My name is Ana

2. Coconuts

We walk through the hallway to our 1st period classes after stopping at lockers and picking up more people on the way. Beth, talking a mile a minute, inviting anyone that would be invited to my birthday party and giving them a rundown on the plans. I hear her talking about collecting money and wearing a bathing suit.

I love her for always knowing when I need her to take the reigns without having to ask. She just knows. I need to get my head together. I can't stop thinking about the creepy Maserati, but I don't know why. Who was in the car, and why do i feel like I know they were there for me? I've been feeling unusually anxious the last few days, but what the hell was that buzzing feeling that ran through me? And why do I miss it? The more we walk, the more questions I have with no answers. Maybe my potassium is low or something. I did skip breakfast.

We get to 1st period. European History. I love this class. I love learning about other countries. The history and the cultures are mesmerizing. I've wondered if my ancestors came from one of the places I've researched, a city with tall buildings and cathedrals or maybe a small village on a coast. I wouldn't know. I was in foster care when i was 3 and adopted when I was 5. All I know and remember was that I was found wandering around a train station, and I knew my name was Ana. I don't remember anything before that. It's actually a really ridiculous story.

Beth throws her stuff down on her desk, looks me square in the eye and right on cue, "OK, What the hell is going on with you and why is there mud splattered on your jeans?" She eyes my wet stained pants. "We're also going to need a lot of jungle juice. I'll handle the booze. Everyone is chipping in." She's going a mile a minute rummaging through her bookbag getting settled." Did your parents give you a limit for invites because a few people heard me in the hallway, and Justin is bragging to everyone that you invited him to your party. I think he thinks it's his chance." She drops her bookbag on the floor next to her desk. "Right now, it's looking like the entire senior class and a handful of juniors are showing up. Your Dad's gonna need a lot of hot dogs." She looks over and notices I'm completely zone out. "Helllooooo earth to Ana." She snaps her fingers in my face, getting my attention.

"s**t, I'll talk to my parents when I get home." I respond shaking myself from where I was just at in my mind. I quickly proceeded to fill Beth in on the Maserati. I'm not one of those types that's holds everything back. When I finished for once, she had nothing to say. Beth ALWAYS has something to say.When Beth is quiet, it's never a good sign. It means either something is wrong or she's causing trouble.

Mr. Kane started class so we could both stew on everything. I don't remember walking to class, and now my favorite class is a complete blur as the bell is suddenly ringing to alert its ended. I seriously need to snap myself out of this. I'm worrying about nothing and completely overthinking things as usual. I'm just being paranoid, I think to myself. Everyone started packing up to go to their next class.

As I'm putting my book away, Beth stood at my side. "I've thought about this." She starts, " #1 What if it's your biological family looking for you? What if you're some missing mob kid? #2 What the f**k are you going to do about Justin?" She's got valid points.

The day goes by relatively quickly. Everyone kept telling me how excited they were about the party and thanking me for the invite. I didn't invite any of them. I'm not even friends with most of them. Nobody noticed the specks of mud on my jeans, so at least I had that going for me.

I wander into the bathroom to make a pitstop before my walk home. As I was in the stall taking a minute to check my messages, I hear some girls come in. They're talking about my party. They're also talking about Justin telling them that I personally invited him as his date. I cringe. Oh Justin. Why? Shaking my head in frustration, I put my phone in my bag. Time for some damage control.

As I exit the stall I'm immediately hit with the overwhelming scent of coconuts. I see Sabrina, Cheryl and Katie leaning on the sinks. They immediately stop talking and stare. "I heard you finally gave in and decided to give Justin a shot", Sabrina, the source of the stench of coconuts says with a chuckle. "Do you think May's drug store has enough cans of "Off" and SPF 500 for him to even show up?" She has a fair point. Sabrina moved to town a couple of years after me and easily fell into a friendship with Beth and myself. Her quick comebacks, witty personality and fiery red hair was exactly what our duo needed.

I roll my eyes at her, "Look, I invited him. He's my friend and my neighbor. But that's it.You know we're not dating." I tell her defensively. "I don't know what the hell I'm gonna do about him." I eyed Katie, noticing she looked tense but relaxed after I explained my relationship status with Justin.

I've had a sneaking suspicion she's had a crush on him for years. I really wish he'd notice her. She seems really nice, she's kinda quiet though. I feel bad. She looks at me like I'm in the way & she's silently plotting my demise over a guy I don't even want. I've tried to throw him at her more times than I can count. He keeps bouncing right back. Katie is the quiet, homely type. She's petite with dark hair and doe eyes set on porcelain skin. She's very pretty and theres a genuine kindness to her. Katie would be perfect for Justin. She's friends with Cheryl and they both kinda follow Sabrina around. Cheryl is Sabrinas cousin so we're stuck with her sometimes. She has the personality of a lamp post and cackles like a hyena if she actually laughs.

Looking at my watch, I realize If I don't leave, I'll miss Beth. "I gotta go. I'll see you all tomorrow." I wave and I walk out into the hall and take a deep breath of fresh air. I like Sabrina but I hate the smell of coconuts.