My friends and I stood in the hallway that led to the library. Zoe had informed us earlier that Jane and her group of bullies usually went there every morning before heading to class, so we mounted our guard, patiently waiting for her to walk straight into our trap.
We leaned against the wall, chatting and giggling, when she sauntered toward the library.
"Pst… that's her," Chloe whispered.
I felt a surge of irritation watching her walk so majestically, like she owned the school. She was about to pass us when I stepped directly in front of her.
"Who the fuck are you, and what's the meaning of this?" Jane snapped.
I splashed my grape drink all over her white school shirt.
"Oops! Did I ruin your shirt?" I asked with a smirk.
"Are you insane?!" she yelled and raised her hand to slap me, but Jasmine immediately grabbed her wrist.
"You don't dare," Jasmine said coldly before releasing her.
Jane glared at me. "Who the fuck do you think you are?"
"You bunch of eleventh graders will definitely regret this," she threatened.
Chloe handed me a jar of liquid chocolate. I opened it and stepped closer to Jane.
"This is for Zoe," I said, pouring the chocolate all over her.
"Next time you mess with my Zoe, I'll make sure I break every inch of your bones—piece by piece," I added before turning around with the girls and heading to class.
"I see what you're doing," Crystal said later at the cafeteria, walking up to me as I sat waiting for my friends.
"I'm glad you do," I replied flatly.
"I promise you, you'll never succeed with Jason."
I rolled my eyes. "Oh, I'm so hurt. Of everything you could use to bring me down, you chose fighting over a guy."
"Come on, Crystal. You can do better," I added.
She clenched her fists and growled. "Why do you always think you're better than everyone else?"
"Think?" I smirked. "My darling, I am obviously better than everyone."
"I hate you so much that I wish you had died in that incident."
A sharp pain struck my head.
"Ahh!" I screamed, clutching my head, while a malicious smile crept onto Crystal's face.
"What's going on here?" Chloe asked as she rushed over with the girls.
"Are you alright, Kal? You look pale," Ivy said worriedly.
I stood up slowly and stared at Crystal for a moment.
"Take me to the hostel," I said quietly.
When we got to our room, I went straight into the bathroom and soaked myself in cold water. I lay in the bathtub for hours, battling unforgettable memories, until Jasmine came in, looking worried.
She sat at the edge of the tub, her eyes scanning me.
"What did Crystal say to you?" she asked.
I shut my eyes tightly, trying to suppress the pain. She called Chloe and Ivy, and together they helped me out of the bathtub. Jasmine wrapped me in a towel and guided me to my bed.
She tucked me in, placed a cold compress on my forehead, and after a while, I drifted off.
Later, I stretched and slowly opened my eyes. I tried to sit up when a sharp pain surged through my head.
"Ouch!" I groaned.
Jasmine rushed in from the veranda. "Easy, girl."
I smiled faintly. "I'm fine—just a slight headache."
"Where are Chloe and Ivy?" I asked.
"Confronting Crystal," she replied.
Minutes later, Chloe and Ivy walked in, clearly pissed.
"What?" I asked.
"Crystal is starting to bite more than she can chew," Chloe said.
"And I seriously don't know what's giving her all that morale," Ivy added.
"Thanks to Jason, no one even knew she existed," Jasmine scoffed.
"Girls, Crystal is my problem. Just leave her to me," I said calmly.
"You sure?" Ivy asked.
I nodded.
"Oh—and this," Chloe said, handing me a fancy red card.
I took it, eyeing her suspiciously before shifting my gaze to the card.
"No way!" I gasped, my face lighting up.
"What's on the card?" the girls asked eagerly.
A grin spread across my face. "Jason wants to spend time with me this evening at the school garden."
"No way!" they screamed.
"Yes way!"
"That's so sweet," Jasmine said.
"I can already picture the newest power couple of Elites High," Chloe added.
"I can't wait to see the look on Crystal's face when the rumor spreads," Ivy said, and we burst into laughter.
After freshening up, I slipped into a red-hot sleeveless mini gown that exposed my back. I applied mascara and lip gloss and packed my hair into a ponytail.
Jasmine stared at me. "Are you sure you want to go to the garden like this?"
"What's wrong with my outfit?"
"The garden gets chilly in the evening," Ivy explained. "And your outfit is pretty exposed."
I smiled. "That's the goal."
The girls giggled knowingly.
"See you later," I said and walked out.
The garden was empty when I arrived. I sat on a carved bench, scrolling through my phone while waiting.
A few minutes later, Jason walked in with an apologetic look.
"It's rude to keep a pretty girl waiting," I said, frowning slightly.
"I'm sorry, pookie," he apologized.
"It's fine—as long as you don't repeat it."
He sat beside me, smiling. "May I?"
I nodded.
He took my hand and kissed the back of my palm. My cheeks burned, and a sly smile played on his lips.
"So, how's Elites High treating you so far?"
"Very well. I'm glad it gifted me the best friends," I replied.
"I noticed," he said, staring at me. "You look beautiful."
"Do you have family in Elites High?" he asked.
"Besides the principal being my uncle, I have a cousin here."
"Wow. That feeling when the principal is family," he laughed.
"My dad is also the proprietor," I added proudly.
"That's cool."
"Tell me about you," I said.
"I'm an only child from a lovely family. My dad is one of the top contributors to Elites High—and a politician."
"That's cool."
He brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "Can I ask you something?"
"Go on."
"What's your past relationship like?"
"I don't think I've ever really dated. But there's a face that feels familiar—more than just a friend. Maybe it's just an illusion."
"So… would you date me?"
"That's not how you ask a girl out—unless you're coming for the pleasure."
He paused, then smiled softly. "I'm sorry if I asked rudely."
"It's fine," I said, shivering slightly.
"You're cold," he said, placing his leather jacket over me. "We should head back before you catch a fever."
"Cold?" I teased. "When I'm with you, you should make me feel warm."
A dangerous smile crossed his face. "I can—if you're my girl."
He leaned closer, his breath warm against my neck. My heart raced. I gently pushed him away.
"Oh please, you can't have me that easily."
"Come on, girl," he growled.
I stood up, facing him.
"If you really want me, boo, you've got to work for it."
I blew him a kiss and walked away—with his leather jacket.