For the past one week, the A3 paid close attention to a seemingly unaware Akira. Watching her every move.
From the meals she ate at the cafeteria, to the color of any hoodie she wore each day of the week they watched planning their next move and waiting for the best time to strike. Brutally.
And now, it was Monday, the beginning of another week, 3 days from when the strike.
They sat a few feet away from Akira at the school's Auditorium where they assembled, awaiting an announcement from the principal.
Around students discussed in pairs trying to guess what the announcement would be about.
I bet my Chanel purse it's going to be about the national cheer competition, Many a brunette what a nose piercing said.
You may be right and OMG I think we have a chance to represent since the witch is on suspension her friend replied mirroring Mandy's excitement.
What do you say we tryout once more, I think we'll make the cut as Isla or Kimberly won't be on the panel said the Freya the third member of their clique while twisting her fake pink hair in-between her fingers.
What do you say Mandy?
I say we perfect that routine after school Mandy was saying just as the principal walked in through the huge auditorium doors causing the place to go dead silent.
Principal Matthews mounted the podium in the auditorium and began addressing the students.
"Good day students of this great learning institution".
Without further Ado I'm going to go straight to the reason I called you all gathered here..
" A student would be joining our school principal Matthews said making the students exchange puzzled glances. Who was this student the principal had to personally introduce to the entire student body, they wondered.
I want you all to receive her with wide open arms. Show her as much respect as you would show me. I want her treated like royalty, and on no account should I receive any complaints about any of you from her, that would result in immediate suspension or expulsion have I made myself clear?
He signaled the security personnel at the auditorium's door who nodded and signaled at someone else's behind him.
A strong designer scent wafted into the auditorium, followed by the sharp, rhythmic clicking of heels on marble tiles. The sound turned heads even before the source came into view. The heels hugged a pair of impossibly straight legs long, tanned, and confidently poised.
Amy Donovan Octavio!
She emerged like a magazine cover come to life clad in a tailored blazer dress that cinched perfectly at the waist, showing off an hourglass silhouette that seemed sculpted. Her glossy, jet-black hair fell in sleek waves down her back, and a bold red lip highlighted her symmetrical face, framed by oversized designer sunglasses she didn't bother to remove indoors. Her stride was unhurried, deliberate, like she knew the world was watching and expected it to.
Close behind her was her friend a head-turner in her own right, with soft curls and honey-toned skin wrapped in a fancy pastel coat. She wore confidence too, but in a quieter way. But beside her radiant friend, she seemed almost like a shadow lovely, yes, but easily outshone.
They both carried the grace of the Rich heiresses they were.
Rosevale's students were not expecting the daughter of the richest man in the country and her friend a popular teen actress to attend their school.
The principal said a few more words then asked them to disperse before leaving with the girls to get their uniforms.
Everyone especially the boys were talking about the new hot girls.
The boys admired them, some of the girls felt threatened by them, some wanted to be friends with them but only one person was bold enough to plan a move.
Kiana!
She needed to get this girls on her side ASAP. And she had to do it in a way that won't turn her into a pawn.
Their fame face and body was the turnaround her brand needed. And she has to remain the user by making the girls see they needed her. How was she going to achieve that? She had no idea.
Amy's POV.
I have always been admired wherever I go. One of the many perks of being a Rich hot heiress.
The attention! Oh how I loved it.
I can never get enough of people worshipping me.
The uniforms are ready ma'am, please can you too come with me to try them on ? Matthew's personal assistant said making me look up from my phone.
Lay them on the table.
Ma'am?
Are you deaf! I know it's hard for you low-lifes to make money but taking instructions too?
Her brain is empty, just like her pocket Olivia chipped in making her bow her head,shame written on her entire face.
Please ma'am, it's inappropriate to change here, she said making me groan.
Fine!
The principal's PA, a soft-spoken woman in her late twenties with sensible flats and a clipboard always in hand led the two new girls down the hallway toward the uniform storeroom.
"This way, please," she said with a polite smile, pushing her glasses up her little pointed nose.
Amy barely spared her a glance.
"You'd think with all the money this school collects, they'd at least have someone stylish doing this job," she whispered loudly to her friend, letting her eyes trail from Miss Grace's low bun to her thrifted cardigan.
Her friend, Olivia, snorted. "I know right? She looks like she walked out of a budget office drama. No offense."
Miss Grace stiffened slightly but said nothing, forcing a professional smile as she opened the storeroom door.
Amy leaned against the doorway, crossing her arms. "So, you actually work here? Like, full time?" Her tone dripped with mock surprise.
"Yes," Miss Crace replied calmly.
Olivia let out a laugh. "I'd literally cry if I ended up here after college. But good for you, I guess. People like you need a job."
Miss Grace's grip on her clipboard tightened for a moment, but she stood straight, unfazed.
I'll leave you girls now she said, her voice composed, before walking out of the room with quiet dignity, leaving their laughter echoing behind her.
Amy and Olivia like most spoilt teens born into wealth look down on people they perceive do not have access to the quality of things their opportuned to enjoy. They don't believe people can appear simple or live moderately, not out of lack but by choice.
They do not know that their grandparents like miss Grace choosed sacrifice over luxury to get them where they are presently.
So they grew up detesting people that " look like a lower class " unaware they are about to fit into that label quicker than they expect.
THE NEXT MORNING
The class buzzed with chatter until the door creaked open. Two perfectly tailored uniforms swept into view, hugging the curves of the new girls like they were made just for them. Amy's silk-straight honey-blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders while Olivia's slick ponytail swung with practiced grace. Their skirts were the regulated-length but somehow looked runway-ready.
Whispers stirred as they stepped in, and even the boys who barely raised their heads in class now sat straighter.
"Everyone," the teacher announced, "meet our new students Amy and Olivia. They'll be joining us starting today."
Amy flashed a dazzling smile. "We're really excited to be here," she said, voice smooth like velvet, eyes scanning the room as though she owned it already.
Olivia chimed in, "We hope to bring a little sparkle to this place." Giggles and murmurs followed.
Most eyes followed them some with admiration, some with envy. Except one.
In the corner, hoodie up and head low, Akira doodled lazily in her notebook. Not a glance, not a blink. It was as if they didn't exist.
Olivia caught it instantly.
Her smile faltered.
She nudged Amy subtly. "Did you see that?"
"She didn't even look up."
"She will," Amy whispered with a smirk, lips curving dangerously. "Eventually."
They moved to their seats, letting the moment pass for now.