squirm her smile is so patronizing. “But it’s okay. And if it helps you not to give in to temptation then it’s got to be good, hasn’t it? Jamie says the clubs with the highest success rate are the ones where everyone supports each other and they meet regularly.”
“Right,” I say nodding my head. “Has Jamie been involved in these clubs before?”
“Oh yes,” Lori says animatedly. “He set up one in the last city he worked. And he set up our club about nine months ago. He says one of the most satisfying areas of his work is knowing he’s helped young people realize they’re foolish to give in to an instant thrill when they can have an eternity of pleasure with the right person.”
Creepy. Definitely creepy. No other word for it. Even if Lori can’t see that. Or Rachel either, by the looks of it—as the expression on her face suggests she’s just as enamored with Jamie as Lori.
It must be me. I’m not cut out for this serious, conforming business. It was a silly idea. I don’t know why I even thought I could do it. Well, that’s a lie I do know why. So Mom and Dad will forgive my past and be proud of me. And I always knew it wouldn’t be easy.
What is it Dad says? ‘Anything worth having is worth working for’. There’s no doubting I’ve done a pretty good job at my new school so far. The hard work I’m putting in is definitely paying off. Top marks. No detentions. In fact I doubt teachers from my old school would recognize me. I don’t recognize myself half the time.
It’s like I’m undergoing a whole personality transplant. Not that I mind. It certainly beats constantly having to watch my back in case I get caught doing something I shouldn’t. Though it’s got to be said, I do miss the kicks.
Okay. So I’ll give this a chance. As long as I’m not expected to go up there and ‘fess-up’ I’m prepared to support the other mugs. Oops, I didn’t mean that. I meant to say ‘those who need it’.
“Sounds like a good idea. Anyway, back to the party, Lori. What about drink? Who’s going to buy it?”
Oh no. Looks like I’ve done it again. Her expression is nothing if not stunned. If she tells me they don’t drink and all belong to the ‘No Getting Wasted Club’ then that seriously is it for me.
“Good point,” Lori replies. Phew. Substitute stunned for pensive. An easy mistake to make when you think of the stress this evening has put me under.
“Got your fake id with you?”
“Sorry. Fake id?” She frowns. “You’re kidding right?”
Duh. I give my head a metaphorical slap. How could I forget that the only kids in school who use a fake id are the naughty ones? The goodies might drink, given the opportunity, but they sure as hell won’t risk prosecution and a ruined career by carrying one.
“What do you think?” I grin and she visibly relaxes.
Yes! I inwardly pat myself on the back for my successful attempt at rescuing potentially damaging situation.
“We’ve got some beer at home. Plus Rob should be there, he’s home this weekend, and he’ll go and get us what we want.”
Rob’s her brother. Who I’ve only heard about and not seen. Can’t wait to meet him especially if he’s remotely like Lori described. Though most people are usually a tad biased when it comes to their family. Unless you hate the sights of one another, like Maddie and her younger brother—who argue non-stop about everything.
“Cool. Want to share a pack of beer?”
“Okay, guys” Jamie shouts over the noise, before Lori has time to reply. “Let’s get back on track.”
Everyone shuffles to the places they were previously. Which means I’m propping up the wall again with Guy standing next to me.
“Well done all you new pledgers,” Jamie continues. “Don’t forget to pick up your handbook on the way out. For the rest of you, I hope you’ve had a fulfilling week.” He smiles, then suddenly the smile vanishes and his face becomes serious (I wonder if he’s a proponent of the method school of acting) “Some of you may have experienced feelings toward someone that you believe could develop into something further if you’re not careful. Now, if that’s you then think about coming to the front and sharing it with us. So we can help you resist.” He pauses and scans the room. “Does anyone have anything to share?