Monday, September 6th
School started today. Afterwards I went shopping with my older sister, Val. That’s when I got you. We went to the drug store to buy candy and pop for ourselves and aspirin for Emillie, my mother. While we were walking around at random just to kill time, I saw you. Val told me I should start keeping a diary because starting freshman year in high school can be stressful and she has a life so she can’t always listen to my complaints all the time. She said I needed someone I could talk to and as I have told her on several occasions I don’t have any friends close enough to talk about all of my feelings with. Emillie’s calling me to dinner. More later.
Yours, Airiana

Tuesday, September 8th
Dear Diary,
Today I met a nice boy. I bumped into him (literally) during passing period right before lunch. His name is Drew. After we picked up our books and I apologized he said it was alright. It was really his fault for not paying attention. He has lunch period with me and it just so happened that his locker was by mine. We kept up a conversation the whole time we were at our lockers and all the way to lunch. But when Drew and I got to the cafeteria his friends called him to their table. He told me he would see me later. That was that; otherwise a very boring day.
Yours,
Airiana

Saturday, September 11th
Dearest Diary,
I haven’t had much time to write lately so I’ll try to catch you up now. Wednesday and Thursday passed with nothing significant. Yesterday however, Drew and I talked again. I saw him in the courtyard during my free period. He was sitting by himself and that alone seemed very odd to me since he was always surrounded by friends. I was going to keep walking but he saw me and called me over. So for the next 45 minutes we sat and talked. We talked about school, friends, hobbies, anything and everything we could think of. At one point I noticed he was wearing a ring. I asked about it and he told me it was a purity ring. A ring that meant he didn’t believe in sex before he got married. I feel the same way. Earlier today Val and I went out shopping with Emillie and I saw purity rings. With a little convincing Emillie bought me one. It’s very simple but pretty. Dinner time again so I’ll right more tomorrow.
~Airiana

Wednesday, September 15th
My Dearest Diary,
Drew has given me a nickname! I’m so excited! He’s so much fun to talk to. I really like him. Anyway, he has started calling me Air; a shortening of Airiana of course. He also introduced me to his friends. They’re all very nice. Well, most of them are. I sat with him at lunch, then, we met in the courtyard during free period. A girl that I had noticed flirting with him often came up about half way through the period. She sat down right between us and immediately starting flirting and all but threw herself at him. He told her that he was busy and he didn’t have time to talk to her. I was thrilled. After she had gone he explained that the girl’s name was Marie and they had dated for a while but she wanted more than he was willing to give her. They decided to breakup but she still comes around.
On a different note, my father is back again. I hope it won’t be for long, though I’m not sure. He wants to take us out for dinner tonight but neither I nor Val wanted to go so it will just be my father and Emillie. I hope they don’t get back together. I really dislike my father and wish I had never known him. I realize most people would think this is shocking but, Diary, he is awful. He left my mother 17 years ago right before Val was born. He came back 2 year later and got Emillie pregnant with me. So about 9 months later he left yet again. And now he’s back, 14 years later trying to “make up for lost time”. I will not have anything to do with him though. He is staying in our guest room which I absolutely loathe.
Val talked to me for about an hour yesterday. I assume the only reason why is because she was grounded for sneaking out of the house. I told her all about Drew. She said that I should be careful dating a sophomore. I told her she had no room to talk because she’s dating a sophomore in college and she’s only a junior. That was the end of our conversation. That’s all for now.
Yours,
Air

Thursday, September 16th
Diary,
Val told Emillie and my father about Drew last night. Emillie wants me to bring him over, but I was quick to tell her that we weren’t actually dating and that it was too soon for the whole “meet the family” thing. My father’s exact words were “Don’t come home pregnant.” Isn’t he lovely? Not. Val was upset that I hadn’t gotten in trouble like she had.
~Airiana

Friday, September 17th
We’ve only known each other for a week and two days but it seems like a lifetime. In the good way of course. Drew asked me out. We went on a date tonight. I met him at the Café down the street from my house. When I walked in he was waiting for me in the back corner booth. He waved when he saw me. I smiled as I sat down. The two of us talked about anything and everything.
Although my house was only a 5 minute walk, he drove me home. As he stopped in the driveway I looked at him. He leaned towards me. I leaned in. our lips were centimeters away and as always, Val ruined the moment. This time she did it by opening the front door as she flipped on the porch lights. I groaned. Drew smiled sympathetically. He kissed my cheek and I said goodbye. I was calm as I walked in the house but as soon as the door was shut I started screaming at my sister. Our parents broke into our fight, sending both of us to our rooms. That’s how I ended up here. Goodnight, Diary.
~Air

Sunday, September 19th
Diary,
I spent all day at the park with Drew. We met at eleven and I just got home (it’s four). We had a picnic lunch then walked around in the fresh air. As we walked and talked we ended up holding hands. I thought my hands were sweaty and mentioned that at one point. He just chuckled and pulled me down next to him under a tree. I leaned my head against his shoulder. Then Drew kissed the top of my head. I looked up at him. He leaned in and pressed his lips against mine. It was… amazing. I felt like I could fly. After we pulled back I moved to his lap. He kissed my neck over and over. It gave me chills. I wish I could spend all day with him tomorrow but sadly it’s Monday, so I have school.
Happily yours,
Air

Tuesday, September 21st
Dearest Diary,
The whole school knows Drew and I are a couple now. We’ve eaten lunch together yesterday and today. You can always find the two of us in the back corner booth at the Café from 2 until 4:30. Drew’s mother told him to invite me over Friday night. I can’t wait to go, but at the same time I’m extremely nervous about meeting his parents. We definitely won’t be able to be as casual as usually are. He hasn’t told me this but I have gathered as much from what he says about his parents. Well I’m off to worry in bed, goodnight.
Yours,
Airiana

Wednesday, September 22
Diary,
Today Drew talked to me about having dinner with his parents. He told me that I should wear conservative clothes (I always do!) and that we probably shouldn’t go farther than holding hands. Drew also said that my purity ring will go over well with his parents and that they will really like that I have the same beliefs. Drew also said that I should call them Mr. and Mrs. Wilson instead of their first names (Shea and Stewart). I could tell our parents probably wouldn’t get along. Our talk made me even more nervous than before. I so want to please them but I’m not sure I can live up to their expectations.
Airiana Isabelle Rhodes

Friday, September 24
Dearest Diary,
Tonight went well better than expected. Drew insisted on picking me up and bringing me over so on the way I told him how nervous I was. His exact words were “Don’t worry, Air, they’re going to love you. Just like I do.” Then he smiled and I just sat there stupidly, shocked into silence. We arrived at his house and he opened the car door for me and held my hand. Mrs. Wilson was waiting at the door. She hugged me and said it was a pleasure to meet me. I shook his father’s hand then it was time to eat. Drew said he had promised me a tour. Mrs. Wilson said that was fine because she had to find Richie (Drew’s little brother) and help him wash up for dinner. We walked around downstairs and he quickly showed me the living room, den, kitchen and dining room. He then dragged me up the stairs and into his room. The door closed and before I knew it my back was against the wall and he was kissing me! He told me he loved me and this time I said it back. As I said it, I realized that I meant it. I smiled as we kissed again. There was a knock on the door and Drew practically flew across the room. He said “Come in,” and Mrs. Wilson poked her head in. I was leaning against the wall and Drew was in his desk chair. Very innocent. “Time for dinner,” she told us sweetly then she left. For dinner we had steak (a little on the rare side), baked potatoes, and green beans. I complimented Mrs. Wilson on absolutely everything. She smiled and told me she loved having another girl in the house. Then the two of us talked about how we both have an older sister and no brothers. Drew smiled all through dinner, most likely because I was getting along so well with his mother. After dinner I offered to help clean up. Mrs. Wilson and I really got along well. We stayed in the kitchen talking a bit longer than necessary before joining the boys in the living room. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were a lot more laid back than I had anticipated and I was grateful. When Drew and I only held hands Shea actually commented on how formal we were being. I had fun. When I got home I told Emillie and Val all about it. And that brings us to right now.
Yours,
Airiana I. R.

Saturday, September 25
Diary,
Drew and I were together all day. It was wonderful, fantastic. I love him so much. This morning we went to the park and walked for about an hour. We had a packed lunch and we found a romantic spot under a tree. After we ate we cleaned off the blanket then Drew pushed me down and was almost on top of me. We stayed like that kissing for about an hour, saying “I love you” over and over again. It was definitely one of the best days of my life.
Airiana I. R.

Monday, September 27
Diary,
I went over to Drew’s again yesterday when his parents were out. He was watching Richie and I wanted to help. I like his little brother. He’s only 6 but he can play piano fairly well and he’s really smart. All in all it was a fun day.
Yours,
Air

Wednesday, September 29
Dear Diary,
Nothing really important is going on. My parents want Drew to come over Friday. I’m more worried about this than I was going over to his house. I don’t want Drew to meet my father. He’s so… well… horrible. I can’t stand him. I hate him more than anyone in the world. I’ve told Drew this and he couldn’t understand how I could hate my father, even after he knew what that wretched man put us through. I thought it was strange that Drew doesn’t understand hate. Ah well, more tomorrow.
Air

Thursday, September 30
Diary,
I thought I would share with you that it has been an absolutely uneventful and boring day.

Friday, October 1st
Drew came over today to meet my parents. It went… not well to say the least. My father, as usual, was extremely rude and embarrassing. When he first arrived my father and Val were out. Emillie was very polite. Drew and I went up to my room. We were talking about my sister when my father suddenly burst into the room. He started talking about how stupid Emillie is for letting us be in a room alone with the door shut. I flushed with embarrassment. I couldn’t believe he would say something like that. Val came to our rescue though telling us that dinner was done. We had chicken and potatoes. The best dishes my mom could make. Drew complimented her throughout the evening. After dinner the 5 of us sat in the living room and talked. My parents questioned him and Val snickered at almost every answer (not that any of them were snicker-worthy, she just wanted to be rude). He was more confident than I thought. About half an hour into our talk he slipped his arm around my waste and I nearly died. My father glared at his arm around me but Drew didn’t move. At 8 I suggested Drew leave because it was getting so late. I walked out to the front porch with him. He kissed me quickly then we said goodbye.
Upon entering the house my parents pounced on me. “You didn’t tell us he could drive” “He was getting a little friendly with his arm around you, don’t you think?” and so on and so forth. Until eventually I shouted “You wanted to meet him and you did! Be happy you got that much because it will never happen again!” I then ran out of the house. Ignoring everyone and anyone I jogged to the Café. I saw Drew’s car in the parking lot. He was sitting in a booth with his friends facing the door. When he saw me he jumped up. He led me to our booth and we talked for about an hour before Val walked in and from the doorway yelled “Airiana, get your butt home! Now!” Drew drove me home and kissed me before I got out of the car. I came straight upstairs and wrote this. That’s all.
Yours and unhappy,
Airiana

Sunday, October 3rd
Dear Diary,
I went to Drew’s house yesterday and I think he has some explaining to do. We were alone at first but when I was in the bathroom, his parents came home. He and his mom were talking so I stayed in the hallway, eves-dropping. Shea smiled at him and I realized her teeth were sharper than usual; pointy. He asked if they had fun hunting, she said they found a herd of deer that was pretty good. Then she asked him where his “mate” was. I didn’t know what she was talking about until he told her “Airiana is in the bathroom and she isn’t my mate” To that she replied, “You know when we find someone we mate for life. So when are you going to tell her?” He gave her a look and said “Well, Mother, I can’t just tell her that we’re-” Drew stopped talking and looked at me peaking around the corner. I quickly walked into the room like nothing was wrong. Drew stared at me for a second and seeming content with what he saw asked me if I was ready to go home. I must find out what he is and what he’s not telling me. I’ll give you updates.
Determined and yours,
Airiana

Wednesday, October 6th
Diary,
I think Drew is trying to avoid being alone with me. Whenever we’re together he makes sure someone else is with us. I’m going to have to confront him about it. But I don’t want to be too pushy. I guess I’ll give him a chance and see if things go back to normal. So goodbye for now,
Air

Saturday, October 9th
I finally got Drew alone to talk to me. He told me to leave him alone and that he never wanted to talk to me again. THe way he said it, though makes me think otherwise.
-Air

Monday, October 11th
I saw Drew again today. He ignored me. It nearly broke my heart to see him pretend like I didn't exist. I don't feel like writing more today.

Wednesday,October 13th
This week I have stayed in my room whenever I can. I ignore anyone who comes up to talk or comfort me. My father has tried countless times to reach out to me but I shut my door in his face and lock it. They're calling me down to sit at a dinner I won't eat.

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Publication Date: 03-20-2010

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