Melody Carlson - What Matters Most

One

September 16

I s it possible that trouble just naturally follows some people? Or perhaps theres something about my magnetic personality that attracts negativity. Or as Caitlin would say, maybe God is at work on me. But seriously, sometimes a girl just needs a break.

Heres the deal. Its the third week of school, and Im finally on fairly good terms with Brooke and Amanda, and Dominic and I are getting along okay, and my classes are going pretty well, and Ive even made a few new friends. Things are looking up for Marissa, although shes still not out of the woods completely, but Ill get to that later.

So anyway, it almost seems like I can relax just a littlelike maybe I can just breathe and enjoy a taste of the normal life (a life still fairly unfamiliar to me). And suddenly I find out that Ive made an enemy. Not just any enemy either. The girl whos set her mean-girl sights on me is none other than Miss Popularity. Not that Im into that kind of thing. But according to Brooke and Amanda, Vanessa Hartman is. And for whatever reason, Vanessa Hartman is also into making my life miserable. Yesterday I thought our little encounter was just an accident. I actually laughed when she and her friends burst into the cafeteria with so much enthusiasm that they practically knocked me off my feet. Okay, Ill admit her apology sounded a little phony, and I thought I saw a glint of evil in her big blue eyes, but who am I to judge? Then today we had another encounter. Only this one was a lot messier.

I was standing in the cashiers line, minding my own business and waiting to pay for my lunch, when something icy cold slid down my back. I jumped and turned around in time to see Vanessa looking surprised (maybe it was faux surprise).

Oh, did I do that? I was trying to squeeze into line and lifted my tray up. She shook her head with dumb blond wonder. And it just sort of tipped. Sorry.

Her friends were snickering, and I tried to shake ice off my back and pay for my lunch and get out of there as fast as possible to assess the damage.

Whats up with that girl? I asked Brooke Marshall as I sat down next to her. Ive been eating lunch with her and Amanda Groves lately. Although Im sure we make a strange trio since both these girls are petite and preppy whereas Im more into retro and almost a foot taller. I mean, yesterday she practically knocked me down, and today she does this. I cant wait to see whats on tomorrows agenda.

Brooke tried to blot the cold liquid out of my hoodie with a wad of napkins, but it was obvious Id need to change. Its okay, I told her. Ive got some work clothes in my car.

Brooke laughed as she tossed down the damp napkins. It figures youd keep your cool clothes in your car and dress like this for school.

Well, Jacquelines is known for stylish fashion, so I cant exactly show up in jeans. I peeled off my soggy hoodie. And I cant go in wearing soda-soaked clothes either.

I cant believe she really did that. And her apologygive me a break. Brooke rolled her eyes, then imitated Vanessa. It sort of tipped. Sorry. I mean, how does something sort of tip?

Conveniently down your back, added Amanda.

Now Dominic Walsh was joining us. I smiled up at him, thinking, not for the first time, that he has the dreamiest blue eyessuch a contrast to his dark hair. Hi, ladies. He set down his tray and slid next to me.

Did you see what Vanessa just did to Maya? Amanda demanded.

He nodded. And it was pretty low.

Seriously, I wonder whats wrong with that girl? Brooke asked.

I know whats wrong. Dominic smiled knowingly.

What? I asked him. What is her problem?

You mean besides being a little too full of herself? He touched the back of my soggy shirt and made a face. Yuck. Thats sticky.

It figures she spilled a soda with sugar in it, Amanda said. Ill bet she normally drinks diet too.

So you agree that it was premeditated? I asked Dominic.

Thats my guess, he said.

But why? I hardly even know her. I glanced over to where Vanessa was sitting with friendsa lot of friends. In a way, she reminded me of a queen holding court. I mean, shes in a couple of my classes. In choir she even smiled at me. I actually thought she was kind of nice.

Thats what she wants you to think, Amanda said.

Thats what she wants everyone to think, Brooke said. But beneath her nicey-nice veneer, shes really a witch.

Thats a little harsh, I countered. I mean, the soda spill mightve been an accident.

I dont think so, Dominic said with a knowing look.

Then tell me why.

You know who Wyatt Cooper is, right?

Yeah. Hes in my AP history. He seems like a nice guy.

And he thinks the same about you.

Whats that supposed to mean?

Dominic frowned slightly. He thinks youre hot, Maya.

I just shrugged. So?

So, declared Brooke, that explains everything.

How?

Amanda nodded. Mystery solved.

Can someone please tell me what you guys are talking about?

Okay, lets bring her up to date, Brooke said. Vanessa and Wyatt went together for the past couple of years.

They were like the perfect couple, Amanda explained. You know, the ones who act like they rule the entire school, like they think they should be called King Wyatt and Queen Vanessaand they get crowned for homecoming or prom or wherever crowns are being handed out.

Do you get it now? Brooke asked with some impatience.

Not exactly. But go on. Okay, I suppose I knew what they were suggesting. But it seemed a little presumptuous. I mean, cant a guy be nice just because he wants to be nice? Why does it have to mean something more? Why do people jump to the worst conclusions?