10 (Rewrite)Meeting Alex.

Ava woke up, then she walked into the bathroom and did her morning routine, admiring her perfect body with six-pack abs while wearing a black sports bra and black shorts. She dressed in a plain black shirt, a leather jacket, and regular blue jeans. After that, she went downstairs for breakfast. During breakfast, Melissa stared daggers at Ava, as if silently reminding her to invite her friend.

After finishing breakfast, Ava got into her modified Apex S1, with Katie having control over it. Ava had obtained her driving license yesterday, so today marked her first time driving to school.

As she drove to Palisades High School, her car caught the attention of everyone in the parking lot. It didn't make loud noise like other supercars, but it still looked pretty expensive. Almost immediately, whispers and gossip began to spread.

"That car looks cool af."

"Must be a rich kid."

"What if it's a supercar? I'll buy one too when I get a job."

She parked the car, ignoring the gossip, and grabbed her bag and phone before opening the door. Immediately, the gossip hushed as everyone saw Ava getting out of the car.

"Damn, that's Lewis. I called her a 'rich kid.' She'll kill me."

"Don't worry, she didn't hear you."

"That's great, I'm safe."

I walked to the principal's office; I've known him since 8th grade as his wife is my mom's friend. I helped him get an iPhone that was out of stock for his wife, and he granted me a favor. We made a bet that I don't have to attend classes until my grades drop, but they never did. As I got inside the principal's office, I saw him checking some papers. I sat on the sofa and said, "Hello, Principal George."

"What?" Principal George snapped out of his papers, not expecting someone to talk to him.

He sighed, "Ava, I don't know how many times I have to tell you to knock on the door before entering."

I replied with a smile, "It's more fun that way."

Principal George said with a wary smile, "You know, I could have a heart attack from your 'fun.'"

I replied, "But I know you don't have any heart issues, and even if you did, you could have died long ago because of your wife's shopping expenses."

Principal chuckled and replied, "You have a point there. Anyway, why is Miss Ava Lewis at school today? If I remember correctly, the last time you attended class was 3 years ago."

I replied with a displeased tone, "Very funny."

Principal asked with a short laugh, "I'm just joking, but seriously, why are you here? It's not the final exam yet."

I replied, "Principal, I want you to call Alex Dunphy here."

Principal George asked, "You mean Alex Dunphy from 9th grade? And why do you need her?"

I told him the full story about my mom and my lie.

Principal George started laughing, "Hahaha, so a genius like you also has problems in her life."

"Are you going to call her or not?"

"I will call her, okay? Just be patient."

(Author's note: there will be changes in the story like timeline for events.)

In the classroom during a free period, I found solace in a book amid the chaos of the week. Haley's abrupt breakup with Dylan had stirred up a storm, her motives shrouded in mystery, yet backed by Mom's disapproval of her having a boyfriend. As I delved into my book, an unexpected announcement sliced through the calm.

"Alex Dunphy from 9th grade, please report to the principal's office," echoed through the speakers.

Sanjay's quizzical gaze met mine. "What did you do? Why's the principal calling you?"

I jested, "Maybe he thinks I'm the smartest in the class."

Sanjay's displeasure was evident. "Okay, but why you?"

Truth be told, I had no idea myself. As I made my way to the principal's office, I found him engaged in conversation with a figure clad in a leather jacket, their face concealed from view.

"Sir, did you call for me?" I inquired.

The principal gestured towards the person in the leather jacket. "Oh yes, but Miss Lewis wishes to speak with you."

As the figure turned towards me, I was taken aback. It was Ava Lewis, renowned as the most formidable and astute individual in the entire school. Skipping grades and instilling fear even in the senior football team captain, Ava commanded respect and caution.

It was she who summoned me. Would she harm me?

After introducing herself, Ava motioned to the principal. "Principal George, I'll take it from here."

The principal, rubbing his forehead, relented. "Just make sure she's back before school ends."

With Ava leading the way, a sense of calm enveloped me as she patted my shoulder. Her touch reassured me, and I followed her towards the parking lot, where a sleek supercar awaited. Astonished, I watched as she opened the door; it was her car, a symbol of her exceptional status. I hesitated, but Ava's prompt broke my reverie.

As I settled into the luxurious interior, curiosity gnawed at me. "What did you want to talk about?"

Ava proceeded to divulge her predicament, her mother's insistence on inviting a friend for dinner – a friend who turned out to be me. Surprised, I queried how she knew of me. Her answer – my academic prowess – left me slightly flustered.

"Why should I help you?" I questioned.

With a smile, Ava proposed a lucrative offer – $1000 per hour to act as her friend in front of her mother, provided I kept it a secret. The offer tantalized me, but doubts clouded my mind. What if Ava's mother discovered the ruse? Would Ava resort to violence as she did with the football captain? No, it was too risky. Yet, an idea dawned on me.

"I can't do it, but my sister could," I declared with newfound confidence.

To be Continued....

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