My Perfect Life

By Katie Efird

My story is about a senior in high school, named Kennedy Taylor who has to move across the United States halfway through her last year of school due to her dads job making him relocate. She had a rough time for the first few weeks, fitting in with a new set of people than what she is used to, different from her friends way back home. A few mean girls, especially Adriana who were jealous of her, made life miserable until she meets a guy named Kevin, a guy who is nice on the eyes and everyones favorite athlete. Emotional and physical pain overruns though. Adriana also happens to be Kevins ex girlfriend. Adriana has the ability to turn Kennedys life into a nightmare. Will Kevin be her night and shining armor? Will he be the guy he promises to be to her for the rest of high school, or college? What about for the rest of their lives?

I am very passionate about the bullying subject; no one has the right to do so, whether its young as elementary school kids, or as old as people in college. Kennedy goes through some of the everyday pressures you have to go through during your adolescent life. She has her virginity, and her beliefs about abstinence, until she feels like she doesnt want to keep her promise to herself. She lacks the confidence she needs to make some of her dreams come true until a modeling agency likes and accepts her for her, which turns her life around forever.

I do believe as the Golden Rule says, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Just like Kennedy always believed What goes around comes around.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468539127

Katie Efird

My name is Katie, and I live in North Carolina. I am married with 2 sweet little boys. Some people say that I write like I talk, which puts character in my writing, and makes you laugh.

Book preview

My Perfect Life

Katie Efird

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AuthorHouse™

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2012 by Katie Efird. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 03/30/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4685-3913-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-3912-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012900020

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Credits to:

Sarah Bowers and Linda Clontz for editing.

Don Burris for drawing the picture in the back.

Lavina Bond, my College Professor for helping me realize my love for writing.

CONTENTS

PREFACE

CHAPTER 1

The Move

CHAPTER 2

First Week Blues

CHAPTER 3

A Bad Day

CHAPTER 4

Forbidden Love

CHAPTER 5

Dreams Do Come True

CHAPTER 6

Big Trouble

CHAPTER 7

Double Trouble

CHAPTER 8

The Accident

CHAPTER 9

Scared Silly

CHAPTER 10

The Punishment

CHAPTER 11

Prom Night

CHAPTER 12

The Birthday Surprise

CHAPTER 13

Wedding Plans

CHAPTER 14

School Days Again

CHAPTER 15

Something Good

CHAPTER 16

Good News

CHAPTER 17

It’s Thanksgiving!

CHAPTER 18

Worries

CHAPTER 19

Graduation Day

CHAPTER 20

Baby Blues

CHAPTER 21

The News

CHAPTER 22

Our Perfect Life

PREFACE

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Hello. My name is Kennedy Taylor and I am currently a senior in high school. I live in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where I have lived my whole life. Actually, I have never moved, ever. We are a fairly wealthy family in my opinion, but you would never know it. We currently live in an upper middle class neighborhood. I am seventeen years old and I have long thick dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. I am an averaged size girl, not to mention I’m the only child. Tonight, I just arrived home from a girl’s night out with my friends from school. When I came in, I got a huge surprise that would turn my world upside down.

CHAPTER 1

The Move

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When I came inside, I noticed a light in the kitchen which was rare at this time of night, so I walk inside to see a worried look from my parents Felicia and Jon. Um, hey mom and dad, what are you doing up? You know, I am almost eighteen years old. It isn’t necessary for you to wait up on me.

My mom was the first one to answer of course. Actually yes, yes it is. Even though it isn’t a school night you should still come home at a decent time My dad, rubbed his forehead like he had a headache then he finally spoke to me. We have some news for you and wanted you to know. We were going to wait until morning but we feel that you should know tonight. We had hoped to see you earlier today, but you didn’t come home. We are kind of excited about it, and hope you will be also.

I’m feeling a little bit anxious right now, wondering what was so important that they couldn’t wait to tell me in the morning. Yea, I know. I went out with Stacy like I always do on Wednesdays. What is this all about . . . Dad?

This is very hard for me to say. Ok, fine. Look, it’s almost eleven and I’m extremely tired. Could we just talk about this tomorrow? My mother was getting aggravated. Kennedy, we have to talk now. ‘What your mother is trying to tell you is that . . . I am getting transferred to California with my job. I am in shock now. I could feel my blood bubble inside my body. WHAT? I replied. I have been informed that if I wouldn’t take the transfer I would have to find another job because I would be fired. The transfer is immediate. We will put our house on the market tomorrow morning, and we will move Saturday. My employer will take care of this house until it sells."

At this point, I just stood there and suddenly I was crying. I am not a crybaby at all, but getting this information all at once, especially tonight was all I could bear. WHAT! You’re kidding me right? Come on father, it’s now time to tell me you’re joking! If you’re not, I am . . . I am . . . very upset about this. I’m yelling at them at this point. You are a smart man, why don’t you just quit and find a new job here at home! My mother intervenes, as I watch my dad look at me with his sad eyes. You think it’s that easy don’t you? Ok Jon, you quit your job and we lose everything just to keep our only flesh and blood happy. Ok, we won’t eat, and you don’t get any new clothes, or a car and you will be required to eat leftovers. There, does that make you happy? This is one of the hardest things we have ever had to do. Your father does not have a choice in the matter."

Mom, what am I supposed to do? I have lived here all my life. Some of the people I go to school with I’ve been with since pre-school. You are ruining my life. You know that don’t you? All I could do at this point was storm upstairs and slam my door as loud as I possibly could. I wanted them to know that I was not happy at all.

I knew Mom and Dad were doing this because they had to and I started feeling bad so I walked quietly out of my room down the stairs to listen to them talk. My mom walked over to my dad and put her arms around him while he was still sitting down in the same position as he was in when I went upstairs.

Maybe we should have waited until morning until we sprang the news on her. It’s just going to take some time. Oh Felicia, I hope your right. I watched her kiss the top of his head, and then he got up, sliding his chair under the table. I knew that it was time for me to leave quietly and go back to my room.

My dad is an engineer employed with IBMI for twenty some years. He is a very compassionate, sincere, hard working man. My mom is more over bearing. She is also a very down to earth person who comes from a family with money and good values; she is a realtor with a very prestigious company. I have both of my parent’s traits, but I am a very independent, strong willed teenager. I care about people though. I’m also popular at my school.

The next morning I went downstairs to meet my parents at the kitchen table. My dad was the first one to speak to me, after they sat staring at me anxiously. Probably worrying what I would say to them next. Good morning sweetheart. Since I didn’t get much sleep, and I am not a glorified morning person, maybe I acted a little smug. Hum. Is it?

My mom was over by her griddle on our cabinet cooking breakfast. Next I notice that she puts some eggs, bacon and toast on my plate where I normally sit. How did you sleep? Here sweetie, breakfast is ready. You know I hate to eat when I first get up, why can’t you just let me wake up first. Why can’t I just eat a pop tart in the morning like everyone else does or a bowl of Fruity Pebbles rather than a full breakfast or Special K? Courtney’s parents let’s her eat popcorn if she wants or drink coffee.

I’m such the babbler. My mom doesn’t like it when I babble either, so she interrupts my tantrum. Just think of all the children who wish they had things this good and could eat this kind of breakfast on their table when they wake up. You’re spoiled and very ungrateful, and you don’t even know it. I hope in time you will understand anyway.

Yea, just think of all the kids who don’t have to move across the world their senior year of high school when there is only two months until graduation. Oh yea, I’ve decided that I’m staying with Stacy here until I finish school. I had to put that little comment in, which they definitely didn’t like. No ma’am you’re not. Just think how many girls would just die to get a chance to go to California! You’re so selfish! Your father did not request this; it was definitely not a choice. He wants you . . . . I didn’t let her finish. I turned and walked back upstairs while she was still talking. I heard my mom ask my dad . . . Where is she going? I didn’t care what she had to say, so I just left.

I couldn’t believe how quickly these few days passed and today is already moving day. I packed up my room and my bathroom personals but that’s all I did while I watched my parents pack everything else up. I am not usually this type of person, but I intended on getting my point across that this move upsets me.

A few of my friends come over to my house to wish me a farewell before the airport van arrives to pick us up. My friends and I are standing in my front yard for our last goodbyes, when my friend Stacy is the first to reach out to me for a hug. We are going to miss you. She starts to cry, which makes me cry. Once we both started in, my other friends, Meegan and Courtney walk over to cry with us and we give each other one final group hug. My friend Meegan, the one who doesn’t like to cry either, speaks out to the sobbing girls. Just think about all those boys there. They will have Malibu beach tanned bodies. You will fit right in, with your tanning bed body. Courtney, who is a light skinned blonde and who burns when out in in the sun, is jealous of my April tan. Yes, you have a chance to shine just like you do here. said Courtney.

Our van pulled in our paved driveway, and the feeling of hurt started to set in again. My dad was the first one out of the house. He really seemed excited about leaving our family and friends here. Sweetie, it’s time to go. Everyone gave their final goodbyes and we are off to the airport.

We were going to have a long flight ahead of us so I wore my earphones listening to music on my ipod. I stayed on my laptop almost the whole time and tried hard not to talk to my parents almost the whole flight. After what seemed like forever, the flight attendant came over the microphone and welcomed everyone to sunny California. My dad pulled my earplugs out of my ears like I couldn’t hear the attendant talk. Look outside isn’t it beautiful! Of course my mom answers him when I didn’t. Just like I have always imagined. Honestly, I really liked the view. I love palm trees and the smell of salt water coming off the ocean near by. I just was not giving in at all, and of course I answered with a smart comment. I was getting good at making those lately it seemed. Yea, but it’s still miles away from home.

We got off the plane and a cab picked us up at the airport to take us to our new home. Mom and Dad talked, but I put my earphones back on again just to frustrate them. In all actuality I did think Malibu was gorgeous, but I would never tell them that. There were miles and miles of long white sandy beaches and beautiful scenery as far as you could see. There were some very nice homes off the beach, mansions to most.

Finally we pulled in this gated community, where the houses were Mediterranean and Spanish style homes for the most part. Moving trucks were going to bring us our cars and all of our belongings. My dad finally broke the long silence in the cab. Welcome home. Then my mom put her two cents in. Isn’t this absolutely gorgeous, just like I imagined. While I got out of the cab I felt I should still be in a bad mood, so of course I had to say something smart. Um. My mom doesn’t like my answer so she interrupts . . . All you can say is um? Yep . . . um . . . Our new house is a two story light pink stucco Spanish style home with a nice brick circle drive in front of the house and it was professionally landscaped. It has a three car garage and a kidney shaped in ground pool in the back. We walked back to the garages. Look father, I have my own garage for my make believe car that I was supposed to get my senior year. My dad always tries to make me happy. After all I am a daddy’s girl. Maybe we can look for a car later. Yea, later in what maybe three more years, what about four when I get out of college? If it was up to me you wouldn’t have a car until you’re a sophomore in college and/or find a part-time job. Yea mom, you would feel that way. Your first car was a brand new Beamer. Actually it wasn’t. Dad bought me a five speed old Accord that was hideous. Then when he found out I couldn’t drive a stick shift, he gave me his new car.

Girls, let’s try and make the first day in our home a memorable one. He was such the softie. We decided to take a tour of our new home. The foyer has a large entrance with columns separating the dining room from the living area that has a see through fireplace. The kitchen has all granite cabinet tops and cherry cabinets. There is a bay window in the breakfast room. All of the bedrooms are upstairs, up the spiral staircase, with one bathroom on the bottom floor.

Knowing that I was not happy at all about the move they had someone come in and decorate my room for me. They opened the door for me, and I can immediately tell it’s mine. Dad, is this my room? Yes it is sweetheart. WOW. Are you serious? It’s awesome mom! We figured you would like it. My bedroom is a deep lavender and light pink color on my walls which are my favorite colors, with new bedroom furniture in it. I have a bay window with a window seat covered with Twilight Saga pillows of Edward and Jacob. My mirror also has smaller pictures of Edward & Jacob like I had in my old room. I finally have a queen size bed with a pink & purple satin bedspread. I was so excited, that when I was able to talk I really didn’t make much sense. LOOK! OMG! You bought my pillows! I love them! What did you do with my bedroom furniture? Oh my! I have a big girl bed! We knew you have wanted a new set of furniture a while now, and just like we figured, you would have a tough time with the move so we put your old single bed and furniture in the guest room. Thank you daddy. My mom and dad both seemed to be pleased with the look on their faces. Your welcome darling. All they wanted to do was keep me happy.

We pretty much stayed in the first couple of days to unpack some boxes and decorate, especially when our furniture arrived.

Finally my first day of school at Malibu High arrived. A day that I will always remember. When I woke up that morning and dressed for that first day I walked downstairs to the aroma of pancakes and maple syrup in the air.

Good Morning. My parents look at me weird. Probably because I hadn’t been the best daughter they could ask for so they both spoke at the same time like they were in shock. Well hello. Did you sleep well? I didn’t sleep at all mom. What if the kids don’t like me? I am very different than they are. How on earth would you know that? Daddy, I watch 90210 re-runs and Saved by the Bell. I look fine and all but I do have that slightly southern twang if you know what I mean. My mom did take me shopping yesterday for some new clothes and shoes to help with my first day jitters. That is all TV mess. You look beautiful and you sound fine. You will fit in. I love your new clothes. The dress looks cute on you. I had picked out a baby doll short dress with Vera Bradley flip flops to match. I am around 5'4 inches tall and I am very active and I have nice semi-muscular legs from sports back home. I like the way I look so I twirl around in my cute dress watching it flow in the wind. I think I do look very cute.

Your next surprise is outside. What daddy, a nice school bus, to pick me up for my lovely first day of school? Just like I figured, my mom wouldn’t like my tone in my voice so she spoke up. Uh no. Much more practical for a beautiful intelligent girl like you who has kept up an A/B honor roll all four years of high school plus kept up with all the clubs and sports, I don’t think so. I am now confused so I run inside the garage. OH MOMMY, DADDY! Thank you thank you! When did you . . . who cares when you bought it and how you brought it home with out me knowing! I only see the car of my dreams. They must really feel bad about the move to buy me a brand new shiny red convertible Camaro. This is the coolest car ever! I had to run and give them a big hug for this present. Especially since I have been ugly these last few days. It’s all yours. Just be very careful. I start my car and the nice purr of the engine sounds so nice to my ears. Of course I have to play with the radio, and fix my mirrors, then before long I am on my way to my new school.

CHAPTER 2

First Week Blues

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When I get to school, it’s what I expected it to be. It’s close to the ocean and very nice. I pull into a parking lot of cars nothing like what I’m used to seeing. Instead of little old trucks and cars, I noticed nice convertible BMW’s, Mercedes and even a couple of Hummers. I arrived pretty early, so hopefully I could find my classroom in plenty of time. I walked up some steps in the front to go to the office to get my schedule.

That’s when my problems began. I start talking to myself discretely. Come on we can do this. I have to keep reminding myself that I have to be here, or else I would run home and beg to be home schooled. I am now in the office, nice sized with pretty pictures hanging on the walls. When I first walked in the office, there were apparently some seniors working in there. None of them acknowledged me, or anything. When they did, it sure wasn’t the kind of welcome I had hoped for. Then the secretary welcomed me. Well I guess she was the secretary. She was my height with real blonde hair and very petite and attractive. The plaque on her desk said her name was Amanda. Well hello. What can I do for you? This is my first day here. I was told that my schedule would be somewhere up here for me. My name is Kennedy Taylor. Oh goodness. She seemed to be busy and frazzled for a Monday. Let me go back here a sec and check. Hold here one second please. Yes ma’am."

When Amanda left the front, some of the girls started staring and making fun of something. I am a very non violent person. It bothers me when someone doesn’t like me, especially when they talk behind my back and make fun. I know they are not talking to me but I buck up and say something. I’m sorry were you talking to me? This one red head girl walks up to me first. Do you know the dress code here? I am wondering why she asked me that. I knew my dress wasn’t too short. Why do you ask? Um because your dress is totally ugly. The other girls start giggling at me. Now thanks to them, I am trying to fight back tears. I’m sorry you don’t approve. Ill try to dress like a ho tomorrow like what I have seen so far in here. I can’t believe I just said that, I thought to myself. Thankfully Amanda walks back in to the office before the mean girls decided to jump across the counter on me. Here you go sweetie. Do you know how to get to your first class? Well no, but I think I can find it. Thank you though. While I was walking out of the office one of the attractive blonde haired girls offered to take me to my homeroom class. Come with me. I’m sorry your name was . . . Oh sorry. I’m Adriana. We walk down this hall and she stops and looks at me funny, but at the time I don’t think anything about it. Well here you go. Have a great day. She still sounds a tad bit sarcastic. I walk in the class and the trouble begins. I walked over to the teacher and told her my name. I tried to whisper because I didn’t want anyone to hear. Hello. I’m Kennedy Taylor, today is my first day here. She looks at me funny then she whispers . . . Hello. Are you sure you are in the correct classroom? No, no I’m not. Adriana brought me to this room. Are you aware you are in a freshman homeroom class? What? She brought me here deliberately. How far am I away from this senior homeroom? I had to fight back tears again from embarrassment. I hear some of the class giggling, so the teacher has to calm them down. Bless your heart. You have to change schools in mid April your senior year? Here, I’m going to call someone to help you find your way. No. Please don’t. One of the extremely generous office assistants brought me here in the first place. I’ll find my own way. Thank you though."

The school was huge. None of the halls were marked, and I walked for about ten minutes, so now I was late. Finally an attractive girl came up to me and started talking. Hey. Are you okay? By accident, I let a tear fall from my face, so I immediately wiped it up before more started trickling down. No I’m definitely not ok. Are you new? Yes and I’m lost. My name is Katherine, but everyone calls me Kat, and you are? Kennedy. You look as if you already have had a hard time today? Yes. These girls were awful to me, and then one of them took me to a freshman home room. Now I am humiliated and very late. I was even laughed at back there. Let me guess; was she a red head and/or platinum blonde? Both were mean to me but it was Adriana that took me to the wrong class though. She was even nice enough to walk me to the incorrect class. Here you go. You have Mrs. Gray for home room. She is nice, you will like her. When I walked in to the class a lady that looked like she was in her forties was sitting at her desk. Hello. You are . . . Kennedy Taylor, I’m so sorry I’m late. I got lost . . . today is my first day That’s ok. Please take your seat right there. She would sit me on the very front row. Class, please welcome Kennedy Taylor. She moved all the way from North Carolina. In the background I heard mock noises from the kids in the back of the class. Ok now. You are seniors, so please start acting like it. I sat down in my seat, when I heard this boy start talking real southern, trying to mock me. Too bad his southern twang sucked. Oh Kay Mrs. Gray. We’d be obliged if you could give us some of those grits and fish . . . or whatever kinds of grub you all eat down there. We all are about ah starving. Garrett not all people from the south talk that way so knock it off! Actually, I like her Southern drawl, and it’s not that bad at all. I wanted to say something so bad but I shied away from it like I always do. So I just sunk as low as I could in my seat and prayed that the next class would be better. The bell finally rang for 1st period. Honey what is your next class? Do you know where to go? No. I am afraid not. I have Calculus, a Mr. King? She walks me out to the hall to show me the way to go. Do you even know where your locker is? I have a locker? Yes you do. Our lockers are on this side. Let me see your pink schedule. Here you go. Locker # 222. Do you have a lock and key yet? Yes I do, thank you. Thank you so much for your help and time. Good luck with the rest of your day."