The Senses: Alex Miles

The Senses

Alex Miles

Book 1

Tundra Bassett

Published by Happy Valley Bookstore at Smashwords

Copyright 2011 by Tundra Bassett

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter 1

I hate lunch. Krista glared as we waited in line for the usual overpriced under-flavored lunches. We waste half our lives waiting for food we won’t even eat. Her dark blonde hair was carelessly thrown up in a pony tail. No matter how little tomboy Krista Blake cared about her looks, she had a natural beauty and grace that would never fade. She was small and petite but had enough skill to take down wrestlers twice her size and her glare alone made people take an instant step back. At the moment, she stood scowling at everyone in front of us, as if they’re presence alone was keeping her from her lunch which, technically, was true. One girl caught sight of Krista’s glare. I could almost hear the wheels turning in her brain as she wondered what she did to offend anyone.

Stop it, you’re going to scare her. I laughed, tucking my blonde hair behind my ear. My hair wasn’t always that color. It wasn’t natural like Krista’s. I have vague memories of it being a different color, a color I hated so much that all I wanted in life was to change it. It changed. Don’t ask me how, I was just a kid, third grade I think. But there were no dyes, nothing to explain it changing, but it did change and has been the same ever since. It really scared Krista and me, not to mention my parents, and we never talked about it again. One of those brain protecting itself things I guess. Now that I think back, it was ridiculous that we never dared question the change. I suppose it was because no one could think of a logical reason.

Krista studied the girl for a few seconds before looking at me and smiling sarcastically. I think maybe I already have. Finally! She shouted as the line finally moved a few steps.

Did you hear about the new kid? The girl in front of us gossiped excitedly. He is sooo dreamy. I have him in my first hour.

Who is he? Her friend asked in honest excitement. Can you point him out to me? Krista looked at me and rolled her eyes. The first girl pointed at a round table where one guy sat by himself, his head down. His hair was an almost black color, not quite brown, but when the light shone directly on it, it turned slightly lighter. His leather jacket fit snugly around his back and shoulders. It wasn’t quite a bad boy" look, just dark. He looked up, studying the people around him. I tried to look down before his eyes met mine, but I was too slow. And when they did meet, the last thing I thought of was looking away. He had dark eyes, so dark they took my breath away. They weren’t eyes a person could read, instead they were sealed and expressionless.

Hey! Can you move already? I’m starving here! Krista’s irritated voice brought me back to reality. They shot her a how rude look before walking down the line. Krista sighed at humanity’s stupidity as we grabbed some of today’s mystery lunch. I glanced back at the new kid but he was studying intently at another table. Curious, I followed his eyes. A girl, with long wavy brunette hair, was laughing at something her friend said. Her laugh was so melodious and sweet, it was easy to see why the new boy was staring at her. I tried to remember her name. Emma something, the choir voice. Every time she laughed, boys seemed to listen in awe. I couldn’t help but be jealous. Of course the new guy would be interested in her.

Can you believe… Krista started once we sat down at our usual table in the corner, away from the usual clicks and stereotypes of high school. She popped a limp French fry into her mouth before continuing. that Damian thinks he can beat me? He wants to play me after school.

I tore my eyes off of the new kid and focused on lunch. What does he play again? I asked, trying to get the nerve to try the mystery meal. The more I looked at it the more disgusting it became.

Soccer. He wants to ‘meet me after school’ on the field. Apparently he has invited quite a few people to come and see me lose. Krista had to fight a smile at the last word.

I laughed. Damian Faye has never forgotten the day in eighth grade when Krista stole the ball from him, scoring easily in front of all his friends. He was a good soccer player, the best in his team in fact, but he was stuck up and hated the fact that anyone, let alone a girl, had beaten him at his game. "I bet a lot of people will come but not to see him win."

Yeah, She sighed. Although I hope not many do, I feel a little sorry for the guy, he tries so hard. She added sincerely.

Maybe you should let him win. I teasingly suggested.

Krista thought about it for a second. "Well, I’m not that sorry. Besides, it would tarnish my undefeatable reputation."

Of course not, how silly of me.

It was. She replied smugly. She played around with her food while making a disgusted face. So what do you think of that new boy?

What? I asked in surprise.

Don’t even try. I saw you looking at him. He is cute, I guess. I wonder if he plays any sports? She narrowed her eyes, trying to decide what sport he’d be good at.

I knew that look. She was wondering how much effort she would have to put into beating him. I hope, for his sake, that he doesn’t. I said. We both laughed as the bell rang and we had to separate for class. Math was boring and easy to fall asleep in, which made it hard to take notes. But finally the class ended and I went to my last hour, history. The room was full of historical posters that made me feel like I was in the 19th century, fighting for freedom from King George the Third. My teacher, Mr. Altmann, greeted me as I walked in. A tall, sturdy built man, Mr. Altmann got extremely excited over anything historic, which made the class very entertaining to say the least.

Just before the bell rang for class to start I noticed the new boy walk in. My heart did an involuntary little flop as he sat down in the empty chair next to me. Good morning, class. Mr. Altmann grinned happily. I would like to introduce you to our new student. Everyone, this is Logan Boyd. Logan looked up just long enough to nod towards the teacher. As Mr. Altmann assigned his morning warm-ups I got out my notes, keeping Logan in the corner of my eye, half-hoping that he would look at me. Lame, I know but I couldn’t help it. I just wanted to look into those eyes once more. He never did look at me, as far as I could tell. Mr. Altmann mentioned something about some assignment about our grandparents but I wasn’t listening, trying to slyly catch Logan’s eye again. Then I began to worry I was being stalkerish and forced myself not to look at him again. By the time class ended, I had made a secret promise to myself not to look at him as I left. That shouldn’t be too hard right? It would have worked too… maybe.

Excuse me, he said in a gentleman-like voice. I looked up and saw his dark, concealed eyes looking at me. It was almost as if he was hiding something from the world… I mentally shook my head. That was nonsense. The teacher wants me to borrow the notes so I could catch up. I was wondering…

Sure. I handed him my notebook quickly. Almost instantly, I felt like an idiot for not being able to keep my cool, even though he just asked for some notes. He smiled gratefully at me and, after returning the smile and feeling like a complete idiot, I left the room. A large group filled the wide hallway, was already heading towards the fields to see Krista and Damian play. I followed them, trying to convince myself that I hadn’t acted like an idiot. I had never felt so stupid doing those things before, yet at that moment I had. I inwardly groaned in embarrassment, both from before and the future humiliations I knew would come later, all because a cute boy was sitting next to me in history.

Wait, you never told me your name. Logan called from behind me. I turned around and saw that he had followed me. I forgot how to think for a second but recovered quickly. I’m Alex.

Alex. He grinned. I’m…

Logan. I know, the teacher introduced you.

Right. He looked around, noticing the group walking towards the fields instead of the exits. What’s going on?

My friend’s going to play the best soccer player at San Adonis High. And win.

Very confident, aren’t we? He teased. Being new at the school, I let it slide.

She’s unbeatable. I explained. All her life.

But she’s playing the best player on the team.

No, Damian is playing the best at everything.

Oh. He looked at me through the corners of his eyes, smiling slightly. There almost seemed to be uneasiness about the way he smiled, like he had never done it before, the movements new to his face. I was smiling before I realized it. I could lie and say I was merely being friendly, but the truth is… he was charming.

We walked out the door and saw at least half the school already sitting on the stands. The area was filled with the sounds of constant chattering as. Nearby, a group of football players compared arm muscles. One guy stood out from the rest. With dark olive skin and bright eyes, he was certainly a charmer but that wasn’t what made him stand out. He easily had twice the muscle of the rest of the football players, more than seemed humanly possible. Not quite bodybuilder but not far off either. It was easy to understand why he was San Adonis’s star quarterback and already had colleges wanting him on their team.

Krista was already in the field, waiting for me. What took you so long? She snapped once she saw me. Then she saw Logan and her glare disappeared.

Sorry. I apologized. There’s a long crowd coming this time. I think a lot of people are ready to see Damian lose. Across the field, Damian was stretching, a serious expression etched in his face. He was a slim, blonde haired guy with a constant I’m better then you look. Have you ever done that before? I asked, nodding towards Damian as he went through his warm ups. Krista glanced at him before shaking her head.

No.

Should you?

She shrugged. Why change now, right? She looked at Logan. Hey. I’m Krista Blake.

Logan Boyd.

Play any sports, Logan? I groaned but, hopefully, Logan hadn’t heard.

Not against you. He grinned. I hear you’re the best.

Not after today. A sickly sweet voice said. I instinctively rolled my eyes as I looked at the meanest most selfish girl in the world, and her minions. Brittany Kathie was smirking my way, arms folded across her toned stomach and her bratty friends laughing behind her.

Oh, look who’s here. Krista said in her most sarcastic voice. It’s Brandy.

Brittany. She snarled before returning her usual smirk.

What do you want, Brittany? I glared. Brittany enjoyed treating everyone like dirt and hated us because Krista and I wouldn’t allow it.

I just wanted to wish you luck, Krista. You’re going to need a lot of it. She attempted a poor innocent smile.

It’s Damian who is going to need luck.

You mean my boyfriend? I stifled a giggle at her words. The two had at least one thing in common; they were both madly in love with themselves. I’m his good luck charm.

Poor thing. I touched my heart in false sympathy.

Brittany forced her grin to remain. May the best MAN win. She smiled before leaving. Her girls gave us one last smirk before following her.

Sexist traitor. Krista growled after her. Logan laughed quietly under his breath.

Hey! Damian’s annoying voice suddenly yelled. I turned to see him smirking towards us, Brittany already in one arm. Are we going to do this thing or not?

Waiting on you! Krista hollered back, not bothering to look at him. Wish me luck.

Luck. I smiled. She took a deep breath and walked onto the field. Damian, smiling in excitement, let go of Brittany and threw his water bottle carelessly her way as he walked towards Krista. Brittany didn’t even move to catch it and it fell on the floor. One of her friends bent down and cleaned it off before holding it importantly in her hands. I rolled my eyes and returned my attention to the game.

The game was over with embarrassing quickness. Krista didn’t seem to be holding back as she kicked the ball carelessly across the field, treating Damian more like an obnoxious fly rather than a serious opponent. Damian chased Krista around the field the entire time, unable to score once. It was almost embarrassing but no one booed each time Krista scored, which she did a lot. When the game ended, Krista walked over to me. Her cheeks glowed from the work out but her breath remained steady and smooth. I handed her a water bottle which she took gratefully. Good job. I congratulated.

She shrugged. He’s an amateur.

Look at Brittany. Logan said, nodding with his head. I looked just in time to see her steal the bottle from her friend before Damian noticed.

Oh, jeez. That girl needs to get a hobby. Krista took another drink. So what now?

My house. I suggested instantly. You have most likely ruined your nails already.

In soccer you don’t use your hands. Krista said, too quickly. I don’t need it.

You always need it, dear. I smiled sweetly. Besides it’s tradition.

Tradition, huh? Logan asked, grinning as he listened to us talk.

Yeah, we always hang out at my house after school. But we do manicures after a victory.

Almost enough for me to want to lose. She grumbled under her breath.

Logan chuckled. I’ll let you do that then. I’ve got to head home anyway, he looked at me, see you tomorrow?

Sure. I couldn’t help grinning. He returned the grin and left.

So… Krista raised an eyebrow my way. He’s cute… She waited for me to say something.

He’s not bad. I shrugged, not able to erase the smile off my face. Krista laughed as she took my arm and lead me out of the field towards my house. It was near enough that we walked every day. Poor Damian. I sighed as we entered the neighborhood a mere block from the school. Rows of identical houses were separated by alleyways and perfectly trimmed bushes. He made such a big deal out of it.

I know. I doubt I’ve heard the last of him.

I doubt it. Oh shoot. I stopped walking as I realized something. I left my homework in the locker. It’s really important.

Do we need to get back?

I’ll go back real quick. You can go to my house and pick a movie.

Can it be an action? She asked, looking pleadingly at me.

Fine. I gave in. See you soon. The key’s under the mat. I turned and headed back to the school. It was amazing how quickly the school became empty. By the time I got there, almost everyone was gone. Only a few teachers remained. The sound of my footsteps, which I never was able to hear before, suddenly seemed to echo through the hallway. I walked to my locker with unusual quickness. The hallways were too quiet to feel safe in. I quickly grabbed my homework and started leaving as fast as I could. However, I got a mere two steps before I heard footsteps coming up from behind me. Already a bit jumpy from the atmosphere, I walked quicker. Unfortunately, I ended up running