Passing Clouds

Written By: Anjana

Episode Five Serendipity

Chapter one
It has technically been a week and three days since I havent spoken to Alex or Bella. But that didnt bother me since Ive been busy with school work, anyways. I have invited Grace to my house today to begin with the History project. The submission is next Monday so I must begin now. And Johns attitude is completely appalling. He flirts with literally every girl he meets and somehow he has stopped talking to me. Thank god for that. I dont want anything to do with him. Sarah picks me and Grace from school and we head to my house. I still wonder if Grace and John are officially dating or are they just making out buddies? Does Grace even know that John is a player and he goes around kissing literally every girl in our year? Sarah says she is going out somewhere to meet with her friends after she drops me and Grace and she drives away. I take Grace to my room. Wow youve a huge house Sarah exclaims. And youre bedroom is just exquisite Thank you I say as I open my closet to change from my uniform. Wow! Youve your own shoe room? she asks as she opens my shoe room and examines at all my Jimmy Choo shoes. Yeah, but I barely wear them Why? And OMG youve amazing clothes! she says as she looks at my clothes. I dont like girls who say OMG! It just sounds so girly and dramatic. Why cant they say OH MY GOD? My bedroom is only the size of your closet she says as she sits on my canopy bed. My closet is in a size of a small bedroom. I see Im just going to change my clothes I say and close my closet after I enter. I pick out a pink Miu Miu shirt and a track pant and change quickly. I come back to my room and see Grace sprawled on my bed and she had switched on the TV without my permission. Not that I mind, its just that I wouldnt do that in someone elses house. What are you watching? I ask as I sit on my study table and switch on my laptop to do some research on Cleopatra. Grace and I decided to work on

Cleopatra since its easy to get information on her. One Tree Hill she responds after awhile. Do you watch One Tree Hill? she asks. Not really, I dont watch dramas. Im more into X Files and stuff I say. Ew I hate that crap she says. That crap? She just called my favorite show as crap! So who do you think is hotter? Nathan Scott or Lucas Scott? she asks. I stare at my laptop. I seriously dont know who the hell is Nathan Scott or Lucas Scott. Did I not tell her that I dont watch it? I quickly Google, Nathan Scott and Lucas Scott on my laptop. Lucas Scott is Chad Michael Murray? Lucas Scott I reply and smile at the screen and close Google. I think Nathan is hotter. She says. Okay, Grace! I dont care about Nathan or Lucas, can we just start out project? Hold on itll get over in few Minutes She takes about thirty minutes to come and join me with our project and I already finished typing three pages. We take another one hour to complete our project. And done, we finished our project in one day! That was fast. Me and Grace head downstairs to the kitchen to get something to eat since both of us are hungry. My maid, Melissa serves an apple pie. We take it upstairs to my room and start gossiping since we had nothing else to do. So youve a boyfriend? I ask. I tried not to bring this up but I just couldnt help myself. Yes she says blushing. who is the lucky guy? . If you dont mind telling me, that is I say. Of course, I dont mind telling you. She says smiling at me. Who is it, then? John Weber

Chapter Two
So its true, he is a player. John, I mean. I dont know how many girls he is dating at the moment. This situation reminds me of the movie John Tucker must die. How ironic is it, that his name is John as well. I dont know if I should tell Grace about John or not. If I do, would she even believe me? Because she is going on telling me how cute and sweet John is which he isnt! I dont think I should tell Grace, she seems Prudent. Weve been going out for one week now. We both felt the spark as soon as we saw each other and then he asked me out and I said yes! she says. Felt the spark? Does that mean he feels the spark with every girl he meets? Does

Tiffany too think that he is her boyfriend? Oh my god, I cant wait to burst Tiffanys bubble when she finds out that John is a player. He bought me this to show the significance of our love says Grace pulling out a chain around her neck which was hidden under her shirt. Its a chain with a heart locket. It looks simple but beautiful. He is so sweet she says placing her hand on her chest and inhales deeply. She looks so dramatic. Sure, he is so sweet that he goes around making out with other girls. Ive caught him with three girls! Three is a solid number. Maybe there are more but Ive seen three already. Do you have a boyfriend, Gina? she asks as she places her hand on my arm like Alex always does. Um no I say shaking me head. I cant believe it! A girl as pretty as you is still single? Thats unbelievable she says. Oh please, Im not pretty. Youre just being nice No, youre really pretty she assures me. Okay thanks I say smiling. I dont know what else to say. Maybe I can ask John to hook you up with someone. Says Grace. Um No thanks. Im not interested I say. I bet anyone who John hooks me up is going to be another player himself. Okay, I got to go she says as she looks at her phone buzzing in silence. My mother is here to pick me up she says and leaves.

Chapter Three
I sigh as I walk down the hallway. I feel really lonely without Alex and Bella. We completely ignore each other when we see each other. I walk up to my locker and I see Alex and Bella talking and smiling about something. The minute they see me they pretend to be quiet. Usually I leave within a minute after I take my books but this time I try to make a conversation. I seriously cant do this. Theyre my best friends and I need them, no matter what! But before I start saying something Alex talks to me. Hi Gina she says after I shut my locker. I look bewildered at her. Did she just talk to me? Alex and I spoke about it and it was our fault. Says Bella. I shouldnt have called you a loser says Alex. And I shouldnt have called your mother a slut I say and fake a smile. I promise it wont happen again. Says Alex I promise too I say. So are we friends again? I ask holding on to my mathematics books. Yes says Bella. And I asked Rick if we can invite you and he was cool with it Alex says cheerfully. I was going to come to the party anyways Jake asked me to be his date to the party Jake? You and Jake are going out? Bella looks unfathomable. No, we are not. He is like a brother to me! I just told him about our fight and he told me and he and Megan broke up so he asked me to be his date to make her jealous and I agreed Oh alright says Alex. There is something I need to tell you says Bella. something, we need to tell you says Alex emphasizing on the we What? I ask. Rick asked me out! Alex shrieks with excitement. and Drake asked me out Bella says in the same tone. Thats amazing I try sounding excited but deep down I dont even care. I dont know why I dont care about it. I mean, theyre my best friends and

shouldnt I be happy for them? But I feel nothing. It doesnt make a difference to me. Maybe because This is not the first time theyve a boyfriend whereas Im almost fifteen and I havent had a boyfriend so far and Ive never been kissed! Not that Im bothered about it. Ive something to tell you guys too I start. Im going to tell them about John. The fact that he is a player and how Tiffany has fallen for him too! What? Youve a boyfriend too? asks Alex No. I say shaking my head. High School just started and Im not looking for a boyfriend either. I dont think My dad will even let me have a boyfriend. He didnt let Sarah have a boyfriend through out High School but I think she secretly had so many. You guys know John Weber right? I almost whisper. I dont want anyone to know. Oh my god! You like him? Bella jumps into conclusion. Definitely not! I say defiantly. Then? He is a player! Ive caught him making out with three girls already! And One of them is Grace, she is my History project partner! And the other is my bio lab partner, Olivia and then Tiffany Tiffany? Oh my god! Are you serious? asks Bella. Tiffany herself is a slut. Says Alex and they will be perfect for each other but the thing is he is a player and I dont know how many girls here know that! I say Well he is good looking says Alex He is beyond good looking! Bella says. I dont care if he is good looking or not! He is a freaking player! I say and suddenly I realize that Alex and Bella are no longer listening to me. Theyre starring at the entrance of the building. So is everyone else in the hallway. I look at what everyone else is looking at and I find myself staring at Tiffany, and her two new friends, Chelsea and Dana from our year walk in. Chelsea and Dana have become Tiffanys wannabe. Did you hear that the Darren Clique split up? And Chloe changed her clique name to The Pretty ones? Bella says out of nowhere. What? I ask. Chloe and Tiffany had a fight! So the Clique split up into The pretty ones

and Malcolm clique says Alex. But Tiffany is just a freshman! Nobody will want to treat a girl from freshman as the queen bee I say True but she is so popular among the seniors through Chloe but then Tiffany backstabbed Chloe and they split up the clique Now, thats a shock. Does that mean there is vacancy in the Darren Clique? We can still join the clique says Alex smiling. But there are only three people in the Malcolm clique informs Bella. And I suddenly come up with a plan. A plan where Tiffany can no more bully or make fun of me and I become popular in the same process. I dont want to join The Pretty Ones Clique I announce. What do you mean? I want to be in the Malcolm Clique I say smirking. Are you out of your mind? Her clique isnt famous and Chloe can crush Tiffany like a bug, any minute says Alex. Ive my ways of getting in and Chloe wont do that. Ill assure you that I say as my smile grows deeper. Whatever, Im not planning to be in the clique says Bella. Me neither. Weve lots of cheerleading stuff to do says Alex

Chapter Four

After the first three classes, I go search for Kimberly Darren. I need her help and Im planning to become her friend and help her not be a loner. I spot Kim next to her locker reading a book about coral reefs with her locker open and a water bottle in her hand. Hey I say slowly Hi Gina she looks at me excitedly. So, tell me why were you are not admitted to join in the The Pretty ones Clique in the first place? I ask Because my sister, Chloe is a absolute bitch and didnt let me join it she says Its not that you didnt want to join the Clique? I ask. I just need to make sure that Kim is interested in joining. Why would I not want to join it? Its every girls dream in St Antoine to be a part of that clique and want to impress Chloe! And did you hear that Chloe and Tiffany had a fight and the clique split up? I ask Kim Oh my god! No. when did that happen? Why did they fight? Sometimes I wonder if Kim is even Chloes sister because she is so oblivious of all the events that go in the school. But then, I never knew anything about my own sister so I dont expect Kims sister, Chloe to be any different. I dont know about it but I got a plan I say A plan to get us into The Malcolm Clique I say smirking once again. Malcolm Clique? You mean Tiffanys clique? But Chloes more popular says Kim I know but I dont think Chloe will let another freshman join I say Yeah, true that so whats your plan? She asks. Just meet me at lunch I say and Kim nods looking skeptical.

***

Its lunch time and I wait at my locker for Kim to join me from her Spanish class. Hey, so what do we do now? asks Kim as she meets me.

Come with me I say and lead her to the cafeteria. I scan around the room and spot Tiffany and her two new friends sitting in a table all by themselves trying to look Happy. I walk up to Tiffany and put my lunch tray on her table and take a seat next to Tiffany and Kim does the same. What the hell are you doing Fishy? This table is for the members of the Malcolm Clique not for losers. And Kim what are you doing here? Asks Tiffany. Kim and I decided to join your clique I say smiling No way! You two arent allowed. She say shaking her head Trust me, Tiffany I think you really need friends. Just join us I say Tiffany has friends says Chelsea and Dana in unison I mean true friends who arent here for the popularity I lie. Im here for the popularity as well so is Kim. Theyre my true friends now get the hell out of here! Says Tiffany. I find a similar chain around Tiffanys neck. Its the same chain as Grace showed me. Oh my god, thats such an adorable chain I say without getting up. My boyfriend gave me. Now get the hell out of here she says again And is your boyfriend John Weber? I ask smirking How did you know? We were supposed to be having a secret relationship she whispers. She clearly hasnt told Chelsea and Dana as well or else she wouldnt be whispering that. Sure he wants to keep it as a secret so that he can go around making out with other girls I whisper back What are you talking about? Hisses Tiffany Tiffany, there is something I need to tell you. I want to tell you because I care about you. I know youve made my life a living hell so far but I dont care! I know deep down somewhere way deep down, youre a good person. I lie. Oh my god Im telling the opposite stuff about her! What do you have to tell me? asks Tiffany slowly. She is no more angry at me, she is just curious.

Im not sure if youll want your two friends to know. I dont think youll want anyone to know I say biting my lips. I just cant wait to tell Tiffany the truth about John! Its okay. You can tell us. Were Tiffanys best friends says Dana No. Girls, Ill see you later. Now leave orders Tiffany But Tiff. Starts Dana No buts, just leave! Tiffany hisses. Fine says Chelsea and leaves with Dana What is it? Asks Tiffany looking at me. How did you know that John is my boyfriend? asks Tiffany Tiffany, John is a player. Youre not his only girlfriend. He has two other girlfriend. Maybe more, but Ive seen him with two other girls. I say and look at Tiffanys confused face. Youre lying she says. She sounds angry Im not. He has given that chain to many other girls. The chain that he only gives to the special girl! And apparently all the girls are special to him How do you know all this? I know because I saw him kissing two other girls and you, last week and one of his girlfriend is my history project partner and she showed me the chain and I saw it around my bio lab partners neck, who is his other girlfriend I say and look at her. She seems hurt. Did Tiffany really like John? She was usually a bitch who stole others boyfriends and she didnt care about anyone but herself. Youve got to be lying says Tiffany. She is no more looking at me. She is looking at something behind me. I turn around and catch her looking at John who is sitting in the Jock table and laughing with his friends. Why dont you ask him, yourself? I suggest. Fine she says with gritted teeth and walks towards John. Did you just make that up? asks Kim after Tiffany leaves. I look at Tiffanys intense face as she talks to John. I cant hear what theyre talking about. Of course not! I really saw him with two other girls! I reply to Kim. Thats cruel. He is such a bad person says Kim I know, he is cruel I respond to Kim without taking my eyes off Tiffany and

John. Tiffany seems angry and then before I realize, Tiffany slaps John and everyone in the cafeteria gasp. Tiffany walks away and walks to the table where Kim and I are sitting. Are you okay? I ask No Im not she yells at me with teary eyes. She takes her bag and walks away. Follow me I tell Kim and walk behind Tiffany. Tiffany enters the girls room and we follow her. Tiffanys mascara is running down her cheek as she cries. Ive never seen Tiffany cry. Ive seen her make others cry but not herself. Why are you following me? Tiffany yells at me and Kim. Shut the fuck up, Tiff! Gina is being nice to you and instead, you just yell at her Kim says Tiffany looks at me for awhile and starts crying again. She places her head on my shoulder and continues crying. Apart from the fact that she is ruining my school uniform with her tears, Im just shocked that Tiffany is crying on my shoulder. Ive to console her. I just hug her and say Its okay, he is a big jerk. You deserve way better I say Why are you being so nice to me, Gina? Even after all the horrible things Ive done to you? she asks as she takes a tissue from Kim and wipes her eyes Because she is nice. Kim answers for me and smiles at me. unlike you and my sister she adds Im sorry for all the things Ive done to you I cant believe my ears! Did Tiffany Malcolm just apologize to me? No fucking way! I cant wait to tell this to Alex and Bella! I was so cruel to you, only because I was jealous of you she says all of a sudden. What?! Did she really say that or did I hear it wrong? Why were you jealous of me? I ask slowly Because youre so pretty. You had everything that I wanted. Youve perfect friends, perfect looks do you know how much I wish I was you?

Shocked is what I am! You even had a loving family! Youre life seemed so perfect. You also had the perfect grades and every teacher loved you in Middle School so I decided to bully you and make it bad. Im sorry I was such a terrible person. Did she just call my life Perfect? If she hadnt noticed, my life has been so bad. Im the laughing stock of the school. Has she even met my family? My dad is working almost every second of his life. Hes barely at home and my sister acts like I dont exist! Our family is a disaster since our mom died. My family isnt like a family at all! There is nothing perfect about me, Tiffany I say If you hadnt noticed, Every guy wanted you in elementary school! I was so jealous of you so I bullied you in Middle School and Im so sorry for that. Please forgive me? Tiffany is asking for me to forgive her? I forgive you, Tiffany I say You and Kim can join my clique. But our clique is not doing that well! Chelsea and Dana are two fucking losers. They just have the money, so I joined them explains Tiffany Well make our clique better than Chloes I say How? asks Tiffany Just trust me, okay? I say Okay But just promise me that You wont bully me or pick on me anymore You shouldnt bully anyone I say Sure says Tiffany finally smiling and hugs me.

Chapter Five
One thing that I dont believe is that Tiffany was jealous of me! And second, she told me she wished she had my looks! I just cant stop thinking about that. And third, Im part of a clique! This is so exciting! Tiffany told me that Chelsea and Dana were annoying bitches but I dont think so. I got to know them over sometime and I thought they were completely sweet. It is even cool that Tiffany made me the co-head of the Clique! My plan worked. John wouldve finally learnt his lesson and Tiffany will no longer make anyones life a living hell! Kim and I became better friends. Right now, were at Tiffanys house having our first clique meeting. So I proudly present you the co-head of our Clique, Gina Lingate says Tiffany. Chelsea, Dana and Kim who are seated on Tiffanys bed pretend to be clapping and whistling. I also learnt that Tiffany doesnt have a dad. Her dad left her and her mom when she was only eleven for a thirty year old model. She mustve been greatly affected. Tiffanys room is so much bigger and cleaner than mine but she has no shoe room! So what are we going to do on our first meeting? asks Chelsea

Were going to explain the rules says Tiffany handing out pink colored pamphlets to everyone. Malcolm Clique Ground Rules 1. 2. 3. 4. We fight We rule We conquer We win

What the hell is this? Tiffany, this cant be our ground rules I say crushing the pamphlet and throw it in the bin. Can we change the clique name? says Kim putting up her hand why? asks Tiffany dubiously Because if its going to be THE MALCOM Clique then its going to be like were under you and technically youre not so powerful in school Im more powerful than youre Tiffany retorts I think, Kim has got a point. Lets change the name to something more common. No last names to our clique I say Fine, what do you want to name it? she asks How about Malate clique? asks Dana What the hell is Malate? asks Tiffany mimicking Danas voice. Malcolm plus Lingate You mean Magate? I ask Yeah, whatever says Dana Thats a good idea but lets not give names like this. I say What about The Serendipity Clique Kim suggests

Good idea, Kim. I say Fine, serendipity it is. Says Tiffany placing her hands on the hips And weve only one rule. That is; we stand up for our Clique members, no matter what I say and Kim nods in agreement. And weve monthly sleepovers! says Tiffany. Yay says Dana clapping her hands Okay, so how many of you are invited to Eric Egrafeds party this weekend? asks Tiffany. Everyone puts up their hand apart from Kim. I feel sad that she hasnt been invited. Since youre part of the clique, youre officially invited! says Tiffany pointed at Kim Thanks Tiff says Kim smiling. Do me a favor and just dont call me that says Tiffany Okay, the members of our clique always have to look smashing! We cant afford to look bad in a party so were going shopping together! announces Tiffany. This seems just like sorority sisters. Were going shopping, first thing tomorrow says Tiffany Thats not necessary! Just bring your best clothes to my house tomorrow and we can decide what to wear. We can even share each others clothes if you want. Lets not waste money on shopping says Kim. Nobody asked for your opinion says Tiffany If Im going to be part of this clique then Im going to give my opinions! Or else Im out says Kim Tiffany, everyone have the right to share their opinion! I hiss. Fine, well meet at your place. But wait, what about Chloe? Shell be in your house and were not letting our enemies know what were wearing for the party says Tiffany Then lets meet at my house I say Deal

Chapter Six
Its Friday and the Clique members and I are all excited about the party tomorrow! Its honestly the first High school party Im going to attend. I bet its everyone elses first time too. Everyones party dresses are thrown on my bed in an erratic manner. We try on each others dress and see if it suits us. But the thing is everyones keen on wearing one of my dress. Chelsea wants to borrow my Gucci black dress. Dana wants my Prada dress and Tiffany says she would like to borrow my Oscar De La Renta red dress. Kim is the only one that isnt interested in taking any of my dress. Please can I borrow this? asks Chelsea spinning around in my Gucci dress. It totally suits my hairstyle she says. Chelsea does look stunning in them Yeah, sure I say. Gina, Thank you for lending me your Oscar De La Renta! Its fabulous says Tiffany. I didnt even agree on giving them to her. I guess she thought I was okay with it. I dont mind anyways. Can I take this, Gina? asks Dana holding on to my Yeah sure I say. What are you going to wear? Asks Kim. I really dont know

Chapter Seven
Jake Parks the car among few other cars in the Egrafed manors humongous front yard. The house is unbelievably huge. Its way bugger than mine. The front yard is twice the size of my back yard. There is a fountain in the middle of the front yard. There are cuple of drunk juniors puking into the fountain. What disgusting, people? Music blares from the inside and fills my ears. I wonder how loud the music is going to be once I get inside the house. Jake takes a while to unbuckle his seatbelt and I look at him intensely.

What? he croaks as soon as he realizes that Im staring at him. I was just wondering if we were going to the party before the sun comes up I ask sarcastically. Im not sure if bringing you to the party is a good idea What? Why? I ask. Because youre just fifteen and this is such a wild party and I dont know if youre going to be alright on your own Im not going to be on my own. Im going to be with Alex and Bella or maybe Tiffany and the people from our clique But this is not their first time to such wild parties. True that, Alex and Bella have attended so many partied of their mothers friends. Theyve been to partied that have alcohol when they were thirteen. Isla is so irresponsible. She doesnt give a damn about her kids. That include Alex and Bellas siblings as well. And Tiffany she is a party popper! Jake, Im going to be alright. Lets just go and make Megan Jealous! I say squeezing his right hand and assure him. Fine he says opening his door and walks towards my side and opens my door. So are we like dating or what? I as I get off the car and instantly regret not bringing a jacket or sweater. Its very chilly out here and Im wearing only a pink tie-on top with denim shirts and black sneakers. I cross my hands around my chest and rub my own arm. Im using the law of friction to keep myself warm. Smart arent I? Except the law of friction has failed to keep my warm. Jake notices me and wraps his own arm around my shoulder. His face is only few inches away from me. I stare into his glimmering green eyes. He looks beautiful under the moon light. I dont know, you define the relationship! I says in a dazzled tone. Well, would you date a freshman? No, I wouldnt but Gina Lingate is an exception because she is such a babe He says. I give out a snort of laughter at his cockiness. Okay, so Im just your date to the party. Nothing more! I say . Deal. He says. He unwraps away from me. We walks hand in hand towards the entrance of the house.

Jake opens the door and the raucous sound fills my ear. I hate loud music. I dont even need a jacket here since its already warm in here and there are crazy drunk teenagers dancing through out the house. This is how a high school party looks like? It seems cool but reckless. The house is exquisite. Its marble floored and the living room has cream colored leather sofa in the middle of the room. The ground floor has three rooms, a kitchen and a staircase that takes you to the first floor. Do you see Megan? asks Jake. Theres no way I can see Megan in this crowd. Im short and Im not good in spotting people. No I say without making an attempt to look. Jake has head held high as he scans through out the room. Do you see Alex? I ask No Bella? No Tiffany? No Kim? No wait who is Kim? he asks. Kim is my new friend. She is Chloes sister I say. Never heard of Kim he says. Okay I say. I found Megan Jake murmurs. Where? I whisper She is watching us from the staircase he replies I look towards the staircase. I see Megan with Chloe and Ruth (another girl in their clique) Jake, my man interrupts a loud man voice behind me. My reflex action makes me turn back. I see a good looking guy with blonde hair and the perfect cut. Eric! says Jake and they have a man hug. So this is Eric Egrafed? No wonder, he resembles Rick in every possible way! But Eric is more intimidating because he is freakishly tall! Eric, this is my date, Gina says Jake pointing to me. Eric looks at me with wide eyes like he just won a lottery ticket or something. No way! I thought you were bringing a freshman?

She is a freshman says Jake. Do I not look like a freshman? Hello, Im short! Erics eyes up and down, my body. Is he checking me out? Oh my god, he is! I knew this shirt was quite low exposing some amount of my cleavage. I shouldve worn something else! Are you done eye-raping me? I ask as I shift my weight to my right leg. Hot and cocky says Eric swinging his heavy arm on my shoulder. Get your hands of her, man says Jake defensively. He shoves Eric. Eric takes few steps backward. Jake quickly puts his arms across my waist. He pulls me closer to himself and bends down and presses his soft lips to mine. Im bewildered. Oh my god, he is kissing me! This is my first kiss and Im not kissing him back. Jake demands entry to my mouth but I dont let him. The kiss lasted for maybe, fifteen seconds. Jake stands tall. What was that for? I ask Megan is still is watching us he replies. Oh is all I could say. Thats why he kissed me? Not because he wanted to kiss me out of his own will? She must be very jealous then I say sarcastically. I know I would be jealous if my ex boyfriend was someone as hot as Jake and if he was kissing someone else! Dude! Youve to chill says Eric getting his balance back. Sorry man Jake shrugs. Babe, let me show you around the house! says Eric putting his heavy arm around my shoulder again. I look at Jake for defense again. But this time he just nods indicating that it was alright to go with him. Okay I say looking at Eric.