Chapter 7: Hair Trouble
The meeting turned out to be a shit show and Liam Merchant sat with all his buddies denying everything until the principal turned on the cameras. Their parents shocked and I watched as Liam slid his hand across his throat at me. I didn't react, but my Dad did. "Do that again at my daughter and you will be eating through a straw you lump of clay." The principal tried to regain control, and I ended up leaving.
Later my Dad said they where all suspended until after New Year, and I went to classes peacefully. Selma approached me at lunch to be a flyer. They needed a replacement for my sister, but I denied her not wanting to be apart of that scene. "I know your sister is really mean, but she won't be there." I looked at my old friend and shook my head. "No I don't want any part in the popular world whether Faye is there or not." She nodded and dipped out. I watched her return to the table and listened as she told the girls I was a no go. My sister huffed. "I told you she wouldn't do me the favor. It's for one weekend." I got up and took care of my tray.
I walked up to the table and sat in an empty seat. "I'll do it if Faye gives me her blessing and afterwards we all pretend I don't exist. No pranks from you or your boyfriends from now till graduation." I looked down the tables and they glanced back and forth. "Talk about it amongst yourselves. Everyone has to be on the same page and agree. Faye you can tell me your decision Friday." I went to stand up, but Faye yelled wait. "We need you to start practicing now, next weekend is the Nationals and you need to learn the routnine."
"Well then vote now and tell me your decision at the end of the day." She nodded and I left heading to my locker. I wanted to give them privacy and not use my hearing, but I also didn't want to get put into a trap situation either. I listened as they all voted yes, but Selma. "I think she's been through enough this year." The girls huffed and they picked another girl. Relieved I opened my locker and stood to the side, but nothing happened. I grabbed my books and placed them in my bag.
The rest of the day went smoothly and I got a few compliments on my hair. As the day went on it seemed to be working out to be the best day ever. I even got on the bus on time. "What's the scoop?" Said Mr. Call as everyone took their seat. "No scoop today, just a good day." He smiled and shut the door. "I'm glad, you deserve a break."
The days passed and my birthday was a big hit. All I asked for was a family dinner and everyone showed up. Even Faye sat with me as I opened my gifts. My Mom and Dad got me my permit package just as I had asked. Mike and his wife got me a guitar with hand painted green feathers, and Mark got me a green colored amp. Zane and his wife got me a new wallet and keychain which where both water proof. My cousins chipped in and got me a help stearing wheel cover which threw me through a loop until I opened my last present from Aunt Valor and Uncle Jake. It was a small white box and when I opened it my mouth dropped. "This is too much I whispered as I closed the box, but they both shook their head. "We all chipped in. Us and your parents." Aunt Valor said as they pushed me towards the front door. They got me a gladiator truck in forest green. "I love it!" I threw my hands around all of them and when I turned I saw Faye heading upstairs.
"Ignore her and enjoy your moment." Aunt Valor said. "But she's upset." I mind linked her. "We offered her a car, but she asked for money instead." I furrowed my eyebrows as I walked and opened the door to check it out. "It is so beautiful. Thank you all of you, you have made this a wonderful day." My Dad took me for my first lesson and I seemed to pick it all up quickly. He only barked at me once for going to fast. Oops!
The weeks at school where quiet and I was enjoying the peace. Thanksgiving came and went and we where beginning Winter break. It was my favorite time of year and I loved all the decorations the cold, and the family time. I ran in on my last day to see all of the adults at the table. "Faye, Paisley go put your bags down and come sit." Uncle Jacob boomed. We glanced at each other before doing what he asked. On the way down Faye walked first heading fornthe only open chair. I pulled a stool form the kitchen and sat by my Dad and Mom.
"Okay this week is going to be a bit more hectic." He looked at us and narrowed his eyes and landed on Faye. "I expect you both to be on your best behavior." I nodded as he leaned in. "We are going to have visitors from another pack coming through. They will stay the night and be on their way. The Alpha will stay at my house, one of his guards at the twins house, and one here st the Sterling house."
My anxiety rose and my Dad put his hand on my leg. "Relax." He sent me calming vibes. "They are passing through on their way home. They have been all over the U.S. and will be tired and most likely grumpy from traveling to find the Alpha's mate. Let them meet you, and you will be dismissed to go home or to do activities. Under no circumstances do you look the Alpha in the eye unless asked to do so and when you look away look down, or he will see you as a challenger. Got it?" I nodded right away and Faye was checking her nails. Uncle Jacob roared at her and she flinched. "Pay attention girl or we will be picking pieces of you up off the beach."
He glanced at us all. "Dismissed." He said as he stood up and immediately went out the back door. My Mom and I started cooking and I pulled out decorations. "Excited Paisley?" Dad asked as he came downstairs and I snapped the tree together. "You know I am! I love Christmas time." He smiled and walked to the kitchen to help Mom. Faye came down to eat and then curled up on the couch. The rest of us cleared our dishes.
"Gem will you out the music on while I work on the lights. Paisley do your thing and we will call you when the trees set." I squealed as I tackled the first bin. I pulled an ever green pine string from the box. "Faye want to help me wind this up the stairs?" She let out a no loudly and I shrugged heading up to the second set of stairs. And winning it down. I took another one and wrapped it down the bottom steps. I decorated them with little mini ornaments then I ran and placed electric candles in all the front windows. I had tonuse a stepstool to hang snow flakes with fishing wire connecting them to the curtain rod.
I placed Christmas glasses on the counter and our Christmas plate for Santa on the counter. Lastly stood up nutcrackers, statues of Santa, Reindeer, and ice skates. "Paise we are ready!" I flew into the living room to see the colorful lights streaming off the tree. "Beautiful." I said as Faye said "Ugh." We got handed ornaments and hung them on the tree one at a time. "Here Faye, this was your first ornament." She snatched it from Mom's hand. "You tell us the same things every year." She said nastily. "Watch your tone young lady." Dad bellowed and she rolled her eyes.