Welcome to aburt's iFiction project

Joanie Caldwell sat on the front seat of the car next to her mother. She was happy to be going back home but she was still anxious. It had been over two years since she had left. However, during that time Joanie had transformed from a gangly child to a beautiful young woman. The car snaked its way across the broken concrete as they headed home. The roaring noise from the car's wheels turning against the dimpled pavement filled the car and Joanie found herself lost in the tempo. Absent-mindedly she fingered one of the many rips on the car's vinyl seat cover. The pair was jolted here and there as the tires hit the numerous potholes, which her mom had given up trying to avoid ages ago.

The withering road was slowly deteriorating from age and use. Over time the small cracks and crevices spread out and joined together to defend themselves against the daily onslaught of the traffic above. Relaxing, Joanie settled back into her reflections.

Her father had abandoned them when she was young leaving her, her mother and her older brother Brad left to fend for themselves. Her small family was forced to move into a tiny apartment on the outskirts of Cincinnati to make ends meet. The same apartment that they were heading towards now. Things had always been tough but somehow they had always seemed to manage.

Then two years ago her father suddenly decided to come back into her life. He had finally sobered up enough to keep a job and ironically married the boss's daughter. She came from a wealthy family therefore they were quite comfortable. Out of the blue he appeared one day insisting that Joanie come live with him in North Carolina so he can give her a better opportunity. He had brought her and Brad gifts and was very charming. The same quality that attracted her mother to him years ago.

It was the hardest decision of Carol's life; Carol, Joanie's mom, was working two jobs at the time just too barely cover their living expenses and was not able to spend much time with her children. Thinking that Joanie's father could give Joanie what she could not, Carol reluctantly agreed.

Therefore, Joanie found herself packed up and shipped off. It was the worst day of her life. She felt tears well up in her eyes as she thought of it. Her heart still ached from the memory. She knew that her mother was doing the best that she could so she tried to be brave for her sake. She hardly remembered the train ride or the short taxi trip.

She did however; vividly remember the large house on the beach. Compared to her mother's apartment it was like a castle. She soon found out that the inside was as cold and intimidating as the old relics she had read about in books on medieval times. The house was filled with furniture, which looked like it had never been sat upon. The walls covered in artwork, if you could call it that. She had been instructed after her stiff hug from her stepmother that the gaudy sculptures here and there were very valuable and she should not touch. Joanie rolled her eyes; after all, she was not a toddler. So began a very arduous relationship.

She instantly detested her stepmother, Samantha, and the feeling was mutual. She hated how she always swooped down the staircase and was always correcting something about Joanie. Whether it be her posture, table manners, English, etc. The perfume she wore was so strong that Joanie almost retched and her shrill laugh sent shudders down her spine. She was a natural blonde, or at least that's what she claimed. Joanie soon learned to doubt everything she said.

There were some good parts though. She did have her own room, at least for a while. In addition, Samantha was always dragging her out to shops to buy her the latest fashions. Her father spent loads of time with her too. They would go for walks or to the movies. When Samantha realized that Joanie was taking his attention away from her she demanded that Joanie be shipped off to a boarding school, fast. As Samantha explained, `So she could be taught to behave like a young woman.' After a few phone calls, she was shipped off to Virginia to attend Miss Groves Preparatory School for young women.

Gazing out the window, she could see her reflection. She was short and petite with wavy brown hair that hung down below her shoulders. She considered it her best asset. Sometimes in certain light, you could make out a hint of auburn. Her face was naturally stunning which was good since she was not allowed to wear make-up. She had large green eyes, which set off her light complexion. Her high cheekbones accentuated her small pert mouth in which her lips at rest tilted up in a mischievous smile. Topped off by a small (too small if you asked Joanie) nose which she considered was too pointy.

"We're almost there!" Her mother said excitedly making Joanie jump.

She looked up from her trance and forced herself to smile. Her stomach was churning with anticipation. She loved her mom dearly and knew that she had only wanted what was best for her. Even though her mother could not give her material things the comfort and support she gave her was priceless. Joanie tensely returned to looking out the window. Butterflies were dancing around inside her stomach and she felt her palms start to sweat. You are going home. What are you nervous about? She thought. She took a couple of deep breaths to calm herself and forced a smile for her mother.

Condensation had built up on the window from the cold and she took her elbow and wiped a swatch wide enough for her to peer out of the glass. Not that there was that much to see outside, she thought as she watched the large gray, brick buildings slid by. There were rows and rows of them like confederate soldiers standing at attention. The buildings blended with the gray sky and the gloom would have dampened most anyone's spirit. Except for Joanie's cause, she was going home.

The precious few trees scattered about the concrete landscape were naked. They stood sadly, their useless forms offering no shade or comfort to those that walked by. Such a change from North Carolina and Virginia`s vast forests of green pines. Nevertheless, this was home. It was not much but it was hers, it was all she had.

Her mother maneuvered her car in front of the brick apartment building she remembered so well. Looking around she climbed out and stretched. It felt good to move around after the long car ride from the bus station.

"Home sweet home!" Carol said getting out to unlock the trunk.

"Isn't Brad here?" Joanie asked looking about for her irresponsible older brother.

"No he's working on his car over at Alan's."

Joanie sighed, her eyes sliding up the tall building with no elevator, as she remembered they lived on the third floor. "Oh well." She thought as she hefted out the heavy suitcase. Although Samantha had bought her hordes of clothes she had only took what she needed. She had left the rest at the boarding school. She smiled imagining her father's face when they had called him to tell him that she had been expelled.

She had tried to get along at the school, honestly she did. However, the others girls had already formed there groups and she was not included. So instead of sitting around feeling sorry for herself she poured herself into her schoolwork and extra activities. The school was a wonderful place, except for the people. They had horseback riding, which she quickly excelled at making the other girls envious. She had never been around horses before and quickly fell in love with the gentle creatures. The other `young ladies' had taken to calling her stable girl since most of her free time was spent there. That was fine and dandy with her; the horses were better company anyway.

Although being expelled was not her fault, she did not regret it. Her father was so mad he had arranged to have her picked up and sent back to her mother in Ohio on the next bus. Which ironically, was where she had wanted to be in the first place.

Smiling she followed her mother upstairs lugging the suitcase behind her. Her mother had offered to carry it but Joanie had refused. Winded, she was relieved when they finally made it to their apartment.

Joanie was pleased to see that not much had changed in her absence. The apartment was small but cozy it was only a one bedroom but they made the best of it. Her and her mother would share the bedroom and Brad would sleep on the couch when he was around. She took in everything. The old tired recliner was still slumped in the corner next to the floor lamp. Their wooden coffee table that was full of small nicks from the numerous feet that had been propped on it. Carol gave up long ago trying to keep feet off it. Moreover, it felt awfully good for Carol to prop her feet up at the end of her long shift at the hospital and relax on the couch, of course she always took her shoes off first.

"Um... I cleared out half of the bureau for your things. Do you need me to help you unpack sweetheart?" Her mother asked a bit awkwardly it had been along time since Joanie was home too long.

"I think I can handle it but thanks mom."

Joanie took her bag into the room she would be sharing with her mother and began putting her things into the small dresser. The room contained two twin beds the chest of drawers and a nightstand. She quickly hung up the rest of her clothes and placed Fluffy her teddy bear with one arm on the bed. He was injured ages ago during a pillow fight with her brother. Fluffy was hurt pretty badly and after several attempts to try and save the limb with her needle pricked fingers Joanie finally accepted that it wasn't meant to be. When done she slide her baggage under her bed and went into the living room. She saw her mother in the adjoining kitchen and went to see her.

"That smells wonderful what are you cooking?" Joanie said inhaling the wonderful aroma seeping out from the oven door.

Carol smiled at her daughter. "Since you are home I made your favorite desert. Apple pie from scratch. I made it yesterday and kept it in the fridge so I could bake it fresh when you got home." She added proudly.

"Oh mom you didn't have too. It's not like I'm a guest." She said giving her a hug.

"I'm just so glad you're back. I missed you so much. Kate's missed you too she's been calling hourly to see when you'd be home."

Joanie smiled. She and Kate have been best friends since forever. Even when she was away, they wrote weekly letters and called when they could. She was looking forward to seeing her. She glanced at her mom wistfully.

"All right run along I know your dying to see her!" Her mom laughed shooing her out of the house. "Just be back for dinner!" She yelled to the spirited girl already bouncing down the stairs with renewed energy.

Joanie started towards Kate's house. Though she hadn't been there in years she could have walked the two blocks blind folded. As she walked she took the time to look over her old neighborhood. She was surprised at little the city had changed. It felt like she was just here yesterday. There were a couple of people out raking up a few errant leaves, which held on longer than the rest. Children darted about enjoying their day off before they have to return to school again.

The air was crisp yet you could still smell a faint scent of exhaust from the nearby factories with their billowing smokestacks. If you looked in the right direction you could see them puffing away around the clock. Her father had worked in a factory like that before he was fired for drinking on the job. Joanie turned away in disgust and shook her head, trying to clear her mind of the past.

Kate lived on a block of brick one-story houses. The houses were small and set close together, but Joanie still envied not having to climb all those stairs. Her steps quickened as Kate's house came into view. She took the porch steps in one leap and knocked on the door.

"Come in!" She heard Kate yell and she pushed open the door. Kate was a little taller and slimmer than Joanie. Kate's hair was jet black and hung to her mid back. It complimented her olive complexion beautifully.

Kate had just come out of the bathroom to see who was there. A trace of toothpaste was still on her chin. Kate screamed and took just enough time to swipe her chin with her sleeve before grabbing Joanie in a bear hug. The two girls jubilantly hugged each other and jumped up and down in excitement.

"Gosh you look wonderful!" Kate said stepping back and looking over her friend. "You must have had boys swarming all over you in Virginia."

Joanie shook her head ruefully. "You know I went to an all girls school. The only time we saw any boys was at dances."

"That must have been boring! `Course there are some boys I'd prefer not to be around." Kate said thoughtfully.

"Not Marc Johnson I bet." Joanie said mentioning one of her brother's friends whom Kate had a crush on since the third grade.

Kate blushed changing the subject quickly. "Come on. Let's go to my room!" She grabbed Joanie's arm and dragged her into the small back room.

Kate's room was a mess, as usual, clothes were thrown about and Joanie swept a pile off her bed onto the floor and sat down. Kate sat down next to her.

"I have missed you so much! I was so happy when your mom called me yesterday and said you were coming home. I can't believe it!"

"I know I can hardly believe it myself! I'm still afraid that I might be dreaming."

"Alright now that your here spill it!"

"Spill what?" Joanie asked pretending ignorance.

"Oh come on. You're just shipped home out of the blue. What happened?"

Joanie smile mischievously, " I was expelled."

"Expelled?! What did you do?"

"Nothing! Well almost nothing. Last Thursday after classes I headed to my room to change before I went over to the stables. Well Martha, you know my roommate, and her friends were outside the dorm in a huddle. I should have known that something was up when they straightened up when I came by. They actually were nice to me for once. Anyhow, I came back from the stables and got ready for dinner. Everything was fine until lights out. Martha said she was going to the bathroom and never came back. Curious, I looked out the window and saw several girls sneaking off towards the woods. I thought about following them to see what they were up to but I didn't. I had heard them whispering about me before so I knew they were up to something rotten as usual. So I decided to cover my butt. Martha was taken off of the swim team last semester because of her grades. So I took her scarf with her initials on it and snuck down to the school's kitchen. I grabbed some of those jumbo cans of tomato sauce and dumped them into the pool. It was great! They had to cancel the biggest match of the year!"

Kate kicked her feet and squealed, "I can't believe you did that! What happened?"

"The next morning I was ordered down to Miss Victoria Grove's office, she's the head mistress. It's funny that she enjoys being called a `mistress' seeing what the name implies and all. Her family founded the school billions of years ago and I think she's been there the entire time. Anyhow, It seems the other girls claimed I had stolen her car and snuck off to meet a boy. Apparently the car had ran off the road into a ditch. I thought about denying the charges of course but all the girls stuck together. I can't even drive yet for pete's sake. She told me I could either work in the kitchen to repay the damages or they would expel me."

"Some choice!"

"Yeah, so you know which one I picked. I didn't even deny it. I figured why bother? She called my dad while I was in her office. He was so mad he wouldn't even speak to me. Joanie shrugged, "So I went to my room to start packing. I heard a big commotion outside and saw everyone heading for the gym. I guess someone decided to get in some early laps and found the pool. I was ordered back down to the office where Miss Grove had the nerve to accuse me of damaging it. I told her that I couldn't have possibly have done it since she had witnesses that said I was gone during that time joy riding in her car. It was great! She was so mad but she couldn't do anything to me 'cause I was already expelled."

"Note to self, stay on Joanie's good side. So what happened to Martha?" Kate asked pretending to write an imaginary note in the air.

"To make a long story short Martha got kitchen duty for the next two months, I got sent home on the next bus to Cincinnati and my dad got the bill to repair the car."

"So everything turned out perfect."

"Ha! At least for me. So what did I miss while I was gone?" Joanie asked reaching over to the bookshelf which made up Kate's headboard grabbing last year's yearbook.

"Not much, there's never any excitement around here." Kate said flopping down next to Joanie to update her on the latest who's who. They spent the next hour laughing and reminiscing.

"I can't believe how everybody has changed; look at April Miller!" Joanie said pointing to her long time adversary.

"Yep." Kate sighed. "She's the most popular girl in school -- with the boys at least." She added sarcastically. "Course I would be too if I slept with all of them."

"Kate!" Joanie said laughing. "You're outrageous! Oh my gosh look at the time! Mom's gonna kill me!"

Kate smiled thinking of Joanie's mom. She wished her parents were as cool as her. "Go ahead I'll meet you in the morning and we'll walk to school together."

Joanie groaned. She wasn't looking forward to returning to school. "No we'll ride to school together. Mom made Brad promise he'll drive me tomorrow."

"If his car runs." Kate added accentuating the word if. The two girls burst into laughter. Brad's car was older than he was and he had to tinker with it daily just to keep it running. Joanie headed out as Kate promised to meet her at her home in the morning.

***

Joanie walked into the heavenly scent of her mother's homemade tomato sauce bubbling on the stove. It mingle perfectly with the apple scent and Joanie's stomach rumbled. Her mother was just stirring in the ziti noodles to complete the dish. She walked right past the figure on the couch without noticing him.

Brad hesitated; he wasn't quite sure what to say. Usually he wouldn't shut up but it had been a long time since he'd seen Joanie and he was worried she might have changed. Especially after living with the rich and lame. He took a deep breath and called to her.

"Hey stranger!" Brad said from behind. Brad was three years older than Joanie he dropped out of school to work and help their mom with the bills. Of course due to his lax work ethic he was unemployed more often than not.

Joanie spun around surprised, her attention had zeroed in on the wonderful aroma wafting around she didn't even notice that Brad was home. Her breath was almost knocked out of her as he grabbed her up in a bear hug and spun her around. Joanie who was very glad she hadn't eaten yet punched him playfully on the arm when he finally set her back down on her unsteady feet.

"Hey Brad! Thanks for carrying up my bags for me." Joanie said sarcastically.

"Anytime." he said slapping her on the back as they went to sit at the table for dinner. "Heard you got busted. Good deal."

"Brad," Carol chastised "Joanie's had a long day she doesn't need your snide comments."

Joanie stuck her tongue out at him while her mother wasn't looking and he grinned widely. He was relieved. `Nope hasn't changed a bit.'

Joanie sat next to her mother and across from Brad at their worn wooden table. She used her finger to trace the initials carved into it. BC. She smiled to her self remembering how angry her mother had gotten at him. From then on Brad was known as "The Caveman" based on a mixture of his initials and his rudimentary skills with weapons.

"I not only invented the wheel but now I have wheels." Brad said reading his sisters mind.

"Perfect! You can teach me how to drive." Joanie said laughing as Brad choked on his food.

The next morning Joanie was forced to listen to Brad grumble as they headed to his car.

"I can't believe I had to get up early on my day off to baby-sit." Brad said complaining as Kate came up to meet them.

"Would you stop griping! Every day's your day off; you don't work." Kate said point-blank.

Brad looked appalled as Joanie giggled. "For your information Missy I do have a job."

"You DO?" The girls asked in wonder.

Brad purposely ignored them as he opened the driver's side door and climbed into his precious primer spotted jalopy. It had once been a light green color. Now it sort of resembled a chameleon on acid. The girls opened the door on the opposite side. They slide into the front bench seat with Kate in the middle. It was starting to be a good day Joanie thought as they pulled out on to the street. The car was working at least.

Joanie was nervously gazing out the window again. The butterflies in her stomach were doing cartwheels. Though no one could tell by looking at her. That's one thing Joanie learned early on is how to hide her feelings. Keep 'em to yourself so no one can use them against you. She had to be strong to survive or at least pretend to be.

"So tell us what's your job?" Kate said filling in the silence.

"Baby sitting." Brad said as they pulled into the school a short time later.

The girls climbed out and thanked him. He smiled as he heard Joanie say "See I knew he didn't have a job."

"Smell ya later!" Brad yelled out the window and with a loud backfire he was off. The girls coughed from the fumes and hurried toward the building.

Joanie looked around the campus. Boys were chasing each other in the parking lot, pulling up girl's skirts and just making a nuisance of themselves. Most of the girls were standing or sitting in groups around trees or on benches, some were reading. Joanie thought to herself "It might not be so bad after all."

She had never been to the high school before; when she left she was in middle school. She was amazed by the size of the two story structure. Even the sign was huge. She looked up at the marble sign pronouncing Central High School home of the Eagles. Or at least that's what it was supposed to say. Someone had taken black paint and crossed out Eagles and wrote in P-I-G-O-N-S. It looked like it was done recently too since the paint was still dripping. The sound of the shrill bell sent them and everybody else scurrying through the door. The mob separated the two friends as Joanie spied the office. She heard Kate yell over the din, "I'll see you at lunch!"

Joanie pushed her way through the crowd and took refuge in the office. She looked at the bleak students either standing in line at the counter or sitting along the wall on a hard wooden bench. Sighing she lifted her head up and got into line. There were staff members milling about in the office but only one actually behind the counter working.

She was an older lady with gray hair that was pulled back into a tight bun which pulled all of her wrinkles towards the back of her head. Joanie looked down at her watch and noticed the time, it had already been five minutes and she hadn't even taken one step. She tried to hear what the others kids were doing there as she waited. The time passed slowly which was fine with her. She was dreading walking into class and everyone gawking at `the new girl'.

"Yes?" The lady behind the counter asked.

Joanie looked up surprised she had not realized that the line had finally moved. She bravely walked up to the counter and told the clerk that she needed to register. The lady grunted loudly as if she was annoyed and went to retrieve the forms. Joanie looked at the brown wood grain nameplate on the counter. Miss Gloria Dune. Joanie suddenly smiled she remembered Brad talking about Miss Dune the prune from his numerous trips to the office. He was right she did look like a prune. She couldn't believe she was still alive much less still working. She must be ancient.

"Here you are. Fill them out and bring them back up." She nodded with her head toward an empty desk in the corner. Joanie was staring amazed at the amount of papers and absent mindedly went over to the desk and sat down to start the tedious task. She reached over and took her pencil out of her bag and started to write. Snap! The tip broke. She just sat annoyed staring at the offensive piece of graphite. She silently willed the lead to reattach itself so she wouldn't have to get up to borrow one from the prune.

"I've got one." A low deep voice said beside her.

She looked over gratefully at the boy sitting next to her. She was startled that she didn't notice him before. His brown head was ducked down as he searched in his pocket for a pencil.

"Aha!" He cried producing the treasure he was seeking. "Here you can have mine; I'm not going to be needing it for awhile." She was surprised when he looked up at her that she knew him.

"Chad, Chad Phillips!" Joanie said excitedly. They had been good friends when they were younger. Joanie was kind of a tomboy and they had spent endless summer nights at Chad's house shooting hoops. He had an older brother named Eric, who used to pull her ponytail and call her `Pocahontas' because of her long dark hair. She smiled at the memory.

Chad smiled arrogantly; he was amazed that this lovely creature beside him knew his name. "Hey babe what's up?" He added in a deeper voice.

Joanie smacked his arm. "It's me, Joanie Caldwell you idiot."

Chad's mouth dropped open as recognition set in. "Joanie? As in Jo the queen of the free throws?"

"The one and only."

"What are you doing here? I thought you moved."

"Well I'm back. For Good. What are you doing here?" She asked suspiciously not quite sure if she wanted to know.

Chad thought for a second before answering. "I was expressing my individuality through paint."

Joanie laughed noticing for the first time the black paint staining his hands. "You misspelled pigeons."

"I did? Maybe that's why they're so upset over it."

Miss Dune called his name. He looked ticked at being interrupted but got up none the less. Miss Dune quickly ushered him into the principle's office and returned behind the counter.

Chad poked his head back out for an instant and yelled "I'll see ya around!" as the door slammed shut behind him.

Joanie quickly ducked her head down to hide her smile as she returned to her paperwork. She risked a teeny peek up and just as she suspected Miss Dune gave her the evil eye. Sighing she slumped down and started to fill in the forms.

Finally she was done. She brought the stack back up to the counter glad to see that the line had diminished. Miss Prune looked at the top page. "Joanie Caldwell? I hope you're not related to Brad Caldwell."

Joanie's eyes narrowed. "Yes, He's my brother." She stated warily.

"Humph! That's just what we need is another trouble maker." She heard Miss Dune say under here breath intentionally loud enough for Joanie to hear.

Joanie smiled wickedly as her eyes narrowed. It was one thing for her to insult Brad but she'd be damned if some old hag was going to talk bad about him. She took a deep breath to calm herself. In time. What did she care what old prune face thought of her anyway? She decided not to give her the list of Kate's courses. She knew if she did, she would not end up in any of Kate's classes. Instead she decided to keep quiet and maybe by chance she might still be in a couple.

"Here's your schedule and your locker number and combination. No dawdling you are already late!" Miss Dune chastised.

Joanie grabbed the list and scurried out into the corridor. She looked at the paper in her hands groaning as she noticed that her first class was gym. She would be hot and sweaty the rest of the day! "She did that on purpose." She muttered as she set off. Growling she vowed revenge.

After searching she finally found her locker on the second floor. She put in everything except her and Kate's schedule. Closing the door, she quickly scanned the two lists more thoroughly.

Joanie	Kate
1. Gym	1. Music
2. Social Studies	2. Social Studies
3. Science	3. English
Lunch A	Lunch A
4. Geometry	4. Gym
5. English	5. Science
6. Music	6. Geometry

Well at least they would have second hour and lunch together. There was nothing more horrible than eating lunch alone. She knew from experience. She made her way to the gym by instinct. She followed the long deserted corridor connecting the school to a large square building set behind it. It was as if they added it as an afterthought. She passed by the rest rooms and locker rooms and pushed open the large double doors at the end of the hallway. It was deserted; Joanie crossed the floor her footsteps echoing around the abandoned court. Nervously she picked up her pace and pushed open the doors at the opposite end. She was relieved to see the football field not far beyond her and what she hoped was her class. She could make out some girls jogging in their matching purple uniforms that were the school colors. Although the school was coed they still separated the gym classes by gender. It seemed silly to her especially since the boys still watched the workout from afar. Spying a man with a whistle around his neck she headed over.

"Excuse me sir but I think I'm supposed t o be in your class." Joanie said handing him her agenda.

The man carefully looked at it and smiled. "Yes ma'am you're in the right spot. Caldwell eh? Are you related to Brad?"

Ready to be ridiculed again she reluctantly nodded her head.

"Well good we need some talent around here. Welcome aboard!" He held out his hand and gripped hers hard. "Since you don't have your uniform yet you can sit out this one."

Graciously Joanie headed to the bleachers flexing her hand as she went. She carefully folded the vital paper and placed it in her skirt pocket. She hated wearing skirts but it was required in the dress code. She felt a tug on her hair and looked around to see Chad sitting behind her.

"What are you doing here? I figured you'd be locked away for good. Did you get in trouble?" She asked as he scooted down next to her.

"Naw; no more than usual. Actually they suspended me for a day and I have to clean up the sign." He said leaning back with his elbows on the bench behind him. "Not much to look at are they?" He said referring to her classmates jogging, err... make that walking around the track.

Joanie shook her head "You guys are all the same. If a girl isn't attractive you won't even talk to her. You're so worried about what other people will think."

"That's not true I'm talking to you ain't I?" Chad said ducking as she pretended to punch him.

"Not anymore." She said getting up to head to her next class. Luckily Kate was in it.

The morning passed quickly. Joanie just pasted a smile on her face and made the best of it. She was relieved when lunch time came. She met Kate at her locker and they headed there together. They were joined by two other girls who Joanie didn't know. Kate quickly introduced her to Jane and Sally. Joanie grinned trying to remember what Kate had told her about them in her letters. If she remembered correctly Jane was into music and dancing and Sally was rather quite. Joanie wondered how she would fit in. She didn't have to wonder long she soon found herself laughing at Jane's antics along with the rest. Kate was awed by all the looks Joanie was receiving from the boys; even upperclassmen. She was amazed that her friend didn't even notice them.

Finally they got their trays and decided to eat outside since heaven knows how many more nice days they would have before the long winter set in. They sat under a large maple that still had a few red leaves dangling from it's branches and were threatening to fall. Joanie asked them about the rest of her classes and she found out that Jane was in her math class. They quickly finished their lunch and headed off. Joanie and Jane headed to math together and Joanie welcomed the company. She made her usual stop at the teachers desk and was grateful that Jane stayed with her.

"Well let me see where to put you." Mr. Redmon said looking around the room.

"There's an empty seat behind me." Jane said.

"Thank you Jane. Please show her where it is."

Joanie followed obediently her seat was the last seat in the row. She sank down and pulled out her notebook. The final bell rung and Mr. Redmon started writing on the board. The classroom door opened once more and a very attractive blonde walked in. She sure has grown up Joanie thought as April Miller ironically took the seat next to hers. "No wonder she's so popular." Joanie mumbled to herself.

April looked down at Joanie as if she were a toad. "Well Jo I heard you were back."

"It's Joanie and yes I am." She said evenly. She hated that old nick name and April knew it. They stared at each other neither one looking away until Mr. Redmon demanded that April take her seat. She tossed her flowing blonde locks over her shoulder and sat down. Is this day ever gonna end? Joanie thought as she started copying down the home work.

After school she met Kate for the long walk home. "You two gonna go to the Soda Shoppe?" Sally asked.

Joanie shook her head no. "No they slammed me with homework, `Sides my cheeks are sore from smiling so much. It was really good meeting you though maybe tomorrow." And she and Kate started on their trek home.

"So how was it?" Kate asked.

"Well it wasn't as bad as I was expecting, there were a lot of nice kids. I just wished we had more classes together. April sits next to me in math class but besides that it was pretty good."

"Well it sure is great to have you back! I'll see you in the morning!" Kate said when they finally reached her house.

Joanie waved bye and continued on towards her home.

Joanie climbed the stairs to her apartment and went in and collapsed on the couch. Her mother worked nights at the hospital so she was getting ready to leave.

"Rough day?" Her mother asked.

"Nothin' major, it's just so redundant."

Her mom smiled. "Look at the bright side you only have two and a half more years."

"Thanks mom you really know how to cheer a girl up. Brad didn't graduate." Joanie retorted.

"Yes and look at Brad." Carol said smiling as she thought of her spoiled son.

Joanie smiled. "Good point."

"Did I hear my name?" Brad asked walking into the apartment.

"Yes!" Joanie said hoping up off the couch her energy renewed. "You promised to teach me to drive." Joanie asked gazing at him hopefully.

"I did not!" Brad said looking to his mom for help.

Carol smiled. "Brad you're a good driver it wouldn't kill you to spend more time with your only sister and teach her how to drive would it?"

Brad sighed, "It might." He murmured as Joanie grabbed his arm and drug him back down the three flights of stairs he had just walked up.

Brad leaned against his car gasping. "We need to get an elevator."

"You need to stop smoking, it will turn your teeth yellow and then who would want you?" Joanie said pointedly.

Brad rolled his eyes since he didn't have enough breath for a retort.

"Get in." Brad ordered pointing to the driver side.

Joanie squealed and climbed in quickly, Brad grumbling climbed in the other side. Joanie frowned noticing she was practically in the backseat. "How do you move the seat up?" Joanie asked feeling around the bottom of the seat for controls and moving it closer. "Why are there three pedals when I only have two feet!" Joanie stated looking under the dash and frowning.

"We haven't gotten to that part of the training yet. Now be quite and listen." Brad said as he started pointing to the various instruments on the dashboard and explaining in great detail how they worked and what they were for.

.......half an hour later.......

"Are you going to give me the keys or not?" Joanie demanded wondering how he knew so much about cars but yet flunked out of school.

Brad sighed reluctantly pulling the keys out of his pocket. He said a quick prayer before handing them to his sister.

Joanie grabbed the keys and excitedly put them in the ignition and turned the key.

The engine struggled desperately to turn over and then nothing. Frowning Joanie tried it again, nothing. Joanie's head fell forward in despair engaging the horn.

"Out!" Brad yelled losing his patience quickly.

Joanie and Brad changed places and Brad sighed sinking down into the familiar seat. He twisted around to put his legs in and cried out as his knees hit the dashboard.

"Rule number 27 adjust your seat before you get in." Joanie quipped sarcastically as Brad glared at her. She watched as he adjust his seat grumbling.

"Ok, now watch my feet. You have to give it some gas, push the clutch down, hold the brake down with your right foot, turn the key in the ignition and shift the gear into reverse. It's that easy." Brad said moving all his limbs at the same time as the car started up and slid smoothly out of the parking spot.

"Right." Joanie muttered.

Brad drove to a nearby factory so Joanie could drive around the empty parking lot. "So you don't endanger anyone." Brad explained their location as they once again switched seats.

Joanie hopped out of the car thankful Brad had left the car running. Ok, Joanie thought, was it clutch, brake, gas, shift, or brake, clutch, shift, gas?

"Piece a cake." Joanie said to herself as Brad eyed her worriedly.

Joanie shifted the car into first gear, took her foot off the brake, popped the clutch and hit the gas. The car surged forward rapidly gaining speed, panicking Joanie stepped on the brake with both feet. The car screeched to a halt almost propelling her and Brad through the windshield. She risked a glance over at her brother to make sure he was ok.

His knuckles were as white as his face as his fingers dug into the dashboard. His chest was heaving as he looked over at Joanie and growled.

"Um, sorry." Joanie said forcing a smile. Brad shifted the car into neutral and motioned for her to get out of the car for the second time that day. He didn't trust himself to speak.

Joanie hopped back into the passenger side and pouted as Brad jumped out and kissed the ground. Now she was never going to be able to learn how to drive.

The week passed quickly. Joanie fell into a routine at school and made several new friends as well as reacquainted herself with old ones. April and her crew still were mean and nasty any chance they got but Joanie didn't let that bother her. She could handle them. There was a county fair in town this weekend and she and Kate had planned to go on Saturday.

Joanie slept in Saturday morning. Hearing her mother call her, she reluctantly drug herself out of bed surprised to see the time. After breakfast she dressed in a pair of jeans and boots and a light weight ivory colored sweater. She grabbed one of Brad's old gym bags and packed herself a few things since she would be staying overnight at Kate's house that evening. She kissed her mom goodbye and headed out. Her mom had to work that day and who knew where Brad was. She didn't even bother asking. He had been avoiding her since the car "incident." She had told Kate about what happened and Kate had laughed hysterically. What are friends for?

The air was chilly even for October she was glad she wore Brad's tattered denim jacket. The sleeves hung down below her finger tips so she rolled them up as she walked to Kate's house. Kate met her at the door as they quickly stashed her things in Kate's room. Kate's dad grunted as Kate ripped the newspaper out of his hands and drug him towards the door. The girls hopped into the car and headed towards the fair ground.

Kate kissed her dad's cheek in thanks as he waved bye to the girls. Joanie watched him drive away wistfully wishing her dad was more like Kate's. Forcing a smile she turned away looking towards the Midway. You could smell the popcorn and cotton candy and Joanie inhaled deeply as the girls made their way to the entrance.

The fair wasn't too crowded when they arrived she expected more people would come out later in the evening. Joanie's mom gave her what little money she could spare and Joanie refused to ask for more. She looked around at the prices on the various activities. "I've gotta get a job." She murmured to herself more than to Kate.

Kate grinned. "No problem all we have to do is pick up some boys and we're set."

Joanie looked around doubtfully. "Not much to choose from."

"Not yet! It's still kind of early the cool guys don't show up until after dark."

Are they cool or ugly? Joanie thought to herself as she faithfully followed Kate on another ride. Since it was fall it turned dark faster than usual. And Kate was right as usual, more guys did come. Except most of them had dates. A couple of guys had come up to talk to Joanie but she refused to leave Kate alone plus, she was careful about whom she could trust. Having an older brother she knew what most boys wanted in return for a night out, and she just wasn't ready for that. She always imagined her first time would be with someone special, someone she loved, not for a bag of popcorn.

She heard someone calling their names and they turned to see who it was. It turned out to be Jane and Sally. They decided to team up and hit the Zipper.

"What's a zipper?" Joanie asked as her friends turned and looked at her like she had grown two heads. "The Zipper is a wild ride kind of like a small Ferris Wheel but your caged in to the seat which repeatedly turns upside down." Kate explained. "My cousin rode the zipper last year and the person in the car above her threw up! The vomit sprayed all over her! It was so nasty!". Great Joanie thought as she followed her friends on the ride glad she hadn't eaten anything yet and hoping no one else had either.

The Zipper was a mistake.

Sally was feeling sick afterwards so her friends quickly drug her down a dark alley between the tents to look for a place to give her some privacy to hurl.

Mistake number two.

When they reached the back of a hopefully empty tent Sally retched as quietly as possible. Her friends tried to cover her by talking loudly.

"At least she didn't puke on the ride!" Kate said cheerfully.

Embarrassed Sally stood up and almost fell over but Jane quickly grabbed her arm.

"Are you alright ?" Jane asked.

"Actually I'm not feeling so well after all. You wouldn't mind taking me home would you?" She asked Jane.

"No sweat but if you ralph in my dad's car your cleaning it. "Jane told her only half kidding. Jane turned to Kate and Joanie "Are you guys coming with us?"

"It's pretty dark we'll walk you to your car. I`ll call my dad later and have him pick us up." Kate said as the foursome headed towards the parking lot. The fair only comes once a year and she wasn't ready to see it pass yet.

They decided to take a shortcut through some woods incase Sally got sick again. Stumbling over sticks and roots in the almost black night they were lead by the angry glare of the street lamp over the parking lot. The small group headed towards it as if it was a beacon paving their way with light. When they reached the car they said their goodbyes. Sally had her ashen face leaning against the cold window for comfort.

"She looks awful! I hope she feels better. Jane'll kill her if she messes her car up." Joanie said as they made their way back to the fair.

"Maybe we should go the long way. "Joanie said looking at the dark path from which they had come. It seemed much darker with the light behind them now. Plus, it was just the two of them left.

"Oh come on that'll take ages! You already went through there once. We'll just be careful." Kate said practically.

Mistake number three.

Reluctantly following her fearless friend, Joanie scurried after her to catch up. Entering the woods they paused for a minute to let their eyes adjust to the dim light. Carefully they started walking back towards the fairgrounds. They were concentrating very hard on the ground to make sure they didn't fall. They finally made it to the uneven grass behind the tents when Kate looked up and stopped suddenly and Joanie almost walked into her.

"Oh shit." Kate whispered looking ahead of them.

Joanie looked up and saw that the end of their path was blocked by three tough looking guys each one bigger than the next. A small glow arched up and then dropped to the ground and was smashed out as Joanie realized it was a cigarette. The tallest one in the middle dropped his cigarette too and stepped on it to put it out. He stepped forward into the dim light. The girls held their ground standing up straighter to appear braver than they really were.

Squinting her eyes to focus better, Joanie relaxed slightly when she recognized Chad Phillips as the smallest one. Well, Chad wouldn't let them be killed. Would he? She thought looking at the other two. Then as her eyes began to adjust to the lack of light she realized that the tallest guy was his older brother Eric and the other one was Marc Johnson, the boy Kate was infatuated with. They had changed a lot over the years.

"Don't you know it ain't safe to be in the woods after dark?" Eric asked smiling wryly.

"You gonna protect us?" Kate asked coyly.

Joanie grabbed her arm and pulled her back a couple of steps.

"Are you crazy! What are you trying to do?" Joanie asked her audacious friend.

"I'm trying to get us a free dinner. Now play along. Oh, by the way I get Marc and you can have Eric."

"Eric?!" Joanie said a little too loudly. She heard the guys chuckle as they slapped Eric on the back and her face turned beet red. For once she was glad of the darkness.

"Unless you want Chad." Kate offered generously.

"Eric it is." Joanie said nervously.

She knew him when he was younger, and she heard he had been in trouble a lot. `Course she also knew not to trust everything she heard plus, she was low on cash. Her stomach growled and regretfully she followed Kate closer. She kept her arms crossed and regarded them coolly.

While the girls were having a discussion so were the boys. "Who is that in the denim; she sure is hot." Marc said.

"Yeah she is; I get her and you can have the other one." Eric said watching Joanie closely.

"Are you two nuts?" Chad groaned. "That's just Joanie Caldwell, Brad's little sister. I thought we were going to find some action tonight." He complained. "If I knew you guys were gonna have a tea party I would have went with Jack."

Eric gave him a thoughtful look. "Really? Joanie huh. Well Chad I think you should go catch-up with old Jack three's a crowd."

Chad laughed, "Don't you mean five? `Sides you're wastin' your time with those two. They're good girls." He said over his shoulder as he walked off kicking the dirt as he left.

They saw the girls walk back over and Eric nodded for Marc to go first. He thought if Kate went for it that Joanie would follow.

"What did you guys have in mind?" Kate asked as she felt more than saw Joanie come up behind her.