Solo

By Sarah Schofield

Excerpt:

I looked past Gramps and saw my grandmother with her arms firmly crossed. She wasn't your typical grandma. You know, the kind with fresh baked pies sitting on the windowsill. My grandmother was... Well, she was more like a warden.

I slowly approached her.

"Hello, Eliana." She awkwardly gave me a half-pat-on-the-back kind of hug.

"Hi, Grandma; thanks for taking us in." I tried to chisel through the ice.

"You're welcome," she replied stiffly.

My mom walked up beside me. "Hi, Mom."

"Hello, dear. I have your rooms ready. I put Eliana in your old bedroom. You're in the room across from hers, just in case."

I looked away and rolled my eyes. What did "just in case" mean? Was it "just in case" I got scared in the middle of the night like I was seven years old, or "just in case" I tried to sneak out like I was an unruly teenager? This was going to be a long year.

We each grabbed a bag and entered the house. I opened the door to my "so-called" bedroom and sucked in the aroma of rose potpourri and moth balls. My eyes rounded at the princess palace with its frilly pink walls bordered by purple castles and a dozen--that's right--twelve porcelain dolls staring at me from a wooden shelf. If anything could scare me, those beady eyes could. I stood there flabbergasted and Mom walked in.

"Honey, we'll fix it later. Just start unloading your car."

"You're sure lucky I love you," I whispered.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sarah Schofield
• Release date: Dec 22, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466157286

Sarah Schofield

Solo is Sarah Schofield's debut novel. She enjoys life in Bend, Oregon with her husband and two children. When she is not working on her next novel, she is relaxing in the great outdoors, reading books, and cleaning food off the ceiling. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website at www.SarahSchofieldBooks.com.

Book preview

Solo

A Novel By

Sarah Schofield

Solo

Copyright © 2011 by Sarah Schofield

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. And any resemblance to actual person, living, dead (or in any other form), business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by:

M.O.I. Publishing

Mirrors of Imagination

Cover Artists:

Jerrad Oakes and Sarah Schofield

For information contact:

[e-mail]

www.SarahSchofieldBooks.com

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Author's Note

Prologue

Chapter One: Change

Chapter Two: First Day

Chapter Three: Nothing's Broke

Chapter Four: Flutters

Chapter Five: Date Night

Chapter Six: My Haven

Chapter Seven: The Routine

Chapter Eight: Eugene

Chapter Nine: Distractions

Chapter Ten: Casey's Party

Chapter Eleven: Something Serious

Chapter Twelve: Rumors

Chapter Thirteen: The Wager

Chapter Fourteen: Expectations

Chapter Fifteen: Game of the Century

Chapter Sixteen: Dweeb

Chapter Seventeen: Prom

Chapter Eighteen: After Party

Chapter Nineteen: Damage Control

Chapter Twenty: Memorial Weekend

Chapter Twenty One: Talent Show

Epilogue

Duo (excerpt)

About the Author

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Aaron, Mom, Dad, Jerrad, Tara, Kris S., and my family for your support from day one. It has been a long journey and I couldn't have done this without your constant encouragement. Mykaylynn, thanks for helping me decide on an important part of the book. Lastly, but definitely not least, to my editor and dear friend Verna Clay, you have helped sharpen this novel into something I’m extremely proud of. Oh, one more thing, thanks to all of you for sharing the giggles.

Author's Note

Myrtle Creek is a real town located near Medford, Oregon. I chose Myrtle Creek because of its small town charm and pristine beauty. What better place for a teenage girl to learn the value of friendship and experience young love. In writing Eliana's story, it was necessary to take certain liberties in describing the town and surrounding locations. I also fell in love with Eliana and Lucas' story and didn’t want it to finish with Solo, so at the end I have included an excerpt from Duo.

Prologue

My parents called a family meeting and I couldn't think of a good reason why. Maybe my coming home thirty minutes past curfew the night before had something to do with it, except I'd had a legitimate reason, which I'd already explained—one of my friends had taken forever changing a tire on my new car, and the donut was proof.

My parents sat in recliners opposite me. They didn't look mad; more like worried. Dad closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened them, I recognized the look—pity. My first thought was that someone had died.

Honey, I'm deploying overseas in a few weeks and I'll be gone for a year.

My mouth dropped and pain shot through my heart. My eyes stung. I was sixteen and I couldn't remember my dad being away for more than a month for field training, or some other military obligation. We always moved as a family. I looked at my mom staring at the floor. The lump in my throat forced a choppy response. It'll be okay, Mom. I'll be here with you. I looked at Dad and tried to focus on just one of the many questions racing through my mind. My thoughts wouldn't come together. Finally, I collected one. How long have you known about this?

Only a week or so. We knew it was a possibility, but your mom and I decided not to tell you, just in case nothing came of it.

Mom looked up with tears, and muttered, There's more news, honey.

I looked at her dumbfounded. What could possibly be worse than my dad leaving us for a year?

Mom glanced at Dad. He nodded, encouraging her to continue. My heart practically thumped out of my chest. Please don't say divorce or separation. My hands started to sweat and I clenched them between my knees, waiting for her to speak.

Your dad and I have thought about this long and hard. She paused. We both feel it would be best if you and I move in with my parents while he's gone. The plans are already in motion and we'll be leaving in a month.

I froze, going completely numb. Nothing had prepared me for this; her words echoed, hollow and lifeless. I stood and robotically walked to the bookshelf. Grabbing the 'M' volume of an encyclopedia, I whacked myself on the head. It only hurt and made me dizzy. I couldn't believe I wasn't waking up. Was this for real? Dad was leaving us for a year and my parents were making me move before the end of school. I rubbed my head and turned back to see their shocked expressions.

Eliana, please, honey, say something, Dad pleaded.

Shaking my head, I croaked, Why can't we just stay here for the year? Why are you ripping me out of school with only a few months to go? Did you even take my feelings into consideration when you made this decision?

Mom sobbed, Eliana, it's going to be a long year and I'd like the extra support I'll receive from my parents. I know it'll be hard at first, but I think you'll be happy in Oregon.

My blood started to boil. Before I knew it, I was yelling. For sixteen years I've never once complained about being uprooted! I've never complained about not having a home of my own—about always living in housing provided by the military! This is the first place I've ever felt at home. I truly love California!

I wasn't sure if it was a mild concussion, or if I'd just exhausted myself from anger and pain, but the room started to spin and I covered my face with my hands, weeping.

Honey, it's only for a year. There's a chance your dad will get orders to come back here. Mom tried to give me a little slice of hope.

I shook my head before silently walking from the room.

Chapter One: Change

Mom flipped the turn signal of the moving van and veered toward the exit. Following in my Volkswagen bug, I caught a glimpse of a small sign welcoming us to Myrtle Creek. I couldn't help but wonder where the town was when we rolled through the main strip. Other than a few scattered houses, a general store, a gas station, a couple of restaurants, and a bowling alley, the town—and I use that term loosely—was scarce. Where was the mall, the movie theater, the miniature golf course, the amusement park, the water park, and, more importantly, the beach?

Mom pumped the brakes, interrupting my slight panic attack. We veered onto a road leading in the direction of mountains. About ten minutes later, we turned into a driveway meandering to a white farmhouse.

My gramps and grandmother were sitting on the porch in decades old wicker chairs. My grandmother walked to the top of the steps and waited. Gramps, on the other hand, hurried down to meet us.

Hi, Dad, Mom beamed.

How was your trip, young lady?

It was great. Eliana did superb for driving her first road trip.

Gramps turned and opened his arms to me. Come here, Munchkin. I've missed you.

I grinned and gave him a big hug. Hi, Gramps; I've missed you, too. I inhaled peppermint, the familiar scent that always followed him. Memories of piggyback rides, sneaking cookies before dinner, and funny jokes surfaced. Mom always told me I'd inherited Gramps' sense of humor.

I looked past Gramps and saw my grandmother with her arms firmly crossed. She wasn't your typical grandma. You know, the kind with fresh baked pies sitting on the windowsill. My grandmother was… Well, she was more like a warden.

I slowly approached her.

Hello, Eliana. She awkwardly gave me a half-pat-on-the-back kind of hug.

Hi, Grandma; thanks for taking us in. I tried to chisel through the ice.

You're welcome, she replied stiffly.

My mom walked up beside me. Hi, Mom.

Hello, dear. I have your rooms ready. I put Eliana in your old bedroom. You're in the room across from hers, just in case.

I looked away and rolled my eyes. What did just in case mean? Was it just in case I got scared in the middle of the night like I was seven years old, or just in case I tried to sneak out like I was an unruly teenager? This was going to be a long year.

We each grabbed a bag and entered the house. I opened the door to my so-called bedroom and sucked in the aroma of rose potpourri and moth balls. My eyes rounded at the princess palace with its frilly pink walls bordered by purple castles and a dozen—that's right—twelve porcelain dolls staring at me from a wooden shelf. If anything could scare me, those beady eyes could. I stood there flabbergasted and Mom walked in.

Honey, we'll fix it later. Just start unloading your car.

You're sure lucky I love you, I whispered.

By the time we finished unloading, it was too late to return the van to the rental company, so we decided to wait until after I was enrolled in school the next morning. An uneasy feeling swirled in the pit of my stomach. I wasn't ready to start a new school. Mom must have sensed something because she told me she would give me another day to unpack.

After dinner, I started to organize my room, trying to make the princess palace feel more like me. First thing—turn all the dolls around so I wouldn't have to look at their creepy faces. Maybe my grandmother would get the hint and remove them. I tacked up a few of my favorite posters and hung the bulletin board my friends had made for me. It had tons of photos of us at school dances, trips to the beach, and other fun memories. Looking at the photos reminded me to text my friends later. I didn't feel like I had accomplished much unpacking when Mom came in.

Honey, you should get some sleep.

I will when I can see the bed.

I saw her glance at the dolls and do a double take, even though she pretended not to notice.

Wh-at? I asked.

Nothing. She looked away and shook her head. An hour later, I crashed. The next thing I knew, Mom was nudging me. Eliana, we've got to get the moving van back.

I stumbled into the hallway trying to remember where the bathroom was. I took a shower to wash off the previous day's funk and quickly dressed. I didn't want to mess with my untamed mane, so I pulled it through the back of my baseball cap, applied some lip gloss, and headed downstairs. I entered the kitchen. I'm ready when you are.

Okay, honey, we also need to stop at the market in Roseburg to get groceries.

Sounds good; I could use some Pepto-Bismol. There are a few spots on my walls that need touch up.

My grandmother looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language. She wasn't handling my sarcasm well.

Where's Gramps? I tried to change the subject.

He reads the newspaper every morning in his favorite chair in the living room, replied my grandmother.

Great! I'll run in to say good morning before we go.

Mom stepped in front of me. I wouldn't do that if I were you. He reads the paper in his pajamas. And when I say pajamas, I mean boxers.

Oh. My eyes widened. Thanks for the warning.

Mental note: Don't talk to Gramps until after school.

Our first stop was South Umpqua High School so I could get registered. The school was smaller than I'd expected. I was relieved when the halls were clear. Other than a short stout woman behind the counter, the office was empty. The woman handed Mom a packet of papers and asked if I wanted a tour of the school. I started to decline, but Mom insisted. The secretary paged the library to get someone from study hall to give me a quick tour. A few minutes later a tall, brawny guy entered the office. He definitely looked like he played sports.

Eliana, this is Samuel Alvarez. He'll show you around. Make it a quick tour, Sammy.

Yes ma'am, he said, with a mischievous grin.

I glared at Mom while following my tour guide out the door.

So, it's Eliana, right? Sammy paused, waiting for me to catch up.

Yeah.

Eliana, hmm, that's different. Is it a family name?

No; it's the name of a hotel. Well, actually a villa in Italy.

Oh, um, wow. He scratched the back of his head. I knew he hadn't seen that one coming. Where did you move from? he changed the subject.

California.

Well, welcome to South Umpqua, home of the Lancers. He said the words a little too enthusiastically as he led me down the hall. What grade are you in?

I'm a sophomore.

He pointed, Your locker will be somewhere down here. The areas are divided by grade. Next, Sammy showed me the library, cafeteria, courtyard, and gym. Well, that about does it, do you have any questions?

Not really, I'm sure I can figure it out.

We headed back to the office. Is today your first day?

No, I'll be starting tomorrow.

Well, good luck. If you need any help, I'm usually hanging around here somewhere. He smiled and held the door for me.

Well, I think I can handle this school. It's about half the size of my last one. Thanks for the tour.

Sure, no problem; anything to get out of the library, he winked. See you around.

I nodded and turned toward the secretary who told me I was all set and to stop by in the morning for my schedule.

After dropping the van off in Roseburg, Mom gave me a lecture about respecting old people. She knew I was trying to be funny with the whole Pepto-Bismol thing, but my grandmother had taken offense. She reminded me that my grandmother was old fashioned and set in her ways.

Mental Note: Keep my humor to myself around Grandmother.

We found the supermarket. It seemed like there was someone in every aisle who knew my mom or my grandparents. I think I met all the little old ladies from my grandmother's bridge club. I hadn't known there were gangs of grannies casing the supermarket looking for prey. My poor mom looked at hundreds of pictures of their children and grandchildren. I tried to blend in with the shelves. Eventually, Mom had to resort to lying. She told them we still needed to hurry to get me registered for school. I vigorously nodded in agreement.

When we reached the produce department, I headed straight for the peaches while mom gathered a variety of vegetables.

Sophie Young, is that you? A woman cornered my mom.

Well, it's Davis now, but yes. Oh, my goodness, Carrie Carter.

Well, it's Andrews now, but yes, she laughed. I heard you might be moving back. Are you staying with your parents?

Yes, while Chris is overseas. He'll be home in a year.

I still can't believe you came back home. It's been so long. Now you have a daughter, right?

Yes, she's the one digging in the peaches. Mom pointed at me.

I smiled and gave an awkward little wave.

Oh, she's so cute. She looks just like you. Can you believe we're old enough to have teenagers? I've got two, a seventeen year old son and a thirteen year old daughter.

I put the peaches in the cart while listening to reminisces about their younger years. They acted like giddy teenagers, laughing about inside jokes that only took one word to describe.

Eliana, Carrie and I went to high school together, Mom explained.

We sure had some good times, Carrie beamed.

So, which Andrews' boy did you marry? asked Mom.

Carrie hesitated. I married Michael.

Mom's facial expression changed. Wow, that's great.

I knew Mom was lying. Liar, liar pants on fire. Obviously, Mom didn't like the fact that Carrie had married Michael. I wondered why.

The atmosphere changed. Carrie got quiet. Finally, she broke the silence. Well, I'm the veterinarian in Myrtle Creek. My schedule is flexible. I'd love to get together for lunch.

Yeah, that sounds great. Eliana starts school tomorrow. I do freelance photography and my schedule is open. Mom reached and gave Carrie a hug. It's so good to see you again. You know where I'm staying, so don't be a stranger.

The same to you. We live on the Andrews farm down the road from your parents. Here's my number. Carrie shuffled through her purse for a business card.

Great, I'll call you.

Carrie smiled and pushed her cart out of the produce department. Mom started thumping cantaloupes. I waited, hoping she would spill the beans.

Do you want any cantaloupes? Mom asked.

Um, yeah, sure. So, Mom, that conversation got a little awkward. Who's Michael Andrews?

Oh, just a guy from high school.

That's all you're going to tell me?

Yeah, it's not a big deal.

Not a big deal? Were you in the same conversation back there? You didn't seem too thrilled when you heard his name.

It was a long time ago. It just threw me off when she mentioned him. He was your dad's best friend. They had a falling out and that's pretty much it. Like I said, 'not a big deal'.

I didn't believe her, but I figured I should drop the subject. Obviously, she wanted to avoid talking about Michael Andrews.

* * *

I finished unpacking the few remaining boxes in my room. Other than the Pepto-Bismol walls and the dolls, the room was starting to look more like me. I set my clothes out and packed my backpack for school, making sure I had my iPod. I didn't go anywhere without it. My emotions got jumbled with thoughts of starting school with no friends. I couldn't help but wonder how long it had been since this school had had a new student—maybe years. It was depressing to realize I only knew a total of three people in the entire town, my grandparents and Mom.

I put on my PJs, yelled goodnight, and climbed between the sheets. I looked at the bulletin board with all my friends' pictures, wishing they were here. It would sure make my first day easier. I reminded myself that I only had to make it a few months until summer.

I was almost snoring when my phone jingled. Instantly, I jumped to my feet and ran for it, excited to see a text from my best friend, Kelly. It read, 'GOOD LUCK TOMORROW. I'LL BE THINKING ABOUT YOU. LUV KEL XOXO.'

That made my night. I sent her a quick text before crawling back into bed. With all the stress I was feeling, Kelly's text eased everything for the time being.

Chapter Two: First Day

I turned off the annoying alarm clock and rolled out of bed. In the bathroom mirror, I stared at my face looking for any signs of a breakout. With the stress I'd been under the past few weeks, I figured there would be dozens of little blemishes. So far so good, but I knew they'd strike when I least expected it. Today of all days, I didn't want an attack. The dreary weather didn't help matters.

Although it was probably all in my head, my California tan seemed to have faded. My light emerald eyes that usually had a faint bluish cast now looked dull grey-green.

As I slipped on my favorite jeans, I noticed a rippling row of clouds out the window—perfect weather for a bad hair day. I pulled my sun-streaked brown wavy locks into a headband.

Eliana, are you up? Mom yelled.

Yeah, I'm up. I hurried down the stairs. The last thing I wanted was to be tardy on my first day of school.

Breakfast is ready! She sounded enthusiastic.

I'm not really hungry. Can't I just eat a breakfast bar on my way?

I would prefer that you sit and eat a real meal. It's your first day at a new school; you need your energy.

Sighing heavily, I sat down and inhaled my toast and scrambled eggs. My mind wandered and I thought about my friends. If I were back in California, Kelly would be outside honking so we could get an early start for a day of sun and fun at the beach. It was Spring Break in California.

Now I was stuck in Myrtle Creek with a disgusting overcast day and flying solo to school. I tried to keep my composure. Since I was already running late, reapplying my make-up wasn't an option at this point. My tears would have to wait, too. I planned to call Kelly after school and find out all the details about the beach.

The drive to school took forever. I got lost a few times and had to back track. Every once in a while I drove past the rancid odor of a cow or pig farm. Who needs coffee when you have the smell of fresh cow pies in the morning to wake you up?

When I drove into the school parking lot, it was like I'd entered a used car lot that specialized in pickup trucks. Butterflies swarmed in my stomach when I pulled my little pastel blue Volkswagen bug between two Monster Trucks. Here goes nothing.

I felt a strong wave of nausea and took a controlled deep breath to calm my nerves. Fortifying myself, I walked toward the building. I had no idea what to expect from the kids here. Most of them had grown up together. I was the outsider.

The bell rang as I entered the office. Great, I knew I would be late, I muttered.

A secretary, different from the one the day before, stood behind the counter. The petite older lady pushed up the rim of her glasses as she gave me a welcoming, almost sympathetic, smile. You must be Eliana Davis. Welcome to South Umpqua High School.

I couldn't help but notice the line of bright magenta lipstick across her two front teeth. It was so distracting I couldn't remember what I was going to say. Thanks. Sorry I'm late. I had a few issues with the directions.

Yes, it can be a little tricky with some of these roads. Just don't make a habit of it. That excuse only works on your first day. The secretary laughed and rifled through a pile of papers, still oblivious to her pink teeth. Oh, well, here's your schedule. Your first class is Geometry in room 116. It's down the hall on the left.

I took my schedule and started down the hall. My new dilemma was whether I wanted to sit in front and look smart, or in the back to look like I really didn't care. When I walked in the classroom, it didn't matter, because all the desks except one in the back were taken. The teacher stopped in the middle of his lecture to hand me a textbook.

Welcome to Geometry. I'm Mr. Donaldson. Here's your textbook. Please take your seat. He motioned toward the one empty desk.

Thank you. I walked to the back of the room and everyone gawked at me. I felt like a new attraction at the zoo. I noticed the bubbly, blonde, blue-eyed girl sitting next to my desk.

Hi, I'm Casey Douglas. If you need any help, just let me know? she whispered.

I grinned shyly and opened my textbook. Thanks.

So do you know anyone here at school? Casey asked.

I shook my head. Not really. Sammy Alvarez gave me a tour yesterday, but I don't really know him.

Sammy, oh he's a nice guy. She smiled, helping herself to my schedule on the corner of my desk. She scanned it from top to bottom. Oh, I see we have four classes together.

I just nodded and sat through Geometry, half listening to Casey's ramblings, and half listening to Mr. Donaldson. When the bell rang, I followed Casey into the hall. She said, I'll see you in third period. Your next class is Chemistry in room 153. If you want, I can meet you there after class and show you to U.S. History?

Really? That would be helpful. It was a relief to know someone was willing to help me.

I hurried to my next class so I could get a seat before the classroom filled. I was flipping through my textbook trying to look busy, when a commotion at the door captured my attention. A group of four students strutted their way into class laughing loudly. This had to be the 'in-crowd'.

A thin and tall brunette beauty, with artificial highlights and an over-baked tan, caught my attention. She had to be 'Miss Popular' because she tried too hard. Then there was the guy with his arm draped across her shoulders. His letterman's jacket said it all. He had to be one of the top jocks.

I pretended to read the chapter posted on the board while ignoring stares, whispers, and snickers from across the room. This was the very thing that made me nervous about coming to a new school. I focused my attention on the rain pellets hitting the window. The

Reviews for Solo

[_christinajane_ · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it!

[booksintheburbs · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A great read! Even though it's 500+ pages, the time went by quite fast. I loved Eliana's strong stance on her beliefs and the little journey she takes as she tries to find peace away from home.

[tierratheseeress · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Solo was incredible! I could not put it down. It's perfect for a quick read which is still very touching. I found I really cared about the characters and what happened to them. I could really relate to the main character. Overall, the story is beautifully written and the characters are well developed. Although, Solo focus high school students it is still an excellent read for those who have finished high school. I would highly recommend reading Solo.

[rhonda1111 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Solo by Sarah Schofield 5 STARSI love getting to read new authors work and the surprises that are in store. Solo is a well told story that I was lost in.I love the town it was set in. My in-laws are from that area so I could picture the area pretty good.Eliana two months left in the school year gets told that her dad is called to deploy for a year and that she and her mom where going to move in with her parents for that year in Oregon.Eliana is having a hard time with the move to small town and doesn't want to get involved with anything.Casey a junior is very welcoming to her and they have 4 classes together. After gym class Eliana goes to change into levis and can't find her clothes.she is upset that her last class she has to wear short gym shorts. She ends crying in study hall. Cute guy gives her tissue.Sasha is popular cheerleader who is Casey's friend who took her cloths, thinks she so special.Eliana after a week sitting with Casey and her friends for lunch decides not to eat with them and make Casey have to choose.Eliana loves to run and One day as she was running a truck almost ran her down she fell aways down a hill. It was Lucas the cute guy in study hall. He felt bad and was shaken gave her a ride home. Lucas was trying to be her friend.Eliana at a view point saw a meadow and mapped her way to it one day and after that she would spend a lot of her time alone dancing and doing gymnastic tumbling for her own pleasure. No one knew she went their.Lucas asked her to prom and she agreed to go with hijm as friends only and tried to not to get attached to him.The relationships are pretty intertwined with most of the people living in the town most of their lives.Sasha and her boyfriend continued to spread trouble and rumors about Eliana. Eliana took the high road but decided to show her up on the talent show,I cared about the characters and wanted to know more about them. I would more stories by Sarah.I was given this ebook in exchange for honest reviews from librarything.12/22/2011 PUB M.O.I. Publishing