April Shadows (Shadows 1)

"You know, you should let it grow out. You're like me. You need some hair around your face, but you're not doing a good job with your bangs. What are you using for a shampoo?"

I looked at her to see if she was sincere. She looked and sounded as if she was.

"I'm going to be a beautician. so I know about these things," she said. "I'm already working in the shop, doing the shampoos and stuff."

I told her what I used, and she said it wasn't as good as what she had.

"I'll bring some to school for you so you can try it," she offered. "Can we get along here, please?" David cried.

"Hold your water," she fired back at him. Luke laughed,

Jenna put her arm around my shoulders and turned me away from the two boys, who were sitting and watching us, both smoking and smiling.

"You see, here's the way it is," Jenna continued, "Luke has this thing for younger girls who are obviously inexperienced. He thinks they're fresher or something, like ripe fruit. That's what he says. Did you realize he's been watching you in school?"

"No."

"He's a lot of fun. I'm with David. You probably know we've been on and off for a long time. We sorts have one of those hate-love things, you know. We fight and then have a helluva great makeup date." she added, smiling licentiously. "You should come with us," she said. "Have a little fun. See what it's like. What do they say? Nothing ventured, nothing lost?"

"No, nothing gained," I corrected.

"Whatever. You know what I mean. Whaddya say?"

"I don't know," I said. As always, I was attracted and repulsed by them at the same time.

"You know the rumors always livin' around about your sister," she said.

"What rumors?" I snapped at her.

"You know," she repeated. noddin

g. "Some people think it's inherited or something. You're not like that, are you? I mean, you don't like girls more than you do boys?"

"No," I said. "and neither does my sister. Those are just ugly, stupid stories,"

"Good. So come along and prove it. We're just having a good time."

I looked back at the car as though it could transport me into purgatory as easily as Funland. Wouldn't the other girls in school be surprised to see me riding around with Luke, Jenna, and David?

"You're just going to the mall to hang out?"

"That's it. We'll go to the Music Hall to listen and shop or," she said, leaning in. "shoplift." She laughed.

"C'mon already," David called. "I got an appointment with my dentist."

"His dentist?"

"He's just kidding. Coming?" she said, stepping back and holding out her hand.

I looked at the car and at her, and then I reached out and took her hand. It was like reaching across some chasm, at the bottom of which was a pool of boredom.

"Great."' she cried, and pulled me along.

Luke crawled aver the seat into the rear and opened the door. He fell back, his legs spread out.

"C'mon in, It's warm in here," he said. I hesitated.

"Scoot in. Scooter," David urged.