When Love Finds You

by Crystal Britton

Overview

Sara Kidwell is a freshman in high school. She has no interest in playing sports but does like to watch the boys play. Sara and her mother have a inseperatable bond but with a new family member on the way Sara fears that the bond will break. Sara is very close with her grandmother but tradery strikes.

Sara gets invited to a popular girls party but the guy that Sara likes is there and does something that makes Sara turn up her nose. The party doesnt end on a good note. Sara ends up getting with the guy by his sweet talk. In the end he breaks her heart.

Although her heart is broke Sara moves on fast but instead of liking one guy she likes two. Her friend likes one of the guys though so Sara ends up making a hard choice easy. The guy that Sara gets with has a big secert and doesnt know if it will break Sara and him apart or bring them closer together.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452037349
Publisher:	AuthorHouse
Publication date:	10/12/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	156
File size:	287 KB

About the Author

Hello Readers my name is Crystal Britton this is my first book that I have written. I hope you enjoy reading this book and many more to come. I live in Marshall Virginia with my husband and our daughter. We also have a dog. I enjoy reading, writing, going to the beach and most defiantly spending time with my family. If you would like to contact me I have a Author page through face book or send me a email at [e-mail]

Read an Excerpt

When Love Finds You

---

By Crystal Britton

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2010 Crystal Britton
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4520-3732-5

---

Chapter One

The Beginning

Looking over at my mom after 16 and Pregnant, our favorite TV show, was over, I laughed and said, "Mom, that girl is crazy."

"I agree, sweetheart."

I loved when my mom called me that; it made me smile.

By the way, I'm Sara Kidwell. I live on Summer Pikes Road in Coopersville, Virginia. My road is a dead end, and there are six houses, three on either side. My house is on the left side, the second house. It's two stories high, with a paved path leading to the door. The driveway is gravel and located to the right of the paved path. The house is painted white with blue shutters, and the front door is also blue.

On entering the house through the front door, steps lead to the upstairs, the kitchen is to the left, and the living room is to the right. There is a door leading out the back of the kitchen to a little hallway. On the right is my dad's office; to the left is a spare room. Upstairs there is a short hallway. On the left is my bedroom, with a bathroom, next to my room on the left is a guest room and on the right is my mom and dad's room. At the top of the stairs down the hallway is the bathroom. There is a linen closet to the left side of the bathroom door. On the hallway walls are lots of family photos, including plaques my dad received at work. The downstairs walls are pretty bare of photos except for a few of me through school years on the living room wall.

As I sat with my mom, random thoughts went through my mind. My first day of high school is tomorrow, yikes! At least I have my friends to start high school with. The weather was nice today; it was about ninety-two degrees outside. I'm going to miss this warm weather when winter comes.

My mom was short, with shoulder-length brown hair, and she was skinny. I hadn't realized she was staring at me after our exchange about the TV show.

"Oh, sorry, Mom. Did you say something?"

"Did you go off into your own little world again?"

"Um ... no," I said hesitating, with a sly look on my face.

"One of these days that will get you in trouble."

"I wouldn't doubt it, Mom," I replied laughing.

"As I was saying, sweetheart, those girls have a lot on their hands, being sixteen and still in school."

"Yes, Mom, I have to agree."

"You wouldn't do that to me, would you?"

"Oh for gosh sakes, Mom! No."

She laughed and said, "Okay, sweetheart. I was just testing you."

"I have school to worry about, not getting pregnant. I want my education and a job before I get pregnant."

"Okay, sweetheart. Well, I'm going to get dinner started. Your dad will be home soon."

I rolled my eyes, and when my mom caught me, she sat back down.

"Sweetheart, I know you and your dad don't get along very well. I know most of it is your dad's stubbornness about showing love, but he does love you. I wish that the two of you would work out whatever is wrong." She kissed my forehead and then went to make dinner.

I sat there while she talked to me, and I didn't change my facial expression. But while she was talking, all I wanted to do was yell at her and cry my eyes out. I wanted to tell her it was no use because he hated me.

I've tried my whole life to be close to my dad, but the more I tried, the further away we got. I hadn't realized I was crying so I wiped my eyes before Mom could see my tears. When she sees me crying, she goes into mushy mode and starts bombarding me with questions that have absolutely nothing to do with the reason why I was crying in the first place. For instance, one time I had just finished watching a sad movie. She walked into the living room and immediately started asking me, "Why are you crying? Was it a bully? Was it a fight with a friend? Was it a fight with your dad?" (which was a likely question, but no), and she just went on and on.

I heard the kitchen door open, and I knew my dad was home. He must have had a bad day at work because he acted like he was in a bad mood. He started to talk to Mom, but they were talking so softly that I couldn't hear what they were talking about. After he went into his office, I went into the kitchen to help Mom with dinner.

"Looks like it's only you and me for dinner tonight," she said.

"Oh, why?"

"Your dad has some major work ahead of him so he asked for his dinner in his office."

I knew Mom was upset, but I was giddy with joy because I liked eating dinner just with her.

"Okay, Mom. I'm going to wash up for dinner, and then I will be back to set the table."

"Okay, sweetheart."

I washed up, and as I was walking back to the kitchen, I heard my parents arguing.

"I really wish when you come home from work that you would at least take time to sit at the table for dinner rather than in your office," my mom said.

"Alana, I have a lot of work, and if I don't get it done, then I'll have even more piled on me next week. And instead of coming home, I'll be staying at the office, so at least I'm here."

My dad did have a point.

My mom must have understood too because she kissed him and said, "I'll be back in a few minutes with dinner." She hurried into the kitchen to start on dinner again.

I went in the kitchen to help her set the table. I didn't speak to Mom, nor did she speak to me. Usually when my parents argue, I know it's best to leave them both alone. My mom fixed Dad's plate, and then she took it to him. As she walked into his office, she shut the door behind her.

I fixed a plate for each of us, and I sat at the table waiting for her. After a few minutes she came back out with the plate empty. She looked upset, maybe even mad, as she sat down at the table.

Dad came into the kitchen, kissed my mom, on the forehead, and then said, "I'll be staying over night at the office. I love you, Alana."

"I love you too, Joe."

He turned to me and said, "Bye, Sara."

"Bye, Dad."

He kissed Mom one more time on the forehead and then left.

My dad worked as a real estate broker, My mom is a homemaker. He was not home most of the time because problems often came up with customers who were buying houses, so he had to go in to work and fill out the paperwork and so forth. Mom didn't like it when he had to leave in the night or when he didn't come home at all from work.

We sat in silence as we ate dinner.

As I was washing dishes, Mom said to me, "Sweetheart, I think I'm going to bed early. I will see you off to your first day of high school in the morning."

She smiled at me, but she looked like she was going to cry any minute. I kissed her cheek and said, "That's fine, Mom. You head on up, and I will finish cleaning up the kitchen."

"Are you sure, sweetheart?"

"Yes, Mom, I can finish up here."

"Okay, thank you." She went upstairs.

After I finished cleaning the kitchen, I looked at the clock, and it was only 8:35 PM. I went upstairs to pick out one of my new outfits for school the next day. I chose faded bell-bottom pants and a V-neck shirt that had swirls all over it. I put all my books, pens, and pencils in my book bag, and then I stood in front of the mirror to take a look at myself. I had long, dark brown hair to the middle of my back, I was skinny as a rail, and my eyes were light blue. I looked good for a fifteen-year-old girl. I took out my makeup and set it up for the next day.

I took a shower, and when I got out, I felt so relaxed that I put on my pajamas, which were gray booty shorts and an oversized T-shirt. I went to check on Mom before bed. I walked out of my room and knocked on her door.

"Come in," Mom said.

I opened the door and peeked in. She was lying on her back on the bed with a wet rag on her forehead.

"Mom, I just wanted to say good night."

She looked up at me and said, "Okay, sweetheart. Good night, sweet dreams."

"Thanks, Mom. Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little headache."

"Okay. Maybe if you take a nice hot bath, you might feel better."

"You know, I might just do that," she said with a smile.

I smiled back. "Okay. Good night."

"See you in the morning. I love you, Sara."

"Love you too, Mom." I went back to my room, turned out the light, and lay in bed. As I fell asleep, I prayed that Mom would feel better after her bath. And that my first day of high school would go smoothly.

Chapter Two

First Day of High School

I slept well, and the next morning I got up and took a nice hot shower. As I dressed for school, I thought, I have butterflies in my stomach. I don't know why I'm so nervous. I guess it's because I'm going to high school and seeing new people and teachers that I don't know.

After I finished dressing and putting on my makeup, I fixed my hair. I took a quick look in the mirror. My long dark brown hair was up in a stylish bun and my face had only a light amount of makeup. I grabbed my book bag and headed downstairs. I set my book bag on the couch and headed into the kitchen for breakfast.

"Hey, Mom, I didn't realize you were up."

"Yes, sweetheart. Remember I told you last night that I would see you off to your first day of high school today?" she said with a smile. Then she snapped the camera. She had caught me off guard, and the flash made my eyes hurt.

"Oh, Mom, I hate when you do that. At least let me know you're going to take a picture."

"Sorry, sweetheart. Okay, smile!"

I posed, and she took the picture

"Is that better?"

"Yes, Mom. Thank you for warning me," I said as I laughed.

"You're welcome." She smiled at me, but I could see tears running down her cheek.

"Oh, Mom, what's wrong?"

"Just that I can't believe you're going to ninth grade already. It seems like yesterday I was bringing you home from the hospital." She smiled at me and then kissed my cheek. She wiped her tears as she turned toward the stove. "Okay. I fixed you pancakes, toast, and eggs."

"Yum! Thanks, Mom," I said with a smile.

"You're welcome, sweetheart." As I started eating, Mom asked, "So, are you excited about your first day of school?"

I swallowed my food and replied, "I'm a little bit nervous."

"Why? You should be happy."

"I am, Mom. I just don't like the fact of being around new students and teachers. What if the teachers are rude or whatever?"

"Oh, Sara, you worry too much. You'll be fine, plus you have your friends."

"Yes, Mom, I know," I said as I smiled.

I finished eating, grabbed my book bag, and kissed mom good-bye.

As I walked to the bus stop, which was at the corner of the road, my mom yelled, "Have a great first day!"

"Thanks, Mom!" I yelled back.

She went inside the house, and I stood at the bus stop waiting for the bus to arrive. When the bus came I got on. I found an empty seat in the back of the bus, and I sat staring out the window. I wanted to avoid any conversations with the kids on the bus because I'm shy around new people. A short time later we arrived at the school. I let all the other kids get off before I did, and then I walked into the school.

I didn't know where to hang out until homeroom started, so I walked around looking for my classes, I have my schedule and map of the school. I found all of them fairly quickly. As I was walking down the hall, the bell rang to go to homeroom.

When I found my homeroom class, the other kids were already there. I found a seat at the back of the classroom and sat down. I got out my notebooks and labeled them for my classes. I put paper in each one and then put them away.

As I got out my schedule, the bell rang again. Our homeroom teacher stood at the front of the room. The principle, Mr. Makely, welcomed all students and wished them a great year. Then our homeroom teacher made announcements.

He said, "My name is Mr. Barkley," and he explained a few things before he went to his desk. Students started chattering as he sat down.

I looked at my schedule. I had English first, followed by math, history, lunch, and finally science. The bell rang for the first class. I took my time putting on my book bag and then I went to my first class English.

As I walked in, the teacher, who was a woman, greeted me, "Hello, your name is?"

"Hello, my name is Sara Kidwell."

"Welcome to my English class."

"Thank you."

I found a seat in the back of the class. Just then walked in. She immediately came over to me.

"Hey, Sara!" Anna Marie said

"Hey!" I said with a smile.

"How do you like high school so far?" she asked me.

"I'm nervous," I replied laughing.

"No way?" she said with a questioning look on her face.

"Yes, it's true. I am."

"Believe it or not, I am too."

"It's only natural," I said with a smile.

"Yeah," she agreed.

The bell rang again, and Anna Marie sat down next to me. We readied ourselves for class.

As we were waiting for class to begin, I looked over at her and said, "Love the outfit."

"Thanks. Love yours too."

"Thanks."

We smiled at each other, and then the teacher spoke.

"Okay, class. My name is Mrs. Anderson, and today we are starting off with writing down vocabulary words and the definitions." Mrs. Anderson pulled down the projector screen, turned out the lights, and turned on the projector

"Okay. Copy them, and when you're done, if we have time, we'll go over them."

I looked over at my friend, and she was already copying the vocabulary words and definitions. Anna Marie had a bob hair cut, but always had it styled. She was skinny with long legs. She had on a miniskirt and a cute V-neck pink shirt that fit her tightly but was long enough so that when she bent over no boy would see anything. Anna also had on high heels. I thought, How in the world can she wear them? My feet would be killing me by the end of the day.

I noticed that I had gone off in my own little world again. I continued copying the vocabulary words and definitions. When I finished, my hand was cramped. I had written down twenty-five vocabulary words and definitions. I was glad when I finished, in good time too, because the bell rang. Mrs. Anderson turned on the lights, blinding all of us temporarily.

"Don't you hate that?" Anna Marie asked me.

"Yes, I do. It hurts my eyes."

We laughed, and she asked me, "What class do you have next?"

I took out my schedule. "I have math next. What about you?"

"Ugh! I have history, math, lunch, and then science."

"Oh, we have lunch and our last class last together."

"Great! See you then." She gave me a hug.

I hugged her back. "Okay, see you then. Have a good day."

"You too, Sara. Bye."

"Bye."

She left the room. I put away my books and headed to math class. As I was walking, I noticed a really hot guy standing outside the class. I thought, Oh my, please don't go in there. But he went into the classroom.

I walked in the class, and again I sat in the back of the room. The bell rang as I turned around in my seat. I took out my book and my notebook. When I turned back around, he was sitting next to me. I set my books down on my desk. Oh great, just my luck.

The teacher walked in and said, "Hello, class. My name is Mr. Monterey."

Everyone responded except me. I was too nervous to speak.

"Today I'm passing out a ten-page homework packet," Mr. Monterey said. He picked up a stack of papers and handed them out. "I want this packet turned in by next Monday. Today I will be teaching you about what is in the packet."

He started class, and by the end I was eager to get the hell out of there. I had never been as nervous around a guy as I was with the boy sitting next to me.

I headed to history class. I was the first one in the room, so as usual I grabbed a seat in the back of the class. I took out my book and notebook. Soon kids started coming in. Thankfully, two of my friends came in the class, and they rushed over to me. Susie was short and chubby. She was the most caring person I'd ever met. The other girl, Lucy—well, let's just say she wasn't the nicest person.

(Continues...)

---

Excerpted from When Love Finds You by Crystal Britton Copyright © 2010 by Crystal Britton. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

---

Table of Contents

Contents

1 - The Beginning....................1
2 - First Day of High School....................6
3 - Tricked....................17
4 - Shopping Trip....................24
5 - The Question....................30
6 - A Good Day....................35
7 - Love Strikes....................39
8 - Scared....................45
9 - Is This Real?....................54
10 - Baby Talk....................58
11 - Trevor....................63
12 - Random Girl....................66
13 - The Call....................70
14 - Grieving....................76
15 - Picnic....................80
16 - Taking It In....................83
17 - I Don't Believe It....................86
18 - Track Tryouts....................90
19 - The New Guy....................93
20 - Study Day....................96
21 - Peaceful Day....................103
22 - Too Much to Handle....................108
23 - School SOLs....................110
24 - Advice....................113
25 - Getting It Straight....................116
26 - Surprise!....................119
27 - Problems....................121
28 - Bow and Arrow....................124
29 - Was It a Mistake?....................129
30 - Movies....................132
31 - Party Day....................136
32 - Plans....................138
33 - Puppy....................140
34 - Last Day of School....................143
35 - Choices....................146