Johnson Hearts Carter

What Were the Odds?

Travis drove home from school, deciding to turn down Kurt's invitation to go catch a movie at the cinema. He did not feel like playing third wheel at the moment. Come to think of it, he did not have much enthusiasm in anything recently. The short run-ins with Alexandra Carter probably was the most involved he had been in anything with his conscience and emotions.

I’m too young to be this jaded. Snap out of it, Travis! He chastised himself, shaking his head in a failed effort to shake away depressing thoughts.

 He parked at the end of his father's circular driveway and grabbed his bag before getting down from his car. He was looking forward to taking a long dip in the pool and maybe work out a sweat with a few laps. He missed being in the water and the silence in the pool area would be welcoming.

Travis hurried inside hoping that his father was still at work because with the mood he was in, he might not be able to stand any small talks. He did not really feel like entertaining his father’s new found sense of responsibility regarding his son's life choices. Travis pretty much guessed that his father had slowly gotten over his guilt over the divorce and was slowly turning back into the tyrant that Travis sorely missed.

He opened the huge oak door and threw his school bag by the coat closet thinking that the maid was going to pick it up. He decided to check out the kitchen for a quick snack before going to the indoor pool located at the back of the house. He was about to turn left from the foyer when he heard his father's voice call to him from the door that led to his huge home office.

"Good timing, son! Come here, I want you to meet the people behind my new charity project." 

Travis sighed, hung his head and turned slowly towards the direction of the room. He was not really in the mood but plastered, what he hoped was a polite expression, on his face. 

He figured that his sour mood seem to be the after-effects of the events in school. He had dealt with the issue regarding Alexandra by talking to the jerks and jocks about dropping the topic of his s*x life had been a challenge. 

Travis had acted cool and aloof but inside, he was feeling disgusted and angry about the things they were saying about the girl. Plus, more than half of what they were saying was pure BS! Really, what was everyone's problem with the nerd? 

None of your business, Travis. He reminded himself. 

He did not need to play hero to a damsel in distress. Besides, Travis had a feeling the girl can take care of herself when she really would put her mind into it. There was something more to Alexandra Carter, that was for sure and part of him had wondered what it could be.

Travis’ musings were cut short when he stepped into the office to see his father. He found an older woman seated in one of the chairs and forced a fake smile on his face.

"Mrs. Stratford, I'd like you to meet my son, Travis. He's a senior at Richmont High." 

Travis smiled gallantly at the older lady rising gracefully from one of his father's seats. He extended his hand to her and shook firmly. If there was one thing that he learned from his father it was the importance of giving a firm handshake to show people respect.

"Mrs. Stratford is an advocate of the youth in our town. She has invested in a lot of after school programs as well as camps for children with special needs and those who have been uh- battling issues with family. I have just recently been invited to be a benefactor in one of her ventures."

"That sounds great,” he replied, trying his best not to sound bored. He really just wanted to leave, get his snack and dive into the pool. "I'm pretty sure my dad can give you the best support for your programs Mrs. Stratford. Now, may I be excused?"

Travis asked his father who nodded. He gave the old lady another smile before turning to leave. It was cool that his father is getting more involved in the community but he did not have to be included in it.

"Oh, Travis. Please stay for dinner. Mrs. Stratford has invited some of the people in her new program. I would be grateful if you're there to help me entertain them. Some are volunteer students from your school as well as teachers."

Travis wanted to say no but his father had that look that told him not to argue or else. He sighed and shrugged. 

"Okay, dad,” he muttered and rushed out of the room before he could get roped into anything else. Why is it so difficult to just be left alone?

"Can you believe we're going to Travis Johnson's house?" Verna exclaimed as they waited for Mrs. Faraday to pick them up at Alexandra's house. They were invited to go to a small dinner party hosted by Mrs. Stratford's new partner in the after school tutorial programs.

Alexandra had been volunteering to tutor children who were difficult since she was a sophomore. The kids were young and usually had problems with their attitude. Verna also volunteered but she was mostly working with children with special needs.

There was a sense of fulfillment that came with it whenever she helped in making a child understand simple math or teach them to read and focus on school instead of growing up to be bullies or being bullied. They both discovered the program through their social economics teacher, Mrs. Faraday.

Since they were the most active people connected with Richmont High and the tutorial program, both Verna and Alexandra had been chosen as student leaders in their respective schools. They were both excited to meet up with other student leaders from the other volunteer from other schools.

"I mean- I get tongue-tied and all when I see him because he's just so gorgeous..." Verna continued to gush, her cheeks flushing pink and Alexandra could only sigh in response. 

What were the odds? Alexandra really did not want to think of Travis much less see him in person so soon after their confrontation during lunch.

Alexandra cringed inwardly when she recalled the scene outside the cafeteria. In spite of his height and built, she all but pushed him to the wall and asked him to leave her alone. Now, a few hours later, she was all dressed up and ready to go to his house. 

How could the world be so small all of a sudden?

"You look good, by the way,” Verna added with an encouraging smile as she glanced at her friend’s outfit. "I can't believe she asked us to actually wear a dress for this."

 They both got dressed in Alexandra's house given the short notice from Mrs. Faraday just after the lunch bell rang. 

"It might be the fact that we're finally meeting Mrs. Stratford. She's the rich heiress and these tutorials are her brainchild. We have to look good and presentable otherwise, we won’t be trusted to take part in helping out!”

Verna nodded in agreement "well, if the guys in school see you dressed up like this often, they might just be singing a different tune. That emerald green mini dress really brings out the alabaster skin of yours." 

Alexandra grimaced but said nothing in response.

Since they were required to wear a dress, she had no choice but pick the only formal looking garment in her closet. It was an emerald colored mini dress that fell just a bit above her knees. It had a very intricate embroidery on the slightly modest V neckline and short sleeves. 

She wanted to wear her Chuck Taylors but knowing how strict Mrs. Faraday was, she opted for her red flats. She wanted Verna to braid her hair but her friend insisted on just blowdrying it and letting it all fall in a messy fountain of curls. It was futile to argue when you could only use one hand.

"The sling adds a charm, right?" Alexandra replied to Verna who also looked nice in her polka dot dress. “You look fabulous too!”

At exactly 7pm they heard Mrs. Faraday's car pull up by the curb. Alexandra called out to her parents who were in the dining room checking the day's quizzes and assignments. They said goodbye and told her to have fun and stay out as long as she could.

She rolled her eyes. They did not give up on their crusade of turning her into a bit of a rule breaking teenager. 

She and Verna got into the back seat of their teacher's Toyota before greeting Mrs. Faraday and her partner teacher, Mr. Matters who was in the passenger seat.

Soon, they were driving down the main road and speeding towards the classier district of the town. Alexandra rarely went to this part unless she and Verna or sometimes with her parents went to the mall to get some stuff or just eat at a fancy restaurant.

Alexandra was enjoying the lights when they turned into a long narrow road that was covered with tall trees and up to a wide circular driveway. The house looked huge with its stone facade, it looked like an old castle with a history. However, once they were ushered inside the foyer looked modern.

"Do you think he's here?" Verna asked Alexandra in a soft tone as her eyes roamed the huge interior of the house, clearly in awe.

Alexandra shrugged, not really caring that much about the whole set up. True, it looks magnificent however, she was impressed with the occupant’s attitude towards other people.

”I doubt he'll be here for something like this, Verns. He's probably out with some girl,” she whispered back to Verna. She heard the door open once more and the sound of voices made her turn to check out who else was there.

 "Look, Brian and Elvie are here!"

Brian Green and Elvie Hoffsman were student leaders from a nearby school who also volunteered to host the tutoring after school program in their own campus. They greeted one other as soon as they were within arms reach. 

The four friends discussed in hush voices the enormity of the Johnson’s mansion before shifting to talk about the the progress of their students and how exciting it was to meet Mrs. Stratford personally. They fell silent when someone cleared his throat to catch their attention.

"Welcome, everyone. It's so nice of you to make time for this impromptu dinner. I'm Ethan Johnson and I'm pleased to introduce, Mrs. Juliana Stratford." 

Alexandra applauded along with everyone else. After that, she grabbed Verna's arm as they headed towards the large double doors that lead to the dining area. The house clearly could fit a bunch of people and their families and in spite her initial reservation, she had to admit that her breath had been taken away a bit.

She was busy looking at the beautiful table setting and she did not notice Verna walking ahead, dropping her arm while Travis' father approaching her. She almost jumped with fright when he spoke to her.

"Ms. Carter, " he greeted with a soft smile. Alexandra nodded mutely but managed to smile back, feeling sheepish. “Again, I'm so sorry about the accident. I see you're arm is still -"

"Yes. I-I'm fine. Thank you for your help, sir,” she murmured, feeling her face flaming with embarrassment.

He was making her nervous. Ethan Johnson is a handsome man who looked formidable enough to frighten anyone. There was a sense of power and security in his aura that commanded respect. Alexandra thought that this was why he was such a successful businessman.

"Well, if you need anything, please, don't hesitate to ask,” he offered, sounding very much like a father, as he patted her softly on the shoulder. "Ah, there he is. Perfect."

Before Alexandra understood what he meant, Mr. Johnson was calling his son over to them.

"Travis, I'm sure you remember, Ms. Carter?" he announced as he put an arm around his son’s shoulder to steer him in front of Alex.

Alexandra had turned to move away but, it was too late to proceed. She did not want to be rude. Her back had been turned so she had to slowly move in order to look towards the direction that Travis' father was talking towards.

She found herself face to face with Travis Johnson once again. This time he looked like he just finished his bath, put on a button-down polo and slacks. He looked dashing and almost had the same stance as his father. She quickly noticed though that he was entitled to wear a pair of Chucks.

"Hello again, Alexandra,” Travis greeted, his mouth turning up into a smirk. He dreaded a boring dinner but her presence is a welcome surprise.

"Uh-erm- Hello,” Alexandra managed weakly, wanting the floor to open up and swallow her whole.

"Why don't you sit with her during dinner, Travs. It's the least you could do after the accident. Make sure she's comfortable, okay?" 

Alexandra could only look helplessly as Travis touched her elbow, steered her towards the table while telling his father, "oh, don't worry dad, just leave her to me.”