... not in love with Kale Eddison
Joanne McClean
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
Published by Joanne McClean at Smashwords
Copyright © Joanne McClean 2010
Discover other titles by Joanne McClean at Smashwords.com
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 are 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.
Ok, before I get to all the thanks for those important people, I just want to say that this book is dedicated to my Granny Dunn … she inspired one of the characters in this book and even though she is gone, she is not forgotten and is still missed … everyday of my life.
Ok, where to start? Thank you Mum and Dad … I got my creativity from somewhere in the genes, so thanks for being the reason that my head is constantly buzzing with new ideas.
Thanks Paula, without you to correct the grammar and punctuation etc. etc. I’d be totally lost! Also, for a being a pain in the ass and always asking me how my next idea is coming along … it makes me even more determined to see it through!
Caroline, thanks for all the encouragement and support you have given me when I have been ready to give up … and also for continuing to want to read my drivel!
Allison, thanks for being you … I find a lot of my characters’ traits being based on you! Also, thanks for having an influence on my sense of humour … I do try my best when writing!
A few other mentions … Rylee my adorable wee nephew, Richard – my great brother-in-law and Barry – my future brother-in-law … you probably don’t realise it but you have the power to give me a little ego-boost when I need it most! Ok, and last but not least … all those family and friends that have supported me from my first novel … you all inspire me to keep going.
And finally, again, thanks to you for choosing this book … I hope you like it!
Foreword
Meet Izzie Frank; seventeen years old, typical high school pupil who juggles schoolwork with a part-time job and detests people who get it too easy in life, daughter to housewife Maggie and shop-owner Isaac Frank and granddaughter to Charlotte Frank – Granny Frank; who to quote is ‘Frank by name, Frank by nature’.
Now meet Kale Eddison; eighteen years old, actor who has never been to high school in his life, son to singer Olivia Benson and director Victor Eddison and has been earning millions since he was three years old; he has everything he ever wanted … and at the same time, he doesn’t.
What do you think happens when these two meet and their worlds collide?
Chapter One
“Dad, how can you expect me to get good A-Level grades when you want me to work practically every hour in the day?” Izzie Frank was pissed off; her shoulder-length red hair was sticking up all over the place – no doubt from all the frustrated tugging – and her normally pale face was very red; her green eyes narrowed in a bad temper.
“Honey, I just need an extra hand ‘cause Seth called in sick – that too much to ask?” Isaac shook his head at his daughter; he really did admire her fiery temper at times – just not now.
Izzie stormed off and began stacking the shelves with the new order of books that had just arrived. She was in a really bad mood; she knew she shouldn’t take it out on her father but she felt like if she didn’t vent her anger, she’d explode. Izzie just couldn’t believe the nerve Stacey Johnson had at school today; how dare she say that Izzie’s ideas on the upcoming Formal were useless – and especially in front of Jake Greenberg! She was furious when Stacey had announced this at the Committee meeting earlier this afternoon; she had made her look really stupid in front of Jake – the school hottie, of all people! Izzie shook her head to clear her thoughts and resumed stacking the shelf marked ‘K – M’.
After all the new books had been put in their rightful place, Izzie took over at the till. She looked at her watch 5.30pm, another half hour and then she would be free to do whatever she wanted. She smiled to herself and grinned even more broadly when the bell above the door tinkled announcing the arrival of a new costumer … in the form of Jake. Izzie wiped the loony smile off her face and tried to look like she actually was sane. Jake meandered around the stacks of books and Izzie watched him make his way to the ‘Teenage’ section – she was very shocked at this; surely a guy who had turned eighteen over the summer didn’t read those childish books? There were all aimed at readers whose average age was fourteen.
Jake selected one and made his way up to Izzie, his wallet in hand. Izzie smiled at him politely while she noticed the juvenile comic book in his hand; she didn’t know if she should think that was sweet or really worrying. She settled for an uninterested look and scanned the book through the till.
“That’ll be five pounds please.”
Jake riffled through the wad of notes, extracted a ten pound note and handed it to Izzie with a look of recognition on his face.
“Hey, you’re Isobel aren’t you?” he smiled at her briefly as she nodded.
“Yeah, it’s Izzie. Um, here’s your change.” she handed him the money and he looked at her intently again.
“You were at the meeting today weren’t you? You had all those ideas, right?”
“Yeah but Stacey wasn’t shy about letting me know she hated them. Why, what did you think?” she smiled at him and he looked taken aback.
“Oh well, we all have to agree in the end, don’t we?” he avoided her eye and looked uncomfortable.
Izzie was confused, he really was very hard to understand; one minute he was interested and the next he couldn’t get away fast enough. “Yeah, I suppose so …”
“Well, I gotta go, see ya.” Jake hurriedly left the shop, leaving Izzie feeling really puzzled.
After work, Izzie left the shop with her father and he dropped her off at the local café. She waved him off and ran inside to meet to her best friend, Madison Herring – Maddie. Izzie shook the rain from her hair and sat down opposite her friend.
“You will never guess who was in the shop just now.” Izzie told Maddie very dramatically.
“Who?” Maddie asked, tucking her long, curly black hair behind her ear and listening intently.
“Jake Greenberg.” Izzie beamed but Maddie gave her friend a disapproving look.
“So? You really still hung up on him? He’s the school hottie Iz … and he doesn’t even pay you attention. Why do you waste your time?”
Izzie felt hurt at her words but she couldn’t deny they were true; it was as if she didn’t exist to him – in fact, she had been very surprised he had known her name earlier. She shrugged it off as she noticed the magazine Maddie had been reading, ‘Teen Weekly’. It was Izzie’s turn to give her friend a disapproving look. She lifted the magazine and waved it at Maddie, “Speaking of wasting time … why were you reading this rubbish?”
Maddie rolled her eyes, “It’s not a crime, besides it was already here … I was passing time until you arrived.”
Izzie raised her eyebrows, “Uh huh, so the fact that there’s Kale Eddison on the cover with an exclusive interview has nothing to do with it?”
Maddie blushed and shook her head ferociously, “No! I – there – ok yeah, I was reading it because of him.” she admitted reluctantly.
Izzie laughed, “I knew it! Why do you follow this guy obsessively? I mean anything with his face, you buy it! You don’t even know him, he’s a world famous actor … come on, the odds that you would meet him are slim to none.”
Maddie nodded, “I know, I know but come on, how can you resist those baby blues and messy sandy hair, not to mention that tall, tanned and toned physique?” She sighed and there was a dreamy look on her face.
Izzie rolled her eyes, “Yeah, like he’s even like that in reality. He’s probably airbrushed and told what to say … besides, he can’t even act that well.”
Maddie looked scandalised, “Hold your tongue Ms Frank! Let’s just forget the ‘boy talk’ and get down to ‘Mr Rowntree’s English essay talk’, huh?”
Izzie agreed, “Fine, fine. What you got?”
After the girls had traded pointers for their essays, Maddie drove Izzie home; the rain was very heavy now.
“See you at school,” Izzie shouted back at the car as she ran inside the house. She took off her soaking coat and walked by the living room; her parents sat watching T.V. along with her grandmother.
“Hey guys, hey Gran, I’m going for a shower and then bed - so goodnight.” They all nodded their heads in acknowledgement; too engrossed in the programme to say anything. Izzie sighed and made her way upstairs to the bathroom, she thought about what Maddie had said about Jake; she was right, she really needed to get over him. She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts and once she had put her damp clothes into the laundry basket, she jumped into the shower.
When she had changed into her pyjamas, Izzie sat at her computer and checked her emails. She shot down a couple of pop-ups after seeing Kale Eddison’s face with a dramatic headline one too many times and wearily clicked open an email from Stacey; it was what she had been dreading.
Stacey had emailed her with a list of demands and tasks for the Formal; they ranged from small ones like - ‘make sure the balloons are delivered on that morning’ - to much bigger ones like; ‘book the band!’
That last one was going to be a bit of a problem; the band that everyone had finally agreed on had set a deadline – because there was such a long waiting list, they needed to have booked them by last Friday … and today was Tuesday! Izzie rubbed her eyes wearily and yawned; she would have to figure something out later, at least she had a good eight months to do something. Sighing, she turned off her computer and got into bed; maybe everything would be solved by the morning.
The next morning, Izzie got up and after getting dressed; she made her way to the kitchen and made some coffee for herself. She yawned and poured out a second cup when she heard the familiar shuffle of her grandmother’s slippers.
“Hey Gran, want some coffee?” Izzie handed her the cup and smiled at Granny Frank; she was dressed in her finery; navy linen trousers and a long-sleeved pale pink blouse and her white hair was curled to perfection.
Her grandmother took the cup gratefully and smiled, “Is that a rhetorical question? You look tired, you ok?”
Izzie stifled a yawn, “Yep, just school and planning the formal and stuff.”
Granny Frank smiled, “Ok, but isn’t that way in May? All I’m saying is don’t push yourself too hard. See you later dear.”
Izzie nodded, “I know, and yeah it is but they like to plan these
things way in advance! I’ll see you later.” She made her way to
her car and she pulled up outside Hartside High a little while later.
Maddie was waiting for her by the locker and she looked very happy
about something. Izzie strolled up to her and began to pack her bag.
“What are you looking so chipper about?” Izzie studied her
friend’s face carefully.
Maddie grinned widely, “Didn’t you hear? Oh my God it’s so exciting! Kale Eddison wants to finish his final year of education in an actual school … what if it’s ours?”
Izzie rolled her eyes, “Come on Maddie, there’s like hundreds of schools … what makes you think he would come to ours?”
Maddie looked at her dazedly, “You never know, it could happen.”
“Yeah, don’t count on it, come on, we’ll be late for class.” Izzie shut her locker and made her way along the corridor.
Chapter Two
“Come on honey, why do you want to go to high school when you can finish out your final year with your private tutor. It won’t interrupt your filming or anything and there won’t be the paparazzi following your every move. Think about it Kale.” Olivia pleaded with her son, trying to make him see sense.
“Mother, I want to do this; I’ve never had a shred of normalcy in my life. Please let me have one year of a normal high school experience. Let me do this.” Kale gave his mother a serious look; he wanted this more than anything in the world. He was fed up of making fluffy films, fed up of being constantly under the watch of photographers; he wanted to go to an actual school.
Olivia gave a defeated sigh, “Ok but I still don’t get why you want you to do this, when the paparazzi find out they’ll be all over this. You know that right?”
Kale nodded, “Yeah but I’ll comply; I’ll even tell them where it is I’m attending. They’ll get their scoop and then they’ll give up eventually; they always do. It’s not like I’ll be doing anything remotely newsworthy other than going to high school – what’s so exciting about that?”
Olivia looked at her son carefully, “Ok, you’re eighteen – an adult – I guess you can do what you want. Now, where have you decided on?”
Kale grinned, “Hartside High, it’s about twenty minutes from the house we have in Ireland and I start on Friday.”
Olivia nearly choked, “What? That gives us today to pack and then we have to travel over there! Are you really sure about this?”
Kale looked at his mother sheepishly, “Yeah, that’s the thing, I want to do this on my own. Besides, I know you and Dad have to stay here in America – your work is here. I was hoping that you’d let me go on my own.”
Olivia was ready to have a coronary now, “What? You, on your own … are you crazy? You’re eighteen years old, you can’t look after yourself.”
Kale scoffed, “Come on, you just said I was an adult … time to start treating me like one.”
Olivia mulled this over, “Ok, one condition though …”
“Name it.” Kale grinned at his mother.
“Your assistant goes with you, when the paparazzi get all over this; you’ll need someone to help, agreed?”
Kale nodded, “Done but as long as she stays at home and doesn’t attend with me.”
Olivia pondered this for a moment, “Fine, I’ll tell Alicia to make arrangements so that you’ll not be hounded by journalists when you arrive at the school but she’s not to attend with you – happy?”
Kale grinned, “Yep, I suppose I better go and pack then.” He smiled to himself and started making plans to pack and arrange his arrival into Ireland.
Chapter Three
Izzie woke up on Thursday morning with a headache; Maddie had called her last night and squealed loudly down the phone until Izzie had pleaded with her to shut up and tell her what was wrong.
“Maddie, what the heck is wrong?” Izzie had asked her, very annoyed at her friend for being so loud.
“Oh my God, Izzie! Oh my God! I can’t believe it … I still can’t take it in. You will never guess what I have just found out?” Maddie had babbled down the phone.
Izzie had yawned; it had been very late and she hadn’t had the time or patience to play games. “What … how to deafen your friend in one-easy step?”
Maddie had sighed, “Very funny … this is no time for your sarcasm Ms Frank – Kale Eddison is coming to our school!”
“What do you mean he’s coming to our school? For what … to make a speech – teach drama … what? Just tell me, even though I don’t really care … as long as it will stop you from squealing again.”
Maddie had gotten very hysterical then, “He’s joining our school!”
Izzie had snapped out of her sleepy daze at those particular words, “What? Why? Oh for the love of God – ours? Why?”
Maddie had sounded angry, “Izzie, we are so lucky! Out of all the schools in the world … he picked ours. Who knew – Kale Eddison attending Hartside High!”
Izzie had then listened to her friend drone on for ages until she finally told Maddie she needed to sleep.
Today, however, Izzie’s headache was a reminder of the day ahead … and the events that would come to pass. She groaned and seriously considered skipping school altogether but she knew she had to go; she needed to – if she wanted to pass her A-Levels. Izzie got up and headed to the bathroom; she looked at her reflection in the mirror above the sink, she noted the bags under her eyes and made a mental note to kill Maddie later. After she had dressed and ate some breakfast, she made her way to school; she knew it would be mental today – Kale’s arrival tomorrow meant that everyone was going to be going bananas about everything; making sure the school was clean, making sure everybody was welcoming etc. etc. She rolled her eyes as she passed a group of fellow students gossiping madly and wondering if they should take extra care getting ready tomorrow morning in case they were photographed by the paparazzi.
Maddie was waiting by the lockers as usual but Izzie noticed that she seemed more alert than any other morning.
“So, let me guess … you didn’t sleep at all last night, did you? You were so excited you couldn’t fall asleep and you’ve had like eight cups of coffee this morning to stop you from falling asleep during class … am I right?”
Maddie’s eye twitched and she shook her head, looking guilty, “No, of course not, I – oh ok – but I only had five if you must know.”
Izzie shook her head in disbelief, “You truly have gone mad, you know that?” She grabbed her bag and made her way to English Class as the bell rang, Maddie followed a few paces behind; Izzie sighed, ‘Boy it’s going to be a long day,’ she thought.
Izzie had been right, the school had been manic; everyone just couldn’t wait for Kale’s arrival. She, on the other hand, couldn’t have cared less; he was just a famous actor who got paid way too much money while she struggled with her minimum wage pay to save for University. She really detested people like him and seemed to be the only person who was not looking forward to his arrival. Maddie, meanwhile, was practically giddy at the prospect of breathing the same air as him, never mind meeting him.
Izzie was so glad that she was now on her way home but it also meant that she would have to endure the same thing all over again tomorrow – and it would probably be even worse. She sighed and parked her car behind her father’s Golf and went inside the house.
“Hey Mum,” Izzie walked into the kitchen to find her mother cooking dinner, “What’s for dinner?”
Her mother turned around, a spaghetti sauce stain on her apron and a bit of pasta was stuck in her hair. “Oh hi honey, how was school?”
Izzie laughed as she pulled the pasta from her mother’s hair, “Oh you know, the usual.”
“Thanks,” said her mother and she turned back to the saucepan that was in danger of boiling over. “Well that’s not what I hear dear, word is that that famous actor is joining your school.”
Izzie rolled her eyes, “Yeah and I’m soooo excited,” she told her mother sarcastically.
“I take it from your lack of enthusiasm you aren’t.” her mother frowned at her.
Izzie sighed, “Everyone just seems to be falling all over themselves to impress him but I just don’t feel the need to.” she shrugged and her mother gave her a ‘whatever’ kind of smile and turned back to the pasta.
Izzie left her school stuff upstairs and decided to get started on her homework; dinner wasn’t going to be ready for another half hour at the most. She extracted her English Literature folder from her bag and started to plan out her essay on Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’. She really didn’t get a lot done since her thoughts kept straying to Jake; she really knew she should stop dwelling on him but she couldn’t – it’s not like she had a chance but there was something about him … he just didn’t seem like a dumb rugby player. She chastised herself for thinking about his curly blonde hair and tanned physique; you really could tell he played a lot of sports since he was extremely well-built. Izzie shook her head, trying to shake those thoughts out of her head in the process, as she heard her mother call that dinner was ready.
She sat and picked at her spaghetti, not really paying attention to what her parents were talking about until she heard her father say her name.
“Izzie, did you hear me?”
Izzie had been sitting with her elbow on the table and her head resting on her fist, she sat up straight when her father spoke to her.
“Sorry, I was thinking about my homework, what did you say?”
Her father sighed, “I wanted to know if you could work the 3 to 6 shift tomorrow? It would really help a lot.”
Izzie tried not to look peeved off, “No that’s ok, I’m out of school at 3 but I’ll be there just after it.” Her father nodded, satisfied with her answer and she went back to her cold spaghetti. She pushed it around the plate for another five minutes and then excused herself, saying she really needed to get stuck into her school work.
As soon as she was in her room, she flopped onto her bed, ‘There really has to be more to life than this’ she thought miserably. Little did she know what was coming her way.
Izzie woke up absurdly early the next morning, she groaned as she realised it was Friday. Normally she would have been very happy that it was the start of the weekend but today it just meant it was the start of her final year stuck with a superficial famous actor. She rolled over and willed herself to get up; she really needed to get ready if she didn’t want to be late. However, she dozed off again and only woke when Grandma Frank walked by her room and yelled into her.
“Izzie, you do know you have school in forty-five minutes?”
Izzie bolted upright and quickly got out of bed. Fifteen minutes later and Izzie was dressed but still running a little late; it was clear she wasn’t going to make it there for 9 o’clock. She didn’t really mind, Kale would be no doubt causing a fuss she didn’t want to get caught in the middle of. She took her time eating her cereal and then got into her car at 8.55am and pulled out of the driveway to make her way to Hartside. There was quite a bit of traffic on the road, she rolled down her window - it was still quite mild for October – and turned up the radio; she was feeling very relaxed now knowing that she would miss Kale’s grand and – most likely - dramatic entrance.
Izzie hummed along with the song – Snow Patrol’s ‘Open Your Eyes’ – as she pulled into the last parking space and grabbed her bag before she started to rush towards the school. However, she had just reached the entrance door when a voice behind yelled, “Hey, hold the door please!”
She did as she was told and saw the person the voice belonged to approach her.
“Thanks, I was afraid there was some sort of lock on it so I couldn’t get in.”
Izzie looked up at the speaker, rolled her eyes and walked on in without saying anything. She heard footsteps behind her and turned to find he had chased after her.
“Hey, you took off so fast I didn’t get to introduce myself.”
Izzie smirked, “I know who you are thanks, Kale.” she said the last word with great dislike.
Kale looked at this girl he didn’t know and was quite stunned; what had he done that caused this girl to look at him with such loathing? He recovered from this shock when she made to walk off again.
“Hey! Why do you keep doing that? What is your problem?” Kale grabbed her arm and Izzie spun around.
“Hey, watch the hands buddy! What do you want?” Izzie was really beginning to get very angry at Kale; she really didn’t know why but she was.
Kale reeled back, “Wow, thanks for such a friendly welcome, I must say,” he spat sarcastically and then he caught himself on; he really had better manners than that. He let go of her arm and flashed his best award-winning smile.
“I’m sorry, can we start again? I was running late and I seem to have taken it out on you, sorry. Anyway, as you seem to know, I’m Kale Eddison and your name is …”
Izzie rolled her eyes; she guessed he wasn’t that bad – as a matter of fact he was actually better looking in real-life than he looked in magazines; his eyes were a clear, bright baby blue colour and his sandy hair was darker than it looked in magazines. He was also a lot taller than Izzie expected (well over six foot) and he was dressed in dark jeans, a blue shirt with a black leather jacket and black boots. Izzie took a minute to focus her thoughts, “Sorry, guess we both were taking our lateness out on the wrong people. I’m Izzie, Izzie Frank, it’s nice to meet you.”
Kale grinned, “Hi Izzie, great to meet you. Now would you mind if I troubled you as to where I should go to find the Main Office?”
Izzie laughed, “Jeez, no need to be oh-so polite. Sure I’ll show you, come on.”
They both set off down the corridor, Kale trying to think of something to say to break the awkward silence. “So, how long you lived here? It seems pretty nice.”
Izzie laughed humourlessly, “Yeah, it’s really fun! Na, seriously, it’s not that bad. I’ve lived here my whole life but I’m ready to leave when this year’s over, you know.”
Kale nodded, “Yeah, I know what you mean; I couldn’t wait to get out of Hollywood.”
Izzie was surprised at this, “Why? I’d love to live there – it looks really amazing.”
Kale looked at her with sadness in his eyes, “Yeah it may seem like that but trust me, it isn’t. Everyone is so false and it’s all just a big competition as to who can get the most money for movie roles and stuff not to mention the paparazzi chasing your every move.”
“Mmm, so how’d you escape them today?” Izzie asked; actually finding that she was genuinely curious.
Kale shook his head, “My assistant’s taken care of it. Anyway, enough about me, I want to hear more about you.” he flashed her another blinding smile.
Izzie raised her eyebrows at him, a look of slight amusement mixed with anger on her face, “You really think you can charm me like you do your supermodel girlfriends? Please, give me some credit. Do you expect me to go all gooey-eyed over you saying the overly-clichéd line of ‘I want to hear more about you’? Wow, you really are original, anyway here’s the office, goodbye.” Izzie pointed to the heavy wooden door with ‘Principal’s Office’ marked on it and walked away before Kale could retort anything back.
Kale stood and watched Izzie saunter off; he didn’t know whether to be annoyed or amused at her comments. He shook his head in disbelief; he thought he might have been on the road to actually making his first friend but it didn’t seem that way now; he shrugged to himself as he knocked on the door and went inside.
Izzie was half-way down the corridor when she felt remorse; she really shouldn’t have been so nasty to him but he just seemed to bring the worst out in her. She tried to think of something else as she entered the English Literature classroom and mumbled an excuse to Mr Mason. She took her seat beside Maddie and took out her things; she was going to force herself to focus on something that was actually important and not to do with Kale Eddison and the infuriation he caused her. Half-way into the lesson, Maddie pushed a folded piece of paper over to Izzie. She took it and checked Mr Mason wasn’t looking before she opened it.
Why do you look so distracted? What happened to you this morning? Oh and did you hear … Kale never showed this morning.
Izzie shook her head at Maddie, rolled her eyes and started to write her reply.
Writing notes during class Madd? What are we ten? Anyway, I’ll humour you … I am not distracted! - Ok maybe I am but it was because I was running late and it was all because of your Mr Eddison as a matter of fact. God he really is as irritating as I thought he would be!
Izzie shoved the note back and watched Maddie’s expression go from neutral to completely shell-shocked the further she read down the page; she really hoped Maddie wouldn’t squeal in delight like she usually did when Kale was mentioned. She watched her scribble furiously and practically lob it at Izzie’s head to get her attention. Izzie took it and was about to open it when the bell rang, she pocketed it and packed her bag along with Maddie and then headed out the door towards the Drama room; their next class.
“I’ll read it when Ms Belson isn’t looking, I promise.” Izzie told her before Maddie could interrogate her as they walked along.
Maddie stared at her incredulously, “Erm hello? I can’t wait that long! What did you think we were going to talk about on the way to Drama?”
Izzie sighed exasperatedly, “Oh come on Maddie, I really don’t want to dwell on my unpleasant encounter with Mr Eddison anymore than necessary. Let’s just save it for the written word shall we?”
Maddie knew by the look on Izzie’s face that it was case closed. She dropped it and made small talk about going to the cinema tonight. Izzie agreed to go as long as it wasn’t a Kale Eddison film – Maddie said it wasn’t. They were just deciding on a time as they walked through the door to the Drama room and took the seats farthest from Ms Belson; she was an elderly lady who tended to shout a lot due to her bad hearing and they both refused to have headaches by the end of the class. While Ms Belson called out the names on the register, Izzie read Maddie’s reply.
I know it’s really childish, so sue me! Anyway, what do you mean Kale is the reason you were late? What happened? I thought he didn’t turn up today … how come you met him? Oh I’m jealous - I’d loved to have met him first. You’re so lucky! But what’s this about ‘unpleasant’? Hello?? It’s KALE EDDISON! How could breathing the same air as him and actually having a conversation with him be so horrible? Have you gone completely mad?!
Izzie shook her head and was about to jot something back when all the girls in the class squealed … Kale Eddison had just walked in.
He smiled at them and walked over to Ms Belson who looked like all her birthdays had come at once; Izzie watched how she unashamedly checked her reflection in the mirror behind him and smoothed down her short grey hair while tugging down her knitted cardigan and straightening out her long skirt.
“Oh, this is a pleasant surprise Mr Eddison - are you here to demonstrate your extraordinary talents to us?” she grinned at him and Izzie saw he looked a little scared of this crazy old lady.
“Erm no Ms Belson, isn’t it? No, this is my second period class according to this timetable they gave me.” he waved the sheet of paper at her and she inspected it closely with her thick spectacles perched on the end of her nose.
“Oh indeed you’re right – though it seems rather silly that you should learn how to act – with you being one of the finest actors out there.”
Izzie couldn’t help but let a snort of laughter escape from her, luckily only Maddie appeared to have heard it as she gave her a disapproving look.
Kale smiled modestly, “Oh thanks, I wouldn’t say that but you can never stop honing your skills in this profession – it is an important craft after all.”
Ms Belson nodded wisely, “Indeed dear, now if you just want to take a seat. Anywhere you wish now.”
Kale turned to find around fifteen giddy girls all fighting to get their neighbour to vacate the seat next to them. He also noticed that the guys were all trying to look disinterested but he knew by their faces that they were all dying for him to sit near them so they could be seen to be even cooler than they liked to think they were. Kale wondered if he could just turn around and walk back out again but he knew he had to stick this out; he was sure that by the end of the day – well, he’d be an expert at handling this kind of behaviour. He had wanted this normal school experience after all and he dealt with the paparazzi all the time; this was going to be a piece of cake –well, he hoped it would be.
Kale glanced around the room and found one person who wasn’t looking like they were about to handcuff him to the seat and demand he announce their engagement … and that person was Izzie Frank. She wasn’t looking at him; she was too engrossed in reading the text that they would be studying, Kale smiled as he noticed the empty chair on the other side of her; he had found his seat.
“I think I’ll just take that empty one near the back Ms Belson, if you don’t mind.” He made his way across the room, trying to avoid looking at all the miffed faces and angry glares from the girls and guys respectively.
Kale was relieved when everyone turned back to face the front as Ms Belson starting talking about the play they would be studying this term - Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’ He sat down and extracted his own battered copy from his bag and leaned towards Izzie.
“Hello again, fancy seeing you here.” he smiled and laughed when she looked up at him with a look of disgust on her face.
“Oh it’s you – I thought it might’ve been somebody important. Oh well, never mind – what’s one more disappointment.” she threw him a cross look and returned to intently reading the scene Ms Belson was talking them through. She pretended not to notice the amused smirk on Kale’s face nor the incessant elbowing from Maddie on her other side.
Maddie gave up and leaned forward so she could catch a glimpse of Kale, she extended her hand when she saw him looking at her and nodding in acknowledgement. He shook her hand politely as Maddie introduced herself; he tried not to show what he was thinking - he hoped she wasn’t going to turn into a crazed stalker – he had had enough of those back in Hollywood, he didn’t need any here.
“So Kale,” Maddie began, pulling him out of his thoughts, “how do you like it here so far?”
Kale turned his attention to Maddie, “Oh it’s been nice; most people have been very welcoming.” He smirked at Izzie when he said this and chuckled when she ignored him and turned to the next page of her book very forcefully.
Maddie noted this little exchange with slight envy and annoyance but carried on her interrogation regardless. “So, what are your other classes today? Do you need any help finding them? I’d love to give you a tour, if you want.” she looked at him with eager enthusiasm shining on her face; she really wasn’t going to leave him alone until he agreed.
“Erm ok, sure … that would be nice of you.” he smiled at her and then turned his book to the appropriate page; he hoped Maddie would take the hint that she should do the same. She knew that that had been a less-than-subtle hint to leave him alone, so Maddie reluctantly turned her text to the right page and tried to pay attention to Ms Belson; who was now talking about some volunteers to act out a scene.
“Come on now,” Ms Belson pleaded with her reluctant class, “I just want two people to act out one little scene; just so we can get a feel of what we are discussing. Anyone … anyone at all – Mr Eddison, perhaps you would be so kind?”
Kale had been expecting this; he unwillingly agreed and went to stand at the front.
Ms Belson smiled, “Thank you Kale, now who’s going to read the part of ‘Beatrice’?” Fifteen hands shot up in the air and Kale squirmed, ‘sure they all agree now they know I’ll be reading opposite them’ he thought.
Ms Belson looked amused, “Well now, that’s the passion I’m looking for … now let’s see.” She glanced around at the eager faces and stopped when she notice Izzie sitting reading her script instead of acting like a love-struck teenager; Ms Belson thought she would be the perfect choice – at least Izzie wouldn’t act all giddy and would actually take what they were doing very seriously.
“Miss Frank, perhaps you’d like a try?” Ms Belson watched as Izzie raised her head and rolled her eyes.
“Sure, I think I can control myself, unlike this lot.” she gestured to her overly excited class-mates and made her way to the front, much to the dislike of the other girls.
“Now, you will read ‘Beatrice’ and Kale, you will read ‘Benedick’ … if you could just take it from ‘Against my will I am sent to bid you come in to dinner’.”
Izzie smirked at Ms Belson’s selection; she really wouldn’t have to act like she couldn’t stand Kale that much – she had that down to a fine art already.
They read through the scene and the bell rang just as they had finished it; everyone clapped them politely and started to file out of the room as Izzie and Kale returned to the back of the classroom to retrieve their belongings.
Kale cleared his throat as he slung his bag over his shoulder, “You were really good there now.”
Izzie looked up at him – ‘Wow, he really is super tall’ she thought – and half-smiled, “Thanks, you weren’t so bad yourself … for a movie star.”
He laughed and fell into step with her as they left the classroom. Izzie didn’t say anything to him as they walked along the corridor, Kale decided to break the silence.
“So Izzie, can I ask you something?”
Izzie looked up to find his blue eyes full of curiosity, “I suppose you can but it doesn’t mean I’ll answer you.” she smiled when he raised his eyebrows.
“Oh feisty, aren’t you? I was just wondering why you seem to hate me – I mean you don’t even know me.” He looked at her inquisitively; he was strangely drawn to her for some reason – even if she did clearly loathe him.
“I don’t hate you,” Izzie told him truthfully, “I’m just not as infatuated by you as everyone else appears to be.”
Kale nodded, “Fair enough, no reason for me to argue with that; everyone’s entitled to an opinion.”
“Mmm,” Izzie simply replied; why was he still talking to her? All she wanted was for him to leave her alone so she could enjoy the break before her next class. Kale seemed to sense she was ticked off by him.
“You really don’t like me.” It wasn’t a question, more the case of him stating a fact. Izzie shrugged, “It’s nothing personal; I just don’t see what all the fuss is about – no offence.”
Kale laughed, “None taken, wow, I really love your honesty. You really aren’t afraid to say what you really think, are you? I could use that, especially when I’m rehearsing for a role; I need someone brutally honest, to tell me when my acting is rubbish.”
Izzie laughed, “Sure, if you want someone to slag you off all the time; I’m your girl.” She was only half-serious but Kale looked thrilled.
“You really mean that? It would help me so much.” He beamed at her while she shook her head disbelievingly.
“I was joking but if you mean it … sure, why not?” Izzie laughed and noticed Jake Greenberg waiting outside her next class. She forgot they had English together and now it looked like Kale would be joining them too. She smiled at Jake who did a double-take when he saw who Izzie was with. He grinned back at her and made his way over to talk to her; something he had never done before.
“Hey Isobel, how’s it going? Hey Kale, I’m Jake Greenberg, welcome to Hartside.”
Kale frowned at him but shook his hand, “Thanks, Izzie has been really helpful.” He put heavy emphasis on his correction of Izzie’s name. Izzie found herself smiling at this against her will; it was quite funny when Jake looked a little confused – it was actually quite adorable.
Jake nodded and threw his arm around Izzie’s shoulders, giving her a tight squeeze.
“Oh I bet she has been helpful. She’s super nice, aren’t you Isobel? Hey, if you do need anything - anything that our Isobel can’t help you with - you know who to come to, yeah?” He flashed Kale a smile while Izzie settled for looking puzzled; why was he acting like they were best buds all of a sudden? She shrugged this thought off as she found she really didn’t mind; maybe she could use being Kale’s guide to get closer to Jake.
Kale’s smile at Jake was strained and he looked at Izzie with a mixture of pity and amusement; her baffled expression was priceless. He noticed that Jake quickly dropped his arm from Izzie when he sensed the conversation with Kale was over. Izzie rolled her eyes and smiled as Jake walked on inside the classroom. Kale looked at her like she was crazy; why was she grinning like a fool after that jackass? He decided to tell her as much.
“Em, why are you looking at him like he’s the best thing since sliced bread? The guy’s an idiot.” Kale told Izzie as they made their way to two empty seats near the back of the room.
Izzie glared at him, “How can you say that? You don’t even know him – he’s really nice actually.” Kale didn’t look convinced but smirked slightly.
“Um, hello? Pot – kettle – black … anyone? You don’t know me but are quick to judge probably from what you’ve read in the media about me.”
Izzie smirked back, “Everyone’s entitled to an opinion.” she echoed back at him.
Kale grinned; he had met his match. “Exactly, therefore so am I about Mr Jackass over there!”
Izzie laughed, “I guess two can play at this game, eh? All I’m saying is give him a chance he seems really nice.” Kale didn’t fail to notice that she had implied that Jake appeared to be an ok guy. He didn’t mention this but he wasn’t going to skirt around the issue of her giving him a chance.
“Well all I’m saying is give me a chance or at least try.” he smiled down at her and she rolled her eyes in defeat.
“Fine but one strike – just one - and you’re out.” she half-smiled at him and returned her attention to the chapter of the novel they were supposed to be reading.
“I can live with that.” Kale told her and he followed her example and started his work also, smiling to himself; he sensed he was going to like this experience.
Chapter Four
When it came around to lunch time, Kale wondered if asking Izzie could he join her, would be too much and push her over the edge. He needn’t have worried though, Maddie had took it upon herself to invite him to sit with her and Izzie; the latter had not looked too happy when Kale accepted Maddie’s invitation. That’s why when she got the chance; Izzie dragged her friend to one side while Kale signed autographs for some of the younger students.
“Why did you have to ask him to join us Maddie? Is this just so you can stare at him all through lunch? Because I don’t want to have to make conversation with someone who’ll not be listening to a word I say, you hear me?”
Maddie clearly wasn’t listening, “Uh-huh, whatever you say – come on, he’s sitting down now!”
Izzie rolled her eyes and groaned as Maddie tugged on her arm and directed her over to the table where Kale was now eating his lunch.
“Sorry,” Maddie apologised to him; her eyelashes fluttering furiously in what Izzie presumed she thought to be a flirtatious manner, “Izzie couldn’t decide what to get. Anyway, how have you liked Hartside High so far?”
Kale took a sip of his bottled water, “Oh erm, it’s great. I think I’ll like it here.” He looked very uncomfortable at the way Maddie was looking at him; like he was a piece of meat. Izzie noticed his panicked expression and found herself enjoying watching him squirm.
“So Kale, you never got around to telling me what you’re studying? I do the same as Izzie; English, English Literature and Drama. I want to be an actress whereas Iz wants to be a writer.”
Kale looked at Izzie interestedly, “Really, a writer – that’s really cool.”
Maddie looked annoyed that he had ignored her and talked to Izzie instead; she cleared her throat purposely so that he would answer her question.
Kale noticed Maddie’s forced cough and quickly looked away from Izzie who had merely nodded when he had spoke to her. “Oh sorry, I didn’t answer your question … I’m actually doing the same three - I really love literature; you know how words can convey emotions, how you can escape into a world all of your own. It’s really something else … it’s why I started acting; to get the chance to actually perform what the author was saying – well, it’s really kind of amazing.”
Maddie nodded but Kale didn’t fail to recognise the look of confusion on her face; she clearly didn’t understand his passion for the written word. However, a quick glance at Izzie showed she knew exactly what he was referring to; she did dream of being a writer after all. Kale didn’t say anything else and neither did Maddie but Izzie surprised them both by nodding at Kale and saying, “I know what you mean; I grew up with a love of books – my father owns a book shop,” she explained to him.
Kale nodded; he was clearly impressed, “Wow, I’ll have to check it out sometime – I’m always reading something.” They all ate the rest of their lunches in silence but Kale couldn’t help but furrow his brow when he wondered why Izzie seemed to go from being rather unfriendly to perfectly pleasant as quickly as she did; he didn’t know which reception he was going to be met with next. He shook his head and finished eating his burger.
Izzie sensed that Maddie was mad at her; that was why she didn’t continue on with her conversation with Kale. She picked at her sandwich and only half-paid attention to the small talk Kale was making with Maddie. She was extremely relieved when the bell rang to signal the end of lunch; she really wanted to be alone - away from Kale and away from Maddie and her fluttering eyelashes – it was a good thing that she had a free class now. Izzie looked at Maddie; she knew that she had a free class too but she hoped that Maddie wouldn’t annoy her too much.
“What you going to do this class?” Izzie asked her friend as Kale pretended not to be listening to this little exchange.
“I agreed to tutor one of the younger students in English so I’ll be in the library. I hope you don’t mind.” Maddie told her politely but Izzie could tell she really didn’t care if Izzie did mind.
Izzie nodded and watched Maddie leave, then she sighed; it was totally obvious that Maddie was pissed at her but Izzie failed to see what it was that she was supposed to have done wrong – she’d just have to make Maddie forgive her later on. She sighed again and noticed Kale looking at her with a sympathetic smile on his face.
“You okay?” he inquired, wondering if Izzie would respond with a friendly answer or not.
Izzie rolled her eyes, “I’ll be fine - Maddie just gets this way sometimes. It’s just best to let her cool off a little while and then I apologise for whatever I’ve supposedly done – whether I’m guilty or not.”
Kale frowned at her “That doesn’t seem fair. You shouldn’t have to take the blame for something you didn’t do.”
Izzie laughed, “It’s easier this way, trust me. Now, do you think you’ll be able to find your next class? It’s just I’ve got an essay to finish since I’m working later and won’t get the chance to do it.”
Kale followed her as she made her way down the corridor, “Yeah, I will since I’m in the same class as you … I have a free period now too.” He laughed lightly as this fact dawned on Izzie.
Izzie forgot that he had the same timetable as her; she would not get the peace and quiet she had wanted. She sighed and didn’t protest when Kale took the seat beside her in Mr Jackson’s classroom; it was inevitable that she would have to stay up late again to finish her homework. She took out her notes as Mr Jackson entered the room and told them to do some work while he tapped away on his computer doing who knows what. As usual, the rest of her classmates took out their mobiles or iPods and did no work whatsoever while some others actually went to sleep for a while.
Kale looked about him in disbelief; he really was shocked that Izzie was the only one actually doing something that was productive while the rest of their classmates lounged around relaxing. He glanced back at Izzie; he didn’t want to disturb her but he was curious as to why she didn’t seem to give herself a chance to relax or have a break like everybody else was doing.
Izzie felt Kale’s eyes on her and she sighed, she turned to look at him, “What? I know you’re dying to annoy me … so what is it?”
Kale smirked slightly, “You’re really are a feisty one, aren’t you? I was just curious why you never seem to let yourself have a break or relax? If everyone else can do it - why can’t you?”
Izzie sighed, “I do relax!” Kale raised his eyebrows at her defiant tone and she jumped to defend herself, “I do! I’m even going to the cinema with Maddie tonight - if she’s talking to me again …” she added as an afterthought; Izzie knew how stubborn Maddie could be.
The corner of Kale’s mouth pulled up into a half-smile, “Sounds to me like you think relaxing is a chore. Haven’t you ever just had fun?”
Izzie felt very irritated at Kale’s suggestion that she didn’t know how to enjoy herself. She threw him a dirty look and didn’t answer; when she really thought about it though - he was right. Izzie didn’t tell Kale this of course; she just turned back to her essay.
After school had finished, Izzie rushed to get to the bookshop as quickly as possible. She managed to make it there just ten minutes later and she took her place behind the till; she felt that six o’clock couldn’t come around quick enough. The shop wasn’t very busy and Izzie found her thought drifting to Kale and what he had said; as much as she hated to admit it, he was right. She couldn’t remember the last time she had actually had fun or just relaxed; she shook her head to clear her thoughts and decided that going to the cinema with Maddie tonight would be the start of the ‘new’ Izzie. She smiled to herself and was even more pleased when Jake came into the shop and headed directly for her.
“Hey Isobel, how’s it going?” he smiled at her and Izzie found herself blushing stupidly.
“Hey, I’m ok, what’s up? You need a book or something?” she grinned at him, trying not to look too love-struck.
Jake shook his head, “No, I was just wondering if you want to come to a party at my house tonight?”
Izzie frowned; Jake had had house parties before and every single time, she had failed to receive an invitation. She wondered what had made him change his mind; could he possibly be beginning to like her or was there some catch? Just as Izzie was about to accept his invite, her question was answered when Jake spoke his next words; unfortunately for Izzie the latter part appeared to be applicable here.
“You know you can bring someone with you too, if you want. I mean, I really won’t mind … anyone at all, you can bring them.” He flashed her a flirty smile and Izzie found her initial pleasure at him actually asking her to his party quickly evaporating.
She just knew Jake was referring to Kale but it’s not like she actually knew him well enough to call him a friend let alone invite him to a party after knowing him one day!
Izzie nodded at Jake and muttered, “Sure, it’s just I’ve actually made plans already. Sorry I won’t be able to make it.”
Jake looked extremely disappointed and quickly left the shop without saying much else. Izzie sighed, how could she be so stupid to think that Jake was taking an interest in her? She really needed to focus on something else; something more productive, like her school work – it was far more important than boys. She tried not to think about how Jake had tried to use her to get friendlier with Kale; she really didn’t know what the big deal was anyway – he was just somebody who was paid far too much for something so unimportant.
When her shift had finished, Izzie went home and ate her dinner very quickly as Maddie had sent her a text saying the movie she had picked started at 7 o’clock and she had just half an hour to get ready. Izzie was glad when Maddie had still gone ahead with their plans; it was a sign that she had forgiven Izzie. She smiled to herself as she picked out some jeans and a dressy shirt to wear and happily got changed; she was just very glad to have her friend speaking to her again.
At 6.45pm, Izzie heard Maddie beep her horn and she looked out her bedroom to see Maddie’s black Mini waiting. She grabbed her bag and headed out to meet her, when she got into the car, Izzie knew something had changed from when she had gotten Maddie’s text; Maddie was all dressed up and looked furious.
Izzie glanced at her friend curiously, “You ok? You look kinda pissed off, what’s up?”
Maddie sighed heavily, “Nothing. Hey, why aren’t you dressed up?” she glared at Izzie angrily while the latter looked confused.
“Because we are going to the cinema where it’s generally very dark and nobody can see you. I should ask why you are dressed up? Did I miss something?” Izzie frowned at how angry Maddie seemed; what was her problem?
Maddie hissed angrily, “God Izzie, we aren’t going to the cinema! We are going to Jake’s party! I told you in my message earlier!”
Izzie reeled back, “Jesus, what’s jumped up your ass? You didn’t say we were going to a party, you said earlier we were going to a movie!”
Maddie rolled her eyes, “Yeah, before I knew Jake was having a party! God you’re stupid; my message clearly indicated that we weren’t going to the cinema anymore!”
Izzie was furious now, “Don’t you patronise me! Your message ‘clearly indicated’ that you were picking me up to catch the film at 7!” she took out her mobile and brought up Maddie’s text again, “I quote ‘Movie starts at 7.’ Now unless there’s a secret code to unscramble this message to tell me we were going to a party, I’m going to assume we were still going to the cinema. Now, are you going to calm down and apologise?”
Maddie looked livid; it was obvious to Izzie that she knew she had done wrong but didn’t want to admit it. Sure enough, Maddie shook her head and continued to rant.