Two weeks earlier...

Students filled the hallways and into the classrooms, talking and laughing with their friends. She took small steps on the pavement, walking towards the school building.

"Jenny! Hey! Wait up!"

She heard someone calling her name and spun around. A girl with shiny blonde hair was waving at her, running to catch up.

"Allison!" Jenny Robertson smiled at get eager friend, who had stopped in front of her, panting hard. "Good morning. Were you in a hurry?"

"N-no...it's just...jeez, you're fast!"

"Hm? Really? I usually arrive around this time..."

Hey friend bursted into fits of laughter, making her look confused. But it was a delighted laugh and she couldn't help but join in. This is Allison Fray, one of Jenny's first friends from when she transferred here.

"So where's your brother?" Allison asked as they resumed walking. "He's usually always with you."

"Oh, he has a meeting in one of his clubs."

Allison have a little giggle. Aaron Robertson is Jenny's older brother, and as much as she protests, Aaron would always walk with her, unless he had urgent things to do ----- like now.

Jenny was always asked about her brother's protective behavior towards her, but no matter how much they pry, she wouldn't tell.

They reached their classroom on the second floor of the building. Loud chattering can be heard from even outside. Really, they can be so energetic for waking up early in the morning.

Amongst the chaotic scene, Jenny could vaguely make out a person whose head was lowered, trying to read a book. It belonged to Meg Greens, also one of their best friends.

"Morning, Meg!" Allison greeted her cheerfully.

"Oh, Allison! Jenny! Good morning." Meg smiled warmly, her cold expression vanishing.

"What's the matter?" Jenny asked, taking a seat next to Allison. "You look frustrated."

Meg groaned. "I was trying to read a book on literature. Honestly, can't they just shut up for even one second?"

Jenny and Allison exchanged a glances and smiled. Ah, the ever-brainy Meg. Hey head was always buried in a book, wherever and whenever. She's basically the smartest student in class.

"Hey, you guys! Why so early today?"

Taylor Maxwell stood in front of them, a tired smile on her face. She sat down on the seat next to Meg.

"Well, don't you look exhausted." Allison grinned lazily.

"Ugh, tell me about it. Coach had us training for two hours straight! I had to wake up at 6 am in the morning!"

"Wow. Is there a competition or something?"

"No." Taylor grumbled. "Said he's just feeling bored."

They all laughed. Taylor has been in the wushu club since the first day of school. She's gotten really good at it, but her coach still wouldn't let her off.

As the conversation went on, Allison arranged her books neatly on her desk. She hates messes and the one going on in the class proved too much for her. She sighed, and was about to stuff earphones into her ears when pieces of paper fell to her feet. She picked them up, but before she could read them, a boy stopped in front of her.

"I'm so sorry!" The boy said, flustered. "Those are mine."

"It's alright. Here you go." Allison smiled at him.

His face turned red. "Th-thank you."

He quickly snatched the papers and went back to his seat, hoping that she didn't see what was written on it. But she had, catching a glimpse of the neatly written words.

Her name.

Well, it wasn't really surprising, as Allison was popular in the school for her beauty and kindness. In fact, she had gotten quite used to boys trying to get her attention and writing love letters and whatnot. But she felt her heart racing and cheeks going hot.

"Allison!"

A yell from her right pulled get back to life. She turned her head to see Jenny, Meg and Taylor staring at her.

"Huh? Sorry...I spaced out.."

"Seriously, anyone would think that you're crushing on him." Taylor said mischievously.

"H-him?" Allison's face turned redder. "I-I have no idea what you're talking about!"

But honestly, that guy's a total loner." Meg stole a glance at him. "Never talks to anybody, and nobody cares."

"He's basically the only Asian kid around here. Guess that's why he's an outcast."

Allison took a peek at him. He seems busy, with all the wires and screwdrivers scattered on his desk. But one look on his face shows that he's desperate for something.

"Jenny!"

"Oh, hey Aaron!"

Aaron jogged over to their seats and greeted them with a smile. They smiled back, for even though he can be overprotective, he is very charming indeed.

"Is your meeting over?" Jenny asked.

"Yeah. Just came to tell you that I have another one after school. Will you be okay on your own?"

"I'll be fine. Don't worry."

"I'm sorry I couldn't walk with you today. Darn that captain." He mumbled.

"It's okay. You better get going now. Class is starting."

"Right. See you later, Jenny."

He waved goodbye and went out of the room, while Jenny just stared longingly.

"He really is like a worried mother hen, isn't he?" Meg said.

"Mm-hmm. He's been like that since young." Jenny sighed.

"But he can't keep on acting like you're a 4-year-old!" Taylor exclaimed. "You're 16 for goodness sake!"

"I know, but...I can't really blame him. After all, he's the only --- " she stopped short, realising what she just said.

"He's the only what?"

"Nothing."

They were about to press on further, but Allison shook her head, signaling them to stop. She knows how Jenny is sensitive to this topic, and if she didn't want to tell, they shouldn't force her.

But knowing her best friend, there is something that they're hiding. Jenny never talks about her past, home or her parents.

What could it be?

--- End of Chapter 1 ---

Hi, everyone! Thank you so much for reading my story. I hope you've enjoyed it.

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