The Rock Star Trilogy 01 - Jaded

been more peaceful.” He eyes me up and down. “And you look different in person.”
    “ Good different, or bad different?” I ask, biting my lip. I can't help but flirt with him. Just because I'm not supposed to fall in love doesn't mean I can't make out with him... Or more...
    Ok, ok, I know what you're thinking. But I'm not a slut. The fact is, I've only had sex with like 10 guys, and I can remember every one of their names. Well, except that one guy, but I was really drunk and he doesn't count. Point is, it could be a lot worse.
    He laughs. “Good different.”
    The bell rings, and he reaches for the door knob.
    “ Do you think it's safe?” I ask. Really, I just want to keep Thor in this tiny room a little longer.
    He slightly cracks open the door, looks outside, and then motions me forward. We quickly make our way to the administration office.
    Thor starts to leave, but I stop him.
    “ Hey, what's your name?”
    He smiles, then says, “If you want to find out, you have to eat lunch with me.”
    I have to admit, the boys got game. “Then, I guess I'll see you at lunch.” I flash him a seductive smile, and watch him trip over his feet as he leaves the office. I decide at that moment that I'm going to like high school boys. Especially high school boys who look like that.

    9:06 am
    Please don't maul the new student.

    An hour later, I make my way into the school's auditorium. The principal is making a “special announcement”, and I am the subject at hand. I stand beside him on the stage.
    “ We have a new student,” the principal starts out once everybody is seated, and I swear I hear excitement in his voice. I want to roll my eyes. He actually asked me for my autograph before we came in here. “And I know you're all excited that the Scarlett Ryan is here, but I ask that you all treat her with respect.” He pauses for dramatic effect. “Please, don't maul the new student.”
    I look out, and literally every eye in the building is on me. Even the teachers are staring. Finally, my eyes find Thor's. He looks amused. And I am the source of his entertainment.
    “ Do you have anything you want to add, Miss Ryan?” the principal asks me. I almost don't hear him because I am too busy starting at blue eyes.
    “ Yeah.” I step to the microphone. “Guys, I'm human. I shit too...” After a short pause, I ask, “Am I allowed to say shit?” Silence is all that answers. “Anyway, I'm going to be here for the rest of the school year. I'm taking a break from touring to finish my senior year. Hopefully we can be friends.” As I step away from the mic, I suddenly feel faint. Did I seriously just talk about shitting in front of the entire high school?
    Real attractive, Scar.
    After the assembly, the principal walks me to my algebra class. When I go inside the classroom, the first thing I see is Thor. The principal asks for a volunteer to walk me to my classes and show me around, and he is the first to volunteer... Of course... I sit down in the empty seat beside him.
    “ Will you please tell me your name?” I pout.
    “ If I tell you, then you'll have no reason to eat lunch with me. So, no, I'm not telling you.” He turns his attention forward, and I roll my eyes at him.
    Mr. Franks is my algebra teacher. He actually looks nervous as he teaches. I resist the urge to bang my head against my desk. Why can't everybody act normal around me?
    Because you're NOT NORMAL , a voice from within reminds me.
    While Mr. Franks teaches, I have a hard time concentrating. In fact, I'm thinking about the first time I met a celebrity.
    I was 15 years old, and had just finished recording my debut album. I was about to go on tour with Alec Torch, and we were meeting for the first time. I actually forgot my own name! I was so embarrassed. But Alec sat me down and we had a long talk. He gave me the “ I shit too ” speech and I couldn't help but laugh. We've been best friends ever since. He's very down to earth for a celebrity, and really, he is the one who has kept me grounded. Trust me, it's very easy to lose yourself when people are shouting your name. I'm thankful for him.
    The bell rings, alerting us that class is over, and I panic, realizing that I just dazed out for the entire period. Great ... At this rate, I am still going to be repeating my senior year at age 40.
    “ Ready?” Thor asks.
    I nod. “You know, until you tell me your name, I am going to refer to you as Thor.” I smile at the creativity of his