"Ahhh!!!" 

The slightly freezing temperature of the water surged through my face , shocking my system. A rough, strong hand forced my plain brunette head into the white ceramic bowl. 

"Jonas ravenswood and billy Norris! What on earth are you two doing?! Follow me to the principal's office! NOW!!!!"  The voice of Mrs miller, my form teacher bellowed, her screams echoing throughout the toilet. 

The hand released my head, hurried footsteps echoed in my ears as I lifted my face from the water. Just like that , another round of torture with the cool kids was over. 

Three weeks have already passed since the first day of school, and this was the 10th time I've been shoved into a toilet bowl. Each time for a different reason related to homework- this time because I refused to let my sister diamond, whose currently queen bee, along with autumn and Colette , now her faithful sidekicks copy my homework. 

" Are you alright, Alexis?" Mrs miller asked gently. It felt oddly comforting , warmth I've rarely felt with my own parents. 

I nodded, managing a weak smile. "I'm fine. Thank you Mrs miller." 

"Go and wash up." She suggested with a maternal nod. "And you two! Where did you think you're going?!" It was only than I noticed they tried to escape when Mrs miller was talking to me! They froze in their tracks. They had no choice but to follow her. Rolling their eyes, they trailed along, their bravado deflated. 

After washing up, I made my way to my classroom, where I had abandoned my bag before the boys dragged me away. And heading down.

"Hey Alex! Hope you've learned your lesson !" Diamond called out when we ran into each other. Her accompanied not just by Colette and autumn but some other pretty girls, a few presumably our seniors. 

"Tell mom and dad I'm going to Stacey's party!"  She added, laughing with her friends. Her voice dripping with mockery. 

"But that's like the 10th party you've attended this year! And it's only the third week." I retorted, trying to sound defiant , deep down feeling the sting of defeat. 

"Well that's what happens when you're popular!" She exclaimed. "Toodles!" Before strutting off with the others accompanying her. 

Feeling defeated, I let out a sigh made my way to the school gate. The sound of two Pairs of rushed footsteps headed in my direction. Lily accompanied with a girl with long straight black hair and rectangular glasses. 

"Hey! I saw what happened? Are you okay?" She asked, concern glowing in her plain green eyes. 

"Yes. Thank you ," I replied, grateful for the kindness. 

"I'm Kiara," she introduced with a smile radiating friendliness and warmth. 

"I'm Alexis and I'm a first year too, I'm from 1A" I introduced and gestured to lily. "this is my friend lily and we're in the same class." 

"Do you want to join us in the canteen during recess Tomorrow?" I asked hesitantly, the thought of adding a new friend feeling exhilarating. 

"Of course!" Kiara replied with enthusiasm. 

Lily and I exchanged glances, wide smiles on our plain nerdy faces.  We didn't have any friends before meeting each other, but I could already picture our trio. The image of us rising together , each of us carving our own paths to success: me as a singer, and kiara and lily as whatever they wanted to pursue. 

"I can't wait for recess tomorrow!" I exclaimed, the anticipation bubbling in my insides. 

The atmosphere suddenly gave a lighter glow. Maybe, just maybe, I was beginning to form the bonds I've always yearned for. In that moment, It felt like a new world was opening up for us- the nerd trio, ready to make our mark. 

What other exciting adventures would we face together?