SWAPPED

Kelly, hurry up! Mark yelled to her best buddy, "I want to ride the Ferris wheel, you know it's my favorite." The county fair was closing for the final time that night before it was packed up and moved to a new location. Mark knew there would be a long line to ride the Ferris wheel as it got closer to closing time.

"Avoid getting tangled in your underwear. "We'll take a ride on the Ferris wheel," Kelly casually remarked as fumbling in her purse for her phone. "I know it's here somewhere," she whispered to herself. Her hands went through all the pockets and hidden spaces, but they found nothing. "Goddamn it. "Where is it?" she asked in a frustrated tone.

Mark sat down next to her, bored with waiting, and glanced over Kelly's shoulder. "You've already given me a headache from eating those chili cheese fries. She thought Kelly was looking for gum, so she quipped, "You don't need to freshen up for me."

Kelly was too focused on her work to notice her friend's jokes. "That's right. French fries. Yes," she repeated incoherently. She took another look at her purse and her heart raced. She sensed the panic beginning to build.

When Mark saw Kelly acting hysterical, he started to worry. "What's the hold up?"

"I can't find my phone," Kelly said in a nervous tone.

Mark scowled. "You had it when we were enjoying the deep-fried Oreos and fries. I recall this because Eric texted you repeatedly."

Recalling her quarrel with her twin brother, Kelly winced. He was giving Bella Campbell a lift home from the fair, so he urged she find another way. Kelly snorted in her head at the idea. She was fully aware of the kind of "ride" Eric was going to give her. She wouldn't sit in the backseat of his automobile for precisely that kind of ride.

"Maybe you left it on the table?" Mark recommended. After taking a quick glimpse at her watch, she craned her neck to obtain a clear view of the Ferris wheel line.

After they had eaten, Kelly struggled to recall if she had brought her phone with her. Her countenance turned pallid. "Shit, I think I left it there." Mark's expression fell in despair the moment she stated those words. Her closest companion was aware that the fair will close in ten minutes, and they wouldn't be able to cross the carnival in time to retrieve the phone.

Kelly sensed her friend's unhappiness right away and decided on a course of action. "Arrive in line. She called over her shoulder, "I'll see you there," and started racing in the other direction.

She moved as swiftly as she could through the crowds. As she got closer to the dining area, her heart raced, hoping her phone would still be there. With a deep sense of disappointment, Kelly hurried over to the table where they had previously sat and saw it was empty. Even though she was aware of the slim chance, it still ached to realize it was gone. She kicked the chair because she was angry and frustrated with herself for being so reckless. The folks around her stopped and stared as the chair fell down.

She mumbled a brief apology, embarrassed at her juvenile actions, and leaned down to pick it up. She saw a phone among the dirt and grass as she straightened the chair. She snatched it, hope bursting in her chest. It was, indeed, her phone! She sighed deeply, relieved to have it back in her possession. With a hurried shove into her handbag, Kelly dashed to the Ferris wheel, hoping that Mark was still waiting in line.

"Did you find it?" As soon as she spotted Kelly coming, Mark inquired.

An uncontrollable smile stretched across Kelly's face. She exclaimed with joy, "Got it!" To have a better idea of how long they would have to wait, she leaned around the pair in front of them. Kelly saw that Mark would grant her request after counting six people.

"So have you talked to Brent recently?" Mark asked, curious to find out how Kelly's relationship with the college boy she was crushing on was going.

Kelly had received tutoring from Brent during her first year of high school. Her teacher suggested Brent, a senior, to assist her since she had been having trouble with trigonometry. They discussed the topic every Tuesday and Thursday when they got together at a nearby café.

Brent had been hilarious, considerate, and kind. When Kelly didn't grasp a certain principle or issue, he never became angry or upset. They had become close over the semester and would stay together for a few hours after their tutoring sessions. He had become Kelly's major crush, so when he went off to college, Kelly was devastated. They continued to correspond via emails and texts, but their exchanges were typically brief and infrequent.

Kelly gave a disappointed shake of her head. "No," she glumly answered. "He's been busy with his internship." She was aware that having a crush on her instructor was ridiculous and cliche, yet she was powerless to resist. Her heart would beat faster every time she saw a message from him.

"I'm sure he'll write soon," Mark reassured her slightly. She detested seeing her so depressed because she knew how much her closest friend loves him. "You may send him a text to let him know you're thinking of him. He'll appreciate it, I'm sure."

Kelly gave a shoulder shrug. "I've considered it, but I don't want to come out as needy or impatient. Besides, it's not like anything will ever come of it. I'm a senior in high school, and he's a junior in college."

"Quit being so negative. One can never predict what may occur. I think you could text him to wish him a happy day or something. That wouldn't come out as needy," Mark said. As the line advanced, Mark began to jump with excitement.

Kelly chuckled at the enthusiasm of her buddy. Mark was a true fan of the Ferris wheel. "I seriously don't understand your obsession with this ride."

Mark appeared horrified. How are you unable to adore it? From there, the entire city is visible! It's also really romantic to be outside under the stars." Mark's eyes widened as she imagined herself cuddling up to a cute male in the distant.

Kelly rolled her eyes in her head at her friend's remarks. Mark was an ardent romantic who thought happily ever afters and fairy tales existed. Kelly was more grounded than that; she understood that love came with just as many challenges as joys. Her tone was dry as she asked, "You know you are going on this ride with me right?"

Kelly felt an elbow to the ribs from Mark, who narrowed her gaze. She commanded, "Stop ruining my fantasy!"

After hearing their conversation, a boy in the queue behind them moved forward. He scowled at Mark and said, "You can always ride with me, pretty thang." As he spoke, the air was heavy with the stench of cigarettes. Leaning forward, he swung his arm arrogantly over her shoulder.

Mark noted that guy was about their age and gave him a disgusted look. With her pinky up in the air, she caught his hand between her thumb and forefinger and flung it off her body."In your dreams, buddy."

The youngster seemed oblivious to the slight. Yes, you'll undoubtedly be in my dreams this evening. nude." Behind him, his pals chuckled as he grinned.

With a sneer, Mark moved away from their jeers and whistles. With a tone full of contempt, she told Kelly, "High school boys are disgusting."

Kelly chuckled. "I am aware. Remember that I live with Eric? Why do you believe I'm crushing on a man in college?" Eric and his pals used to argue all the time over which girls were the prettiest or the easiest to swindle. They even boasted a rating system that was far superior to Rate-This-Face.com.

The attendant at the Ferris wheel opened the gate and gestured for them to come on. He had a frown on his face as they took their seats. The sour man produced a false smile and growled, "Enjoy your ride."

The females couldn't help but chuckle at the ironic contrast between the two. Kelly remarked, "Obviously, someone isn't content with his job."

"He should have been an actor. He could have played Grumpy in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," Mark said.

A boisterous voice burst through the speakers. "At all times, please keep your hands and feet within the ride. When getting out of the carriage, wait until the trip has stopped completely." The voice paused for a moment before continuing. "And keep ALL unnecessary comments to yourself," the obviously enraged voice hissed.

The females, realizing the man had heard them, exchanged wide-eyed looks and started laughing. The ride gave way abruptly and began to spin slowly. As they climbed in the sky, the wind whipped past them.

She was gazing down at the glittering city below them when Mark sighed a bit. "There is just one week left before classes begin. How gloomy."

Kelly swung the seat back and forth as she crossed her legs. "I'm not sure. Our senior year excites me. Now at last, we are at the top of the hierarchy."

"So what? We don't really have somebody to give orders to. Mark countered, "At least your brother will have access to all the freshmen football players."

Freshman football players at their school were paired with a senior teammate as per tradition. The football players transformed it into something entirely different, while the coaches utilized it as a kind of mentorship program. The first-years were their personal slaves. The freshman were expected to fetch lunches, clean their uniforms, and do anything else the players requested. Eric had priority over everyone else because he would be the starting quarterback for the varsity team.

Kelly drewled, "And god help us when it starts." "As it is, Eric's ego barely fits in his skull. I detest to witness what transpires when he needs to subjugate freshmen." Kelly sighed inwardly at the prospect.

"Perhaps he won't be as horrible," Mark hopeful said.

Kelly gave her best pal a shoulder pat and shook her head. "Mark, the eternal optimist. When are you going to get that knowledge?"

"Aw, please. Mark nudged, "You have to give your brother a little credit."

Kelly raised her hands in submission. "I truly do adore my twin. Eric, though, is a pampered brat. Everything has been given to him with a golden spoon. He barely works at school or in athletics, but he does well in both! He receives recognition for the accomplishments that come easily to him. "How is the fair doing?" Kelly became enraged.

In reply, Mark arched an eyebrow. "It seems like jealousy between siblings," she remarked.

It's more of a frustration than an envy. He gets by on his attractiveness and endearing nature. If he bothered to put in the effort, he could be so much more." Kelly gave a headshake. However, he doesn't. He has so much unrealized talent, but he won't use it.

As they began their journey to the ground, Mark shrugged. It's his existence. "Let him live his life as he pleases," she said.

Kelly sighed. "The way he's going, he'll get a girl pregnant before he leaves high school," she said. She detested her brother's practice of having sex with girls. Too many girls have left their house crying after he was done with them, she's witnessed.

The churlish man stepped forward to allow them out as the Ferris wheel stopped. Kelly avoided looking at Mark or the employee, fearing that she would burst out laughing. Before the females quickly left, Mark turned around and shouted, "Have a great night, Grumpy!" over her shoulder. Happy that their day at the fair had ended well, the girls trotted to the parking lot.

"I'm guessing Eric bailed on you again?" She saw Eric's car was missing from the parking lot, and Mark saw it. For their birthday, Kelly's parents had given the twins a silver BMW to share, but Eric ended up driving it most of the time due to football practice. Kelly didn't mind most of the time because she didn't go anyplace but home and school, but on occasions like tonight, it troubled her a lot.

"Big surprise," Kelly remarked mockingly. "I know it's out of your way but do you mind?" She offered her best pal big puppy eyes and protruded her bottom lip.

"You idiot, of course. Should you even inquire? She motioned to her black Civic and said, "Get in the car."

Before leaving for home, the girls rolled down the windows and turned on the radio. "So, are we on for the beach tomorrow?" Mark said as the car pulled up near to Kelly's house.

Kelly gave a nod. Yes. When I wake up, I'll text you, and we can talk further." She retrieved her belongings after exiting the vehicle.

"That sounds fine. "See ya later," Mark said, waving before leaving.

Kelly noticed that Eric still hadn't come home as she proceeded up the lengthy road to her residence. He probably took Bella to a party before they performed the horizontal dance because he knew him. She estimated that he would be inebriated when he called her at one or two in the morning, requesting a sober transport home.

Her dog Tucker greeted her as soon as she walked through the front door. He was a brown Labrador Retriever, five years old. Kelly thought of him as hers even though he was supposed to be the family dog. Every day, she fed and walked him, and at night, he slept in her bed.

She spent some time playing with Tucker before going up to her room to get ready for bed. When she got in, Tucker was already curled up on her comforter. She took a book out from under the pillow and curled up under the covers to read.

Kelly has always enjoyed reading as a pastime. She enjoyed spending a few hours losing herself in a book and allowing her imagination to run wild. Every book's characters and atmosphere would come to life for her, acting out like a movie in her head. She was an avid reader of romantic novels, science fiction, and autobiographies. She spent the next few hours reading, after which she turned out the light and went to sleep.

*****

Her phone rang at three in the morning, startling her out of sleep. She responded grumpily, believing it to be her brother's request for a designated driver: "The sex better have been worth waking me up."

A husky voice replied, "Now that sounds like something I'd like to hear more about," after a little silence.

Knowing the voice did not belong to her brother, Kelly shot to her feet. This person's voice was deeper and more sensual than her brother's. Her eyes lingered on the screen. 'Unknown Caller' was displayed. She pressed the phone back to her ear quickly. She yelled, "Who is this?" When Tucker realized how upset she was, he got to his feet and prepared to defend his owner.

The deep voice said, "The owner of the phone you are holding."

"What?" Kelly enquired incoherently. She hadn't understood what he was saying because she had become engrossed in listening to his voice.

The voice said, "You have my phone," with firmness.

"No, I'm not. "This phone belongs to me," Kelly urged. Before going to bed, she had set her black phone next to her. It was her phone, she knew. In an attempt to calm Tucker down, Kelly began to pet him.

Examine the phone you're holding. You don't own it," the seductive voice commanded.

Kelly followed instructions. An image of a blonde bikini model laying over a red car's hood served as the background. Not her phone, for sure. Kelly's mouth tightened into a grimace. Typical males who take advantage of and objectify women. "It's an obscene picture," she told the caller.

"Trust me baby doll, to every heterosexual male it's sexy as hell," he told her.

Kelly sneered. It's humiliating! It turns women into objects of sexual desire," she protested.

"She wasn't coerced into taking the picture. He asked her, "Shouldn't you be busting her balls and not mine?"

"It's because of people like you that there is a market for these chauvinistic photos!"

"Slow down. "Baby doll, stop getting your underwear twisted," the voice growled.

Kelly's breath caught in her throat. She exclaimed, horrified, "Excuse me?" Who in the world do you believe you are?" This boy was so disrespectful and conceited!

"I responded to that query already. The voice said, sternly, "The owner of the phone you are holding."

Kelly gave a frustrated groan. "How was your phone given to me? Who's got mine, she asked.

"Well if your phone has a picture of a brown dog then I have yours," he said.

Kelly told him, "That's Tucker," She called his name, and the dog's ears pricked up. "How did this come about? "I had it the entire time," she interrupted herself, recollecting the moment she misplaced it. With a wince, she said, "Did you happen to be sitting at the eating area at the fair tonight?"

"Yeah, I did," replied the voice. "Let me guess, we somehow ended up swapping phones?" he said.

"Yup." Grunting, she flopped back onto her bed.

The voice said, "You are not on the toilet right now are you?"

"What? No!" Kelly let out a furious cry. Who the heck asks that, God? I'm lying in bed.

"Oh. If so, could you kindly elaborate? His velvety voice fell an octave. "And please include the details like what exactly you are wearing," he said.

"Perv," she mumbled beneath her breath, disgusted. "That is totally unsuitable. How are you certain that I'm not a married, forty-year-old woman?

The voice laughed. "You're voice is way too sexy to belong to some dumpy old woman."

Kelly sneered. "Please, push it. Over the phone, you can't tell that," she shot back.

"Yes, I can," he said with assurance. "I'm guessing you are either in high school or college."

"How did you know that?" Kelly questioned with suspicion.

His voice became deeper and he laughed. "What am I supposed to say? In particular, I have a gift for the women."

Kelly was rolling her eyes at the pervert on the phone, barely able to contain herself. "You are a cocky SOB aren't you?" Kelly answered more questions than were posed.

The voice laughed once again. "If you mean a sexually attractive boy by SOB. Then, sure, I am a brazen SOB.

Kelly softly said, "No, I was thinking more along the lines of sexual offense behavior."

The voice laughed and hooted. "You know baby doll, you might want to rethink insulting the person who has your phone," he responded. "Let's see, who can I send dirty naked pictures to at two in the morning." His speech was hushed. "Um, Nana? Uncle Tom? Joanne, your cousin?"

"You wouldn't dare!" Kelly yelled into the receiver. "Don't forget I have your phone too!"

With a dry laugh, he laughed. "If you want to send naked photos from my phone, be my guest." He held back."But can you be sure to save it so I can see later?" questioned he.

Kelly grunted in exasperation. "You are a male chauvinistic pig!"

"Now, be nice, baby doll, or else," he said in a nonthreatening way.

"Don't call me that!" Kelly gave a hiss.

In a hushed voice, he asked her, "Then what should I call you?"

Giving her name to a stranger made her hesitant. Kelly had no idea this lad was anything than a haughty horndog.

He saw her hesitate. The seductive voice teased, "Scared?" With a humorous teasing, "I'll tell you mine, if you'll tell me yours," he said.

"I'm not scared!" Kelly angrily refuted. "I'm just being cautious. How can I be certain that you're not some sort of serial killer?"

"Well, you're going to meet me anyway when we exchange phones so why not just tell me your name?" said the voice.

"Um...." Kelly attempted, but was unable, to provide an explanation. "You take the lead," she said. Kelly was worried he wouldn't say his if she told him. She didn't trust the caller because it seemed like he enjoyed playing games with her.

"Don't trust me?" he inquired, figuring out her motivation accurately.

"No, I don't," she told him in a firm and assertive manner.

He mocked, "You always this uptight?"

"With complete strangers I am!" Kelly let out a furious cry.

"All right. Alright, the irritated voice said. "My name's Talon."

Kelly searched her mind in an attempt to identify the name, but she was unable. "Tess? That's an odd name," she casually mentioned, attempting to elicit further information from him.

"Well. I suppose. It's a family name," he said in a tight voice. "Now, darling, don't try to divert my attention. "What is your name?"

Kelly hesitated. She still wasn't sure she should provide her name to a total stranger.

Hearing the long gap, the boy sighed. "Just tell me!" he exclaimed, his voice full of frustration."It's not like I can't find out by looking through your phone."

"All right. Gosh! Kelly is my name.

"Kelly," he said again. He said, "Beautiful name for a beautiful voice," adding depth to his voice.

Kelly started giggling hysterically. Through her laughter, she managed to remark, "That was so cheesy."

He complained, "It wasn't that cheesy."

Kelly's laughter intensified upon hearing his irate tone. She mimicked his voice, "Beautiful name for a beautiful voice," and made fun of him.

"It wasn't that funny," he muttered. "Stop laughing."

Kelly had already gone too far to reply. Standing above her, head tilted to the side, Tucker was perplexed as to what was so hilarious.

"I'm going to hang up!" Tess made a threat.

"Wait, wait!" Kelly spoke as she struggled to control her laughing. "I have a question for you." She smothered the laugh that was starting to bubble up inside of her.

"What?" he scowled in response.

She couldn't contain her laughter as she said, "Does that-" more giggles-"-line-actually work?"

His annoyance was evident in his growl. "Will you please stop!" he yelled.

"Are you one of those guys who hit on girls at a shopping mall and use lines like," she raised her voice, "'Do you come here often baby?'"

A pregnant pause gave Kelly the opportunity to respond.

"Oh my god, you are!" Kelly gave a delighted response.

He hung up the phone, leaving Kelly with the call tone, and Tess didn't even bother to answer. When Kelly called him back, he didn't pick up, but she was still laughing. Kelly reasoned that she had hurt his pride and he would need time to heal. Tomorrow, she would give him a call to arrange a time to meet and swap phones. Kelly kissed and caressed Tucker briefly before drifting back off to sleep.

***

Kelly was awakened the following morning by what sounded like arguing voices. Kelly came downstairs to see what was going on. Eric, her brother, was frowning and seated on the couch with his arms crossed. Her father was pacing the living room, making frantic gestures and yelling, while her mother was sitting on a nearby chair, shaking her head and frowning.

With a rage, "You could have gotten yourself killed!"

Eric opened his mouth to say "Dad-" when their father interrupted.

His face flushed with rage, he yelled at Eric, "What were you thinking?"

"Dad-" Eric commenced once more.

Their father yelled, "Obviously you weren't thinking, were you?!" "You put yourself and everybody else on the road in danger!"

After a long silence, her brother angrily exclaimed, "I said I was sorry!" "And nothing bad happened!" From the moment the words left his lips, Eric knew they were incorrect.

Their father balled his fist into a tight fist, his body stiffening. With clenched teeth, he declared, "You will be doing yours and Kelly's chores for the next month."

"That's not fair!" Eric objected right away. Practices for football begin this week! Coach pushes us so hard, you know."

Their father yelled, "You should have thought of that before drinking and driving!" and stormed out of the room.

That remark made Kelly's head snap in surprise. Her sibling was never really that careless. When he went out to parties, he always had a designated driver.

Sitting in the corner, Eric turned to face their mother. He begged his mother to "talk to him."

She gave a headshake. "I apologize, Eric. I concur with your dad.

With a sigh, Eric strode from the room. The moment he noticed Kelly, he stopped abruptly. He stepped closer to her, his eyes spitting poison. He growled, "It's all your fault!"

His rage shocked Kelly so much that she recoiled in actuality. "What did I do?" she exclaimed, startled.

Kelly, you are well aware of what you did. How could you harm me in that way?" Eric questioned with evident bitterness. "I believed we were supporting one another. Seems like I was mistaken, my dear," he mockingly said, emphasizing his final point. Eric walked straight past her and made his way to his room.

Kelly took off after him. "Wait, Eric." She put her hand on his shoulder, but he brushed it off with a firm shrug and walked down the corridor. "Eric!" Kelly yelled after him, but he continued to move.

"For the time being, darling, let him alone. Her mother remarked, "You know he needs time to cool off." "Let's get the waffles ready. Everyone will feel happier after that.

Kelly went into the kitchen after her mother. She didn't know why Eric was blaming her. He was the one who dared to drive after drinking. It's a good thing he got off so lightly. Extra work for the next month? That is insignificant. He may have been grounded or the automobile taken away by their parents.

While preparing waffles for the family, Kelly and her mother discussed a book they were both reading. Every month, just the two of them-Kelly and her mother-would choose a book to read together and debate the plot like in a book club.

In any case, breakfast was awkward. Eric stayed silent while her father merely mumbled orders like "Pass the bacon" and "Give me the syrup." There was tension in the room, so Kelly and her mother had a friendly conversation about ordinary things. Eric tightened his jaw visibly and smashed his fork on the table when their father gave him the order to clear the table and wash the dishes. With a loud clank, he pulled all the plates off the table and threw them into the sink.

He washed the dishes violently, with Kelly standing next to him. She said, "Why are you upset with me?" "I don't understand what I did wrong."

Eric dropped the sponge and spun around to attack her. "You hung up on me when I called and didn't respond to any of my texts!" he screamed. "You just abandoned me. I'm angry with you because of that."

Kelly was miserable. "I'm so sorry, Eric," she started.

"Just don't," he murmured with a cold demeanor, his eyes grim and harsh.

She tried to clarify, "I didn't have my ph-," but he ignored her and grabbed the sponge.

"Kelly, leave me alone. His tone made it clear that he didn't want to talk to you at that moment.

With a bent head, Kelly returned to her room. She thought she had some of the blame. Kelly had promised to take Eric to his parties whenever he drank when he first started going out in high school. Reaching over to the nightstand, Kelly picked up the phone and called her number. She anxiously awaited Tess's response, but it ended up in voicemail. Two minutes or so later, a text message beeped on the phone.

What are your desires? Can't speak at this time. just text. -T

You bastard! Last night, you hung up on my brother! - Kelly

At three in the morning, he called. Naturally, I hung up on him. -T

However, we spoke last night. - Kelly

You're a girl, and your voice sounds nice;) -T

When Kelly saw his text, she rolled her eyes. He was in for a surprise if he believed that his insincere remarks would make her feel special. She was shocked that throughout their entire conversation, he had made no mention of her brother's calls or texts. Only demonstrated his rudeness and selfishness as a boy.

Oh no! I could have known if you had! He ran afoul of our parents. - Kelly

Not my problem, sweetheart. -T

Because I failed to come get him, he drove home intoxicated and is now upset with me. You're alone to blame! - Kelly

It sounds like your bro is a douche. The intoxicated driver was him. -T

Kelly sighed. He was obviously not going to provide an apology. Kelly was eager to give the haughty jerk a new phone number.

Whatever. When are you able to get together to swap phones? It is best to act sooner rather than later. - Kelly

Not able to. Today, I left for football camp:) -T

Startled, she gazed at the phone. On the left? Did he go? The second infuriated her more. She wrote him back, pacing around her bedroom.

What?! You what? How come you didn't let me know that last night? We could've got together this morning early! - Kelly

Oh. It didn't feel right. Would that you had not made fun of me now? -T

Arrrr! You are really very little! When will you be returning? - Kelly

I bet your roar sounds really seductive. -T

Tess, answer the dang question! -Kelly tenacious! That's what I want in a girl. In one week, I will return. -T

Really? What should I do in the interim? - Kelly

Baby doll, please calm down. Till I get back, we'll just forward our texts and voicemails. ;) -T

No way! My phone is not being used by you. - Kelly

You think I haven't already? Haha, that's very adorable ;) You really do need a life. Merely 67 connections? Very pitiful. -T

Her bedroom door was knocked on. "Kelly? Her mother entered Kelly's room, said, "Mark's on the phone," and then gave Kelly the phone.

"Kelly? Why wouldn't you pick up when I called?" Mark enquired.

Kelly let out a frustrated grunt. "I apologize. My phone is being held by a jackass. She promised to find Tess and murder him. He didn't inform her that someone had called when they were simply chatting!

"What?" Mark enquired, perplexed.

I'll elaborate later. Would you like to visit the beach still?"

"If you're down, I'm down. Mark said sadly, "I've been itching to work on my tan.

"Tan? You're half Spanish, Mark. You're dark by nature," Kelly shot out with a matter-of-factness. Her best friend's olive skin tone made her envious. She bore the same ancestry as her father, who left Spain in his twenties.

"Hi! Before the winter months arrive, it can never harm to get darker "Mark shot back.

Our residence is in Southern California. It reaches as low as fifty degrees," Kelly remarked sardonically.

"All right. "You've got me," Mark muttered in defeat. "I really just want to parade around in my skimpiest bikini and flirt with the surfers, even though I stand no chance," she joked. It was common knowledge that the majority of their classmates frequented the beach in an attempt to make out with the college males surfing there. Watching high school ladies fill their bikini tops and apply heavy makeup in an attempt to appear more put together was fairly pitiful.

Kelly laughed at her own slight. "Like totally!" In her finest impression of a valley girl, Kelly let out a cry. "They are like soooo dreamy!" Kelly returned to her usual tone of voice. In any case, I still have to shower. Please give me ten minutes so I can prepare." Kelly queried.

"No issue. Mark said, "See you then," and hung up the phone.

Kelly hurried into the shower to wash off her perspiration and the smell of chili fries. She threw on a white sundress and swiftly changed into her turquoise bikini. To finish the look, she applied a little layer of waterproof mascara and pink lip gloss. Kelly grabbed her phone and went downstairs after packing a bag with a book, her iPod, her money, and a towel. Kelly was taken aback to find four text messages from Tess as she glanced quickly at her phone. She was glad she hadn't opened them right away.

Did I offend you, baby doll? Aww. -T Ignoring me still? -T

There are ninety-nine beer bottles on the wall. After you knock one down, turn them around, and there are 99 beer bottles on the wall. -T

There are 98 beer bottles arranged on the wall. After knocking one down, you flip them around and find 98 beer bottles on the wall.You know, I could do this all day. -T

Kelly was aware that ignoring Tess was the wisest course of action, but she couldn't help but reply.

As a child, did you ever get dropped on your head? - Kelly

You are, indeed! I did miss you. -T

Shouldn't you be playing football instead of bothering me? - Kelly

Nope! I'm traveling via bus. We have three hours left to go to camp. You have me all to yourself! -T

Sigh. Are you not able to bother your teammates? - Kelly

You are aware that the majority of girls would give anything to text me. -T

Go bother them then. - Kelly

Remember that you have my phone? Are we really not the sharpest in the tool shed? -T

Says the football player who kicks and bites teammates at team meetings. - Kelly

Sweet baby doll. Though I really wish I was slapping your ass;) I suppose I will dream about that for a time.We'll talk later. -T

Kelly put her palm over the phone and gave it a squeeze. Hard. The boy was just so damned annoying. She was familiar with his type. The egotistical athlete who believed that just because he played football, all girls should fall in love with him. For a whole week, how in the hell was she supposed to handle him? Burying the phone beneath everything she had brought, Kelly stuffed it into her bag. Her blood boiled at the mere sight of it.

"One week," Kelly said in a whisper. "For seven days. One hundred and sixty-eight minutes. Simple. She tried to persuade herself that she could handle this. "I can do this," she said. Kelly banged her head against the wall with a moan. "Who am I to make fun of? This is the worst phone switch ever!"