Chapter #64The Sophomore Chimera by: rugal b.   You were hoping to be a senior and when you'd first decided on making up an identity it was to be as a senior guy. Both because, well, you weren't all that interested in repeating half of high school over again and you wanted to remain with your friends, all of your friends, and see what you could do with a fresh start. You were also interested in Kim. If you were more handsome, a little more popular, if you had the brain of someone a little more outgoing would she be into you? Could you have actually had something with her?
But the sophomores, immature as they may be, are your friends too you realize. Bhodi and Joe and the others could've easily used the initial request to make masks for them as a trap but they didn't and been on your side every step of the way. You were reluctant about the girls too assuming they'd be well and truly pissed at you. It's understandable, even on Lindsay's part, but it was to your shock to not only see them (well, three of them) here but that they all seem to be on your side as well.
Through all the bitching, moaning and headaches they've shown you a lot of trust and have had your back. So it's only right that you show them the same loyalty in return and stick by them. Especially to Evie. You really cocked things up for her and she's been so timid and shy since you got her, much moreso than normal, that she's probably still a little messed up from the experience. So for her sake as well it's best that you stay close.
"We can use the girls," you say as you nod towards the three of them, "that is, if they're they're fine with it."
All three of them look at each other for a moment before Melanie, on behalf of the other two, speaks up. "Yeah, it's fine," she declares before looking again at the other two. "So which of us goes first?"
"Um, I said I didn't mind so I'll do it," Evie states.
Everyone looks at her but Melanie, taking charge in the way she's been doing the entire time, steps up once more. "Okay, well I don't think all of us need to be here," she says.
Kim eyes her for a moment but nods. "Right, we'll get together tomorrow or on Monday maybe. You two," she points out Andy and Justin, "should probably get back in your own masks. Out in your cars since I don't think Will wants to wait for you guys to, um, change first."
Andy and Justin had shed their new disguises -- Andrew Webb and Ethan Clayborne respectively -- after they got here at Kim's insistence. Being detail-oriented she wanted to know who she was really dealing with beneath the masks. Both of them acquiesce (probably feeling, and probably correctly too, that they couldn't really argue) and and leave along with the rest of the boys leaving just the girls, yourself, Kim and Caleb.
Melanie and Paulina are next to go. "We'll be back," Melanie says. "You're going to need something to wear for the moment and I've got some gym clothes that should hold you over for a minute. Paulina's going to come with me to get them, shouldn't take too long."
"I am?" Paulina asks in confusion but Melanie nudges her in the side. "Right, yeah. Don't worry Evie we'll be back soon."
Once the two of them are gone Caleb and Kim confirm that they're going to go out somewhere to figure out what to do about getting you back in school. She gives you her number before remembering that you're sans phone right now. She'll figure something out there too but for now just call her on the landline once you're done.
Then they're gone leaving you alone with Evie.
"I'm surprised you're so gung ho about this," you tell her not being very sure of what to say,
She's silent for a moment as she regards you and you're not quite sure what she's thinking. "It's like Melanie said," she finally says, "you helped me out so I figure that it's only right to help you out."
"You should've never been in that spot in the first place," you tell her as you take a seat on the bed. "I shouldn't really be in this spot either. It was my own weakness and indecision that screwed everything up."
"Well, you pulled through when it counted," she tells you. "Mel told me you were the one who took all the initiative in planning and doing everything. Doing that, you know, you kind have to be strong and decisive."
She's obviously trying to pick your spirits up and gives you a friendlier smile than you'd expect. You can see why her friends wanted her back so badly, even beyond the fact that she's their friend. When she should be thinking more of herself she's putting others first. It makes you feel even worse about what you did to her. But she doesn't give you time to dwell on it because she picks up the bag that sits next to you, digs through it and pulls out the blank mask.
"This is what you use, right?" she asks as she looks at it. "I just put this on?"
"You're going to want to lay down first," you tell her. You dig through the bag yourself and pull out the brain band. "You're going to need this too," you say as you show it to her. "It copies the mind and if I'm going to be a girl..."
She takes it from you, looks at it and hands it back. "You'll have to find someone else to use it on," she tells you. "I know you, um, had everything for a little bit but I'd still rather if you didn't have me in there with you."
But taking your advice she lays down, grabs the mask and puts it to her face.
* * * * *
You get dressed in the clothes that Melanie provided for you: just a simple pair of running shorts and a loose t-shirt that she uses both for exercising and lounging. She was right in that that they do fit you well enough, though since she makes up part of this gestalt being you've become it makes sense she'd at least have an idea. Though her mind tells you that she's generally good at judging this sort of stuff in general.
Yes, it's Melanie's mind that you're using in the band and though you would've rather had a Westside sophomore's mind you didn't have a choice. Evie already refused and Paulina did so as well though was cagey in her reasoning. So it was left to Melanie who for her part didn't seem to mind. Though thinking about it, if you're going to play the part of the new girl it's probably better that you don't have as intimate a knowledge of sophomore class.
And just who is this new girl?
Well she's got a bright smile and dark eyes that squint when you show it but show a warm curiosity when you don't. Her skin has the hint of a tan to it as if she spends a more than a bit of time outside, likely coming from Evie who's own skin shows the effect of daily outdoor practices. She's also where your chocolate colored hair comes from.
But there are bits and pieces of the other girls there too. You have height as both Paulina and Melanie are a little on the taller side as well and so you're probably around even with the latter. In body shape you're athletic though closer to Melanie than the much slimmer Evie and Paulina. It's the type of body made for gliding through a pool and you half-seriously wonder if it might be a good idea to see if there are spots on the swim team. You'll need to establish yourself somewhere and fast.
It's a sharp observation born from Melanie's own perceptions and with them you can't help but think that you would look sharp in a one-piece swimsuit. Though of course to join any team you'd need a name and focusing on that word, sharp, gives you a good one. Though maybe you'll modify it a bit; Sharpe sounds nice. But what about a first name?
You're still thinking about it as you exit the bathroom. Melanie looks up from her phone. She was the last person you copied and she's stayed with you because you'll be staying with her. Not tonight but starting tomorrow. Because a motel on the other side of town with no car will make getting to school hard and Melanie, surprisingly enough, lives closer to Westside than she does her own school. And according to her, her parents are very laid back and hands off though there is a cover story cooked up if they ask.
It's been to your surprise that she's been on top of everything today and she's done a lot to help you. Though with her brain you're getting an idea as to why and that there's a bit of a benignly ulterior motive based largely on her own suspicions of... certain things. Things that you won't pry into with her unless she wants to talk.
"Wow, it turned out well. I'm shocked. I was half-expecting you to look all weird and freaky," she says with a grin. But it soon leaves her face. "Ugh, but when the guys or I guess their... doubles see you..." She can do nothing but shake her head. "So what are we going to call you anyway?"
"Sharpe?"
"Okay, that's a last name. But we'll need a first name too, durr."
"I only just thought of that," you protest but she's right. First name, first name. What are some ones you've always liked? "Katie?" you blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. But you don't hate it. "Katie Sharpe," you say and you like the way it sounds.
"Figured you'd go with something a little closer to... whatever," Melanie shrugs. "Anyway, I was just talking to Lindsay. I kind of told her we helped you find some place because I figure she needs to know no matter what Paulina thinks. You don't have to tell her we're keeping the book but you should at least explain everything else to her; let her know what's going on."
You've been dreading it to be honest, having to talk with confront Lindsay. You can imagine she'll be her usual pleasant self and while Melanie's probably right you really don't know if you want to deal with her just yet.  indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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