Remembering Me

Chapter 5 - Finally, Fitting In

I arrived at school early for my second day, coffee in hand. I wanted to ask Willow about River, too. Being Raven's best friend, I hoped she could give me some insight into why Jason had warned me that River was off-limits because he was Raven's brother. What was that about? I wasn't ready to jump into a new relationship anytime soon, but I was curious about and intrigued by River. I wanted to know more about him. The way he held my gaze yesterday was intense. I shivered, goosebumps all over my skin, and found myself aroused just thinking about him. This was not good. Not. At. All.

I entered my English class, located my desk, and settled in. Taking out one of the assigned books, I began reading, occasionally looking up in anticipation of seeing Willow before the class started. Just five minutes before the beginning of the class, Willow's tall figure appeared. She greeted me with a wave and sat down next to me.

"Hi Sage! I love your outfit today. It's so cute!" she gushed.

I blushed and said, "Thanks, Willow. I like yours too."

She wore high-waisted blue jeans paired with a thick black belt, chunky shoes, a forest green T-shirt, and a plaid flannel. Her auburn hair cascaded down past her shoulders. Willow's natural beauty shone through without any makeup. I admired her uncomplicated fashion sense, choosing comfort and self-expression. In the short time I've known her, I've observed Willow to be confident, kind, approachable, and sincere. I'm delighted to have her as a friend.

"Hey, Willow, I forgot to ask for your number. I'd love it if you, Raven, Emily, Claire & I could hang out sometime. We could go shopping or grab a coffee together. "

" That would be awesome, Sage! Let me write my number down for you in your notebook for English, and you can do the same with your number in mine. I don't think we'll be assigned any group projects this semester, but just in case, I hope you will work with me! You seem to care about your marks and stuff. I need to make sure I do well this year. I'm hoping to get a scholarship to college if I can keep my grades up," Willow said.

"There's a bonfire at Raven's this weekend if you think your parents would let you come. I remember you saying that they were super strict yesterday at lunch. Do you think they might let you go if you asked?" she asked.

"Would Raven be okay with me going?" I replied. She hadn't mentioned anything to me yesterday at lunch, and I didn't want to intrude. I was new and still getting to know everyone.

"We talked about it last night when I was over hanging out. Raven thought it would be a good way for you to get to know everyone in our group and meet a few other people, too. Meadow Lane has got to be way different from your other school! How are you finding it?" she asked.

" Everyone seems pretty nice, especially you & your group! You all included me so quickly. It was nice! I got a few stares when I first came in because I'm the 'new girl,' but that's to be expected when coming to a new school senior year." I answered shyly.

"I'd love to go, but knowing my parents, I'd better ask beforehand. Thank you for thinking of me and inviting me," I said.

"Oh, you are just so cute!" Willow laughed. "Of course, we'd invite you silly. You're stuck with us now unless we scare you off," she giggled.

As the teacher entered, I reached for my pen and opened my notebook, prepared to jot down notes. Willow did the same. Reflecting briefly, I noticed these kids' differences from my previous private school peers – more laid-back, enjoyable, and authentic. My old group of friends and I drifted apart after I broke up with Alan and changed schools. I needed this outing; I just had to convince my parents now.

English flew by again, and I quickly went through the halls to my geography class. Raven was already in class when I got there. She seemed to be waiting for me!

"Hey, Sage! I was wondering if you'd like to hang out at my place this weekend. My parents are letting my brother and I invite a few friends for a bonfire. We have a large property, and I was hoping your parents would allow you to come. I remember you saying yesterday that they are super strict. My parents would be there, and your mom could talk to my mom about it if she were worried," Raven said shyly.

My face lit up in excitement.

"Raven, that sounds like so much fun! I'd love to go, but I need to ask my parents for permission first. Depending on how they are, would you be okay if our moms chatted? My dad is overbearing, but my mom can usually talk some sense into him," I laughed.

"Thank you for thinking of me," I added shyly.

"Are you sure your brother would be okay with me being there?" I asked.

"Why? Was he weird in Drama yesterday? " Raven asked, puzzled.

" No, he just seemed like he liked his space. Yesterday, he sat on the opposite side of the class from Jason, Emily, and me. I only knew he was your brother because they mentioned it."

"That's because he and Jason had a thing a while back," Raven said.

"Wait, what?" I said.

"It was a while ago, don't worry about it. Jason is dating Emily now, as I'm sure you figured out if you were sitting with them in Drama class," Raven chuckled.

"Wow. So, Jason and your brother? How did that work with you two being friends when it ended?" I asked.

" Jason took the breakup hard. But I warned him that my brother is a player. He didn't listen," Raven shrugged.

"Oh, so that explains yesterday," I mumbled.

"Huh? " Raven looked at me with her eyebrows raised.

" I might have been staring at your brother before I knew who he was. Jason was annoyed that I didn't see the resemblance between you two and said that you didn't like your friends dating your twin," I explained sheepishly, embarrassed.

Raven threw back her head and laughed loudly. She laughed so hard she fell out of her chair. People were staring at us, and I started to sink lower in my chair, absolutely mortified.

"Oh my gawd, Sage. You are so adorable!" Raven laughed again.

"Okay.... Thanks?" I replied, clearly clueless as to why this was so funny.

"Sweetie, everyone has a thing for my twin. I guess it's his s*x appeal?" she laughed. "Please don't worry about it. You are so sweet that Jason probably didn't want to see you with a broken heart. We all adore you, you know. My brother was probably staring at you first anyway because you are so pretty and new to the school. Don't worry about it, Sage. I'm serious about getting our moms to talk. Maybe you'll even be allowed to sleep over. Willow is staying over after the bonfire, and we could make it a slumber party if you wanted," she said.

Well, that insight was unexpected, but I appreciated it.

"Can you write down your number for me in my Geography notebook so I have it, please?" I asked Raven.

"Sure thing, sweetie. You do the same in my book. Don't mind the doodles," she said.

I opened Raven's book to write my number and gasped. Her doodles were gorgeous sketches of the forest and animals. Everything had so much detail. It looked real, and the drawings were beautiful.

"Raven, your sketches are amazing!" I gushed.

"Thanks," Raven said with a smile.

At that moment, class began, and we switched focus from our conversation to the teacher and the lesson. I smiled softly to myself, glad to at least have some background on River. I wasn't interested in a relationship, and a hook-up with my friend's brother did not seem like a good idea. Problem solved. I hoped.