The Rock Star Trilogy 01 - Jaded

weekend so I can sleep in.
    When I look in the mirror, I let out a squeal. My hair is sticking up all over, and I remember that I went to bed with wet hair. I quickly comb through it, and put it in two braids. I straighten my bangs. Then, I get dressed in a rush, again.
    I run out the door, and smile when I see Stephan standing outside. “I want to ride in your car today,” he says.
    I don't have to be asked twice. I open my garage door, and unlock my car. “Get in.”
    Stephan and I get in the car, and I back out of my driveway. My security guard, Bob, follows close behind in his big, black SUV.
    When I take off, I decide to show off a little bit. I don't even get close to flooring it, but Stephan and me are both thrown back on the seat. I shift out of first, and love how the car jerks as I shift into second, and then third. It only takes a few seconds to get up to 75. I let off the gas and slow down to 45, which is speed limit.
    Did I mention that I love my car ? Cause I DO .
    “ I want to drive your car,” he pauses. “No, I need to drive your car.”
    I laugh. “I actually don't let anybody else drive it. Not even my mom, or dad.”
    “ What about Alec?” Is that jealousy I hear in his voice?
    “ Once,” I admit. “But I was extremely drunk, and he only drove it five miles from his house to mine. Besides, he has a car that is much more expensive than mine that he lets me drive all the time.”
    “ I was wondering something...” He pauses mid sentence.
    “ Yeah?” I ask, when he doesn't continue.
    “ You and Alec... Are you two more than just friends?”
    “ NO !” I say immediately. “He's like an older brother to me. That's it.”
    “ I saw pictures of you two on the internet.”
    My face suddenly feels warm. “We were both drunk that night. We never had sex. We just made out. I honestly don't even remember it, I was so wasted. I didn't know until I saw the pictures online the next day. After that night, we promised to never get drunk together again.”
    I pull into the parking spot at school, but neither of us get out.
    “ It must not have been that great of a kiss, if you forgot about it.” He pauses, then adds, “But, if I kissed you, you definitely would remember.”
    “ I wouldn't know,” I flirt. “Maybe someday you'll have to... show me...”
    “ Maybe I will,” he says, leaning closer. His lips are so close, I can feel the warmth from them. My heart is beating so fast that I feel like it's going to beat it's way out my chest. But he doesn't come any closer. “Maybe I won't.”
    I roll my eyes, and back away from him. “Stephan, you sure have a way with the ladies. Tell me, how come you're single?”
    I get out of the car, and basically shut my door in his face. I start walking towards my first class, and I hear Stephan run up behind me.
    “ Maybe I'm single because I haven't found anybody who I would consider being with long term. Maybe I have been waiting for somebody special,” he says sweetly. “Maybe somebody like you .”
    The bell rings, and I jump at the sudden, loud noise.
    “ See you in study hall,” Stephan says, walking away from me.

    11:59 am
    Stephan Montgomery has a heart after all...

    After study hall, Stephan follows me out into the hallway.
    “ Want to eat lunch with me?” he asks.
    “ Are you ok with eating with Ethan?” I ask him.
    He sighs. “Come on, Scarlett. What is the deal with you and my stepbrother?”
    “ He's my friend,” I answer, firmly. “Ethan is cool. I don't know what your problem is with him, but you need to get over it. He is your family.”
    “ He is not my family. He's just the son of the man my mother married.” His voice is bitter. “As long as you eat lunch with him, I won't be there.”
    Before I can respond, Stephan storms past me.
    Whatever. If he's going to act like a child, I'm not going to follow him.
    “ Scarlett?” the brunette with the green eyes from yesterday walks up to me. “Hey. I thought I would try again. Yesterday, we got off on the wrong foot. I would like to be your friend. Would you consider eating lunch with me and my friends?”
    I want to say hell no , but then I think of Ethan. What he sees in this girl, I will never understand. “I would like that, but only if I can invite my friend, Ethan.”
    I see her smile falter a little, but she quickly recovers. “That would be fine. But really, why Ethan?”
    As badly as I want to smack her across the face, I don't. “Why not? He is really