewise Alana."
Caylee suddenly appeared at Cade's side. "Hi Jami. Hi guys."
She whispered to Cade. "Have you asked her yet?"
"No, I haven't." He answered, seeming annoyed.
Caylee either didn't seem to notice or she didn't care. "Well don't wait too long, okay."
"Bye Caylee. Have a good day." Cade replied.
"Bye Jami. Bye guys." She gave us all a wave before she pranced away. I watched as she joined a couple of girls just down from us, who seemed to match her fashion sense.
8:20am.The bell for homeroom rang so Cade walked me out into the hallway where there was already a torrent of rushing students. He told me that he would see me in English class, and then we went our separate ways. I slowly made my way down the hall to homeroom, which I have with Kristin since our last names both begin with the letter R. I hope that there is at least one person I already know in all of my classes.
8:45am.Next I had keyboarding class, which I love; it should be an easy A. I have this class with Alana. Even though I have barely spoken with her, I don't feel quite as awkward around her as I do the others students, the ones I haven't met. Alana took the desk next to me. "Hi again Jami."
"Hi. I'm glad you're in here. I don't know anyone else."
"Yeah, it'll give us a chance to get to know each other. Although, I have a feeling we'll be seeing quite a bit of each other outside of school." She smiled.
I smiled back. I wished I knew what she meant by her comment, but I didn't feel comfortable enough to ask her. Not yet.
9:30am. I finally had English Literature with Cade. What I didn't expect was for Brianna to be in the class as well. Cade took the seat behind me. Brianna sat in the next row over, in the seat, right beside of Cade. They had some small talk before class began – she asked him how his day was going so far, and he asked the same of her. If Cade wanted to talk to me, she didn't give him a chance, and all I could think about was what Kristin told me the other day about Brianna wanting to work things out with Cade. After class Cade attempted to talk to me while we were walking out of the classroom, but Brianna rudely cut him off. Literally! She stopped in front of Cade, gave him a sexy smile, and continued walking beside of him while exiting the room.
"I need to talk to you about something. Do you think you'll have time to talk after practice later?" She asked, in a seductive tone. I kept walking; I didn't want to hear his answer to her question, I made my way down the hall to my locker. I knew I would see him again in Algebra class, and I hoped that she wouldn't be with us.
10:15am.Next I went to U.S. History class, which I have with Claire and Logan. History and Algebra 2 are the classes that I'm worried about most. I struggle a little in math, but I get distracted with History, it bores me.
11:00am.Unfortunately I had first lunch and Cade had second. However, I was glad to at least have lunch with Kristin and Claire.
I was sitting at a table with Kristin, Claire, and Derek when Xander walked into the cafeteria. He quickly spotted me, and came over to sit next to me at the table. Then he put his arm around me.
"Hi honey, how is your day so far?" He asked with amusement.
"It's fine." I didn't like his public display of affection so I slid out of his arm.
"What's wrong?" He asked with a confused expression.
"Nothing. I just don't want anyone to get the wrong idea."
He leaned into me and whispered. "You're not ashamed of me are you Jami?"
"No! It's not like that. Just friends, remember?"
He studied me a brief moment then got up, and kissed me on the top of the head. "Okay. I'll see you later then." He winked before strutting off.
Kristin, Claire, and Derek gave each other puzzling looks, and then all eyes were on me. I tried to remain casual.
"What was that all about?" Claire finally asked.
I shrugged. "I don't know." I really didn't know what his problem was, but he was really getting on my last nerve. I glanced around the cafeteria to see who may have seen Xander's public display of affection. My stomach turned to ice when I spotted Takota and Connor sitting at a table. Takota glanced at me, but then quickly looked away.
12:15pm.Next I had Chemistry, which I enjoy except for the fact that Brianna is in that class too. I sat at the front of the class to make sure I didn't miss a thing, and luckily she sat in the back with some of her friends or should I say followers. They treated her as if she was the ringleader who called the shots; it's gut-wrenching to watch how they go out of their way to please her. I was happy to see Jenny walk in and sit at my table. I hope we get to choose our lab partners versus the teacher assigning them. I don't think I could stand it if I got stuck with Brianna or one of her followers.
1:00pm. I don't particularly like strength and conditioning class, I don't like working out in the middle of the school day. However, I like the fact that it will be an easy A, and also help me stay in shape. I have this class with just about everyone on my volleyball team, including Brianna, Tori, and Nicole. So I guess you could say there are actually four reasons why I don't like this class.
1:45pm.Then came Algebra 2 with Cade, and no Brianna. Thank goodness!
Cade had caught up with me right before I walked into the classroom. "Hey! How is your first day at Wolverine high so far?"
"It's great. I really think I'll like it here."
He stiffened, and had a strange look on his face. "That's good."
"What's wrong?" I asked, wondering if I did or said something wrong.
"Nothing. Everything's great." He smiled a half smile and took a seat behind me.
He didn't speak to me again until class was over.
"I have football practice after school. Can you find a ride home?"
"I have volleyball practice so I'll ride home with my dad after both practices are over."
"Great. Have fun at practice. I'll see you in the morning."
"Thanks, you too."
"Thanks. Bye." He smiled and ambled away.
The way he had acted really worried me. I wondered if he was planning on speaking to Brianna after practice, or if Takota or Connor told him about Xander at lunch...or both?
2:30pm. Chorus is another easy class that I enjoy. Like keyboarding, and strength and conditioning, this should also be an easy A. I should only need to worry about History and Algebra 2 bringing down my final GPA. I'm excited that that I have this class with Kristin, Claire, Jenny, and Logan. I'm sure we'll have a great time. Mrs. Wilhelm had us sing a few lines so she could place us in our sections. Jenny and Kristin are Soprano 1, Claire and I are Soprano 2, and Logan is tenor 2.
***
5:45pm. I walked out to the parking lot alone after practice. It only took me a few seconds to spot dads truck, and as I was slowly walking toward it, I heard a noise in the bushes like a twig snapping. I slowed and listened for it again, but didn't hear anything. I began walking again. Then suddenly I heard the noise again. I almost jogged until I reached the truck, I used my key to unlock the door, and I got in quickly and pushed the lock button for the doors. I scanned the area where the noise came from, but I couldn't see anything. I turned the radio on to distract myself, and also texted Kristin.
About ten minutes later dad arrived at the truck, and we went home. I hope I'm just being paranoid, but I felt like I'm being watched.
***
9:30pm. I was lying in my bed when I received a text from Cade:
Goodnight Jami, sweet dreams
I quickly replied:
Goodnight Cade, sweet dreams to you as well
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