Unmistakable

“Catarina Delani Eline! You only have twenty minutes, Chiquitita! Rapido!
Rapido!” My mother called from the bottom of our grand, twirling staircase. I always
loved it when she used her Spanish accent. I laughed to myself and walked to the mirror.
My summer-tanned skin was perfect. My chocolate brown hair hung to the small of
my back in flawless curls. My designer jean shorts and blouse hugged my body, showing
every curve. I smiled and watched my deep blue eyes twinkle. It’s official. I’m perfect.

I grabbed my binder that had “Carter” (my nickname) printed on the front and
shoved it into my new Nordstrom backpack.

My first day of high school. My stomach twisted in fright. I shook my head for
how silly I was being when my custom pink blackberry vibrated. I clicked the green
button and pulled it to my ear.

“We’re here Carter!” One of my best friends, Jonnie shouted from the other end
of the phone. I pressed the end button and put the phone in my back pocket. I threw out
a small scream and slung my backpack over my shoulder. I ran down the staircase, across
my huge house, and out the front door to Jonnie’s mom’s Hummer.

I slid into the back with my other two best friends Tori Borren and Colleen
Dekarrie. Tori was pulling back the sides of her pin-straight reddish brown hair and had a
bobby pin between her teeth.

“Hey, CarCar.” She managed to say through her clenched teeth.

“Hey!”

Colleen laughed, shaking out her mahogany waves. Her emerald eyes were
glistening with excitement.

“Shut up you guys. How do I look?” Jonnie asked. Even though she was a snob,
she could be a great friend sometimes. Her golden curls were pulled into a side pony-tail
that almost reached her elbow and her green eyes were surrounded by the perfect amount
of mascara and eyeliner. She looked—

“Gorgeous!” We all blurted out. Jonnie flashed her brilliant perfect, white smile
and turned back around in the front seat.
 I stroked the black leather of the seat, deep in thought.

I’m popular, I’ve got nothing to worry about. This year will be perfect. The freshman year
is always the best one in movies, right?

I took a deep breath a nodded to my self. All of a sudden Colleen grabbed my

hand, pulling me out of the car. I faced the huge San Diego High School, fright filling
my body.

“Uh, Carter?” Colleen asked, still holding my wrist. I turned my head to look into
her confused eyes. “You’re shaking like an old lady.” She finished. I laughed and pulled
my wrist from her hand.

“Get into formation.” I said. We four walked to our positions, forming a diamond.
Of course, I was the front tip. We walked through the open doors, smiling at every boy
with their mouths gaping open.

We walked to our lockers, which were all in a row. (Thanks to Jonnie’s rich
parents.) Tim Lank, Danny Shinglen, and a mysterious hunk were all taking books out of
their lockers. Tim and Danny are our best guy friends from last year. I smiled at the new
guy and flipped my hair.

He smiled back, with out interest. His smile took me off guard. It was crooked
and…and…sexy. And familiar?

“Hey Tim, Danny.” The guys smiled at me and continued gathering their books.
Tori, Colleen, and Jonnie were all already on their way to class.

“See ya later, CarCar.” They all said in unison, walking to their first class. I
groaned at the fact that they left me alone with the new boy. Tim and Danny walked away,
talking about football.

“Hi. I’m Carter Eline. It’s nice to meet you!” I held out my perfectly manicured
hand. He looked up into my eyes and we froze there. His pitch black eyes had a depth to
them. One that seemed like happiness, another that seemed like sadness. His eyes made
me want to wind my slim, tan arms around his wide, muscular body and hold him
forever.

“Actually, I’m Nick. Nick Reynolds. We were best friends ‘til the fifth grade, then I
moved and…” Before I could think, I flung myself into his arms. He was…hot.
Temperature wise of course, but also physically. It was definitely above normal though.
Hmm…maybe he had a fever.
 I gave him a full teethed smile, pulled away from him, but kept his hand in mine.
And he didn’t try to pull away.

“Are you feeling ok? You’re hot. I mean not like that. Oh! Don’t get me wrong,
you’re very handsome it’s just—sorry.” He laughed and whipped his shaggy sandy brown
hair out of his face. It drew my attention back to eyes. Which I was pretty sure were
brown in the fifth grade.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks for asking. Well, see you around Carter.” I rocked on my
heels and waved as he walked away. I slung my backpack, now full of books, over my
shoulder and walked—well stumbled--to math class.

My first two periods passed in a drag and the whole time all I could think about
were Nick’s confusing, beautiful eyes.

I quickly gathered my books when the bell rang, to go to lunch. Josh, a skinny,
pale boy with freckles and glasses tapped my shoulder with his bony fingers.

“Um…hi Catarina!” He pushed his glasses up his nose and continued, “You look
very bewitching today by the way. I was wondering I’m free not this Saturday or the next
Saturday, but the next one, so I was wondering if you wanted to catch that movie…um…
How to Eat Fried Worms?”

“Hey Josh. I’m sorry, I can’t. My cousins are visiting that week. I gotta go. Bye!” I
rushed off out the door when Nick caught me by the arm. His warm touch was like static
electricity flowing through my veins.

“Would you like to walk to lunch with me?” I nodded, speechless. He smiled and
dropped his hand from my forearm. He led me to the cafeteria, never keeping our
shoulders more then an inch apart.

Tim, Danny, Colleen, Tori, Jonnie, Nick and I went through the lunch line and
sat at a table together.

“CarCar. We hanging out today?” Jonnie asked, picking at her salad. “Yeah. Hey
do you guys wanna come over and swim?” They all nodded. Nick was sitting next to me
with his hand facing up to ceiling. I was so tempted to place my hand in his, instead I
took a bite of my pizza.

I felt a warm hand slip into the front pocket of my shorts and I tried not to
squirm. I could feel the heat from his skin through the denim.

He pulled his hand from my pocket and continued to talk casually to Tim. I felt
my cheeks heat up and Colleen was staring at me with confusion. I gave her a weak smile,
threw my lunch away, and practically ran to the bathroom. The second the big, wooden
door closed, I dug into my pocket, pulling out a note.

Carter

We need to talk. ~Nick

I smiled and stuffed the paper back into my pocket. I took slow steps to my
locker, only watching my feet. Silly me ran into Nick.

“You wanted to talk?” I asked. He smiled impishly and nodded. I felt a small hand
grab the crease of my elbow and I was pulled away before Nick could say anything.

“Why are you flirting with the new guy? I kinda want him.” Tori said,
complaining. I laughed and added, “You have a boyfriend. He’s right over there.” I
pointed to Tim and continued, “You see him? The one with blonde hair, green eyes, and
a terribly heart breaking smile? Yeah that’s him.” She laughed and slapped my shoulder.
“I know! I know! I was kidding! Tim is my beau.” I laughed, half in jealousy, half in
happiness for Colleen. I may be beautiful, but I’ve never been able to find a good
boyfriend who wants me for me. All the guys I’ve dated only liked me for my looks.