1 Chapter 1

You are my hero, not because you saved me from a dragon, rather helped me find myself. For that I am forever grateful- Your Secret Admirer

~~~ ~~~

Do you know what is worse than a breakup? Even though I haven't experienced any, My Alarm ! It rings and rings non stop to expose me to the world as if there is something to look forward to, but there isn't. Especially today, the ring of my alarm clock spreads dreadful feeling through me, my stomach is in knots, I would have thrown up if I ate something for dinner. When was the last time I ate again? I don't remember, nor do I care. This is my senior year and today is the first day of school. I had to remind myself why I needed to go to school, it's not because of "You need a proper education to be successful" theory ,though my parents will hang me if I don't learn, but I go to school to see "HIM." That's why I got up after I closed the clock and went to the shower, but not before I saw my phone if there was any notification. You see, you need to be updated on what's going on in school in order to survive. We admire the upper class when they rule while we are the side characters. But hey, that is something, right?

As the water caressed my back, I can't help but think about the notification I received earlier. 'The start of the year the queen and the king officially broke up! Who would have thought the best year of our lives would mark the end for the school's favorite couple?' These are the kind of things that push me to the spiral; I don't know whether I should be happy that the only reason I go to school broke up with his lifelong girlfriend or sad that it might not be true, and I have to go through the pain of knowing he will never be mine. I mean these kinds of rumors always spread, maybe it's some sick joke that is made by bored teenagers with no regard to the consequences, which is my poor heart.

After I got out, I heard my phone ringing and decided to pick it up before I dressed up and it was my friend Penelope.

" Hi Penny." I said faking enthusiasm.

"I have called you like 10 times! Where have you been?" she said, sounding offended. I checked my phone to see if she really did call 10 times.

"No, you have only called me 8 times, and I was taking shower. What's up? Why have you been calling? Apart from missing me I mean."

"Don't what's up me! Haven't you read the gossip. Justin and Georgina broke up. You can finally be with him!" her voice was filled with too much delight. It is as if she won a lottery, not that I know anything about winning lotteries. That thing needs luck.

"Ya ya, but it might not be true," I said. I don't want to get my hopes up besides, what if he broke up with her; Guys like him date girls like me only in movies.

"No it's true! Georgina shared a story on her Instagram about breakup and wrote 'Traitor' in her caption. It is being said that he cheated on her." she giggled when she said the last part. I didn't find it amusing at all, but I can't say I'm mad either; I hate Georgina.

"Well, whatever." I replied trying to sound nonchalant.

"Whatever?! who are you?" asked Penelope sarcastically. She is right on that one. Anyone who knew me even briefly, knows my obsession with Justin Black. He has been my crush since freshman year ,which grew into obsession. He is the classic American golden boy but knowing that didn't protect me from his charms. Justin is the captain of our school basketball team. His blond hair and great build makes him every girl's dream ,while his smile and polite attitude, teachers' favorite. But his party loving and free spirit is what makes him popular among his peers, and I'm one of his fangirls.

"Penny, they will get back together in like a week." I said over the phone, sounding sad. My pain when I said those words was tangible. Maybe that is exaggerating, but I can't help it. I am an emotional 17 years old teenager.

"I don't think she would forgive him though. If he cheated and everyone knows about it. She still has pride."

Pride she have, Georgina is the school's queen bee and if you are imagining a tall, blonde ,picture perfect body, and bitchy attitude who lives to pick out and torment poor girls; let me tell you, you are wrong. Georgina Johnson is the only daughter of Elijah Johnson, One of the richest men in town, with the biggest blue eyes ,waist- length brown hair ,and slim body. But that didn't make her bad, rather she is ,dare I say...nice and smart. She don't get in anyone's business, but I would've preferred it if she was a shallow person who only talks about fashion, but her being nice and smart makes me hate her more because seeing her reminds me why she would fit Justin more than I ever could.

"Let's talk about this when we see each other. I need to eat and dress up. I can't be late for school." we hung up after we said our ritual goodbyes which included lots of singing and other embarrassing things. I don't know why we still do that.

Dressing up is a simple task for me: jeans, top, and cardigan with snickers-Easy, but today I wanted to look nice. I don't know whether it's related to the fact that I want Justin to finally notice me or because it's the first day of school. And I found myself gripping a black dress. It was a gift from my aunt when I turned 17; it's short but beautiful ,and I remember it fit me really well. I assessed it; it would reveal too much skin. I don't have any problem with girls who wear short clothing but for me wearing these type of clothes demands a lot of confidence and confidence is something I don't have - Unfortunately.

After I dressed up in my usual attire and got my already ready bag; I looked at myself one last time in the mirror just to be reminded that I don't have anything that distinguishes me, any thing that is different. But after I took a deep breath and reminded myself it doesn't matter if I have an exotic features with no personality; I left my room.

My parents were already eating breakfast when I entered the dining room, and I greeted them with a fake enthusiasm. Just when I was about to leave the house, my mom catches up to me,

"Where are you going without eating breakfast?"

"I am going to school, and I'm late. My friend will be waiting for me." the judgement in her eyes when I mentioned Isabella's name was obvious. My mom doesn't like her; she thinks Isabella will be a bad influence ,but I brushed it off and continued. "I will eat at school mom ,don't worry."

"At least have this," and she gave me an apple as if I would eat it ,but I took it anyway. Her nagging is the last thing I want to hear this morning. I love my parents, but sometimes they could be strict without meaning to; if you don't stand up to their expectations, well.... let's just say you better stand up to their expectations.

"Got to go. Bye mom, love you." I kissed her at the cheeks and went off running

"Be careful!" came her voice from far away.

"Always."

***

Isabella moved to the house down the street ,where she used to live years ago, this summer. Her father took off, and she never really knew her mother. When she went away, I was so sad and angry at her even though everything was out of her control. She needed to be where her father would be. When she walked out of her house, I didn't expect to see her in the outfit she was in. Her denim shorts were so short it showcased her beautiful and long legs, and there was nothing other than a crop top on her body. She paired it with ankle boots, which did wonders to the height, and I can't help it but notice the light color of the denim contrasted beautifully with her dark skin, and her hair was in curls. Isabella Williams is half Porto Rican; half South African. I am not surprised to see that she turned out to be this gorgeous. I knew what she looked like but what put me off the table was how her clothes would be more fit for vacation than for school. "Hey!"

"Hi," I couldn't keep my hostility from my voice and judgment from my eyes. I know I'm acting like my mom, but I can't help it. "Why are you dressed like that?" I asked, I needed to know.

"Like what?" she looked surprised by my question; we have been apart for years, and I have been avoiding her since she came, so my question was uncalled for.

"Your short is so... short." my voice have a hesitation in it and it raised it's peach at the end.

"Yes, that's why it called short." she nudged me towards her car.

"You know what I mean, it's the first day of school and technically it's a new school for you, don't you want people to have a good first impression? First impression matters and all. "

"I like it ,and I don't care what people think. I always dress like this," she got in the driver's seat after that.

"Well it's nice to be yourself I guess." then I strapped on my seat belt. The car ride was silent ;I wanted to ask her many many things, but I don't know where to start, our lives were separated for years, and I don't know if I even want to start a conversation so I sat there awkwardly.

"So first day of school! how are you feeling?" Bad, Dread, but I can't exactly say those things.

"Good and you?" I didn't want to be rude.

"I'm excited!" she does sound excited "I heard there are a lot of cute boys in the school, and I have seen some of them; They are fine!'' now she is laughing, and I can't help but smirk. Even though the only cute/pretty/hot/handsome boy for me is Justin. Suddenly an image of her and Justin assaulted my brain; she is gorgeous ,and he newly broke up with his girlfriend ,it's natural he would want to be with her. The thought sent shivers through me, but I kept telling myself Isabella knows that I love Justin, she would never take him from me. After several moments of silence came her voice; she looks sad. "I miss you, you know ,and I haven't thought meeting you in person would create this degree of awkwardness," we have been in touch since she was gone via text. At first we called and texted frequently but through time the messages became few, and the only thing I told her was what everyone knew about me-Justin Black.

"Me too." came my replay, I really missed her too.

***

When we got to the school parking lot there were few cars since many students don't use cars so it was easy to find a parking space. Isa parked at the far end, and I exhaled in relief. I didn't want to freak her out by telling her some spaces are reserved for popular kids and parking there was a crime and social suicide ,since the school royals take it as an insult to their authority.

The school building looks exactly the same as I remember it ,but that didn't make it any easier to get inside after spending months in my house.

"Ready?" said Isa snapping my attention to her; she looks happy and energized

"Let's do it!" Isa linked our hands together and guided us towards the entrance. "And here we go," was the last words I heard from her before we got through the doors.