All Mixed Up

All Mixed Up

"Unknowingly someone had loved her, unknowingly someone had watched her, and unknowingly it was all about to come crashing down around her."

~Chapter 1~

Black mascara ran down her cheeks as she leaned over the toilet bowl; forcing herself into her vice. It must have been the millionth time that someone had called Imogene ‘plain’. Every time it hurt just as much; she would never get use to the fact that she was just another person taking up space; nothing special or important.

Imogene Sawyer had tried everything in her power to become ‘worth while’; however, after dying her hair blonde and buying all the clothes she ‘should’ wear, Imogene was still plain. While looking down into the porcelain cry for help, which now swirled with cinnamon toast crunch, she thought to herself about how they were all right. How she was truly a ‘plain Jane’.

Imogene’s best friend, Trinity O’Dell, could sit down in a class room; not know what the subject was and still ace the test. Brains and beauty was Trinity’s un-official slogan. Although Trinity didn’t believe she was smart or beautiful; everyone else did. This only ended up adding to her appeal. While having the body of a goddess, jade eyes, cocoa hair and golden skin, Trinity still didn’t get what was so great about Even if everyone, including her friends wish they could trade places with their blessed friend.

Chloe Nuevo, another friend of Imogene’s, was filled with confidence. Regardless of where she was, she never let anyone ‘rule’ her. Chloe was a princess in her eyes and didn’t let anyone forget that for a second. Of course Chloe had almost every right to act as such. Her platinum blonde hair, honey colored eyes, and rich natural dark tan granted Chloe that privilege. However, she never let anything come between her and her friends; not even her looks. Chloe was vicious about keeping her friends safe and happy. Thought, at times she could become rather annoying.

As much as Chloe was vicious, Neil was worse. Neil Harrington, the traditional tall, dark and handsome boy, was an over-protective and possessive step-brother that Imogene wished had never married into her family. He was always watching her and pulling ‘big brother moments’ whenever he could. In fact he was the one who called Imogene out on her cutting. 7 months ago, when Imogene’s mother met and fell in love with Neil’s father, Neil had walked into the bathroom to get ready for the wedding and saw Imogene’s cuts up and down her legs. After that Imogene had promised to stop, as long as Neil didn’t ruin their parents wedding with the news.

After that Neil constantly ‘checked up’ on his step-sister to make sure she didn’t slip up. Imogene had stayed true to her word; no cutting. Sadly, she couldn’t hide the pain inside very well, causing her to become bulimic. She needed a way to vent, and since she wasn’t very good at talking things out, she decided that since no one could see, no one would care.

“Imogene, school!” Her mother yelled from the downstairs kitchen. Imogene rose to the sink and mirror and studied herself for a moment. Fake blonde hair coved her natural mousy brown, gray blue eyes that looked dim regardless of how much light was shining in them, and smooth porcelain skin that Imogene dubbed too pale. After rinsing her mouth out with baking soda, wiping her face off, and cleaning up her make-up, she headed down stairs. While reaching for her bag, Neil stared at her legs. She knew that every day this summer he would be thinking she was cutting again; since most girls wore skirts in 90 degree weather. However, Imogene wasn’t very comfortable with her body. Not nearly enough for a skirt, even a long one.

Neil was 18 years old and therefore given the responsibility to drive him and his step-sister to school every day. Although Imogene didn’t think he minded; it gave him more time to pry into her life.
“You have that psych test today, right?” Every ride was the same. He’d ask about a test in some random class, say she’d do great’ and then they’d be at school. Even her life was plain.

“English, actually.” Imogene just continued to watch the trees pass by on the side of the road.

“Oh, you’ll do great.” Neil turned and looked at her; giving her a small smile then turning back to the road.

“Thanks.” Imogene said sarcastically. She wasn’t too pleased with riding to school with her step-brother in the first place; she didn’t need him reassuring her about her classes on top of that.

“Welcome.” Just then they pulled up to the school parking lot. Neil found his spot for his black Mustang; a Christmas gift from their parents. All Imogene got was a college fund started. Sure, it’s was want she had wanted. Yet, she sometimes regretted planning for the future and not enjoying the present.

After quickly jumping from the parked car, she jotted over to her friends without saying good-bye to Neil; it was another part of their routine.

“Imogene, please tell Chloe that today is NOT national Chloe day!” Imogene could tell Chloe was pushing her ‘I’m a princess’ act right then and she had to smooth things out.

“Chloe, sweetheart, I love you. We all love you, however, only one day a week… remember?!” A few months back the three girls had promised Chloe one day a week to be ‘Chloe Day’.

“Fine, but all I was saying was that the new boy is hot and totally mine.” Chloe flashed her priceless princess smile to them.

“There’s a new boy?” Imogene asked, feeling completely out of the loop.

“Yes, and Chloe here thinks since she is pretty that every guy will melt at her $600 heels.” Imogene knew that the best thing to do was to ignore Trinity for the moment. Trinity was sarcastic at times, but with her friends she never really meant it. Imogene loved Trinity for that reason. If there was one talent Imogene could ask for, it would be to have the gift of Trinity’s sharp tongue.

“Imogene, you decide if he is hot or not. He is sitting right over there.” Chloe pointed towards the front doors to the gym. There, sitting on the bench was the new boy. He looked tall, even though he was sitting. As well as slightly scruffy looking, but completely awe worthy by any straight red blooded female. Imogene could hear her friends bickering in the background about if his hot factor was enough to let Chloe claim him.

Imogene couldn’t take her eyes off the chocolate haired, blue-eyed scruffy boy looking back at her. Soon, Imogene realized he was watching her watch him. Quickly she looked away, while fiercely blushing. She couldn’t believe she got caught drooling over a boy. It wasn’t like her to get wrapped up in someone’s appearance. However, now she had and she didn’t like it. Imogene wanted to run home and avoid him till graduation; maybe longer if possible.

“I have to go.” Without giving them time to ask where, Imogene hurried off into the school; attempting to find security within the school. Little did she notice, but both the new boy and Neil had watched her run off.