‘I’ve never being this anxious in my life to escape an awkward encounter, gush what a terrible morning. Not only did I bumped into my secrete crush once, but twice within a matter of hours. To say I made a complete fool of myself would be an understatement. Like any other sane girl at West-Bay Academy, my naïve little heart fluttered at his touch and mesmerizing scent…. Teenage hormones are a ticking time bomb,’ Erika concluded as she sat at her usual secluded spot to the farthest end of the classroom.
She wasted no time in burying her face into her text book, patiently waiting for Miss Archer to begin today’s lesson, not paying too much attention to whatever unnecessary discussions drifted through the air. Only until the exciting announcement was made for the school’s internship program did she regain her sense of awareness. For those that were actually serious about making a career in the medical filed, it was truly an amazing opportunity.
There Erika was, patiently listening to one after another name being selected; hoping and praying life wasn’t as coincidental to have her paired with a certain heartstopper. So, when Jeremy’s name was called with that flirtatious Jake Lancer, she finally heaved a low sigh of relief… well at least her roll of crashing into him was finally over, right?
Wrong! The class was almost empty and her name was yet to be chosen. A sudden premonition occurred to her, what if she was the last person left without a partner and no one wanted her on their team? cause lets face even as a nerd she was still considered invisible, no one even knew she existed. And just like a case of outspoken curse, it happened.
“Now let me see, there seems to be one last person in here…” Miss Archer said reaching for the final piece of paper then called out… “Miss Stevens?” As if not quite sure who she was looking for. Though the familiar name was highly respectable among the wealthy class, almost no one remembered there being a young woman from that particular family present at their school.
Except for the principal, a few board members and of course the guidance counselor ‘Miss Joy’, others assumed she was just another dime in a dozen genius awarded with a free scholarship, even the class teachers paid her little to no attention since with her flawless record in both academics and keeping herself trouble free, they were really no reason for her to be monitored frequently.
Hearing the surname many became doubtful, quickly scanning the room with loud bickering trying to figure out who it could possible be. Left with no choice Miss Archer prompted the girl to come forth under the curious rants.
“Ummm, Miss Stevens can you please come up to the front of the classroom so we can decide which group you will be joining?”
‘Crap! What is wrong with me today? Haven’t I been through enough? Shit! I shouldn’t jinx it.’ Erika grumbled under her breath, adjusting her glasses from the bridge of her nose while keeping her head hanging low, trying her best to ignore the mocking taunts as she took slow steps forward.
“Ha! Look at who we have here… surely not from the same Stevens family.”
“I think Richard Stevens should sue her parents for stealing and shaming their dignified title.”
“Look at her baggie jeans, my maid dresses better than her.”
“She probably got them from good-will, see they’re actually branded but worn-out and oversized.”
“Yeah, she probably got them after my grandma donated it…”
“Alright! That’s enough, stop the nonsense! Even if she’s no related to the powerful Richard Stevens of West-Bay, she is still a human being, so please show some respect. Now who would like her to join their group?” Miss Archer interrupted the rumble and asked hastily, feeling embarrassed on Erika’s behalf as the seemingly innocent girl took her place beside her, awkwardly focusing on the floor beneath her feet.
After a few minutes no one spoke, just the occasional giggle, low mutter of sarcasm and obvious display of mockery from the reproachful whisperers. Erika felt grateful to have long ago known the true colors of status prejudice, so their comments were like drips of water dropping in the vast open ocean… it simply made no difference, she knew who she was and where she belonged. Fame and popularity weren’t her cup of tea.
However, at almost the center of the class, someone with deep piercing black eyes, sat crossed armed slightly leaning back, staring intently at the silly girl ahead. Jeremy couldn’t understand what was going on in the crazy girl’s mind. He obviously guessed that she was indeed the daughter of the wealthy business tycoon, but she chose to silently endure the criticism. He clearly remembered the earlier scene of her being chased by the driver of an expensive Audi in their ridiculously high-priced gated community and her being addressed as Miss Stevens by the frantic chauffeur. Coincident? He didn’t believe so.
Yet again he found himself intrigued by the so-called ugly duckling. A sly smile crept upon his handsome face, but just as quickly vanished.
“Miss Archer.” Everyone froze at the sound of the familiar voice, instantly shifting their position with questioning eyes as Jeremy continued, “If it’s okay, I would like to have her on my team.” Although the entire class was baffled, including Erika herself, not a soul dared to give a sleezy remark. Jake however, did protest briefly saying… “no way dude! I’m in your group, that chick…. Wait she’s not even a chick… that… that… raggedy girl can’t be on our team; she’ll ruin my rep.”
“Mr. Lancer! That’s enough from all of you, Mr. Adams have already volunteered, the decision is final, Miss Stevens will join you two.”
Clenching her fingers into a fist, Erika nervously asked, “can’t I work alone?”
“No, I’m sorry but those are the rules, either work with a partner or you’ll lose your chance to qualify for the internship.” After replying the teacher motioned her to return to her seat then began explaining the details of the upcoming group projects and assignments.
The girls among the class no doubt scuffed in envy at the thought of the nobody working alongside the hottie football captain, while the guys wondered if Jeremy had lost his mind.
Jeremy on the other hand was growing with interest in the newly discovered crazy girl that kept popping up into his day. Whereas the said teenage girl was having a silent internal battle, ‘what the heck am I going to do? I won’t survive a minute around him without making a complete idiot of myself and that walking testosterone ‘Jake’, is a disgusting pervert.’
*********************
“Now that we have the basics covered, I suggest from tomorrow prepare yourselves to work more closely with your team mate. Later on in the day, the school will organize a more appropriate setting for each group, meaning you will now spend the remaining of the duration time leading up to the internship selection, seated alongside your partner.” Miss Archer continued to inform the class. Although many grumbled in dissatisfaction, in the end they simply had no other choice if they were to cease the opportunity. Jake sulked bitterly at the thought of being stuck with some ugly nobody and a rubber stamp… thinking that Jeremy was just a waste, he had everything… fame and riches but was too boring and cold, a party pooper. He just didn’t get what these girls saw in him. Sure, he was Quarterback of the football team, but what about
“Fine, I won’t get your parents involved, but… on two conditions.” Principal McAbee thought of using this as an opportunity to slowly guide the little antisocialist into the right path of normalcy. So, he took his seat behind the office desk with a clear mission. Erika could already guess where this was headed, but since it was her only alternative, she had to accept whatever came her way. “What’s the price?” “You haven’t registered for an afterschool activity as yet to qualify for the internship and no I’m not allowing you to assist in the library department, that does not count as interactive.” Did she really think she could get away that easy? “Well I’m not joining the debate team either, how about props and lighting in drama class?” She tried reasoning. “Nice try, but that’s not going to work… I was thinking more along the
Britney’s frustration grew at the possibility of the little nerd being an actual somebody. It was one thing to bully a missed placed, low status wannabe, but to interfere with an upper-class family… she needed to attack from within the circle and who better to ask for help than her doting arrogant daddy? “No way you’re stealing my boyfriend you ugly bookworm!” The scheming teen gritted her teeth in contempt as she quickly ran ahead of Jeremy and back into the school’s auditorium, planning a one-sided battle against the innocent girl that was desperately trying to remain a nobody. About an hour and a half later practice was finally over. With great anticipation the young Master Adams rushed across town to a much smaller community, in the company car sent to escort him home. “Sir, I must inform your father where
“Hold that thought, I really need to use the bathroom.” Chelsey interrupted before dashing into her nearby room. Five minutes later sighing a breath of relieve, she slowly stepped back into the hall space only to meet the lingering gaze of her brother as if he was anxiously waiting for her return. “Alright, I’m all ears, what do you need? Just stop acting so weird.” “Sorry.” Jeremy coughed dryly then stated, “I’m kind of curious about this Stevens girl, she… well… umm… she sort of bumped into me twice this morning.” Ever since they were kids, Jeremy had always felt comfortable enough to talk to his big sis. Perhaps thinking she was the only logical and sane person in their family. “And? What’s the big deal? I’ve met her once before when I was delivering s
The Hudson’s and the Adams were busily planning their own mission against the unsuspected innocent by-stander. Poor Erika had no idea what was instore for her, all she wanted was to keep to herself and survive her final semester at West-Bay Academy, but unfortunately that was too much to ask for from a bunch of life draining, fame hungry, spoiled teens. Because of the previous day’s series of incidents, she no longer took the risk of being hasty. “I just need to slow down today, maybe I was too free spirited. If I hadn’t ran away from everything none of this would have happened.” What a terrible way of reasoning with fate. Anyways, to be on the ‘safe’ side, she tried relaxing a bit. Woke up as usual, listen to another round of meaningless fashion lecture at breakfast with her overly concerned parents. Not bothering to pay too much attention to whatever her dear mo
At the stroke of nine, the halls were no longer crowded as the classroom was quickly filled with the bickering sound of disputing teenagers, clearly annoyed with the seating arrangements made for the next few weeks up until the internship selection would finalize. Even the usually neutral Jeremy Adams couldn’t help feeling a bit displeased for some strange reason. The sight of Jake suddenly flattering Erika continuously with obvious praise, was both annoying and laughable. Funny simply because of the hypocrisy in his actions. In about 24 hours he went from finding the nerd as disgusting and ugly, to a fascinating beauty when her appearance was no different from before. “I like your sweater today; the color matches your eyes. I can easily get lost in them.” Jake commented while leaning towards the innocent girl, just enough for the guy beside him to overhear.
The hardest part of the day was finally over, managing to sit through first period with the guy that could easily make my heart do a summersault in my chest against my will and the other that had the talent of making my mind want to scream in annoyance. A conflicted feeling that was thankfully put on pause, dreading the following days to come. Erika was definitely relieved to no longer be seated next to the two bickering fools, who had no business in disturbing her peaceful life of being West-Bay Academy’s friendly ghost. ‘I rather be an invisible nobody than to be connected to either of them.’ She thought, but quickly laughed mocking at her wild imagination… ‘yeah right like any of the two would be genuinely interested in my current appearance… Jeremy probably didn’t want his girlfriend to get into trouble or cause an issue with the family’s corporation and Jake’s motives were clearly establish
“Whatever it is you’re up to, stop t! I’m not interested in playing some silly game.” Erika retorted as she carefully placed her glasses back on, returning to her seat hoping to continue with her meal. “Good, I don’t like games either… well except for football, x-box, pools…” He suddenly started listing a bunch of irrelevant literal games, causing the girl’s lips to twitch in annoyance, “you must be doing this on purpose, it’s impossible for someone to be so… so…” “Multi-talented? Yeah, I know, I’m quite gifted… though I’ve never actually won most of the matches…” Marcus interrupted with his only conclusion. “I think crazy would be more appropriate to describe you.” “Says the girl accessorizing with fake transition lenses, by the way what’s your first name? I didn’t catch that part.”