My Recycled Soul (A Sample)

" No, you didn't jump to anything," she interrupts me. "We all noticed him taking an out of the ordinary interest in you, but you have to understand, he has not gone out with another girl for two years now, so maybe he is afraid to be hurt again." She nudges her shoulder against mine. "He's damaged." I frown briefly, while she continues, "Well anyhow, your parents also move in the same social circles now as Jared's and Sarah's parents, so you don't have to shy away from going after him, you know?"

" What are you talking about?" I stare at her.

" The land your dad owns, Jared's parents' land, and Sarah's parents' land all surround the village, and all three these properties have been in the same families since the 1300's, owned by Lords. They are all very prominent, important people in this community. You see where I am going?"

" My dad only inherited the farm, so it doesn't mean we have status and money, and besides how can you say I can be with him because we own a manor of over 600 years old? That just seems pretentious." I smile absent-mindedly, and then say more to myself than to her, "I would never even contemplate hurting him."

" You really fell for him fast, didn't you?" Her voice is full of concern.

" I don't know what it is. I suppose it could be love, at first sight if there is such a thing. I really do like him more than I would like to admit to at this moment, and now it seems he hates me." I smile glumly. Then I suddenly realize, and ask shocked, "Don't tell me that this is the reason why you and Aaron are not together because his parents are supposedly important?"

" Well, I am very middle class, but I would really consider my natural shy nature to be my greatest flaw in this aspect."

I sigh miserably but grin as I glance at her impishly. "Jared did light up my senses like a Christmas tree though."

Jane starts to giggle uncontrollably and I cannot help smiling with her.

The bell rings and we get up, walking arm in arm to our next class.

When we walk into our Irish class, Aaron looks at us and asks annoyed, "Where were you? We were looking all over for the both of you."

I feel bad because he is our friend and we left him stranded, but we were discussing his brother, which I cannot do with him. I cannot tell Aaron how Jared hurt my feelings.

Jane bursts out laughing nervously.

Irritated, Aaron turns his back on us and sits down at his desk.