Best Friends & Soul Mates

Chapter One ~ Lottery Selected and Invited

Crystal POV

    It’s been two weeks since I told Oscar that I would think about us. If I could be honest, I’m not really sure what to think of us. He’s been really different the last few months, especially after his eighteenth birthday. I know that I have strong feelings for him but I’m not sure if I want to make things even more awkward between us.

    “Hey Crystal, can we talk?” Oscar asked me as he caught up to me in the halls at school.

    “I’m running late for class; can we talk maybe at lunch?” I said hesitatingly.

    “Sure, meet at our spot?” he looked at me with a hopeful glance.

    “Yeah, I’ll be there. See you then!” I ran off to my locker to grab my books for my first period English class, then ran to class with barely a minute to spare before the bell rang.

    As I walked into the classroom, my teacher, Mr. Jones gave me a warning glare before going to the white board to start his lecture. I’m not normally late for class, but this morning I had a fight with my Stepfather because he feels he controls my life, and I don’t like him telling me what to do. When I was seven years old my father was killed in car accident. My mother met Joel a couple years later at her job. At first things were okay, Joel never said much to me. When my mother would invite him over, I would always stay in my room or go to my best friend Kendra house down the block from my house.

    Everything changed a few days before my thirteenth birthday, Joel asked my mother to marry him. I never thought she would ever remarry. My father was my mother’s whole world, her first love, and she always told me nobody would ever compare to him. Diane walked pass my desk and dropped a note on it while walking to Mr. Jones desk to ask him a question. I looked down at the note and opened it to see what it was. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Tears started to fill my eyes. The note said:

    I’m sorry Crystal but I really think you should know that Kendra’s parents have forced her to move with her aunt and uncle in Phoenix. I saw her yesterday when she was leaving school. She was looking for you, but you had left already. She asked me to tell you that she no longer has her phone and that her parents are sending her away because they caught me and her in her bedroom making out. She said she will call you as soon as she can. – Todd

    I turned to look behind me to see Todd nodding at me with a painful look in his eyes. I couldn’t believe it.

    My best friend was gone, and I didn’t get to say goodbye because Joel picked me up early, he and my mother were both going out of town for a work assignment. He said we needed to go over the house rules while they were gone since they will be gone for a week. He took me to grab snacks and food for dinner while they were gone. I hated when they left on work trips because I would be left at home alone. When we got home yesterday, I was surprised by my mother giving me her car keys. We had talked about me getting a car for a while now, but my mom was always too busy to take me car shopping. I had saved a little over five thousand dollars last summer when I worked at the bookstore in town.

    “Miss Crystal, you’re being requested in the counselor’s office. It says you need to take all your belongings with you. You will not be returning to class.” Mr. Jones said with a confused glare on his face as he handed the slip back to Karl. I walked up to Karl and he pushed the door open allowing me to walk out before he followed behind me.

    “Karl, what is this about?” I said as soon as the classroom door was closed. Karl shrugged his shoulders and started walking towards the counselor’s office. I followed him without saying a word. When I opened the door to the counselor’s office, my mother and Joel were sitting on the two chairs directly across my counselor Ms. Williamson. “Hello Darling, come take a seat.” my mother said as Joel stood from his seat and stood behind her. With the look of confusion on my face because I thought they were on a work trip, I sat next to my mother and looked down at my fingers intertwining on my lap.

    Just as my mother opened her mouth to speak Karl opened the door and in walked Kendra’s parent with Kendra following behind them. “Oh, hello James and Marie.” my mother said and they both nodded in response.

    Ms. Williamson began to speak, and we all turned our attention to her while Kendra and her parents took a seat directly behind us. “I know you are all wondering the reason I have called you here today.” I turned around and looked at Kendra and we both looked confused. “I assure you it is all great news and nothing to be concerned about but what I need to discuss is a time sensitive matter which is why this is an emergency meeting.” Ms. Williamson stated with a smile on her face.

    “What is this about?” Kendra’s mom Marie said with irritation in her voice.

    “Well Mrs. Sykes, as you know Kendra and Crystal are both apart of STEP our Student Transfer Exchange Program.” Stated Ms. Williamson.

    “Yes, but Kendra is no longer a student here. She was withdrawn yesterday, and we were clear that she was leaving for Phoenix to live with my sister tomorrow afternoon.” Stated James Kendra’s father in a matter-of-fact tone.

    “Yes, yes but I thought this information would help you guys decide to let her stay until the end of the school year. Both Miss Crystal and Miss Kendra were lottery selected for the Student Exchange Excellence Scholarship referred to SEES for simplicity. This means they will both receive $25,000 to pay for college and they are both invited to attend the SES Conference known as the SES Conference in Seattle next month for a week. All expenses are paid but they must accept the invitation by Friday of this week.” Ms. Williamson stated with pure excitement in her voice. Kendra and I looked at each other and smiled.

    “What is the SES Conference and what do you mean they were lottery selected?” my mother asked with a hint of hesitation in her voice.

    “Well Mrs. May, the SES Conference is a conference put on by the Board of Education every year as a way to give money to students who may otherwise not be able to afford college but are in the top of the class. The girls are guaranteed the $25,000.00 Scholarship but they will also compete scholastically against others at the conference in academic subjects such as Math, English, Science, History, and Social Studies to earn additional scholarships and or awards for furthering their education goals. What I meant by lottery selected is, all students enrolled through  STEP are placed in three categories: GPA, Financial need, and Attendance. Miss Crystal was selected from the GPA category having a 4.0 GPA and although Miss Kendra GPA is also a 4.0 Miss Kendra was selected from the Financial Need category. Our last invitee also has a 4.0 GPA but also has Perfect Attendance from the start of his enrollment here.” She stated with a grand smile showing her perfect white teeth.

    “Who is the last invitee and why aren’t their parents also attending this meeting?” Joel asked with a slight irritation in his voice.

    “Mr. & Mrs. Rolls are both out of the country at this time but have already given full support for their son Karl to attend and accept the invitation to the conference.” Ms. Williamson explained. Kendra and I both grasped at the information and looked at each other to confirm what we were thinking.

    “Something wrong, honey?” my mother asked me.

    “Nothing mom, I was just surprised. Karl is very quiet. I never knew he was a part of STEP.” I stated.

    “Who is this boy?” Joel asked.

    “Yeah, who is this boy?” James repeated.

    Ms. Williamson picked up her desk phone and asked the receptionist to send Karl in.

    When Karl walked in the room, he looked confused and scared, but he didn’t say anything. “Karl, I would like to introduce you to the two young ladies that may be your teammates at the Scholastic Conference next month.” Ms. Williamson stated.

    “Hello Crystal and Kendra, I didn’t know you guys were a part of STEP.” Karl stated shyly looking around avoiding direct eye contact with any of us.

    “We didn’t know you were either.” Kendra stated without looking at him.

    “Karl, this is Mrs. May and Mr. Peters, Crystal’s parents, and this is Mr. and Mrs. Sykes Kendra’s parents.” Ms. Williamson stated while pointing at them respectively.

    “Hello, it’s nice to meet you all.” He said looking at the floor and shifting from foot to foot in a way showing his nervousness. “Sorry, my parents couldn’t be here. They are out of the country. My older brother Brian is caring for me while my parents are away. He is working now.” He stated never looking up and continued shifting back and forth on each foot.

    “Yes, I have explained that already, but they wanted to meet you. That is why I asked you to come in.” Ms. Williamson stated.

    Karl looked up at her and asked to be excused but before he could walk out the door my mother spoke. “Karl, can you set up a meeting between us and your brother Brian before the end of the week. I would like to know if he would be escorting you to the conference and if he would be in attendance. My husband and I will be out of town for a work assignment, and we may not be back until middle of next month. If Crystal wants to go, I would like to know if he would keep an eye on her. Knowing an adult would be chaperoning this trip would put me at ease knowing I won’t be there.”

    I looked at my mother with surprise in my eyes. She looked back with a smile and said to me, “If that is okay with you Crystal, I’m sure you would want to attend but dad and I will now need to extend our trip since we didn’t leave this morning as scheduled.”

    I looked up at Joel and he said, “It’s your decision baby girl, you know your mom and I support you in whatever you decide.” I looked at Karl and nodded at him.

    “Sure, I can call him now and see if he is available tomorrow.” He said and stepped out of the room to place the call.

    I looked at Kendra and she looked at her mom. “Mom, Do I have to go to Aunt Darlene’s now? Can I go when the year ends? I promise I will be on my best behavior and I will stay away from Todd. I promise! I really want to do this with my best friend, and it will help with college. You and dad both know I will need all the help I can.” She said with tears forming in her eyes.

    “We will talk about this when we get home Kenny Bear.” James said with a proud smile on his face.

    Just as a comfortable silence spread across the room, Karl walked back in and said his brother could be here in ten minutes. “That’s great Karl, are you all able to wait his arrival? I would really like to secure our invitees spot first thing tomorrow morning.” Ms. Williamson said gleefully. Everyone nodded and sat quietly as a comfortable silence fell upon the room.

    Exactly ten minutes later there was a knock on the door and Karl stood up to answer it. All eyes looked as Brian walked through the door. He stood about six foot two with dark caramel skin, long dark brown locks, and hazel brown eyes. He was wearing a three-piece dark blue suit with a black dress shirt underneath it. I looked over at Kendra and she at me and we both put our heads down to not look at him.

    “Hello Ms. Williamson, it’s been a long time,” he said looking directly at her with a smile on his face. She smiled and looked back at James and Joel before speaking, “Hello Brian, I’m really glad you were able to come at such short notice. It’s actually a good thing since you were an invitee to the SES Conference just 5 years ago and if I remember correctly, you were awarded more than $65,000.00 in scholarships.” She said smiling brightly.

    “Yes, it is the reason that I am currently a junior partner at Parks, Rolls, & Associates Inc., by the way Caelan sends his regards. I tried to get him to come as well since he was the highest awarded student that year walking away with $100,000 in awards and scholarships” he said with a big smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes as if he was remembering their experience at the conference.

    “Yes, yes please give him my regards in return. I will be sure to stop by the office sometime in the near future. You guys are still on Commercial St downtown on the 24th floor of the Presidential office Building, correct?” She said, and he nodded.

    “But that isn’t what I was called down here for. Karl said you all wanted to meet me regarding the SES Conference?” He said as he reached his hand out to shake James and Joel’s hands. They both stood and shook his hand.

    “I’m Brian Rolls and Karl is my baby brother. As Ms. Williamson has mentioned I was the third highest awarded student at the conference five years ago. My best friend Caelan Parks was the highest awarded student that same year. We both followed in our father’s footsteps going into law and becoming junior partners of the firm they, our father’s, established over fifteen years ago. We are both in our final year of Law School and will become full partners after we graduate this Fall. We will be taking over the business when our fathers retire next year. What can I do for you all?” he said confidently.

    Joel spoke first, “Nice to meet you Brian, my name is Joel Peters, and this is my wife Carla May-Peters. My daughter is Crystal May and she was invited this year. Unfortunately, my wife and I will need to be on assignment for work, and will not be able to escort her to the conference. However, we wouldn’t dream of her missing such an honorable event that she has earned.” He said while smiling brightly at me as if he was proud of me for being selected.

    “Okay, what can I do?” Brian asked.

    Marie looked at James then to Kendra and back at Brian with an exasperated sigh then spoke softly “Unfortunately, my husband and I wouldn’t be able to attend either and I have to agree with Joel I wouldn’t dream of Kendra missing such an honorable event that she has earned. Especially since we really wouldn’t be able to afford college for her nor can we afford to take off work for such a long period.”

    James looked at his wife with a sad look in his eyes, then said, “Yeah, we aren’t well off financially, but we make ends meet. Will you be attending the conference with your brother as his escort or chaperone, Brian?” A small silence fell over the room and then Brian responded.

    “As a matter of fact, both Caelan and I received a panel invitation to attend as panel judges. We hadn’t made a decision regarding it but I’m sure we can work something out. Let me give him a call, give me a minute.” Brian said as he pulled out his phone walking to the door to step out. As he reached for the doorknob, he looked back at Ms. Williamson then opened the door and stepped out.

    Kendra looked at her dad then back at Ms. Williamson, “I really want to accept the invitation, but can you please give me and my parents until tomorrow morning so we can discuss this at home this even-.” James cut her off saying, “That won’t be necessary, Kenny Bear, you have me and your mom support if you want to go. It’s an amazing opportunity and you earned it. Like your mother said, we wouldn’t dream of you missing something so honorable. You just promise you make us proud!” I looked at Kendra and tears were forming in her eyes as she stood up and draped her arms around her fathers’ neck and kissed him dearly on his cheek.

    At that exact moment, Brian entered the room this time with a 6-foot golden sun kissed guy with jet black hair pulled back in a low ponytail. He had the darkest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. He was wearing a three-piece dark gray suit with a royal blue dress shirt which made his eyes really pop. As soon as his eyes locked with mine, he smiled showing his perfect white teeth and deep dimples. He removed his eyes glasses and looked around the room until his eyes fell on James. “Mr. Sykes, How are you? It’s been a long time.” He said as he reached out to shake his hand. James shook his hand and responded, “Mr. Parks, I’m well, how are you? What brings you here?”

    Brian looked at the man James called Mr. Parks and shook his head with a slight laugh, “Man, you know everybody don’t you? Ms. Williamson, I swear this guy is still way too popular.” Brian said laughing. Ms. Williamson just shook her head.

    “Mr. Sykes is the head of security at Waller and Walker firm. I see him whenever we litigate cases with them.” He said shaking his head smiling then turned back to James to answer his question, “I came here to pick up my little sister Amilah and saw this guy outside apparently getting ready to call me. Why were you about to call me anyway Brian?” Ms. Williamson cut in by saying, “Caelan, you seem to know Mr. James Sykes, this is his wife Marie Sykes and his daughter Kendra Sykes. This here is Mrs. Carla May-Peters, her husband Joel Peters, and their daughter Crystal May. Crystal and Kendra along with Karl are the three invitees to the Student Exchange Scholastic Conference this year.” She said with a gleeful smile.

    Caelan’s eyes landed on me and they seem to be darker. He quickly looked away and smirked when he looked back at Brian. “Hello everyone, it’s nice meeting you all. I guess we will be seeing all of you at the conference. Brian and I have been invited to be panel judges.” He said while slapping Brian on his back.

    “Yeah, that is what I was calling you for. To see if you were able to arrange the schedule so we could make it to the conference. Apparently, we will need to be escorts or should I say chaperones for Crystal and Kendra. Their parents will not be able to attend and since my parents will be out of town and Karl has also been invited. I’ve been asked if I would look after the girls in the absence of their parents.” Brian said as he looked up at Kendra and smiled.

    “Yeah, we can attend but I will only be available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday but I will be back for the award ceremony on Friday evening. I have the Lawson Jury selection on Friday morning.” Caelan said looking at me again and quickly looking away.

    “Cool, it’s settled then. I would be honored to chaperone your girls to this event and keep an eye on them making sure they are safe.” Brian said looking at Kendra with a look of interest in his eyes.

    “Great, does that mean I can secure the invitees spot first thing tomorrow morning?” Ms. Williamson said cheerfully. All the parents nodded in agreement.

    “Is the award ceremony open? If so, we would love to be in attendance for that?” My mother said and Marie nodded.

    “Yes, the tickets go on sell the first night of the conference. They are usually $50 per person and includes dinner and a small word of encouragement or congratulations in the program. However, the school usually purchases two tickets per invitee and place a small congratulatory message for each invitee in the program.” Ms. Williamson stated.

    Kendra and I both looked at each other and smiled the biggest smiles we have in a while.