Half Dead World: Book One from the Apocalypse Tales by Adrienne Hargrove (little readers txt) 📗

There is a moment of stunned silence from everyone in the room, as I am not usually an active participant in government class. Until, Beck Andrews, a tall, lanky boy who smells clean, but at the same time is always completely disheveled. Sitting slack jawed, in his camouflage and shrimp boots, he slaps his hands on his desk, and practically yells from behind me. “Hot damn, someone turned on Haven’s light bulb.”

The class has a good laugh at my expense. With a bright smile on my face, I turn back toward Beck, and shoot him the bird, pressed against my cheek to conceal it from the teacher. He lets out a loud bark of laughter and puts his hand on his heart. “I think I’m falling in love with you, Haven Hollock.” I roll my eyes, turn back around, and try unsuccessfully to hold in my own quiet laughter. To avoid further shock and awe, I keep the rest of the answers to myself. I spend the remainder of the class trying to figure out how my favorite teacher Mrs. Andrews, who is always so sweet and cheerful, has raised such a smart ass, son.

I move onto my last class of the day, English. Even with extra effort I cannot keep from drifting off. English is typically one of my favorite classes, but I have been miserable ever since we started reading “The Awakening." I really tried to like it. I wanted to be sophisticated and literary, but I hate this book. It is the most miserable, depressing book in existence. The teacher tries to start a class discussion on the relevance of Edna’s character in today’s culture. “Ostensibly, we live in a society where women are, no longer bound by the same social constrictions.” She drones on. So, I give myself permission to zone out until the torturous class is over. By the time the final bell rings, I have decided what I’m going to wear tonight. I smile to myself knowing, all the weird uneasiness of the day has been replaced by excitement over the fact that I am actually going over to Jackson Armstrong’s house.

Chapter Four Meet the Parents

I meet Kirra at the front of the school, and we head to her old clunker of a car. Kirra lives in my neighborhood, but it is safe to say they earn a more modest living then most of the people in our subdivision. So, her car was handed down from an uncle. She didn’t ask him, but I am betting the thing is at least thirty years old. My parents, on the other hand, could afford to get me a new car but refuse to do so. They think it is ridiculous to get a teenager a new car because, in their words, “A teenager hasn’t earned a new car and chances are they are going to get into a car accident or two before they gain experience.” Whether or not I have earned it is debatable in my mind. Regardless of my daydreaming problems, I keep decent grades and stay out of trouble. However, I have not helped my case by having my second car wreck.

While unlocking the door Kirra smiles at me. “So… what are you going to wear tonight?”

“I’m wearing my white mini dress and my roman sandals.”

“You do realize that chances are it is going to be raining again by tonight, right?”

“I don’t care. I’m sick of jeans and rain boots. Besides, I’ve been by his house before, there is a circle drive and a portico, so I’ll be fine.”

Kirra laughs “Been doing a little drive by stalking, have we?”

I cringe at the realization that I just called myself out. “Oh, shut up, you’d do it to if you knew where Fin lived.”

She blushes and grins at me “Maybe, but you should have told me. I would have gone with you. Stalking can be lonely business.”

I roll my eyes at her and try shifting the conversation to her love life. “So, do you want me to try and arrange a group outing with Fin so you can wow him with your charm and … other, assets.” I say while gesturing vaguely to her chest and hip areas.

She laughs aloud and says, “If I wasn’t such a conscientious driver, I would take my hand off the wheel and smack you.”

“Oh, come on, we both know you look like Aphrodite’s love child, some kind of goddess half blood.”

She giggles. “I believe the term you are searching for is demigod.”

I look at her with mock severity. “Ooh I’m gonna tell your parents you know about… other god lingo.”

She heaves a large sigh. “Really, (other god lingo), where do you come up with this crap?”

“Just, off the top of my head.”

“Well maybe you should let your thoughts sink a little deeper into your brain before they exit your mouth. Besides, just because I know what a demigod is, doesn’t mean I believe in it.”

“That’s beside the point. Do you want me to try and arrange something with Fin for you?”

“I think I would rather wait and see what happens in the Haven - Fin - Jackson, love triangle first. I know you think it’s just friendship, but I was watching y'all when you came into the cafeteria today, and I’m not so sure.”

“But you know how I feel about Jackson, and if you like Fin I wouldn’t date him.”

“I don’t know if I do like Fin. I mean, obviously he is absolutely gorgeous, but I really don’t know that much about him. I know he has a lot of friends but doesn’t seem close with anyone. He is a little more, rough around the edges than the typical guy I would go for. There is something about him. I just don’t know if the something is for