It was the first day of senior year. I was almost free from the horrible confines of Talent Unlimited High School and I couldn�t wait. To me everything seemed so normal it was boring. Little did I know, that all was about to change.
First period I had Chemistry. I didn�t want to take chemistry. I wanted something easy, like Earth Science. But nope that didn�t happen. I get into Mr. Rimler�s room and try to sit somewhere in the middle. I waved to some sophomores I knew who were sitting in the front, eager to learn. I laughed. Once I was like them. Don�t know what happened. Oh well. I took my notebook out and started to doodle and make new designs. I felt someone sit next to me, but didn�t look up. I only acknowledged their presence when they tapped me on the arm. I turned around.
�Yeah?� I asked, annoyed by the disturbance.
�Hi.� The person said. It was a guy.
�Hi. You�re new. Sophomore? Junior?� I tried to guess.
�Senior.� He replied smiling.
�Oh. I�m Sa�iyda.� I said, extending my hand.
�Aaron. Nice to meet you.� he replied, shaking my hand.
�Aaron Carter?� I asked, raising my eyebrow.
�Yeah. You know of me?� he asked.
�Well duh. What are you doing in this shithole?� I asked, incredulously.
�We just moved to New York and I wanted to go to a small school so I came here.� He replied simply.
�This is so cool. Obviously you�re in vocal right?� I asked.
�Yeah. The teacher is pretty cool.� He said.
�Mr. Smythe? Yeah, he�s awesome.� I said smiling.
He looked me over once and asked, �What�s your major?�
I laughed. �Drama.�
�Makes sense.� He said smiling.
Mr. Rimler decided to start class, so unfortunately we had to stop talking. Aaron seemed cool so far. Not quite what I expected, but then again, I didn�t know what to expect. This surely isn�t how I planned on meeting him. My friends are going to be so shocked when I tell them. I wonder if Angel and Leslie live here too. I bet they do. Do they go here too? That would be awesome. I then noticed a note land on my desk. I smiled.
Hey, what time do you get out? Maybe we can hang out after school. What�s your schedule like? Write back.
So I wrote back:
Hi. I get out after 4th. I have drama 2nd and 3rd then economics 4th. What about you?
So then he said:
I don�t get out until after 5th. I have vocal 2nd and 3rd, lunch 4th and economics 5th. But my sister Leslie has eco 4th. And then she gets out. Maybe you two can wait for me?
Yes! Leslie goes here and we have a class together. Things couldn�t get much better than this. Well, maybe if Aaron has eco with us. But this is cool too. So I said:
Bummer. =0( I�ll wait around for you if you want. Call my cellie when you get out if you don�t see me. (917) 575-3684.
He nodded and stuck the note in his pocket. This is cool. I get to hang with Aaron Carter! But wait a minute. He said that he�s a senior, but he�s only 15. I�ll have to ask him about that later. Class ended and Aaron and I walked out of the room together.
�Hey Aaron, I was wondering.� I said.
�What�s up?� he asked.
�You said that you�re a senior.� I said.
�Right.� He replied.
�But you�re only 15. How does that work?� I questioned.
�Well, I should be a junior, but I�m really advanced since I worked with a tutor.� He replied.
�Oh! Makes sense, Oh, 5th floor. This is where I get off.� I said.
�Okay. So, I�ll see you later then.� He said.
�Yup. Call me when you get out. But wait until you get into the staircase so you don�t get in trouble. See ya.� I said waving.
I walked into the Black Box. Some of my friends were there already. I sat down next to my friend Tia.
�Hey.� I said.
�You look happy. Did you meet a boy?� she asked.
�Oh yes. I found a freshman that I�m madly in love with. Get real dude.� I scoffed.
�Yeah sure. I heard from Katherine that there is a new senior guy in vocal.� She replied.
�Is he hot?� I asked.
�She said he was pretty cute. Didn�t tell me his name though.� She said.
�Aaron Carter.� I replied.
�What?� she asked.
�Aaron Carter. He�s in my chemistry class.� I replied.
�Aaron Carter?� she asked, her eyes wide.
�Yep. It�s him.� I said smiling.
�And you�re not freaking out? Shocking.� She said.
�Not freaking out about what?� my friend Jess asked.
�When did you get here?� Tia asked.
�Just now. What are you guys talking about?� Jess asked.
�Should I tell her?� I asked Tia.
�Yeah I guess. You know how she bitches.� Tia responded.
�We�re talking about the new senior in vocal.� I said to Jess.
�What about him?� she asked.
�That�s he hot and in my chemistry class.� I replied.
�Does this guy have a name?� Jess asked.
�Aaron Carter. Yes, the pop star.� I added.
�And you�re not freaking out?� Jess questioned.
�No! Lordy you guys, have a little faith in me.� I said.
�I�m proud of you.� Jess replied.
�I still can�t believe the little shit head is in T.U.� Tia said.
�Tay!� I scolded.
�Whatever. And he�s a senior! Isn�t he like 12?� she continued.
�He�s almost 16.� I said defensively.
�How almost is almost?� Jess asked.
�He�ll be 16 in December.� I replied.
�Well since you know everything this morning, who is the other new person in vocal?� Tia asked.
�Aaron�s sister Leslie.� I replied.
�There�s two of them? You�ve got to be kidding!� Tia moaned.
�Oh and Tay, Aaron�s in your economics class 5th period.� I added.
�I have to be in a class with that little shit? No fair!� Tia whined.
�Shut up! You�re giving me a fucking headache!� I yelled.
She went to say something but our teacher Ms. Hamil stopped us to start class. I swear, Tia can be so unbelievably annoying. All she does is bitch and complain about everything. I know that she�s not particularly fond of Aaron but she knows that I am and yet she continues to bad mouth him right in front of me. Stuff like that pisses me off. It�s so inconsiderate of her not to respect my feelings. I try not to make fun of people she likes. And if I do, I can�t help it! It�s too easy. Drama went fairly well. We still don�t know what play we�re doing but we�ll know by the end of the week. After drama, I walked across the hall and down one classroom to economics. Oh joy, another term with Mr. Henry. This is gonna be the easiest grade I get.
I plunked down in my usual seat. First row, third seat, right in the middle. My friend Colete sat behind me, Jess sat next to me and Samantha in front of her. Just how it was in American History. I noticed a girl sit in front of me.
�She must be new. Ask her.� Colete whispered to me.
So I tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around and I smiled.
�Hi. My name is Sa�iyda. Are you new?� I asked.
�Yeah I am as a matter of fact. My name�s Leslie. Nice to meet you.� She replied.
�Same here. Your brother is Aaron right?� I asked.
�He didn�t try to hit on you, did he?� she asked.
�No. He�s in my chemistry class.� I said laughing.
�Oh! You�re Sa�iyda! Aaron mentioned that you two we�re gonna hang out.� Leslie replied.
He talked about me to his sister? Oh my gosh! I�m probably reading into this too much.
�These are my friends Samantha, Jessica and Colete. Guys, this is Leslie Carter.� I introduced.
�Hi.� She said. They all smiled and said �hi�
We all chatted and kind of paid attention. We explained that we kind of just taught ourselves and talked and stuff. She fit right in with us. After class Leslie and I walked over to my locker. As we were leaving, we ran into Aaron. We talked for a few minutes then walked outside.
�So, what do you want to do?� Leslie asked me.
�Um, I have no idea. Food I guess?� I suggested.
�You want to come back to our house? No one�s home right now. Angel won�t be out of school until 2 o�clock and my mom won�t be home until like 5 o�clock or so. We can order a pizza or something.� Leslie replied.
�Okay. I guess we can do that.� I said.
�Okay. We only live up the block. We can come back to school and get Aaron and the pizza.� Leslie replied.
�Where exactly do you live?� I asked.
�Right over there.� She said, pointing to a brownstone.
�You�re kidding! We were gonna buy that one, but my mom changed her mind.� I said.
�Weird. But I guess it all worked out. Think about it. If you moved in there, then we wouldn�t have moved in, then we might not go to TU and then we wouldn�t have met each other.� Leslie said.
�That�s true.� I replied.
�So did you know my brother was a pop star when you met him?� Leslie asked bluntly.
�Um, yeah I did. But that�s not why I talked to him.� I replied.
�Of course not. He�d be able to tell. He really thinks you�re cool you know.� She said.
�Really? I had no idea.� I said, trying not to sound too excited.
�Yeah. He called you a hot and sexy mama. But then he just said you were pretty.� She said laughing.
�You�re kidding! Did he actually use those words?� I asked.
�Yeah. We have to keep in mind that he is just a 15 year old boy.� Leslie said laughing.
�I know. It�s the hormones talking. We know which brain they think with.� I joked.
�That�s true. Neither of my brothers are any different.� Leslie said.
�That I figured. You should have seen Aaron eyeing the sophomores and juniors in chemistry.� I said.
�I know the look. He does it at least five times every time we go somewhere. And most of the time, they respond. It�s gross.� Leslie confessed.
�Well, I mean Aaron is a hottie. Nick was a hottie, but now he looks like a reject member of The Calling.� I replied.
She laughed. �Reject member of The Calling? That one�s new. I have to use that one. We�re gonna have to tell Angel about that. She�ll definitely find it funny.� She said.
�So, who lives here?� I asked, changing the subject.
�Me, Aaron, Angel and my parents. Nick and BJ are still in Florida. But Nick has a room here because he spends a lot of time in New York.� She replied.
�Cool. I guess. I like it here. I think it�s cool you guys moved to New York. The weird thing is that I didn�t hear about it anywhere. That�s why I was so surprised this morning to see Aaron in my first period chemistry class.� I said.
�Yeah. Somehow we managed to move here without anyone knowing. And we�ve lived here for about a month now.� Leslie said.
�Wow�so that was Angel I was at the nail salon!� I exclaimed.
�You come here to get your nails done?� Leslie questioned.
�No. Only to get my eyebrows waxed and to get pedicures. I saw Angel there before I went on vacation.� I replied.
�Where do you live?� she asked.
�I live in Brooklyn. We have a place similar to this one. It�s really nice. Maybe you can come over this weekend or something.� I suggested.
�That would be awesome. Mom�s been saying that she hopes we make some friends here. Jess, Colete and Sam seem cool. And I met this really cool girl in vocal.� Leslie replied.
�What�s her name?� I asked.
�Katherine. She said she knew you.� Leslie said.
�Yeah. We�re really good friends. She�s really cool.� I replied.
�She seems like it. Want a grand tour of the house? It�s pretty cool.� Leslie asked.
�Sure. I�ve been dying to look around.� I said.
We walked through the house. It was pretty big and really nice. Leslie�s room is really cool. It had funky artwork and posters all over it. We peeked in Aaron�s room and Leslie joked about how I�d probably be spending a lot of time in there soon enough so she�d wait and let Aaron show it to me. I saw the kitchen and the room Leslie called �the show room�. It had all of Aaron�s awards and memorabilia and a bunch of Backstreet Boys stuff. I laughed at Leslie�s interpretation of the house. By time as we were finished, it was just about time to go meet Aaron. So we put our shoes back on and walked out.
�So, do you like the house?� Leslie asked.
�Totally! It looks so lived in and you haven�t even lived there long. I wish we got settled that fast.� I replied.
We crossed the street and stood in front of school. I waved to a few of my friends coming out of the building. I saw Tia and she told me she�d call me later. While we were still waiting for Aaron, my mom called my cell phone. I told her my plans and that I would see her later. By time as I got off the phone, I saw Aaron flirting with this junior Veronika. She was in drama and we had been in a play together. What an airhead! Leslie and me looked at each other then back at him.
�Aaron!� we both yelled.
�Whoa, that was freaky. See you tomorrow Veronika.� he said flashing the infamous Carter grin and walking over to where Leslie and I stood.
�Hey girls. Have fun at home?�
�It was cool. Does pizza sound good to you?� I asked.
�Sounds great. I haven�t eaten. Where is the pizza place?�
�Up on 3rd. We�ll be there in less than five minutes.�
We walked up to the pizzeria and ordered. I got a chicken slice and a Snapple Apple. Leslie got a plain slice and a Coke and Aaron got a plain slice, a pepperoni slice and a big Coke. I was amazed by the amount of food he was about to consume. We sat down and began to eat. After a few minutes, I decided to start a conversation.
�So Aaron, what do you think of Veronika?�
�She�s okay. She�s definitely hot, that I know.�
�Do you know her?� Leslie asked.
�Yup. She�s a drama major and we were in a play together. She�s also a major airhead and a total flake.�
Aaron said something but I couldn�t understand him because his mouth was full of pizza.
�Swallow and try that one again.� I said, taking a sip of my drink.
He swallowed. �She doesn�t seem that bad.�
�She�s cool�I guess.�
�Yeah. So, why didn�t you tell me about Mr. Henry? He�s so boring!� Aaron exclaimed
�I figured I�d let you find out yourself. Did you not have anyone to talk to?�
�No. I started talking to this really nice girl named Alina. She�s really pretty.�
I rolled my eyes. Alina is a friend of mine. Actually we are quite close. She�ll probably mention Aaron to me tomorrow in drama or call me later to tell me about it.
�What�s wrong with her?� Aaron asked.
�Nothing. She�s one of my good friends. She�s cool.�
�You have a lot of friends in TU.� Leslie said
�I�ve been there for four years now. The only people I won�t really know are the freshman because I�m not around enough and don�t have any classes with them like I did last year.�
�You had class with freshman when you were a junior? How did you manage that?�
�It was honor�s biology. The freshman took that instead of living environment. I took it to catch a break after physics. That class was a bitch.�
�So, you�re good at science then?� Aaron asked.
�Not really. I did horribly in honor�s bio. Usually in tests and homework. I�m not fond of either.�
�Oh okay. Well if you have trouble in chemistry, you can ask me and I�ll tutor you. I�m good at science.�
�Really? Thanks. If you need help in economics, either of you, just ask. I know how to handle Mr. Henry. It�s really quite simple but you know��
�I�ll probably need it. I was never good in history type classes.� Aaron said.
�Those are usually my best classes. That and English.�
�Then you may have to help me in English.� Leslie said.
�Why? Who do you have?�
�Ms. Pelosi. I don�t know if I can handle AP.�
�I took that class last year. If you need any old essays or any of the books to read, just ask me. I have it all.�
�Great! You�re the best.�
�I try. It�s a gift really.�
We finished eating and walked back to the Carter house. Aaron showed me his room. It was cool. There were a lot of pictures and his bed was huge and really comfy.
�Get used to this room. I�m sure you�ll be spending a lot of time here.� He joked.
�Leslie said the same thing.�
�Who knew my sister was so smart?�
�That was mean.�
�I was kidding. Come on before she starts to wonder what happened to us.�
We went into the living room and the three of us started watching tv. About an hour and a half later, the door opened and Angel walked in. She must go to a private school because she had on a uniform.
�Hey you guys. I see you picked up a new friend.�
�We did actually. This is Sa�iyda. She�s a senior in drama.� Leslie explained.
�Cool. I�m Angel, nice to meet you.�
�Same here. What school do you go to?�
�Princeton Prep.�
Princeton Prep is a private school in the area. I knew a few people who went there.
�Awesome. I know people who go there.�
�Really? Who? Maybe I met them.�
�Umm, Brad Danzinger? He�s a senior.�
�Yeah I did! He�s so cute. But this girl Katie told me that he�s seeing someone who goes to a different school.� She said kind of sadly
�Oh, you met Katie? Cool. Yeah, I know the girl he�s seeing.� I felt guilty.
�You do? What�s her name?�
�Well actually, it�s me. We�ve been seeing each other on and off since June.�
�Oh? That�s cool. How did you guys meet?�
�Through Katie. She and I went to junior high together and when she went to Prep, I starting hanging out with her friends. Then Brad and I really hit it off.�
�So, do you think things between you two will get serious?� Aaron asked.
�I don�t know. They might. I�m not really sure.�
�Katie really seems to think they will.� Angel said.
�That�s because Katie and Brad are best friends. So she wants us together. But I don�t know if I really want to date another guy from Prep.�
�You�ve dated a Prep guy before?� Angel asked.
�Once. His name is Mike Campbell. He�s a junior. We went out last summer.�
�I know him! He�s in a few of my classes. He�s cute.�
�Yeah, he is. You two would make a cute couple. I can hook you up if you want.�
�Really? That would be awesome!�
Okay, I did a good deed. I feel bad talking about Brad in front of Aaron for some reason. It�s not that I like him like that; I just met him. Of course I think he�s hot, who doesn�t? And besides, he�s too busy flirting with every girl in TU to be bothered with me. Not that I mind.
Angel changed her clothes and we all watched TV together. I could tell that we�d be good friends. It felt awesome. Like I could care less that they were famous. To me, they were three people just like me. Angel, Leslie and I have a lot in common when it comes to things like clothes, makeup, boys, stuff like that guys aren�t interested in. Aaron and I on the other hand talk more about music and the business. After a few hours of hanging out, their mom came home.
�Kids! I�m home!�
She walked into the living room and stopped dead in her tracks when she saw me.
�Who are you?�
�Mom, this is Sa�iyda. She goes to TU with us.� Leslie introduced.
�Hello Mrs. Carter, it�s very nice to meet you. You have a lovely home.� I said, extending my hand.
She shot me an evil glare and I dropped my hand.
�Thank you.� She said coldly.
I looked at my watch. �Well, it�s getting late. I guess I should be heading home.�
�Okay, I�ll call you later.� Leslie said, getting up and walking with me.
�I had fun today guys. Goodbye Mrs. Carter.� She just stared at me evilly.
I hugged Leslie at the door. �What�s up with your mom?�
�I�m not sure. Don�t worry about her.�
�Okay. See you tomorrow.�
I walked to the train and came home.
�Hey mom.� I said, walking into the living room.
�Hi honey. How was the first day of your last year in TU?�
�It was pretty awesome and pretty sad at the same time.�
�I bet. What was so awesome? It must have something to do with your new friends. Who are they by the way?�
�Aaron and Leslie Carter.� She looked at me.
�Yes, the famous ones.�
�I had no idea they were going to TU.�
�Yeah. Aaron decided that he wanted to finish high school before he went on tour again. And he wanted to go to someplace small that the fans wouldn�t find out about.�
�Okay. So, you went to their house?�
�Yeah, they live across the street from school.�
�Really? Where?�
�The brownstone we were going to get. Weird right?�
�Very. So, who else lives there?�
�Their parents and their sister Angel.�
�I know who Angel is. Did you meet her?�
�Yeah, she goes to Prep.�
�That�s cool. Did you meet their mother?�
�Yeah. I was so nice to her and she was just so mean to me. What a bitch!�
�Isn�t she the same woman who treats everyone like shit?�
�Yeah, but I still feel horrible.�
Before she could continue, the phone rang. She picked it up.
�Hello? Hi sweetheart. Yeah, she�s here. Hold on� she handed me the phone.
�Hello?�
�Oh, you would not believe the day I had!� Tia exclaimed.
Gee! She�s already started and I just got on the phone. I should have just hung up the phone but that would be mean. I already knew that she was gonna bitch about Aaron so did I really want to put myself through the trouble of listening? Eh, whatever.
�What happened?� I asked blandly.
�Don�t sound so excited.�
�Oh, I won�t.�
�You can try to.�
�Either you talk or I hang up. Take your pick.�
�What crawled up your ass?�
�Nothing, forget it. What happened?�
�That Aaron Carter��
I groaned. �What happened?�
�He was born, that�s what happened.�
�You�re going to have to elaborate a little on that hun.�
�He�s so charming, he had every girl in the room swooning. It�s sick I tell you, sick.�
�I think you�re making a big deal out of nothing.�
�You would say that. You�re already under his spell.�
�And you need to have your head checked. What�s your point? That is, if you have a point to this lovely tale.�
�He was all over Alina. It was so gross.�
�Tia, he�s a guy. And Alina is very pretty. What did you expect?�
�Ugh, it�s so frustrating.�
She was frustrated? Dude that was the last straw.
�You just need to get over yourself. For some reason you don�t like Aaron, but you�ll just have to deal with it. He�s a guy, he goes to TU and he�s not going anywhere. Get a grip.�
�You like him don�t you?�
�No! He�s practically my best friend and I haven�t even known him a whole twenty-four hours.�
�Yeah sure. If you say so.�
�Okay fine. Don�t believe me. I don�t give a shit. I have other things I could be doing. Later.� I hung up.
I walked upstairs, went into the living room and turned on the computer. I sat down in my chair and signed on to AOL. After acknowledging the fact that I had 53 emails, I checked to see who was online. I noticed a few friends from school were on and to my delight my friend Sandy was on. She�s also a big Aaron fan and I wanted to share my news with her.
Angel in Disguise14: Hey hun
Shattered Dreams02: Hi! What�s up?
Angel in Disguise14: not much, just got back from a friend�s house.
Shattered Dreams02: Do I know this friend?
Angel in Disguise14: LOL. no you don�t. they just moved here from florida.
Shattered Dreams02: they? how many of them are there?
Angel in Disguise14: one guy, two girls.
Shattered Dreams02: tell me about them.
Angel in Disguise14: it�ll be easier if i called you
Shattered Dreams02: okay. I�ll get off so you can call.
Angel in Disguise14: kay, ttys.
She signed off and I dialed the phone, still checking my email.