CHAPTER ONE🥀

A few months earlier

The shrill sound of the alarm pierced through the small, quiet room. It’s persistent ringing a harsh reminder that the day had begun. Emily groaned softly, her arm flailing out from beneath the thin blanket to silence the alarm on her phone.

Her tired fingers fumbled for the device, finally finding the snooze button, but it was too late…the noise had already disrupted the delicate peace of her space.

Emily lay there for a moment, staring up at the ceiling of her small, modest room. The paint was peeling in some corners, and the single light bulb cast a glow, bright enough to illuminate the entire space.

The room was simple, with only the essentials…a twin bed, a small wooden table that served as a desk, a single chair, and a narrow wardrobe that held her limited wardrobe. Everything was clean, though worn, showing the signs of years of careful use. The wallpaper, once a cheerful yellow, had faded to a dull, lifeless hue, and the small rug beside her bed was frayed at the edges.

She sighed, rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand as she tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. Glancing around, she noticed the scattered books on the floor next to her bed, pages marked with sticky notes and highlighted passages.

She had fallen asleep while studying again, and the sight of the disarray made her wince.

"Glad Mom hasn’t come in here yet," she murmured to herself, her voice barely above a whisper. The memory of her mother’s last scolding played in her mind, a reminder to keep things tidy despite their humble circumstances.

The thought spurred her into action, and she quickly threw off the covers and got out of bed, her bare feet touching the cold, worn wooden floor.

Emily moved with purpose, gathering the books and stacking them neatly on the small table beside her bed. She smoothed out the creased blanket on her bed and adjusted the pillow, making sure everything was in its proper place. Her movements were quick and efficient, driven by the need to avoid another lecture. She knew her mother’s worries were rooted in love, but it didn’t make the scoldings any less tiresome.

After tidying up, she turned her attention to the small window across the room. The thin curtains fluttered slightly in the morning breeze, and Emily pulled them aside, peering out at the world beyond. The sky was overcast, the clouds heavy and dark, threatening rain. The sight of the gloomy weather made her shoulders slump slightly.

"Great," she muttered, her breath fogging up the glass as she leaned closer. The last thing she needed was to trudge through the rain on her way to class. With a resigned sigh, she turned away from the window and hurried to finish her morning routine.

Not bothering to check her reflection in the mirror just yet, she grabbed her towel and rushed to the bathroom she shared with her mother. The bathroom was just as small as her room, with only the basics: a sink, a toilet, and a shower with a shower curtain that had a pattern of faded flowers. The mirror above the sink was chipped at the corner, and the tiles on the floor were cracked in a few places. But like the rest of their home, it was clean and well-kept, a testament to her mother’s diligent care.

Emily washed up, letting the warm water chase away the last traces of sleep.

After drying off, she returned to her room, towel-drying her hair as she faced the small mirror above her chest of drawers. The reflection that stared back at her was familiar yet slightly foreign.

She noticed the faded dark circles under her eyes in the mirror, remnants of too many late nights spent studying. She’d been pushing herself hard, staying up late to prepare for Mr. Collins’ test tomorrow.

She knew she had already acquired enough knowledge to ace it, but the fear of missing a mark gnawed at her. She could almost hear Mr. Collins’ stern voice, reminding the class of the importance of perfection, and it made her heart race with anxiety.

Her Bambi brown eyes, usually so full of warmth and curiosity, were now tired, shadowed by the evidence of sleepless nights. Her skin, naturally fair, looked pale and slightly dull. She noticed the faint lines of worry forming on her forehead, a sign of stress that had become all too common lately.

She paused, staring at herself, wondering when she had started looking so worn. It wasn’t just the lack of sleep; it was the weight of everything—school, her responsibilities, the constant need to excel. Emily’s hand stilled on her towel as she let out a deep sigh, trying to push the thoughts aside.

"Just get through today," she whispered to her reflection, forcing a small smile. "You can do this."

Emily crossed the room to her narrow wardrobe, opening it to reveal a limited selection of clothes. She picked out a worn brown sweater and a pair of faded jeans, both of which had seen better days. The sweater was soft from years of washing, its color muted and the fabric thinning at the elbows. The jeans were slightly faded as well but it was still presentable. She dressed quickly.

She grabbed her backpack, carefully placing her books inside, making sure nothing was left behind. Before heading out, she made one last glance around her room, ensuring everything was in order. Satisfied, she swung the backpack over her shoulder and made her way to the kitchen, where the smell of freshly baked pastries filled the air.

As she entered the small kitchen, she found her mother standing by the oven, her back turned as she busily worked. The kitchen was cramped, with just enough space for a small dining table and a few chairs. The countertops were cluttered with ingredients, bowls, and trays, all used in her mother’s daily small pastry business.

Despite the chaos, there was a warmth to the room, a sense of home that comforted Emily.

"Morning, Mum," Emily greeted, her voice softer than usual, hoping her mother hadn’t noticed the dark circles under her eyes.

Her mother turned around, a smile already on her lips. "Good morning, love. You’re up early."

"Yeah, couldn’t sleep much, but it’s fine.." Emily admitted, moving to pour herself a cup of tea. "I have class by 9 anyways, and I can’t afford to miss Mrs Carter’s class. Her Geography teachings are the best"

Her mother’s eyes softened as she looked at her daughter, noticing the signs of fatigue. "You’ve been working too hard, Emily. You need to take better care of yourself."

Emily forced another smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. "I know, Mum. I’ll be fine, it’s not too much trouble for me"

Her mother watched her for a moment, concern etched on her face, but she didn’t press the issue. Instead, she turned back to her work, her hands moving deftly as she prepared the next batch of pastries. "Just don’t push yourself too hard. There’s more to life than grades, you know."

Emily nodded, but her mind was already on the day ahead—classes, assignments, and the ever-present need to succeed. She took a sip of her tea, letting the warmth soothe her, even if only for a moment. The day had just begun, and already she felt the weight of it pressing down on her.

As she finished her tea and grabbed a doughnut for the road, she knew she would have to keep moving, keep pushing forward. There was no time to slow down, no time to rest. Not if she wanted to keep up with everything.

Emily’s footsteps echoed softly on the wet pavement as she crossed the road, the drizzle turning the world around her into a muted gray. The air was cool, with the scent of rain lingering, a reminder that autumn was settling in.

She pulled her worn sweater closer around her, tucking her chin into the collar as she hurried toward the school gates. The towering building loomed ahead, its brick walls weathered and old, but still solid—a stark contrast to the fragile hope she clung to.

She glanced up at the school’s familiar facade and sighed. Soon, she would be done with this place, she reminded herself. Just two more months, and she would graduate, leaving behind the daily torments and the suffocating feeling of never quite belonging.

No more bullies who took pleasure in mocking her for her simple clothes and nerdy appearance. No more snide comments about her financial status, as if her worth could be measured by the price tags on her clothes. No more being ignored or ridiculed simply because she wasn’t part of the popular crowd.

The thought of graduation warmed her chest, a flicker of light in the otherwise gray morning. She allowed herself a small, hopeful smile. With good grades, she would secure a job, start earning, and provide for her mother.

Their hardships would be over, and they could finally live without the constant worry of making ends meet. They wouldn’t have to rely on the meager income from her mother’s pastry business, and the stress that lined her mother’s face would finally ease. Emily clung to that vision, letting it fuel her determination.

But as she stepped onto the campus grounds, the drizzle turning into a light rain, reality intruded once more. She could feel the familiar weight of eyes on her, the mocking stares from those who always seemed to find her presence amusing.

The whispers and snickers began almost immediately, a quiet chorus of cruelty that followed her like a shadow. But she had long learned to ignore it, to keep her head down and stay out of trouble. It was better that way. Safer.

She remembered the time she had dared to meet one of the popular girls’ eyes for a fraction of a second—a momentary lapse in her usual cautiousness. The girl had sneered and, in a fit of pettiness, snatched Emily’s old glasses off her face, smashing them onto the floor.

The memory still stung, but not as much as her mother’s reaction. Her mom had been furious, ready to storm the school and demand justice, but Emily had pleaded with her not to. She couldn’t bear the thought of retaliation, knowing that money and influence often had the upper hand. It wasn’t worth it, she had told herself, her mother’s anger only deepening her own helplessness.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Emily hurried through the hallway, her shoes squeaking against the wet floor. The walls of the school, once vibrant, seemed duller, the paint peeling in some places. As she approached her locker, she noticed the familiar sight of marker scribbles defacing the metal surface of her locker. Insults, taunts, and cruel nicknames…“blind Bat,” “Nerd Brain,” “Church Mouse”. all scrawled across the door in a chaotic mess.

Her throat tightened as she remembered the first time she had found those words, accompanied by a wad of gum cruelly stuck in her hair. She had spent the entire afternoon crying in the bathroom, skipping her classes to avoid the laughter and sneers.

But that was a long time ago. She had learned to grow a thicker skin since then, though the words still stung, they no longer had the power to break her. She wouldn’t let them. With a practiced calm, Emily twisted the combination on her lock and opened the door, ignoring the cruel words as she gathered her books. Her movements were quick, precise—born out of necessity. She had to make it to class before the bell rang, before she became a target again.

With her books securely in hand, she rushed to her first class, slipping into her usual seat in the far corner of the room. The classroom was a mix of chatter and the faint sound of music leaking from someone’s headphones.

Emily sat down quietly, placing her books on the desk and pulling out her notebook. She always preferred to be early, to avoid the chaos of the last-minute rush when the bell rang.

The classroom itself was stark and functional. The walls were lined with old posters promoting school spirit and faded motivational quotes, their edges curling from years of exposure. The windows were streaked with rain, offering a blurred view of the gray sky outside. The fluorescent lights above cast a harsh, white glow over everything, making the space feel colder than it already was.

Mrs. Carter, their Geography teacher, entered the room with her usual brisk energy. “Good morning, class,” she greeted, her voice firm but not unkind.

“Good morning, Mrs. Carter,” the students responded, some with enthusiasm, others with indifference. A few of them quickly sat up straight, putting away their phones as the lesson began. But others, too absorbed in their screens, barely glanced up.

Emily focused on her teacher, her pen poised over her notebook. Listening to the lesson was easy for her—her ears were sharp, and her mind quick to absorb information. She found comfort in the structure of learning, in the certainty of facts and literature, where the rules were clear and emotions didn’t muddle everything.

As Mrs. Carter began to discuss the themes of the novel they were reading, Emily let herself be drawn into the discussion, grateful for the brief escape from the reality that awaited her outside the classroom walls.

Mrs. Carter’s voice droned on, her lesson stretching into the better part of an hour. The topic—some dense chapter on geography —had lost its appeal for most of the class about forty-five minutes ago. Students slumped in their seats, eyes glazed over. Some, desperate for an escape, had asked to use the bathroom and never returned, while others fiddled with their phones under the desks, risking her sharp eye for a moment of distraction.

But not Emily. She was one of the few who remained focused, her pen moving steadily across the page as she took meticulous notes. Her dark brown hair fell loosely around her face as she leaned in, completely absorbed. She knew her mother would scold her later for studying so hard—“You need to relax, take a break sometimes,” she’d say—but Emily couldn’t help it. Knowledge was her refuge, her escape from the harshness of a world that didn’t quite accept her.

Finally, Mrs. Carter paused, checking the clock. “I think that will be enough for today’s class,” she announced, her voice tinged with relief. She knew she had pushed them hard. “Please make sure to go through the notes and prepare for the upcoming test next week.”

A collective groan filled the room. Another test? It was only two days since the last one. The disgruntled murmurs of students echoed through the classroom, a chorus of complaints and frustration. Even the most studious among them had grown weary.

Mrs. Carter smiled sympathetically but then something seemed to brighten her expression. She set her textbook aside, turning back to the class with a glimmer of excitement in her eyes. “Oh, and before I go,” she began, her tone noticeably more animated, “I wasn’t able to share this information earlier due to some last-minute delays, but I would like to introduce a new foreign exchange student who happened to arrive late due to special reasons. Miss Ortega, please come in”

She looked toward the door with an eager anticipation that immediately drew the attention of the students. The room fell silent, the earlier grumbling instantly forgotten. A ripple of tension passed through the class as heads turned toward the door. The silence was palpable, thick with expectation. A name like “Ortega” wasn’t one you heard every day. It was a name that carried weight, a name that sparked curiosity and envy.

Emily, who had been organizing her notes, noticed the sudden shift. She glanced up, puzzled by the stillness that had settled over her classmates. Why were they all staring at the door? What was it about this new student that had them so intrigued? Following their gaze, she turned her eyes toward the door, wondering who could possibly have caused such a reaction.

The door opened slowly, and a figure stepped inside. The air seemed to crackle with tension as Elena Ortega entered the room. A hush fell over the class as everyone took in the sight of her. She was everything they imagined..more, even.

Elena was stunning, with a kind of beauty that was almost intimidating in its perfection. Her long, jet-black hair was swept into a high ponytail, not a strand out of place. Her makeup was soft yet flawless, accentuating her sharp cheekbones and full lips. She wore a sleek, emerald green jumpsuit that clung to her figure, paired with a designer black handbag and matching shoes that screamed elegance and wealth. A delicate gold necklace hung around her neck, the single piece of jewelry understated yet striking.

She smiled, a perfect, practiced smile that showed just the right amount of teeth—charming, but with a hint of aloofness. “Hi, I’m Elena Ortega,” she said, her voice smooth, melodic, and dripping with the kind of confidence only the ultra-privileged could possess.

For a moment, the room was still. Then the whispers began, growing louder as excitement spread like wildfire through the classroom. “That’s her!” someone murmured, followed by a rushed, “I can’t believe she’s here.” The buzz grew into an uproar, students nudging each other, eyes wide with disbelief. Phones were whipped out, fingers flying across screens as they texted friends in other classes, the news too big to keep to themselves.

Brittney, one of the school’s most notorious bullies, was the first to break the silence. Her eyes widened in shock, her mouth hanging open. “No f*cking way!” she exclaimed, her voice loud enough to carry across the room. In her surprise, she dropped her phone, the device hitting the floor with a sickening crack that split the screen. Brittney didn’t even notice. Her gaze was locked on Elena, her expression a mix of awe, jealousy, and something close to fear.

Emily watched the scene unfold, her own confusion growing. What was it about this girl that had everyone so riled up? She had heard of the Ortega family in passing, knew they were wealthy and influential, but it didn’t explain the level of reverence, or was it intimidation?, that her classmates were displaying. She tried to remain inconspicuous, shrinking back in her seat as she observed Elena’s every move.

Elena, unfazed by the attention, took it all in stride. Her eyes flicked over the room, registering the stunned faces with a kind of detached amusement. She was used to this reaction, used to the whispers and the wide-eyed stares. After all, she was an Ortega, a name that opened doors and turned heads wherever she went. She knew exactly who she was and what she represented.

Mrs. Carter, noticing the growing chatter, clapped her hands sharply, cutting through the noise. “Quiet, everyone!” she commanded, her voice firm. The room instantly stilled, but the excitement lingered just beneath the surface. The students’ eyes remained fixed on Elena, their curiosity far from sated.

“Now, everyone, please settle down and let Miss Elena choose a seat,” Mrs. Carter instructed, her voice firm but calm. The room buzzed with anticipation, and as soon as the words left her lips, several students scrambled to claim Elena’s attention.

“You can sit next to me, Elena! There’s an empty seat right here,” one girl called out eagerly, her voice almost shrill with excitement.

“No way, Claire sits there, you b*tch,” another girl snapped, glaring daggers at the first. The tension in the room thickened as the two locked eyes, each daring the other to back down.

Across the room, a guy with a cocky grin leaned back in his chair, arms crossed behind his head. “How about you sit right here, Elena? There’s plenty of space, and you’ll enjoy my company as a bonus.” His tone was laced with smugness, as if he was offering her the best deal in the world.

Emily’s stomach churned with disgust as she glanced at him. She had once harbored a crush on him, but now she could only see him for what he truly was—a shallow, arrogant jerk. She winced as his gaze landed on her, and he sneered.

“What are you looking at, blind bat?” he spat, loud enough to draw a few chuckles from his friends. Emily quickly lowered her eyes, her face burning with embarrassment. She tried to focus on her notebook, scribbling random lines just to keep her hands busy, hoping to disappear from everyone’s view.

But not everyone had overlooked her.

Elena’s pale green eyes darkened slightly as she witnessed the cruel remark from the buffoon, her expression hardening into a cold, unreadable smile. Without a word, she turned and walked purposefully toward the empty chair next to Emily, ignoring the other offers. The room fell silent, shock rippling through the students like a wave. No one had expected Elena Ortega to choose a seat by someone like Emily, the quiet girl who mostly kept to herself.

Emily froze, her heart pounding as Elena’s presence neared. The scent of expensive perfume—a mix of jasmine and something warm, like amber—enveloped her, making her breath hitch. She hesitantly turned her head, her eyes meeting Elena’s warm, pale green gaze. The kindness in them was unexpected, almost disarming.

“Hi,” Elena said, her voice soft yet confident. She smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “I hope this chair isn’t taken too?” She chuckled lightly, the sound like a soft melody.

Emily blinked, momentarily dumbstruck by the casual friendliness in Elena’s tone. She stammered, “Hi… um, no, it’s not taken.”

Elena’s smile brightened, genuine and radiant. “Wonderful,” she said, gracefully settling into the seat. The ease with which she dismissed the stares and whispers around them left Emily both amazed and bewildered.

It was 5 p.m., and the last bell had rung, signaling the end of the school day. The classroom quickly emptied as students hurried to leave, eager to be done with another long day. Yet, a few lingered, hovering near the door, clearly waiting for Elena to make her exit so they could follow her, hoping to get closer to the famous new student.

Emily, however, had no such intentions. She packed her bags as quickly as she could, determined to slip out before Madison had the chance to corner her.

Madison, one of the most spiteful girls in school, had made it her mission to torment Emily ever since that day in class when Emily had answered a question correctly, embarrassing Madison in front of everyone. It didn’t take much to spoil Madison’s mood, and she seemed to hold a grudge forever. Emily knew that this was prime time for Madison to strike…right after class when the teachers were gone and fewer people were around to witness her cruelty.

As Emily gathered the last of her books and prepared to make a hasty exit, a voice called out to her, stopping her in her tracks. “Hey, sorry, but I didn’t get your name. I’m Elena, once again. What’s yours?” Elena smiled warmly, a slight dimple appearing on her right cheek.

Emily hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Why was Elena being so nice to her? If even the other nerds at school avoided her, what could possibly be Elena’s motive? She swallowed nervously and glanced up at Elena, who stood two inches taller than her. Emily was 5’7”, while Elena’s elegant frame reached 5’9”.

“Um…my name’s Emily… Emily Moore,” she replied, her voice faltering slightly.

Elena’s smile grew, seemingly satisfied with the answer. “Well, that’s a beautiful and cute name,” she said. “Emily, can you help show me around the school? I obviously don’t know my way around.”

Emily’s initial instinct was to decline. She didn’t want to draw more attention to herself than necessary, and she certainly didn’t want to risk any more encounters with Madison or her cronies. But before she could muster the courage to refuse, Elena’s expression turned pleading. “Please? I really don’t want to get lost, and I don’t think the others here have what it takes.”

Emily blinked, confused by Elena’s words. “What do you mean?” she asked, puzzled.

Elena sighed, glancing around briefly before leaning in slightly, her voice lowering. “I meant, I don’t need anyone trying to take unnecessary pictures, kiss my feet, or try to hit on me. You seem like someone who wouldn’t do that, and I’d feel more comfortable with you. So what do you say?”

Emily felt a mixture of emotions—nervousness, disbelief, and a small flicker of pride that someone like Elena would choose her over all the others. Still, she couldn’t help but feel a bit suspicious.

Was this some kind of joke? But as she looked into Elena’s expectant eyes, she didn’t detect any malice. Just… sincerity.

“Okay,” Emily finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I can show you around.”

Elena’s smile returned, brighter than before. “Thank you, Emily. I appreciate it more than you know.”

Emily and Elena spent about fifteen minutes strolling through the school grounds. Emily led Elena through the winding hallways, pointing out various classrooms, the libraries, the art studio, the basketball gym, and the fields. She even showed her the school’s statues, each with its own history.

With every stop, Elena grew more comfortable, enjoying the fact that her guide wasn’t someone trying to impress her or gain favor, but simply someone who wanted to help. Emily’s soft, calm voice filled the silence, occasionally warning Elena of areas to avoid due to the risk of bullying.

While Elena found this advice insignificant, knowing that no one would dare to cross her, she appreciated Emily’s sincerity. For Emily, however, it was crucial information—her way of navigating the school's social minefields.

When they finally reached the front of the girls’ dormitory, Emily hesitated. She turned to Elena, her expression apologetic. “I’m sorry, but I can’t show you around the dorm. I don’t stay here; I commute from home, so I don’t really know what the inside of the dorm looks like. Maybe you can get someone else to help with that part.”

Elena waved off her concern with a casual smile. “Oh, it’s fine. I’m not staying in that cramped dorm anyway. I always prefer a more humble abode.”

Emily could only imagine what Elena’s idea of a "humble abode" looked like. Likely, it was far from humble, but she simply nodded, choosing not to pry.

The two girls continued walking until they reached the entrance of the school. Emily turned to Elena once more, feeling a bit awkward now that their brief time together was coming to an end. “Well, I hope you enjoyed the tour. I would have loved to show you more, but I really need to get going.”

Elena smiled warmly, her pale green eyes shimmering with genuine gratitude. “Thank you, Emily. I did enjoy it. I’ll see you around.”

With that, Emily waved goodbye and started walking away, feeling a strange mix of relief and curiosity about the girl she had just met.

Meanwhile, Elena made her way to the parking lot, where a sleek white Porsche awaited her. The car seemed to glisten under the afternoon sun, a perfect match for her elegant demeanor. She got in, started the engine, and drove off smoothly.

As Elena’s car pulled away, several students who had been lingering nearby watched in awe. Some whispered to each other, unable to contain their excitement. The presence of someone as renowned as Elena Ortega had caused a stir, and even now, with her gone, the buzz around her lingered. It was as if the mere sight of her had left an indelible mark on the school, one that would be talked about for days to come.

.

To be continued…

…Authoress Cass🤍