Notice Me

Chapter 1: No Longer Invisible

If I had to name a time when I had a life altering experience, there would only be one that comes to mind. I could describe the events like it was yesterday. As a matter of fact, it was yesterday. It was during the summer after tenth grade to be exact. I was sitting outside on the porch swing rocking back and forth while reading The Prince and The Pauper by Mark Twain.

One of the joyous mandatory summer reading requirements before twelfth grade. Yes, I know you're probably wondering why I'm reading something for twelfth grade when I just finished tenth? Well maybe it's because at the request of my parents, the school tested me. Seems that not only am I way ahead of my fellow tenth graders, I also surpassed the eleventh graders causing them to skip me ahead an entire year.

At sixteen years old, I'll be a senior in High School, how fortunate. Anyway, luckily I'm a nerd so I enjoy reading; it helps me escape my boring nonexistent social life. I spent a majority of the summer away at camp just arriving back home this morning. There’s only about a week left of summer before school starts up again, I’m not looking forward to it.

Roughly it was around seven in the evening, we just finished eating dinner. It was still light out; the sky painted a beautiful orange haze. My parents were inside watching television enjoying the central air, while I was sitting outside in the sweltering heat. Not that I'm complaining, I love this type of weather. We've been experiencing a heat wave for the past week, with temperatures in the hundreds.

The neighborhood bustled with life and activity as kids were out bike riding and playing tag. The teens were just hanging out around our little cul-de-sac. Honey, be a doll and walk these next door to the Evan's will you? Mom asked, poking her head out the front door.

She thrust a plate of chocolate chip cookies into my lap and shut the door quickly as to not let any precious cold air escape. I rolled my eyes as I breathed out a sigh, shoving the bookmark in to hold my page I placed the book on the swing and got up. Trudging my way down the porch steps, I made my way over to the Evans’.

Mom is a really close friend of Mrs. Evans seeing how they are in the same cooking club. They always share recipes and baked goods with one another. We've lived next door to the Evans all my life. It’s Mr. and Mrs. Evans and their son Tristan, who just so happens to be two years older than I am. He's eighteen and will also be a senior in high school.

I rang the doorbell once and waited patiently for someone to answer. After a couple minutes and no response I rang it again and again, this time tapping my foot impatiently on the step. Alrighty then, I guess nobody's home considering the fact that I've been standing out here for the past five minutes looking like an idiot.

The chocolate chips in the cookies are probably melted. Oh well, guess this means more cookies for me, yum! No way man. I was already within the goal! A male voice shouted loudly. I totally scored.

Nah, you were out. Another deep male voice commented. This voice sent chills up my spine, there was a bit of familiarity to it. Hmm, seems as though it came from the back of the house. I drifted towards the backyard and peeked through the gaps of the picket fence. I watched six shirtless guys running around playing a game of flag football; Tristan included.

It was at that exact moment I realized just how hot my next door neighbor is. Why haven't I noticed this before? Have I been living under a rock? Just watching the way each and every one of his muscles flexed as he ran made me shiver with delight. The way his sterling gray eyes shined with happiness and his short spiky brown hair was full of sweat, shouldn't have turned me on the way it was. We don't really speak to one another...ever. You wouldn't actually say we were both on the same spectrum of the social ladder. Tristan is Mr. Popularity, athletic, well-liked, good looking, and full of jokes. He's captain of the soccer team, hence the reason for the Greek god-like body.

I on the other hand am known as the typical quiet book nerd a.k.a. the loner. I don't possess an athletic bone in my body and in my opinion my personality is as bland as cardboard. I don't have any friends around here; my only friends are the ones I made at camp four years ago. The ones I waited all year to meet up with again at the beginning of summer. The ones that cried with me when camp came to an end.

At camp I was a totally different person I was popular. It was almost as though my wild and crazy alter ego surfaced. We stay in touch by phone, text, email, and facebook, but it just doesn't seem enough. Up until a month ago my body was underdeveloped, from not experiencing womanhood yet. I can't count how many times I've been mistaken as a young prepubescent boy from the back.

Guess I was what you would call a 'late bloomer'? Let me tell you it sucked big time, but it paid off in the end. Somehow through some miracle while I was away at camp this summer, I managed to sprout three inches bringing my short 5'3 frame up to a much more acceptable 5'6 stature. I develop curves and boobies too!

I wore thick coke bottle glasses at the end of the school year. Thank goodness I managed to talk my Mom into getting me contact lenses. I used the excuse of not being able to see while swimming in the lake and she totally bought it. The girls at camp managed to coerce me into allowing them to give me a makeover. I must have been high on the campfire fumes, because I agreed.

When I left to camp my hair was a dull brown color that hung in limp rat tails lifelessly down my back. Now it's a vibrant blond with golden highlights and crazy layers. Unlatching the hook on the gate, I smoothed out my tank top and pushed my sunglasses further up onto the bridge of my nose. I was wearing a black tank top, a pair of cut off denim jean shorts, and my black high top chucks.

I'm pretty sure I looked like a hot mess with my hair wrapped up messily in a beehive like bun on top of my head. Strolling into the backyard with much more confidence than I felt, I cleared my throat to get the guys attention. Six heads snapped towards my direction, making me feel slightly uncomfortable all of a sudden. A low wolf whistle came from one of the guys, which one, I'm not exactly sure.

I gave an awkward smile and made my way over to the only familiar face I knew. He looked at me with a strange expression on his face, almost as though he didn't know who I was. Hey Tristan, my mom wanted me to drop these off for you. I said cheerfully, holding out the plate of cookies as I used my other hand to push my sunglasses up on top of my head. I rang the doorbell, but I guess your mom and dad are out.

At the sound of my voice and the minute Tristan gazed into my eyes, it seemed as though he snapped out of whatever trance he was in. Anna...lise? Tristan's voice dragged my name out in disbelief. Why did he sound so surprised? The look of shock came across his entire expression as he gawked at me.

I mean I know I look like a hot mess, but gee not everyone can look like a freaking model at all times! In the flesh. I chuckled awkwardly as he stood there staring at me with his mouth open. I almost felt as though he thought I'd disappear before his very eyes if he blinked. Chewing down on the inside of my cheek nervously, I stood frozen staring nervously at the ground as I continued to hold out the plate of cookies. I didn't dare meet his gaze on me it was too intense.

Um hey let me take those from you. A guy with blond hair and blue eyes said as he stepped forward and broke the tension. I recognized him as Tristan's best friend...his right hand man. I think his name's Lucas. Thanks for the cookies. I'm Luke by the way, this is Sam, Gabe, Jordan, and Max. He introduced everyone as he came and stood next to Tristan nudging him slightly with his elbow.

I thought I heard him murmur something along the lines of What the hell man, snap out of it. But I was too busy staring at the guys standing there before me. It should be a crime for one person to be that handsome, let alone all six of them. Why is it that good looking people always seem to flock together and become friends? Is that some sort of rule of thumb? Is there a ‘Friendship Book’ out there somewhere that teaches you the codes of conduct?

Nodding my head swiftly in acknowledgment towards the guys I mumbled. Nice to meet you, I’m Annalise, but everyone calls me Lise.

Lise, that’s a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Luke grinned. As he said this, Tristan's head immediately snapped in his direction giving him a look that could kill. Luke just looked over at him innocently and smiled. The other guys were too busy tearing into the plate of chocolate chip cookies to pay the two of them any mind.

Feeling slightly out of place, I decided it was time for me to skedaddle. Spinning around on my heel, I quickly began walking away not wanting to know what the heck was going on between the two of them. I should get going. I called over my shoulder, See ya. I was already on my way out the gate as I shut it behind me and hightailed my way over to my porch.

I faintly heard Tristan mumbling something along the lines of Mine as I shut the gate, but I ignored it. Boys will be boys. ‘Who knows, they were probably arguing over the last cookie.’ I thought as I shrugged my shoulders. I grabbed my book off the swing and went inside the house upstairs to my room.

I woke up the next morning with the full intent of going to the beach to work on my tan. Showering and dressing quickly in a black two-piece, I threw a blue summer dress on top of it with my black flip-flops. Anya my best friend from camp is coming from Rockport to visit for a couple days. I secretly wished she lived close by so that we could go to school together, but life never works out the way we plan.

I decided I was going to show Anya everything Port Clyde, Maine has to offer. She is only allowed to stay over for two days, blah. My cell phone rang just as I finished packing up my beach bag. You've reached blondes have more fun. We're unavailable to take your call right now, but if you leave your message at the sound of the...

Damn right blondes have more fun! Anya screamed excitedly into the phone. I'm around the corner bish. Meet me outside. She demanded before hanging up on me.

Grabbing my stuff and running down the steps, I locked the door behind me. My parents left for work this morning so I'm home alone. I stood on my lawn practically hopping up and down with excitement as I watched Anya turn the corner wildly in her midnight blue 2012 Honda Accord. A seventeenth birthday gift from her parents for getting her license.

Lucky her, I still have a full year to go before I'm even allowed to attempt getting my license. Grr. With nuts like Anya out on the road, I wasn't so sure I wanted to get my license just yet. From the right, I could hear a door shut but I didn't pay it any mind. My eyes were focused on Anya's wild hair blowing in the wind. She had her sunroof open and all her windows down, dancing and singing loudly to the music blasting out her system.

Lord help me, she's sure to cause a stir in our quiet suburban neighborhood. Her personality is the complete opposite of mines, maybe that's why we get along so well. As she pulled up to the curb in front of me, her eyes widened in surprise. Then a flirty grin tugged at her lips as she wiggled her eyebrows at me. It was then that I noticed a presence standing next to me.

Turning my head to the side, I came face to face with a grinning Luke and a smirking Tristan. Hey Lise, who's your pretty friend? Luke asked glancing over at Anya.

Uh, hey. I murmured all of a sudden feeling tense. Luke and Tristan, meet Anya. I introduced as I opened up the passenger door and threw my bag in the backseat.

Nice to meet you Anya. Tristan and Luke said at the same time. Although Tristan's eyes never left me.

Where you headed off to? Luke asked in curiosity.

Lise is taking me to the beach. Anya answered for me. You guys should come.

I shook my head slightly and glared at Anya with wide eyes. I was facing her direction with my back to the guys. What is she doing? What does she mean they should come? People like Tristan Evans and Luke whatever his last name is don't hang out with girls like me!

I was social suicide, a complete loner. In a way I wanted them to say yes they would come, but in a way I didn't want them to laugh out loud at the absurd idea of hanging out with me...Annalise Foster at the beach. It would hurt my feelings. Yes, I have feelings people.

We'd love to come. Tristan's deep voice said from right behind me as his hand shot out and grabbed the top of the passenger door I was leaning on. Mind if we ride with you? I hope you don't mind, but I think there'd be more room if you let Luke sit up front. You and I could sit in the back. He suggested and I all but almost passed out cold on the floor.

My eyes lit up in surprise that not only did they want to come to the beach with us, they wanted to ride in the car with us? On top of that Tristan wanted to sit in the back seat with me? Maybe they were already headed towards the beach and we were a free ride over there. Yea that's it, it has to be.

Chapter 2: The Beach

The ride to the beach was pretty awkward to say the least, I could feel Tristan's intense gaze on me the whole time. To think we've only been in the car for five minutes tops, it felt like the longest five minutes of my life. Do I have something hanging out my nose? Why does he keep staring at me? Self-consciously I ran my fingers over my face to capture any foreign objects that may have been hanging.

It was as though his body was emitting heat and funneling it towards my direction, I was getting really weird vibes. Maybe it's just me being paranoid; the humidity could be affecting my brain cells. I was sitting behind Luke and Tristan was behind Anya. Anya must think she's some sort of gangster thug having her seat set on the furthest setting. For being the same height I am, she sure drives like a straight up dude.

Luke had his seat reclined all the way back the same way Anya's was. Good thing for me, I'm average height. Tristan being lanky had to sit with his legs apart causing his right knee to brush against mine, which was angled towards the middle. I was getting really weird tingling sensations from where our knees barely brushed against one another, strange.

I didn't dare turn my head to face him as I nonchalantly stared out my window, pretending to be interested in the scenery. You all know damn well I couldn't focus on anything but his leg and everything we passed was just a blur! Anya didn't seem to notice anything out of the norm as she continued driving to our destination. Luke was giving her directions on how to get there.

Luke seemed to take an instant interest in Anya and likewise. You would think they've known one another for years the way they were both singing along to Katy Perry's Part of Me. So how do you two know each other? Tristan's deep voice came out softly; it managed to scare the crap out of me, causing me to jump like an idiot.

I didn't expect him to make conversation with me, seeing how I already came to the conclusion that we were a free ride to the beach. He probably couldn't wait to get there and escape as to not be seen around me. I glanced at him shyly from the corner of my eyes, turning my head slightly to make sure he was really talking to me. His intense gray eyes stared at me with anticipation.

Allowing a small smile to escape from my lips, I turned my head completely in his direction. We met at music camp four years ago. We've been best friends ever since. I simply stated. Anya flashed me a grin over her shoulder when she heard my response. It was almost as though she was reliving the memory of us meeting.

She was so quiet and her nose was constantly stuck in a book. One day I got fed up and finally threw her book in the lake. She got pissed off and threw my flip-flops in. We screamed at one another for a while then ended up laughing about the whole situation. Anya explained before facing forward. You've come a long way my young grasshopper.

I laughed at her silliness, Anya brought out the best or shall I say worse in me. Her wild and crazy personality broke me out of my shell at camp. She practically forced me to be her friend; I didn't have much choice in the matter. Looking over at Tristan as I giggled, it seemed like his eyes lit up, like he was happy. If it's even possible for his gray eyes to get lighter, then they did.

Maybe he finds Anya to be funny too. All the guys seem to be attracted to her, who could blame them? She's gorgeous and outgoing. So that's where you disappear to every summer. Tristan said more as a statement than a question. Music camp huh? You play an instrument?

Whoa...whoa...whoa. What does he mean that's where I disappear to every summer? It shocked the hell out of me that he even noticed I was gone during the summer. As far as I knew nobody missed me during the time I was gone. Heck, I don't even think my parents would realize I was missing for the entire summer if it wasn't that they had to pay for camp!

I nodded my head to answer his question, suddenly feeling really weird. Why all of a sudden has Tristan taken interest in me of all people? Is this some sort of sick game or bet that he and his friends have going on? I began developing an uneasy feeling in the pit of my belly.

Piano, violin, and guitar. I mumbled quietly. What? I had a lot of time on my hands with not having many friends...plus my parents made me take lessons.

Uh-uh-uh. Anya teased. Don't leave out the fact that you're a kick ass singer too.

'Oh hush up and mind your business' is what I felt like saying to her. Instead I just pasted a fake smile and turned back out to face the window. I hate when someone knows you can sing, first thing out their mouth is 'Sing me something'...ugh no!

Wow, that's hot. You girls in a band? Luke asked turning around in his seat to glance back at me.

Something about this caused Tristan's entire body to tense up including his jaw, resulting in me staring at him strangely. Maybe it was the fact that Luke said our talents were hot? Tristan probably didn't want me getting the wrong idea that the popular guys thought nerd girl was in any way cool.

Luke was probably just saying it to get a reaction out of me. Sorry to disappoint you boys, I'm not one of your fellow groupies. I sure as heck wasn't going to become obsessed after hanging out with them once and start following them around like a crazed fan, just because they paid me a compliment. Sure I thought they were good looking dudes, but that's as far as it goes. Nothing good will come out of me thinking we're in any way shape or form...friends.

I'm an ok vocalist. She's the real star of camp. I affirmed while sticking my tongue out childishly at Anya, who was staring at me in the rearview. Anya's lead vocalist and guitar player in a band. I said innocently.

She's probably going to kill me as soon as we arrive at the beach and get out the car. Anya's a closet rockstar; she doesn't like many people knowing her business. Anya has her select group of friends at her school in Rockport. She doesn’t get along with too many people because her straight forward, tell them like it is attitude caused them to think she's bitchy. She's far from it, just a tough exterior. Deep down inside she's a real softy. Shh, don't tell her I told you, she’d kick my butt. She'll be a senior this year too.

Just as I said that, she pulled into a parking spot at the beach. Crap, I should prepare to die now. Either that or try and run for my life. As you all know I'm not a runner, so guess it'll be death for me! I could see the smirk spread across Anya's lips as she took her key out the ignition and turned in her seat to face me. You better hope you didn't bring a book with you or out into the ocean it goes for putting me out there like that. She whispered evilly causing the guys to laugh.

We all got out the car and I couldn't help but stretch my arms up in the air. Boy, that was one tense car ride. Immediately upon our arrival I noticed a big group of people off to one side on the beach. Some were playing volleyball, while others were just lounging around.

In that group I recognized the same guys that were over Tristan's yesterday Sam, Gabe, Max, and Jordan. Surprise, surprise there's a group of the popular females from our school there too. See, told you they were only using us for the ride.

Yo Tris, Luke. Over here. Sam called out waving his hand up in the air motioning for them to go join the group.

This caused the crowd to look over in our direction, so to save the boys the embarrassment of being seen arriving with us. I quickly grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder. Running around to the other side of the car, I grabbed a hold on Anya's hand and practically dragged her towards the other end of the beach.

What the hell, Lise? What's your rush? Anya said breathlessly trying to match my strides to get away from them.

Nothing, just want to get my tan on, that's all. I answered simply.

I know you're lying Lise, what's up? Why are you running away from them? Anya huffed. I kind of thought we'd join 'em.

Are you insane, join them? I huffed in exasperation. I'm pretty sure that's the last thing they'd want. I'm positive they would have extended the invite in the fifteen-minute car ride over here if they did. Did they? No, so I rest my case.

Scouting the sand for a nice spot to lay down my blanket, I felt someone grab my arm from behind. It sent shocks and a tingling sensation from where they grabbed all the way down my fingertips. Jerking my arm away in shock, I spun around a little too quickly and smacked right into a rock hard chest. Where my face hit, sent tingles all over too. What the heck is wrong with me?

Two muscular hands grabbed a hold of my upper arms to steady me, sending shockwaves throughout my entire body. Was I possibly experiencing heat stroke? Can it be dehydration from the intense temperatures? Blinking my eyes rapidly, I tilted my head upwards. Staring back at me was the face of an angel. An angel with gray eyes.

Hey, uh you girls just kind of ran off back there. Tristan began as he let go of me, rubbing his hand on the back of his neck nervously. We didn't get a chance to thank you for the ride.

I took a couple steps back to put some distance between us. From what I could see his expression mirrored hurt when I did that. I really need to get in the water and cool down, I'm seriously beginning to see things.

Oh don't mention it. Anya said looking up from her place on the towel. That's what I love so much about her, she's a go with the flow type of girl and she never lets anything bother her. She was already laid out comfortably in her red two-piece. Her Ipod plugged into it's docking station blaring out music.

When the freak did she have time to do all that? How long was I entranced in Tristan's spell? I didn't even lay down my towel yet. I was wondering if you wanted to join us over there? Tristan offered glancing over his shoulder at his friends. It was a sweet gesture, but I'm sure it’s a pity offer.

Thanks, but no thanks. We'll be fine over here. I assured him while setting down my towel and pulling out my bottle of sunscreen spray. I don't have the faintest clue what came over me next that caused me to so boldly yank my summer dress up and over my head exposing my black two-piece. My only explanation is that it had to be the heat.

That action alone earned me a few whistles from some basketball players who happened to be walking by. The type of boys that will be juniors this year, in the proper grade I belong to. I didn't pay the boys any mind. It's not like they know who the heck I am now that they see me in a bathing suit outside of school anyway. They didn't recognize me as the quiet nerd, just yet.

Once again, Tristan's entire stature changed from relaxed to uptight. He looked like he was ready to pummel the guys who just whistled at me. Can we talk? Tristan asked gruffly as he motioned with his head for us to step away from Anya. What's his problem all of a sudden?

I mindlessly followed him; he's probably going to give me some warning about those guys. Which I won't need of course, because I know the basketball team is nothing but a