Positive Thinking

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                Why did my mother lie to me last night! Alyssa thought in despair as she frantically searched the pink and yellow halls for her second class. I woke up this morning forgetting where I was for just a moment and complained to myself but then was up and ready to go. I even wore something nice and pretty, this chiffon top with flowers and ruffles over these stupid white leggings that I don't even like. Could my lack of positivity this morning have caused this ridiculous confusion? Not a single soul is in the hall. Maybe I should go to the guidance office.  Or maybe-

        "Excuse me miss, are you lost?" A deep mascxiline voice called from behind her.

        She turned to face a man dressed in jeans and a blue security jacket. Great, I get escorted to my class by the security guard. That will make me not look like a loser. She thought sarcastically walking into the class room with her head lowered as to avoid looking anyone in the eye.

        "You must be Alyssa Oh. Please take a seat. I am Mrs. McKellar. Welcome to our English class. I take it you won't be escorted tomorrow?" Mrs. McKellar ran her hand through her salt and pepper hair.

        The classroom giggled as she shook her head walking to the only available seat in at the back of the room. She already knew her cheeks were hot as she stared at her desk.

        "Wonderful! As we have been reading and reviewing Shakespeare since school started last month, I'm assigning you a project. We will divide into teams of six and you will do a recorded performance of Romeo and Juliet, Othello, The Moor of Venice, Midsummer Night’s Dream or Macbeth. This project is due on Monday as a nice way to start the month of October. Make this play your own. Change it up if you like but keep the point the same. You can choose your own teams starting now."

        The room was filled with talking voices and desk chairs dragged across the floor. Alyssa still had not looked up from her desk.

        "Alyssa? I'm Paul Kim. Actually I’m your next door neighbor. I just haven't gotten the chance to stop by, although my parents plan on it."

        Alyssa took a deep breath and looked up to find long and short edgy blonde highlighted black hair and warm brown eyes guy. "That's cool."

        "So, do you want to join my group? I will fill you in on all the plays if you need to be filled in. Just drag your- you know what, I will drag it over for you." he decided with a quick smile motioning with a flick of his hair for her to get out of her seat.

        Alyssa softly chuckled. She was finally beginning to relax thanks to Paul.

        He pulled her desk to the other side of the room where a small group had already begun to form.

        "This very tall guy with the mohawk is Cole Matthews, the skater boy, Tyler Jenkins, and Parker Roberts." Paul introduced as he took his seat.

        A girl with a very colorful yet cute bob who clearly shopped at the punk and gothic store, Alyssa added silently, "Nice to meet you.” Of course I would be in this group. My hair alone makes me qualify.

        "Can I join your group as well?"

        The hair on Alyssa's arms stood up at the sound of a soft yet powerful, masculine voice. Without even turning she knew this was Pierce.

        "Sure. Alyssa, this is Justin Duffy."

        Justin wore a navy blue collared shirt with dark wash jeans almost a completely different look from before she thought before holding her breath as he pull his seat right beside hers.

        "I saw you at the Rocket Ship yesterday." He said leaning in close.

        "Really, well, yeah I was there." Alyssa replied nervously, mentally demanding that her heart stop pounding.

        "Didn't you see me?" His lips curled into a smile as his eyes finally connected with hers again.

Boom, boom, boom, boom.

        "Yeah, I think so." Did I just say something? All I can hear is this pounding! Is this what it's like to have a heart attack?

        "Alyssa, I asked if you know any of these plays," Paul said loudly, pulling her eyes to him, breaking the connection between Justin and her.

        Mouth wide open she tried to pull her thoughts together. “Um, I heard, of course Romeo and Juliet. Also Othello we read in my old school."

        Paul smiled broadly. "Well maybe we should do one of those. What do you all think?"

        "Sure." Parker agreed

        "Yeah that's fine." Cole added.

        "We should do Midsummer Night’s Dream so she's experiencing something new." Justin suggested continuing to gaze at Alyssa.

        Why is it when he speaks I can't breathe? Why do I feel so dizzy? Alyssa placed her hands on her cheeks as they were burning hot. I won't look at him. I won't even acknowledge him in any way.

        Paul looked sideways at Justin. "You may have a great idea there. What do you all say?" They all agreed. "Great. Now we just need to figure out exactly what part we're doing."

        "I think the best part would be Act 3, Scene 2.  After Demetrius sleeps and Oberon speaks to Robin. That should take us through the big mix up. It should be fun. Have you ever acted, Alyssa?" Parker asked.

        "A little," That wasn't a complete lie. She wasn't in every play that was held at her previous school, just many of them. One thing she did very well was act. No matter how she felt about herself or how horrible her day had been once she was in character nothing else mattered.

        "Well, all you have to do is look over that now and we'll modernize it." Paul said. "We should all come up with ideas to make it fresh and new."

        "Just from skimming through, I think we should make it take place in Vegas!" Ty suggested, causing the whole group to laugh. "No. Seriously though, if you want to run away and get married that's where you go. Am I wrong? Can't we count on our fingers how many celebrities have been there, got married and got annulled in the same day?"

        Once again the group broke into laughter. "You are definitely right about that one. It was a good suggestion," Paul said "Let’s write some more down."

        "The bowling alley," Ty suggested.

        "Mall parking lot," Parker followed with.

        "Rocket Ship Diner," Alyssa quietly threw.

        “Why?” Justin asked quickly.

        “If you are madly in love and you want to get far away, wouldn't you go to the first thing that sounded like a possibility? Only to be crushed when you discover it's just a sub shop that used to be named Winters Diner." Alyssa managed to avoid looking at him when she responded slightly in jest, but she could feel his eyes on her as she spoke. "Of course, that would mean no one could possibly know that it was an actual diner."

        "Yeah maybe like aliens are the fairies and they do like a major brain wiping!" Cole chimed in.

        "Maybe we should think about it overnight." Paul suggested.

        "No, I got it. Where is the last place your parents would think of finding you?" Parker asked.

        "School, this would be the last place to look!" Paul answered excitedly.

        Just then the bell rang for lunch.

        "Tomorrow, I want your drafts and outlines written. Get your desks back where they belong. Class dismissed."

        Alyssa jumped up but before she could drag her desk back, Paul was there once again. "So I was wondering if you would like to have lunch with me and some of my friends?”

        "Thanks, but I will be eating lunch with my sister."

        "What's your class after lunch?"

        "Orchestra," she answered.

        Paul's smile seemed to waver for a moment but instantly perked up again. "I will probably see you at home then."

        "Right, see ya." She muttered as they parted ways in the hall. Standing around chit chatting meant Cynthia would be kept waiting. What if she was uncomfortable or getting picked on or something just because she wasn't there? that's what she told herself was the reason for her haste, but she could feel Justin's eyes on her back until the classroom door separated them.

        Alyssa walked through the doors of the cafeteria and frantically searched the tables for Cynthia. She sharply turned, colliding with another person and sending her books flying.

        "Ow! Oh my gosh I am so sorry." Alyssa apologized frantically, picking up her things.

        "It's okay," The dark haired girl replied, helping. A necklace dangled from around her neck. The crystal looking gem seemed to shine a bit. “So you are new here?"

        "Yes, I am. I was just looking for my sister.”

        “What does she look like?”

        “Um, she's wearing a kind of abstract skirt with yellow sweater, kind of like this navy one I'm wearing, over a white tank top.”

        “Does she have red hair as well?”

        Alyssa wasn’t offended by this question because the girl was clearly trying to help her. “No, she doesn't.”

        "She isn't here. You can feel free to eat lunch with me. My name is Dana." Dana smiled and her blue sapphire eyes seemed to shine with excitement. "I'm a gypsy."

        “Cool."

        "And you are a natural witch."

        Frozen in shock, Alyssa's mouth fell open. "What did you call me?"

        Dana frowned. "I know I am not wrong. I am not name calling you or making fun of you or anything. I am so sorry to come across like a weirdo. This is far too much to explain to you in the lunch line."

        "We're not in the lunch line."

        "No, but we will be because I am starving!" She tossed her thick dark hair over her bare shoulder.

        This certainly is a strange girl, Alyssa thought as they walked into the line. "That's a really beautiful dress," Alyssa complemented. It had all the colors of the earth in it with deep browns and rich greens. She could practically see the trees swaying in the wind as it flowed away from her body. A very BOHO chic style.

        "Oh, this I made it myself. I only use natural materials. I just adore dresses. Come on, we aren't eating in here either."

        Alyssa wondered why she was following this strange girl around. Strange was the right word and yet refreshing.

        "Here we are!" Dana had taken her just off the school property into a grove of trees. "Sit down and I will tell you some things. First, I do not just call myself a gypsy. I truly am a gypsy. Secondly, this gem around my neck enlightened me to know that you have powers. What they are exactly, I do not know but there is something inside you that you haven't tapped into. I know you're probably thinking I am truly some kind of nut case, but believe me, I am not and I am more than willing to prove it to you. Only not here in school." She quickly took a bite of her grilled chicken sandwich. "I have something that may help you."  She removed a silver bangle bracelet with small purple gems all around it, and a large one in the center, off her wrist. “Lithium Quartz is what you would call this gem. It's now yours.”

        Alyssa reluctantly took the bracelet. "I don't think I should be taking this from you."

        "Why not? I have plenty more where that came from. I make them myself. It should be just the thing you need to clear your mind and spirit allowing the secrets from within you to come into the light. Tomorrow, bring lunch and we will meet up here."

        "But my sister-"

        "Has already found friends and will not be eating with you tomorrow. Please, trust me."

        For the sake of Jenny hearing another crazy story, she said. "I will."

        "So you got lost this morning. It could happen to anyone I suppose. Why don't we get a quick tour in before the bell rings." Dana rose and started walking back to the school.

        Alyssa was truly dumbfounded. “But how did you know?"

        Dana stopped walking abruptly. "No, tomorrow after lunch isn't going to work for you and me. There's far too much to tell and lunch is so little time. Lunch is still on though. I am more than ready to see if things have changed between now and then. Did you drive in with your sister?"

        “Yeah I did. I don't have my license yet," Alyssa answered, thinking only momentarily of why she was letting this complete stranger dictate her life. "You haven't answered my question."

        "I will take you to a very special place after school and drop you home in good time." Dana held the door open for her. "So what's your next class?"

        "Orchestra then Art."

        "Art? That's great we're in the same class! Another great thing about it is both classes are on the same floor."

        They went down a small flight of steps into a hall with only a few doors.

        "Band room is the last door on the right and this is the art room." Just then the first bell rang. "I have to get to Biology two flights up. See ya later." 

        “Alrighty then," Alyssa sighed before walking through the band room doors. To her surprise some students were in there cleaning up their lunch.

        “Alyssa! Come on over." Parker called out. She was sitting on a table with a couple of girls dressed in similar attire in chairs around her. "This is Trixie, Anita and my boyfriend, Michael."

        Michael was stretched out on the table with his eyes closed and head in her lap. His long blond hair was woven in her fingers. Slowly he lifted his eyes to look her over. "Kick ass hair."

        "Um, thanks." Alyssa replied uncomfortably, brushing her hair back.

        “I love it! I was thinking of dying my hair red. Did you do it yourself?" asked Trixie.

        Finally the question I was waiting for someone to ask. Well, here it goes. "No, it's natural."

        The looks of disbelief she received were not unexpected.

        "Well, anyway just leave your stuff here. We actually practice in the other room but you probably already knew that right?" Parker asked.

        "Actually, in my old school we only had a performance area." The second bell rang.

        "So you're a flute player." Parker noticed the case in Alyssa's other hand while gently untangled her fingers from Michael’s hair. “So am I. Get up Michael."

        As Alyssa neared the room she heard someone playing Tchaikovsky violin concerto flawlessly. "Who..?" Alyssa was stunned to see Ice playing so elegantly.

        "Aviva Reichmann. I heard her grandfather was a conductor in Italy and that she's been playing since she was three years old." Anita whispered as more students filled the room.

        What is she doing here? Alyssa thought as she sat beside Parker. Someone as good as that has no right to be playing in this school, not only does she have the looks she has the talent. For a moment Aviva's cold eyes landed on her, chilling Alyssa to the bone. What was that for?

        "I saw that look of contempt. What's the deal?" Parker asked.

        "I wish I knew. Maybe it's because her boyfriend kept staring at me yesterday at Rocket Ship."

        "She doesn't have a boyfriend."

        "Justin Duffy isn't her boyfriend?"

        "Justin Duffy is a heart breaker. I've had a crush on him for quite some time and he has never looked my way once. He hasn't looked at any girl like he was interested. Honestly, I had begun to think he was gay." She chuckled. "But he looked at you."

        Alyssa tried to hold back the automatic smile. “Yeah, he did. Where is the teacher?"

        "He's never on time but he's great. You seemed pretty relieved that Justin was single. Do you have a little crush?"

        Alyssa straightaway denied it. "No, no, no. I just saw them together. They seemed pretty close."

        "Yeah, cousins can sometimes be close. They have plenty of reason though. Her parents died in a car crash a few years ago. He's the only family she has."

        Well, I see how that could explain the hostility with me, Alyssa thought, biting on her lower lip. Family is really important when you suffer a great loss.

        “Sorry I am late!" Mr. Hawkins said walking into the room.

        Even if that's the case, family is family forever. It isn't fair for her to think that she can dictate who he wants to date. What if he wanted to get married in the future, would he have to just let the love of his life go because of his cousin?

        "Alyssa Oh?"

        "Yes."

        "Just listen and follow along. Feel free to jump in if you are ready to."

        She slightly nodded her head as they had begun to play. Why am I even thinking about them? Justin isn't interested in me. He was probably staring at me for the very reason everyone stares at me. So there's nothing for Aviva to be jealous about nothing at all.

                "I just can't believe you would abandon me like that, Cynthia." Alyssa whined.

        "Ugh!" Cynthia cried out throwing herself on her pink bed. “How many times do I have to apologize for signing up for the volleyball team instead of eating lunch with you?”

        "It seems to me that you keep forgetting something. Let me just wait here and see if you actually figure it out," Alyssa sarcastically stated, sitting at Cynthia's desk with folded arms.

        "That's it. Get out of my room now!" Cynthia jumped out of bed to hold open her door.

        With narrowed eyes, standing up tall, Alyssa silently left. She knew that she was being a bit hard on Cynthia but she deserved it. She walked to her window and stared blindly. With all of her homework done and Jenny not home for a couple of hours, she was utterly bored. There was only one thing to do.

        With small steps she walked up to Cynthia's door. "Knock, knock, Cynthia." she said in a sweet voice. "You know I had time to think about it and you are completely and totally right."

        Cynthia sighed. “Just get in the car." she said grabbing her bag and keys following closely behind.

        "So, I was thinking we should go to Teddy's Book Store. That way I could enjoy the café as well. I can already taste the whip cream." Alyssa suggested once inside the red Acura.

        "That's a great idea. Lots of kids hang out there after school."

        Alyssa rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Cynthia all you seem to care about is making new friends here."

        "What are you talking about?"

        "I mean since we moved here all you've been thinking about is standing out and making new friends but what about all the friends, we left in Palo Alto? Don't you care at all?"

        "Alyssa, of course I miss it there. We called it home for a very long time. Yes, we are away from everyone we loved, nevertheless I am pretty sure I wasn't going to end up in college with all of my friends either. So, I look forward to meeting new people and making new friends. Besides, if I didn't keep a positive attitude I would be a sad mess of a girl. One of those is enough in this family."

        "I am going to pretend I didn't hear that last part," Alyssa joined Cynthia in laughter as she pulled into a parking space.

        "Cynthia!" a girl called out from a nearby spot as they left the car.

        "Kendall! This is my sister Alyssa." Cynthia introduced.

        "Hi," Kendall said before going on about the volleyball tournament last year.

        Volleyball conversations were not for Alyssa so she walked into the store on a hunt for books her family would kill her for looking at. Witches, The Craft, Covens, Book of Shadows and finally a very thin book called Natural Magic. She took the books to a corner in the café before ordering the caramel frappe she was craving. Let's start with Natural Magic, she decided sitting comfortably.

        Natural magic isn't something that can be accomplished. It is something that simply is. It is something very unique in a day and age where everyone wants to become a witch without knowing exactly what that entails. A naturalist is a natural born witch. A naturalist power is unlimited within its usage.

        “What does that even mean?" she muttered but read on.

        Reciting spells and doing rituals to the "gods" is not necessary for a naturalist. Whatever the gift, all we need is to have faith in it and in ourselves.

        “Hey Alyssa,” Paul said touching her shoulder causing her to jump. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. What are you reading?"

        “Nothing really,” she slammed the book shut. "Just something a friend from Palo Alto asked me to do for a project of hers."

        “That's where you're from? Poa-"

        “Palo Alto, California.”

        "California! Sweet! I’ve always wanted to go there. I probably will for college."

        "That would be one thing we have in common."

        Paul smiled lifted his cup. "Here's another."

        “Caramel frappe,” They both said at the same time then laughed.

        "Did you come here alone?" He asked.

        "No, my sister's here hanging out with Kendall"

        "Kendall Robbins? Did she mention volleyball?"

        "That's the girl.” She confirmed bending her head to take a sip from her straw.

        Paul raised his brow and said "Wow, your sister must be nothing like you."

        "Why do you say that?"

        "Well, look at you."

        "Are you talking about my hair, Paul?"

        Paul took immediate notice of the tightness of Alyssa's words but wasn't sure how to continue. "It's awesome."

        "Great. Well I have to get going. Our parents are probably on their way home by now. See ya tomorrow." She swiftly grabbed the books standing up.

        "Hey, wait Alyssa. I didn't mean to upset you." Paul said standing in front of her. "Can I put your books away for you?"

        "I am not upset Paul, really. Thank you so much for all your help, but I will put these back myself. See ya at school tomorrow." She offered a smile before heading up and down a few aisles just in case he was following her around. She didn't want anyone to know what she had been looking at. Frankly, I am not even sure exactly what all that meant, she thought on the ride home, but thankfully I know someone who might.