Read Online Ruby Unscripted by Cindy Martinusen Coloma - Free Book Online

I’m usually so full of ideas and interests and things I want to pursue that I can’t pick one.
    But right now, while sitting in the school that feels as foreign as one in Japan, I can’t think of anything I want to do, except go home to Cottonwood and have my normal life back. I’m interested in that. I’m interested in what dress I’d wear to prom if Nick dumped Nikki, and interested in whether he’d like lime green and black—he could get a lime green shirt with black tie, or would it look better the opposite? Yes, the opposite. I really want that lime green dress at that dress shop near the Underground. On the drive home, I saw it again with a light shining down like a promise of dances to come.
    Mom says, “She likes different kinds of arts. And foreign languages. She wanted to take several classes that aren’t offered anymore at her old school.”
    â€œThat’s happening more and more in small, rural communities. But not here. We have a lot to offer in our arts programs. And you’ll be surprised at the variety of languages. We certainly have French. We even offer Mandarin.”
    â€œMandarin?” What would I do with Chinese? I wonder, though maybe I’ll tell Kate I’m taking that since she teases me so often about my ever-fluctuating interests.
    We set up my schedule, and I pick French 1 and International Cooking for my electives.
    Then Mr. James asks, “Do you know anyone who attends here?”
    â€œI met a guy . . . Frankie something, maybe Clark, or Conklin?”
    â€œOh yes, Franklin Klarken is a wonderful young man. He’s a little overly enthusiastic at times, and unfocused in his studies . . . but what a character. He’s a junior this year, I believe. I try to know all of the students by name, but that goal keeps me on my toes. Anyway, I assigned a member of student council to show you around on Monday. She will be stopping by to meet you any minute now.” He looks at a Marin High clock on the wall.
    Mr. James and my mom talk away about the school programs and college opportunities while he types in my new schedule. A strange sort of panic washes over me, like a wave of sadness or fear or hysteria—maybe all three. My feet want to run from this place.
    â€œHi, Mr. James.” A pretty face peeks into the room. Short brown hair and brown eyes. She’s one of those natural beauties and wears only a subtle hint of makeup.
    Mr. James stands up eagerly. “Come in, come in. Lucinda is the sophomore class treasurer, the head of debate club, and a track-and-field star.”
    â€œWow,” I say.
    Lucinda motions like she’s brushing away the compliment. “And I still won’t get into Princeton unless I get my act together.”
    While Mom finishes with Mr. James, I follow Lucinda outside. She’s my first real hope for useful information. And she might offer my first possibility of friendship.
    â€œSo where are you from again?”
    â€œNear Redding. It’s about three or four hours north.”
    She rests a knee on a bench the way a jock might, but she’s so pretty it’s sort of a humorous stance. “I’ve been as far north as Mendocino or Napa. Are there any spas up there?”
    â€œSpas?”
    â€œMy mother is doing this tour of spas. She’s in Budapest right now, but I know she’s gone around California. She has this book about the best spas in the world and wants to try every one of them. I guess everyone needs goals.”
    I laugh. “Yeah, I guess so.”
    â€œI’m more like my father. I’d rather tour all the golf courses or the top architectural wonders.”
    â€œWe’re not really known for any of those things, though we have them. Like the Sundial Bridge, which is really cool. And Redding does have a church designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, but I suppose with all you have down here, that wouldn’t be all that