Teens
CHAPTER ONE
Hello. My name is Chelsea Spencer. I am fourteen years old. I am really short. I have long brown hair, blue eyes. I have an older brother and a younger sister. I am the middle child, of course. Which is nice, because I’m the one that gets in the least amount of trouble. My brother’s name is Casey. He is a little taller than I am. We look a lot alike. My sister’s name is Caitlyn. She is about my height. She has short blonde hair. She looks nothing like me. They’re both a handful. My brother is mentally handicapped, and my sister is nine years old. She already thinks she’s knows everything. Of course, I keep her in check, telling her that she doesn’t know everything. My mom is a lawyer and my dad is the youth minister at our church. He also does some work at home, online. I live in Memphis, Tennessee. I’ve always lived here. I am a sophomore in high school. My favorite channel is Noggin. I love watching “Degrassi”, “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch”, and just about everything else on that channel. I really like watching the Sci-Fi Channel too. My favorite show on there is “Roswell.” My all time favorite show is “Gilmore Girls.” I don’t watch as much TV as I used to. I take ballet. I’ve always wanted to be a ballerina. I take dance classes once a week. I have a recital coming up this summer. I’m kind of scared to grow up, but I am excited about it too. I want to be a missionary. We have had tons of missionaries come to our church to speak to us. I think it sounds so awesome!!! I love to read. I haven’t had much time to read or watch TV lately. I’ve been so caught up with school. Soon enough, it will be summer break. I can be really shy sometimes, especially when I meet new people. My best friend, Sarah, is the complete opposite. I don’t really have that many friends.
“What should we wear to the dance?” I asked my best friend, as we were walking home from school.
Sarah replied, “Something different. We wear the same thing to every dance.” I said, “I know. Has anyone asked you to the dance yet?”
Sarah said, “ No, actually, I don’t want a date.”
“Really?” I asked. “I wish a certain someone would ask me.”
Sarah said, “ You still haven’t told me who you like. Who is it by the way?”
I said, “I can’t tell you who it is. You would kill me.”
Sarah said, “Trust me, I won’t kill you. Just tell me. Pleez!?”
I said, “Alright I’ll tell you. You are going to think that I am insane….” Sarah said, “I already think you’re insane!” I said, “but, I like your brother as more than a friend.”
Her brother is our age. They are twins, and I have had a crush on him since fifth grade.
Sarah thought it was the most hilarious thing ever. She was about to lose it. Sarah said, “Oh my gosh! I knew it. I was wondering when you were going to admit it.”
See my life is already complicated. My best friend thinks that I am nuts! I am only 14 for crying out loud!
“I seriously doubt he likes me that way. How could he? I’m just a short, chubby, ugly 14 year old,” I said.
Sarah said, “Oh come on Chels! That might not be true. I can always ask him for you. Come over to my house after supper, and we will pick out something to wear to the dance.” I said, “no, please don’t tell him, okay? Wait a minute. I just thought of something. The dance is the Sadie Hawkins dance! That means that we have to ask the guys! I think I am going to be sick. I’ll call you later. Bye.” Sarah said, “Bye. Hope you feel better.”
I walked inside the house dreading studying for a test for the next day. Why do teachers have to assign so much homework? We’ve done enough work and learning at school. We should be allowed to relax after school. But no! There are always tests to study for. Being a teenager is hard work. We should get paid for doing homework. My parents keep telling me that it will all pay off. I believe them, but I feel like I will never finish high school. I’m only a sophomore. A really short sophomore. I’m 5’-2”. I believe I’m the shortest person in high school. I am failing botany. My family thinks it’s really weird, because supposedly botany is easy.
Caitlyn ran up to me crying. Caitlyn said, “ Sissy, kids were making fun of me today. No one will believe me about God. They say he’s not real! People are so stupid. How can someone think there isn’t a God? Just look at nature. Who do they think made nature?”
I said, “ Oh Caitlyn. I am so sorry. You are doing the right thing by telling them there is a God. I know that he’s proud of you. Just pray about it. I’ll pray for you and them. Remember you should pray for your enemies too. Just leave it in God’s hands. Okay?”
Caitlyn, finally calming down, says, “Okay.”
My parents were fighting as we walked in the kitchen. They have been at each other’s throats lately. I’ve been kind of worried. I know I don’t have to worry though. I know they wouldn’t get divorced or anything. They love each other too much.
“So, what’s for dinner? Can I go to Sarah’s house after supper?” I asked.
My mom said, “Do you have homework tonight? Homework comes first.”
I said, “ I did my homework in study hall. Good thing I have it last period.”
Mom said, “Okay, you can go. But don’t be too late getting back.” “I won’t,” I said.
“We’re having pizza tonight,” my dad said.
“Oooo yummy!” I said. I love pizza. It’s my all time favorite food! I just love Italian food in general. I am a junk food addict too. I am starting to put on some pounds.
“So, how was school Chelsea?” My mom asked.
I said, “it was okay. I am supposed to turn in my money tomorrow for my dance costume."
“Okay. How much is it?” Mom asked.
“Fifty-five dollars,” I replied.
“That much for one costume?” my mom asked. I could tell she was getting really mad.
My dad spoke up, “Sharon! Why do you always have to jump down her throat about everything? You know it’s worth the money, since she loves ballet. It’s not as much as it was last year.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right. Sorry Chelsea. I’ll write you a check before you go tomorrow,” my mom said. “Are you planning on going to church tonight?”
“Oh yeah. I forgot about that. Probably not. Sarah and I have a lot to do,” I said.
“Okay, suit yourself,” she said.
CHAPTER TWO
After I had dinner, I went to Sarah’s house. She lives next door. Our bedroom windows face each other, so we can talk to each other in the middle of the night if we want to. Of course we like to take advantage of it.
“What do you think of this outfit?” asked Sarah. I was sitting on her bed while she tried to pick out something to wear to the dance. Sarah is tall and beautiful. She looks like a model. She has blonde hair and sparkling green eyes.
I said, “That’s nice. I wish our parents would take us shopping. I haven’t been clothes shopping in forever.”
“Yeah, I know,” said Sarah. “Why don’t you go ask Justin to the dance?”
I asked, “what if he says no?”
“He won’t” says Sarah. “Fine, I’ll go get him for you.” I said, “No, Sarah, please don’t.” Too late. She was already heading towards his room across the hall.
A moment later, Justin was in the room with us. I was speechless. He’s one of my best friends, but he still makes me nervous. Justin has blonde hair, but blue eyes. He has contacts.
“Sarah said you wanted to ask me something. What is it?” Justin asks.
“Um, I um.” I couldn’t talk, I was so nervous. “Um, I was just wondering if you would like to go to the dance with me?” I finally asked.
“Sure,” he said. “I was hoping you would ask me to the dance.”
“Really?” I asked. “I mean, I would understand if you didn’t want to go with me.”
He said, “Yeah, of course.” I was so excited. Maybe he likes me the same way I like him. Probably not, but let’s be hopeful.
After he left the room, was the time to find something really good to wear.
I said, “wow! I cannot believe he said yes!”
Sarah, laughing, replied, “of course he said yes. I told you he would. See you’re not ugly or fat. Yes, you are short, but no one’s perfect.” I borrowed one of Sarah’s black skirts, one that fits a little too big on her, and a really cute blue top to go with it. We do most of our shopping at Old Navy. We think they have the cutest skirts there.
She picked out something similar. We always end up dressing alike.
The dance was in two days! I am so nervous.
I was so tired when I got into first period the next morning. I barely got any sleep, because I was too busy thinking about the dance.
I was trying to keep from getting caught by Justin. He caught me anyway. He said he was really excited about the dance. School went by so slow. The cafeteria food is horrible. I was about to puke up what we had. It was so gross! It was “mystery meat.” I thought the last bell would never ring. I have study hall last period, and I generally do my homework during that period. Luckily, I didn’t have that much to do.
I went home and changed clothes. It was time for ballet. I messed up a lot in class. I was too busy thinking about the dance.
“Chelsea, pay attention!” My teacher, Madame Annie, said. She is tall and a very strange woman. I don’t know if I have ever seen her smile.
I said, “I’m so sorry. I have a lot on my mind.”
“I suggest you start paying attention to dancing, or you’re going to find yourself kicked out of the recital,” she said.
CHAPTER THREE
It’s the day of the dance! I can’t believe it’s finally here!
I was late for school, because my brother needed some assistance. My brother is really complicated to describe. He’s really sweet, but it’s hard to talk to him. Sometimes he just doesn’t understand when I tell him to do something or not to do something, it’s for his own good. Being a little, big sister is a lot of work.
This Sunday, Caitlyn and I are singing a song in front of the church. I am really nervous, because it will be my first time to sing in front of the whole church congregation.
I’m not even sure what song we are doing. I’m thinking about us singing “Amazing Grace”. My singing voice isn’t so great, but Caitlyn’s voice is awesome. We’ve thought about starting our own Christian band.
Anyway, school went by fast today. I’ve been thinking. I am starting to get burned out on ballet. I enjoy doing it, but I think I’m going to retire after the recital in June.
Someone needs to protest against the cafeteria food. I need to run for class president next year so I can do that. But, I guess I don’t need to be class president to do that, do I?
Now it is time to go over to Sarah’s and get ready for the dance. Sarah put way too much makeup on, but there’s no convincing her on some things. I only put a little makeup on.
“How do I look? Does this outfit make me look too fat?” I asked Sarah.
She replied, “no, you look great! How do I look?”
“Great!” I said.
She said, “let’s go. I’m so ready to get there.”
“Yeah, me too,” I said.
The decorations in the gym were really nice. There was some good music. We had one of the local DJ’s from a radio station come. He didn’t do too badly, I guess. Sarah and I had a few guys checking us out. I hate it when guys do that. It makes me feel really uncomfortable.
“This is a great dance!” Sarah said. We had to practically yell at each other, because it was so loud.
“Yeah, it is. Hey Justin, let’s dance.” I said.
“Okay,” he said.
Within 45 minutes, I got a call on my dad’s cell phone. It was my mom. Casey has really bad asthma, and he had an asthma attack. It scared my mom to death. It was a really long night. We had to stay overnight at the hospital. They had to put him on an oxygen mask.
Justin and Sarah stayed with us. I thought that was really sweet. They are practically family to us anyway.
The next day we finally went home. “I’ll call you later, okay?” said Sarah. “ I need to get some sleep.”
“Yeah, me too.” Said Justin.
“Bye,” I said.
CHAPTER FOUR
Now it’s time to practice with Caitlyn on our song. We did pretty well. We went to bed early. I didn’t hear from Sarah that night. I’m not too surprised though.
I woke up with my stomach hurting. Caitlyn wasn’t nervous at all. After the congregation sung a few songs, they called us up there. Surprisingly, we did really well.
At first I was nervous, but I got really comfortable with it. We had a bunch of people after church telling us how good we were.
“I am so proud of you two,” my mom said. “You guys did so well.” She looked like she was about to cry.
“Thanks,” said Caitlyn and me.
Later on, I was thinking about taking my Bible to school. I know I will get ridiculed, but if I am going to be a missionary, I need to get used to being ridiculed.
Lately I’ve been so busy with homework, it’s been hard finding time to have my personal time with God. I feel really bad about it.
The next day I took it to school. I started reading it during study hall. Some people were giving me some weird looks. They didn’t say anything though. I really need to work on my evangelizing to others.
I will be turning 15 next month. Which reminds me, I need to study for my driver’s permit test. Unfortunately, I won’t have a car to drive when I turn 16. Unless I get a job and pay to get one.
As Sarah and I were walking home today, she said, “I saw you reading your Bible during study hall today. What was that about?”
I said, “what’s wrong with reading the Bible during class? You should read it sometime.”
“Me read the Bible? Puhleez!, said Sarah. “I think that there’s nothing but boring stories about God in there.”
I was kind of hurt when she said that. I said, “You know, you should come with me to a concert this weekend. Our youth group is going. I think you would really like it.”
She said, “I don’t know. Christian music isn’t my thing.”
“How would you know? There are all types of Christian music.” I said.
“I guess I’ll go and see if I like it,” she replied. “Great!” I said. “It is this Friday night.”
“Cool. I can’t wait,” she said.
The week went by fast. On Thursday, I had to go to ballet again. I really dread it now. Madame Annie was hard on me again. She keeps threatening me about getting kicked out of the recital. Am I that bad of a dancer?
Friday’s here. Time for the concert. Sarah got along really well with the youth group, since she knows most of them from school. She was doing some flirting. I thought it was funny.
By the way, we went to see the Newsboys. She really enjoyed it. I invited her to come to church with me on Sunday, but she refused. I don’t know why she doesn’t want to go to church. She won’t tell me though.
Guess what! Justin asked me if I wanted to go to the movies. Just the two of us. Of course, I said yes. He asked me when we got back home from the concert. We went on Saturday afternoon. We went to go see the newest Harry Potter movie. Of course, I don’t believe in magic. But Harry Potter is so entertaining. Daniel Radcliffe is getting to be so HOT!!! Of course, I didn’t say that to Justin. After that we went to Pizza Hut. His mom drove us.
Justin was a gentleman that night. He walked me to my doorstep. He didn’t kiss me goodnight. He just gave me a hug. I was really expecting a kiss.
Maybe one day.
There was a huge surprise at church the next morning. Guess who came to church! Sarah!!! She really surprised me. “Wow, I can’t believe you are here,” I said.
Sarah said, “Well, I thought about it ever since the concert, and I figured I might as well give it a shot. So which way to Sunday school?”
“Follow me. I am so glad you are here,” I said. Sarah had volunteered to read in front of the youth. Even I’m not comfortable enough to read in front of a bunch of people.
That’s where Sarah and I are different. I am shy, and she is totally not. Apparently she likes one of the guys in our youth group. She sat next to him during church! I actually saw her singing. I wish that she had been there last week. I wanted her to see Caitlyn and me sing in front of the whole church. She found it hard to believe when I told her we sung in front of the church. I wonder why Justin didn’t go.
After church I asked Sarah why. She replied, “Well, he’s still really shy around you. I don’t know why you two lovebirds are still so shy with each other. You guys have known each other for like ever. I mean, hello! You two went on a date yesterday, for crying out loud! One of you seriously needs to break the ice.”
“I know, but I don’t want to be the one to do so. He’s the guy! Not me,” I said.
Sarah said, “No duh, Sherlock. Of course he should be the one to break the ice. But my brother is not a normal guy, so I think you should do it.”
I said, “Well fine. How about you and Justin come over for lunch? That way it will be more comfortable with you there. Do you need a ride home?”
She said, “Yeah, if your parents don’t mind. Sounds like a good idea. I personally think that you are the only girl good enough for my brother.”
“Oh, you’re making me blush! Stop!” I said. We both started laughing.
My parents decided that we should go out for lunch. We went to IHOP. That’s one of my favorite restaurants to go to. Apparently Justin loves it too. It was really hard for me to eat my food, because I was so nervous.
So, I tried to break the ice. “So, Justin. Are you ready for that botany test tomorrow?” I asked.
“Kind of. I still have some studying to do. Would you like to study with me? I heard you are kind of struggling in that class.” He asked.
“Yeah, sure” I replied. I don’t know how he found out about me failing botany, but I’m not complaining too much. I think the reason why I fail botany is because I don’t put much effort into it.
We studied together for most of the afternoon. I asked him if he wanted to go to church with me that night. He said yes! I was so excited. Of course, Sarah went too.
We had a lot of fun at church. They really seemed to enjoy the Bible study.
After we got home, Justin went back to his house. Sarah came over to my house. We sat in my room talking about everything. She started asking me questions about God. I’m glad that she is starting to show interest.
“How do you know God is real?” Sarah asked. I said, “Well, you just know. You’ve got to have faith. He made this whole universe. You can’t see him as a person, but you can see him through nature. There have been kids making fun of Caitlyn about her faith. I just told her to pray about it. Christianity is about having faith and believing there is a God, and that he sent his son to die for everybody. Jesus had a purpose for being on this earth. We need to strive to become like him.”
“Oh, so that’s what Christianity is about? Interesting. Very interesting,” she said. I hope I am starting to get through to her. I think she would make a great evangelist. She’s not shy, and she has full confidence in herself.
“Well I guess I better go home. I promised my mom I would clean up my room,” she said.
“Okay, see you in school tomorrow,” I said. We said our good-byes.
CHAPTER FIVE
On Monday, Justin and I aced our botany test. Maybe my grade will finally go up to a passing grade. I am glad we did all of that studying together. I took my Bible to school with me again. I think people are starting to get used to seeing me with my Bible. I hope that I’m being a positive influence on people.
I did find another Christian in my study hall. Her name’s Kristy Hawthorn. She is really nice. She has short black hair and brown eyes. She looks kind of plain, but cute at the same time. She’s a couple of feet taller than I am. She brings her Bible to school too. She sits in front of me. She noticed I had my Bible and we started talking. She told me about a Bible study that she does on Tuesday nights at her house. She invited me. I asked Kristy if I could bring a couple of friends.
“Of course you can,” she said.
The next day was Tuesday. Justin, Sarah, and I went to the Bible study.
Actually, we had Kristy pick us up. She’s a junior, and of course, has her driver’s license. She has a nice car.
Which reminds me, I need to study for my driver’s test. We had a lot of fun. I wasn’t expecting us to eat pizza. No complaints from me, of course. You know me and pizza. We had a study on the Sermon on the Mount.
We have a new girl at school. She looks kind of tough. She’s extremely tall and very well built. She’s bad news. I heard she got kicked out of her last school. I usually don’t like to believe people when they gossip. So, I tried talking to her, you know being nice. Here’s how it went:
“Hi. What’s your name? I’m Chelsea Spencer,” I said. “Lizzie Thomas. Why do you care? No one has been nice to me all day. I don’t need your sympathy! What book is that?” she asked as she pointed to my Bible.
I said, “It’s the Bible. Do you have a problem with that?” I know that was kind of harsh, but she started being crabby towards me. I’m only human you know!
“What did you say to me? I know you just did not go there!”
I started getting really fumed. “I believe I just did!”
One of the teachers caught us fighting in the hall. We got after school detention. It was horrible. I never get detention. I wish I could get my schedule changed. I know I can’t. It’s too late in the school year. Lizzie kept giving me dirty looks during detention. Since I never get detention, I got grounded because of it. Only for a couple of days though. I tried explaining the situation to my mom. Life really stinks sometimes.
Guess who was at church Wednesday night. My lovely friend from detention, Lizzie. Is she stalking me? I was about to leave, but she stopped me.
“Listen. I am really sorry for causing trouble at school today. I wasn’t trying to make fun of you or anything. I just thought it was nice to actually see someone with enough guts to bring a Bible to school. And a lot of people were giving me a hard time. I am so sorry. Will you forgive me?” she pleaded.
She seemed so sweet. I replied, “I am so sorry I just lost my temper earlier. I-I had no idea. Will you forgive me?”
“Of course. Your name is Chelsea, right?” She asked.
I replied, “Yeah, Chelsea Spencer. It is nice to meet the real you.”
She said, “yeah, it’s really nice to meet the real you. I hope that you aren’t usually blowing up at people.”
“No, of course not,” I said.
See, that goes to show that you can’t rely on gossip being the truth. No wonder they teach it in the Bible. I have made two new friends in the same week! That’s a world record for me. Even I usually can’t make more than one friend at camp.
Justin asked me out again. He is going to take me out to eat and a movie! Well Sarah has a boyfriend now. Apparently Josh asked her out on Wednesday night, while I was talking to Lizzie. (By the way, Josh is the guy that Sarah’s been flirting with at church.) I need to figure out what to wear. The next day I went to ballet. I got yelled at again. Madame Annie made me sit out for like half the hour.
CHAPTER SIX
On Friday night I had to baby-sit for my siblings. Caitlyn had her best friend over, Amy Richards. Amy is kind of tall for her age. She kind of looks like Caitlyn. They almost look like twins. She’s a sweet kid, but she’s really accident-prone. She has diabetes, so we had to be careful with what we were going to eat.
It went pretty smoothly, until Amy hurt herself. Casey was chasing Amy and Caitlyn around the house, while I was in the bathroom. Can’t a girl go to the bathroom in peace!?
Amy missed a few steps on the stairs and fell. She broke her ankle. Luckily I had some bandages and some crutches for her. She was in a lot of pain. Poor thing!
Afterwards, we just sat and watched a movie. I made us some popcorn. The house was really quiet then. Amy was starting to feel better halfway into the movie. After the movie, Caitlyn and Amy went up to her room. They were goofing off of course. I remember having sleepovers. Those were the good old days. I should invite my new friends over sometime.
I went to the mall Saturday morning. I met Lizzie, Sarah, and Kristy. We had lunch at the food court. We decided to look around and goof off. I saw some really cute earrings at Claire’s. Of course, I bought them. I’m thinking about wearing them to church tomorrow.
Sarah said, “I was thinking about going to church tomorrow. Can I ride with you Chelsea?” “Of course. Why don’t you just spend the night?” I asked. “Okay. Sounds good to me. I think Justin wants to go too,” Sarah said.
“That’s fine. Do you really think he likes me more than just a friend?” I asked. Lizzie chimed in, “Oooo, does someone have a boyfriend?”
“Awww. Do you Chelsea?” Kristy asked.
“Not exactly. We have gone on a couple of dates, but nothing serious. We have a date tonight. Here actually.” I said.
“Oh. What’s his name?” asked Kristy.
Sarah said, “My dorky brother, Justin.” “He’s so not dorky, Sarah. He’s really cute,” I said.
“Eww gross. Don’t call my brother ‘cute’ around me, okay?” asked Sarah. “Calm down! Don’t blow a head gasket!” I said. I had to go home soon to get ready for my date with Justin. I’ve really wanted my first kiss. I’ve always wanted it from Justin. Maybe someday.
Oh my goodness! Justin is here for our date! I am still so nervous around him. I’m thinking about asking him if he wanted to go to church tomorrow.
We had chicken sandwiches from Chick-fil-a, at the food court. Then we went to go see the latest Disney movie. It was pretty good. You would never believe what Justin did. HE HELD MY HAND! He has nice, soft hands. Of course, I never knew that before. Well, actually, I “accidentally” held his hand in sixth grade. Sarah and us went to a scary movie. I got so scared that I held his hand for a split second, before I realized what I was doing. I was so embarrassed. He gave me this weird look.
When we got back home, he walked me to my doorstep. “Well goodnight, Chelsea. See you in the morning,” he said. I replied, “Okay, goodnight.” Then he KISSED ME. Well, actually, just on the cheek. But we’re making progress, don’t you think?
CHAPTER SEVEN
“Proverbs 12:18 says: Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Pastor Tom preached on gossip Sunday morning.
See, gossip is bad. You could really hurt someone by gossiping. Not physically, but emotionally. I would definitely have to say Amen to that passage! I was ready to get out of church though.
I better get some studying done this afternoon for my driver’s test. Justin offered to help me. We had sandwiches for lunch. We started studying right away.
I just realized something. My birthday is a week away. I am almost 15! I completely forgot that my birthday was coming up. I’ve been too busy daydreaming about Justin. I wonder if it’s just a crush, or true love. Is there a difference? I’m only 14, so I guess I wouldn’t know.
“Who has the right of way? The pedestrian or the driver?” Justin asked me. I said, “That’s so easy! The pedestrian of course.”
He said, “You’re absolutely right!” He reminded me of Regis Philbin on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” Especially on the CD-ROM game.
“You will do great. Don’t worry about it. I already got your birthday present. I think you’ll really like it,” Justin said. He was making me blush. I bet my face was the color of a tomato.
“I better go home. I don’t think I will be able to make it to church tonight,” he said. I asked, “why not? Don’t you want to go?”
“Sure I do. My mom doesn’t really like us going to church,” he replied.
I started getting really upset. “Justin Madison! I can’t believe you won’t stick up for yourself. Why doesn’t your mom approve of you going to church? That sounds so ridiculous! I don’t believe you. You should really stick up for yourself! I thought you were getting really mature, but I guess I was wrong. See you at school tomorrow.”
He just left. I feel bad I blew up on him, but he just made me really mad. I couldn’t study any more that day.
I’ve been thinking about something. There are a lot of parents these days that don’t approve of their kids going to church. That’s how bad our society is getting. Parents don’t feel like taking their kids to church. Some parents might be afraid that they would be judged for just dropping their kids off and not going in. I’m sure there are tons of reasons.
I had a horrible day at school the next day. Justin completely ignored me. I don’t blame him, though. Even Sarah was acting kind of weird. I guess Justin told her about me yelling at him. Lunch tasted horrible. I got a C- on my botany test. I was assigned to be partners with Justin. And to top it all off, someone was about to start a fight with me in study hall. They thought I was preaching to them, just because I was giving them a word of encouragement. That person got detention. Surprisingly I was able to get out of that trip to detention.
Sarah didn’t wait on me after school. There was only one thing I had to do. I had to go apologize.
I went to their house. Justin answered the door. “Oh, it’s you. Look I have to say something…”
I replied, “Wait, before you do, there’s something I need to say. Um, I’m really sorry about yesterday. I shouldn’t have gotten so mad at you. I…”
He interrupted me saying, “No. You were right. I should be man enough to stick up for myself. I’m sorry.”
“Is Sarah here?” I asked. “She hasn’t said anything to me all day.” He said, “Well, she’s been working on something really important. She told me not to tell you.” “I’m her best friend! She tells me everything,” I said. He said, “I’m sorry. I’m staying out of this one.”
So, I just went home. I studied some more for my driver’s test. I also have an English paper that is due tomorrow. I completely forgot about it! My mind is slipping. Is this what love does to you?
CHAPTER EIGHT
I barely got a good grade on my English paper. From now on, I’m writing down my homework assignments, instead of trying to remember it. I’m also going to start on papers a lot earlier than I have been.
“What do you want to do our botany project on? I was thinking about doing it on daffodils,” Justin said. We were walking home together with Sarah. Justin plays soccer, but he didn’t have practice that day.
I said, “Well, I think that a few other people are doing that for their project. We need to come up with something else.”
Sarah said, “I’m so glad that I don’t have Mr. Schultz for botany. We only have one project to do this year.” “Lucky you!” Justin and I both said at the same time. We started laughing. I’m glad that we’re all talking again.
“Anyway, what about doing our project on daisies?” I asked. “I don’t think anyone else is doing it on that. Plus we need something that is going to be simple to grow.”
Justin said, “okay, we need to start on it really soon. It’s due next week. Can you believe that he assigned it that short of a notice? Even though we don’t have to have our plants grown by then.”
“I know that’s ridiculous,” I said.
“Enough about this stupid project. Are you guys invited to that end of school year party?” Sarah asked.
“No. I don’t want to go. Those parties are always wild,” I said.
Justin said, “Yeah, those parties are not my thing, you know?”
“My parents are finally going to let me go to Memphis in May. It’s next weekend,” I said.
“Sweet! Maybe we can go together!” Exclaimed Sarah. “Maybe we can double date. You two can go together, and Josh and I will go together. Wouldn’t that be fun?”
“Maybe.” I said. I still don’t know if Justin likes me enough to go on another date. He looked like he was spaced out. He wasn’t saying anything.
We finally got home. I went over to the Madison’s house. Justin and I started on our research for daisies. Doesn’t it sound like so much fun? Not! I really dread this project.
It’s a lot more fun than I thought. Botany is more interesting than I thought it would ever be. Justin makes it more interesting. I could just listen to his voice all day. We talked more about Memphis in May. Memphis in May is a type of festival in Memphis held every May. They have it the first weekend in May.
I’ve never gone, because my parents don’t approve of it. They told me I could go this year if I really wanted to. I just needed to be careful. A lot of people get drunk and stuff. Not the best environment to be in.
Anyway, there are all these bands that come in concert. There’s usually only one or two Christian bands that come, but better than nothing. A lot of great food. It can be a really good family outing. You just have to be careful whom you run into.
Afterwards, I went to Kristy’s house for the Bible study.
CHAPTER NINE
I get to finally take my driver’s test. I won’t actually take the driving part, but the boring exam part. I am so excited. It’s hard to think about anything else, except Justin, of course.
Sarah went with my mom and me to the DMV. Afterwards, I am going to the mall with Sarah, Kristy, and Lizzie to celebrate. That is, if I pass. I have been studying a lot. So I’m not too worried.
It took me about an hour to take it. I was more nervous than I thought I would be. I passed with flying colors.
My birthday is in FOUR days! I can’t wait. Sarah is still acting weird. I’m starting to think that she’s planning on doing something for my birthday. I can’t figure it out though.
“I’m so glad that you passed! In six months you can get your license,” said Sarah.
I said, “Yeah. Too bad you have to get your learner’s permit first.”
Kristy said, “I took my permit test three times before I passed. But I passed my driver’s test the first time though.”
“This is a really good sundae,” said Lizzie.
“Oh yeah!” The rest of us exclaimed.
My birthday is TOMORROW! Today is Saturday. No one has said anything about my birthday yet. Something is fishy.
“Honey, about this Memphis in May, I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Mom said.
“Sharon! We already told her she could go. She will be fine.” My dad said.
“Please don’t start fighting again! That’s all you guys do anymore.” I was getting really frustrated.
“Sorry,” they both said. “We’ll talk about it more later,” mom said. “Let’s just get ready for dinner. What do you guys want for dinner?”
They tried to keep from fighting during dinner. Which meant that they barely spoke at all.
Lizzie called me. “So, tomorrow’s the big day, huh?”
I said, “Yeah, I guess. I don’t really have anything planned, except go to church.”
She said, “Cool. Maybe I can come over tomorrow. Is that okay with you?”
“It’s okay with me. I just need to ask my folks,” I replied. “I’ll go do that right now, be right back.”
I went to go ask my parents if Lizzie could come over. They said yes.
“It’s okay with them if you come over. What time are you going to come over?” I asked.
“I don’t know. I have to see what time I can come over,” she said.
“Okay. I’ll talk to you later,” I said. “Bye.”
“Bye.”
Within five minutes of hanging up with Lizzie, Sarah called.
“Hey what’s up?” she asked.
I said, “Hey. Nothing much. So what are you going to do tomorrow? Want to come over in the afternoon sometime?”
“Sure,” she said. “We can hang out like we usually do.”
“Yeah, I guess,” I said.
“I’ve got to go eat dinner. My mom just hollered for me. I’ll talk to you later. Bye.” She said.
I said, “Bye.”
I went to bed early that night. I wonder when I can have driving lessons. I will be able to legally drive tomorrow, with a legal adult, of course.
CHAPTER TEN
I’m officially FIFTEEN! I am so excited. I thought this day would never come. I wonder what I’m going to feel like when I turn 16, 18, and 21. Those are bigger birthdays than 15.
“Ready for church, Chelsea?” asked my mom.
I replied, “I guess so.”
“Let’s go then,” she said. “By the way, happy birthday!”
“Thank you,” I said.
I thought that church would be the same as it is every Sunday. Well, this Sunday wasn’t. I had a huge surprise. Justin, Sarah, Kristy, and Lizzie were at church! I was very surprised.
“Hey you guys. What are you doing here? Justin, Sarah, I thought that you weren’t allowed to come to church,” I said.
Justin said, “Well we had a nice little talk with our parents.”
I replied, “Oh, that’s great! I’m glad you guys changed your mind. Let’s go to Sunday school.”
It was a great day so far. Everyone went home after church. This has been a weird birthday so far. I kind of wanted a party.
My mom took me to the mall to pick out something for my birthday. I picked out an outfit that I’ve been wanting. When we came back, I was definitely surprised.
“SURPRISE!!!” All of my friends were there, and my family of course. They jumped out and yelled, “surprise.”
I got a lot of presents. My mom made me a red velvet cake. It was delicious. I got a few keychains from Kristy. I got a couple of cute shirts from Sarah. Lizzie got me a book that I have always wanted. She got me “Jesus Freaks” by DC Talk. She told me it was a really good book. I can’t wait to start reading it. From Justin I got a new Bible cover. I’ve been needing a new one.
From Caitlyn, I got a giftcard to Old Navy. From Casey, I got a giftcard to LifeWay. LifeWay is a Christian bookstore, by the way.
The best present of all was from my parents. They got me a CAR! Can you believe it? A car! I definitely wasn’t expecting it. I got a Mitsubishi Eclipse. It’s not brand new though. It’s a couple of years old. I can’t wait to start driving it. I also got a cell phone from them. Casey almost ruined the cake. He fell and barely missed it. He’s really accident-prone.
I was able to take my friends for a drive, with my mom in the front seat, of course. I had to take Casey first, or he would have thrown a fit. He really enjoyed the ride. It was a lot of fun. We went to go see a movie. After that I decided I wanted to go to Starbuck’s. I haven’t been in a while. My favorite drink to get there is the vanilla latté. I had two. It was so good. I brought back some cappuccino’s for my family. Casey usually gets the same thing I get. We have a lot in common, but we still have a lot not in common.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
I was really disappointed having to go back to school the next day.
I’ve been doing some thinking. I need to decide where I want to go to college. I graduate in two years. I’ve heard about this small Christian college in Memphis. I think it’s about only twenty minutes from here.
There are a few colleges that have Christian education, but I would like to go to a college where you can take Bible classes and Christian education classes. I need a lot of training for the ministry. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it.
I’m kind of thinking about going ahead and starting to learn Hebrew and Greek. I’m sure I can do it. I stayed up late learning the Hebrew and Greek alphabet. After a while, I gave up on it. It is kind of difficult. Next year I’m going to take a foreign language at school. I’m trying to decide if I want to take Spanish or French.
I woke up late on Monday morning. I missed first period. I wasn’t too worried though. It was my second and probably the last tardy of the school year. There’s only four weeks left of school.
School went okay, I guess. I had a pop quiz in just about every class. I really need to start studying for my final exams.
“Hello! Chelsea, stop daydreaming and throw the ball!” Sarah yelled at me. We were playing softball in gym. I was the pitcher. Luckily, we have gym class for girls and for boys. I would always be embarrassed if we had boys in our class. Gym is my least favorite class. At least I can read in study hall.
I said, “Sorry. I have a lot on my mind.” That seems to be my excuse lately.
The week went by fast. On Thursday, Justin came up to me. We were walking home from school. He had a game that night. I was planning on going, to cheer him on.
He said, “Hi. Would you like to be my date to Memphis in May? I mean, you don’t have to. But I thought it would be nice to go together. I know that we are already going together, but you know what I mean. Don’t you?”
“Calm down Justin,” I said. “Take a chill pill. Of course I would like to be your date. Sarah and I have actually talked about this, too.”
“Really? Sweet!” He said.
I said, “Yeah. I can’t wait. What time are we going tomorrow? Around six or seven?”
He said, “Yeah. We need to talk about that later, I guess.”
“Yeah. I was planning on going to your game tonight. What time does it start?” I asked.
He said, “it starts at seven. I am so glad that the weather is getting warmer. We had a long winter.”
“Yeah, tell me about it. I’ll be there,” I said.
I’m going to wear one of my new shirts that I got from my birthday.
The game was really good. We won, of course. They have the best player ever on their team. Okay, I don’t know about the best player, but Justin is really good.
OH MY GOODNESS! I FORGOT ABOUT BALLET! Madame Annie is going to kill me. I will be kicked out of the recital for sure. This is what I wanted right? Why am I so upset? I just hate letting anyone down.
CHAPTER TWELVE
We went to Mud Island the next afternoon. We ate really well. We didn’t pay too much attention to the bands. Later on that night, there was a Christian band that was playing, Switchfoot. They’re not one of my favorites, but I still like them.
We decided not to spend the night there. For one thing, it’s dangerous without an adult. We got back really late.
“Come on you guys. I don’t have all day. I have to go to work,” said Sarah’s mom. She was going to drive us. Memphis in May lasts for about four days. We were only going to go for a few more hours on Saturday. I was still tired from the night before.
Sarah said, “Chill Mom! Don’t have a cow. I’m still half asleep.”
“Look I am going to be late for work! Don’t argue with me,” Sarah’s mom said. We picked up Josh and went back to Mud Island.
It was already crowded when we got there. It was already hot outside. I’m glad I decided to wear shorts and a shirt. I stayed under the shade as much as possible, because it was so hot.
We got to eat a lot of some famous Memphis bar-b-q. It is so delicious! I think everyone should try some Memphis bar-b-q.
Luckily for us, there was another Christian band that came, P.O.D. They’re one of my favorite bands. I have been to a couple of their concerts.
We saw some people from school there. Of course, a few of them were drunk. I’m not too surprised.
It was a lot of fun. We got back really late again. I found my grandparents at my house when we got back. They gave me a couple of gerbils. They are so cute. I need to figure out what I’m going to name them. I need to sleep on it, I guess.
It was hard for me to go to sleep that night. I need my sleep. We have church tomorrow.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Sarah and Justin came to church again. They didn’t come to Sunday school. I guess they were still really tired from yesterday. I am too. I’m thinking about taking a nap. I really need to be studying for my finals. Just three more weeks for being a sophomore.
I am so glad that summer break is almost here. Two whole months of freedom from school!!!
I’ve been doing a lot of studying lately. I’ve also been studying Greek and Hebrew. Come to find out, Hebrew is really easy for me. I am already learning so much. The Greek alphabet is really easy. Now it’s the week of exams. I am so nervous. Especially about my geometry and English exams. Those were my two hardest subjects this year.
Sarah and Josh broke up. It’s kind of sad. I thought that they made a cute couple. Sarah said that it wasn’t working out. Josh isn’t her type. She says he’s a jerk outside of church. I was kind of shocked. The reason why Sarah didn’t know who he was before she went to church, was because he goes to a different school. Now I am glad that he does. That would be hard on Sarah to see him at church and at school. I think she fell pretty hard for him really fast. I know she’ll find someone better. She said that he called her the night before and broke the news to her.
Today is the first exam day. I am taking my botany and English exams. I got an A on my botany. My English exam was a little harder than botany. I have the hardest English teacher in the grade. She is also the Drama Club teacher. I’ve been thinking about trying out for the Drama Club next year. I got a B- on my English exam. Better than I thought I would do.
When I got home that afternoon, I found Casey running around the house. It looked like he was looking for something.
I said, “Hey Casey. Are you looking for something?”
He said, “Jasmine.”
Jasmine is the name of one of my gerbils. I finally named them: Jasmine and Minnie.
I replied, “what?!? You lost Jasmine? You let her out?”
“Sorry Chelsea,” he said. He looked like he was about to cry.
“Oh, don’t cry. I’m sorry. It’s no big deal. Just help me look for her,” I said.
It took us like thirty minutes to find her. She was hiding under my bed. I seriously need to teach Casey some things about responsibility and stuff.
I had to go study some more for my tests. Madame Annie called me and told me that I was kicked out of the recital. She was going to mail back the check I gave her for my costume. I’m surprised it took her that long to kick me out of the recital.
The next day I had my geometry and world history exams. I think I did okay on those. I’m kind of worried about my world history. My teacher hasn’t graded it yet.
The next day I took the rest of my exams. It felt weird not going to ballet. I went to another soccer game. We won again.
Then on Friday, was a free day. We just watched movies in every class. I mainly just talked to my friends. Sarah has already found another boyfriend. Someone from our geometry class. She sure doesn’t like to wait long.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
SCHOOL’S OUT!!!!!! SCHOOL’S OUT!!!! SCHOOL’S OUT!!!! I am so excited. I am having a sleepover tonight. I am having Sarah, Kristy, and Lizzie spending the night. Sarah has talked me into going to the party that the popular kids are throwing. I kind of don’t want to go, but it may be fun. Boy was I ever wrong!
The biggest jerks and jerkettes were there. Most of them were getting drunk. I had someone offering me some pot. I was very disturbed. There were five guys that were trying to hit on me. Justin had to fight off one guy. It was a disaster. I was so glad to get home.
We had a lot of fun at the sleepover. We had pillow fights. We pigged out on junk food. We watched movies.
“This is so much fun. We shouldn’t have gone to that stupid party. I am so sorry I talked you guys into going,” Sarah said.
“It’s okay. We didn’t know it was going to be that horrible. But we are having fun now, aren’t we?” I asked.
“Totally!” Kristy and Lizzie said.
I said, “let’s watch “The Lord of the Rings”. We should watch all three.”
“Great!” The rest of them said. They obviously like “The Lord of the Rings." We didn’t go to sleep until six in the morning.
I got my report card five days later. I got all A’s and one B. That’s the best report card that I have ever gotten. I’m planning on going to church camp this summer. I am going to try to talk Sarah and Justin into going. Maybe I can convince Kristy and Lizzie to go also. I’ve realized that I’ve got it made. Great friends. Great family. Great God. I just need to always be thankful for what I have.
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