ATHENA LEWIS

WAKING UP TO MY annoying alarm clock, I throw my warm blanket off myself and shiver as the cold air hits my warm body. When I get out of bed, I walk over to my closet and sigh before I pick out a light grey sweater and blue jeans. The first day back to school after winter break. Yay! Note the sarcasm.

This year's winter break was not very eventful for me, I worked, slept, and ate. The only exciting thing was spending Christmas with my mother. I'm eighteen and in my senior year of high school. I just want to finish my senior year and bury my head in a book while drinking tea.

I plan to go to a community college for writing classes after graduation. My dream job is to be a published author. Just the thought of having my books published has that feeling of hope blossoming in my stomach.

When I finish getting ready, I run down the stairs. Hurrying so I won't be late, I throw on a pair of my converse. I say bye to my mom while walking out the door and in the direction of the school building.

When I make it to school, I quicken my pace, hoping I'm lucky to go unnoticed by all the popular teenagers. Not in the mood to deal with their shit, especially the Queen Bee, Emily's, shit.

But luck is not on my side. I groan as Emily and her posse notice me.

"Oh, look what the sewer dragged in." Emily sneers at me while everyone laughs. I roll my eyes. Seriously, that made no sense.

"Why would you say such rude things about yourself?" I sneer back at her, crossing my arms over my chest. "I guess your hair dye is getting to your brain."

"You'll be sorry, Athena!" Emily scoffs and walks off, her group of friends following after her.

I walk past the rest of the teenagers and head to my locker to grab my books for my first class, which is math. My shoes move against the tiled and shiny floor as I walk through the classroom door and take my usual seat in the back near the window, ignoring the gossip and giggles over the school's quarterback, Ezra Kingston.

I look out the window and leave myself in my thoughts, trying to avoid the hurtful words that came from Emily Colt.

Believe it or not, Emily and I used to be best friends. I started dating her twin brother Zeke in 8th grade up until Junior year. Emily and I practically became sisters over time. We did everything together when I wasn't spending time with Zeke.

Well, everything changed one icy winter night.

A hand pops up in front of my face, bringing me out of my thoughts. Looking up, I see Ms. Jane standing in front of me, Ezra Kingston standing next to her, a small smile playing on his pink lips that look as soft as clouds. Fucking hell.

"Ms. Lewis, Ezra is going to be sitting next to you from now on," she informs me, smiling. I nod as Ezra fucking Kingston plops his ass on the seat next to me with a smile and a notebook in hand. Girls start glaring daggers at me, jealousy practically flowing off them.

Thanks, Ms. Jane.

Ms. Jane walks up to the front of the classroom and starts her lesson. I zone out since I already read ahead over the break. I feel someone start poking me, but I ignore it and watch Ms. Jane point to things on the board.

Poke. Stop.

Poke. Go away.

Poke. Leave.

Poke. That's it.

Turning sharply towards him, I stare into Ezra's green eyes, glaring. It is only now in this moment that I notice the vibrant green in his eyes.

"May I borrow a pencil?" he whispers quietly. I scowl at him and get a pencil out of my bag for him.

I give it to him and our fingers brush against each others. He smiles and I turn my eyes back to Ms. Jane, flustered.

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-Alyssa