~Later That Night~
Alicia and Chloe were talking on the phone.
�So, how was the first day of high school?� Alicia asked her sister.
�It was ok. A huge change, that�s for sure. And it really would have been better if you have been in the building�
�But what did you like about it?�
�There�s a lot more independence, which I like, and there�s a older guys!� Chloe laughed.
Alicia laughed as well. �Scoped out the whole guy population, did you?�
�Not all of them, but I saw a couple hot ones. Mom and Dad would shoot me if I went out with any one of them though�
�They probably don�t want you to date, period�
Chloe made a noise. �Don�t remind me. I can�t go on dates till I�m 17 or 18� She paused �So how was your first day at art school?�
�Actually better than I thought it was going to be.� She sighed.
�Really? Finally came out of that hard shell or yours?� Chloe teased.
��Not really, but I think I will this year. I have met three new friends and have a cute guy in three of my classes�
This really interested Chloe. �Oh really? What�s his name and what does he look like?�
�Nick Lachey. He�s got brown hair, blue eyes, more of a jock build and a beautiful smile. And he seems really nice. I have never seen a guy like him, Chloe.�
�Kelly Alicia, you definitely have a crush. You never go on about guys like this� Alicia could imagine her shaking her head.
�But I never have, Chloe. But I have no chance with him because a), he�s a senior, he�s taken by a popular girl, and c), he�s too hot to be seen or even associated with me�
Chloe started laughing really hard. �That is not true!!! You too are pretty; you just don�t give yourself a chance! What classes do you have with him? �
�Chorus, Theater and French II� Alicia said. �Why?�
�Wouldn�t that be so cool if you two got cast in the school play as leads? Ultimate hook-up opportunity!� Her sister said.
�Yeah, but look at the reasons I have stated before. And besides, I�ll never get the lead role anyway�
�Sure you will, why is your rear end in Cincinnati and not in Ackensburg?�
�Because I wanted a challenge and a change.�
�Exactly. That would be a perfect challenge for you, I know you could nail it� Chloe assured her sister.
�Well, I�m glad that you have such confidence in me, but I�m still not so sure� Alicia sighed.
�Honestly, girl, you need to quit doubting yourself. You can do anything you set your mind to, and that�s doing all the things this year. You don�t realize how talented you really are�
�Well, I guess I don�t. But this year I�m gonna try to get over it�
�Try isn�t the word. You WILL get over it� Chloe paused for a moment. �Dad needs the phone. Love ya sis�
�You too, bye�
The next few days went off with nothing too noteworthy happening. But then on Friday, Dani invited her to go to Skyline Chili with Les and Desiree for dinner. Alicia was slightly surprised, but then accepted the invitation though she really wasn�t a big fan of chili.
�So, is it like a custom for you all to come here all the time?� Alicia asked.
�Well, not exactly a custom but we do like this place a lot� Les told her. �Oh, and Graters Ice Cream is a must go to ice cream place. That place is the best�
�Especially their mint chocolate chip ice cream� Desiree chimed in.
�That green ice cream?� asked Alicia, raising an eyebrow.
Desiree nodded. �It�s good stuff really�
Dani rolled her eyes playfully. �She�s a little different, but in a good way�
�Oh look, it�s Jeff and Justin� Les said. �Let�s invite them to sit with us�
Alicia turned around in her chair and two guys were heading towards them. One of them had brown hair and green eyes and the other had brown hair and green eyes.
They came over to the table and one sat next to Dani and the other sat beside Les. �Jeff, Justin, we don�t know if you two have met her officially, but this is Alicia Carter. She�s new to the school�
�Hey, I�m Jeff Timmons� the brown haired and green eyed one said.
�I�m Justin Jeffree� said the other one. �I think I recognize you from our Trig class�
Alicia nodded �I�m in that�
�Aren�t you only a sophomore?� Jeff asked.
�Yep� Alicia replied.
�Dang, you are smart� Jeff said
She blushed. �Not really. I don�t care much for math, I�m just good in it�
�Do you like it here in Cincinnati?� asked Desiree.
�Yep, I do. I think I�m going to remain here for the remainder of my high school years� That was, if her parents would let her. No one really knew about her situation with them and she planned to keep it that way until she knew them better.
The 6 had a good time, talking and laughing, until it was 9:20! �Darn it, I hope Jeremy and Katie aren�t freaking out about me being out so late� �Les, I�m ready to go home�
Les was the one driving. �I am too.�
It was just the two of them since Dani and Desiree wanted to ride with Jeff and Justin.
�Do you think your aunt and uncle will freak out about you being out kinda late?� Les asked Alicia.
�I hope not. They are pretty mellow, but also have some rules. If I was out this late without telling my parents�� Alicia stopped right there.
�What?�
�Oh nothing. I don�t want to talk about it�
�It�s ok�
Finally they were at Jeremy and Katie�s. �Thanks for inviting me tonight, Les. I had a lot of fun�
�You�re more than welcome. I did too. Talk to you soon, Ali.�
�Ok� Alicia got out of the car and headed in the house.
Jeremy and Katie were watching a movie when she came in. �Hey Leesha, did you have fun with your friends?� Jeremy asked her.
She nodded. �I�m not in trouble, am I?�
�No no. You�re too used to Frank�s rules, aren�t you? You can stay out till 10:30, but you have to call us if it�s longer�
She sat down on the other couch. �I guess I am. Well, I�m going up to bed, goodnight�
�Night Leesha� Jeremy and Katie both gave her a big hug.