I sighed and started walking. I didn't have a car, or even my license. I knew my dad would never lift a finger to assist me in any way, so I just lived with it.

I had to walk five miles to school, which was fine. It was good exercise. But it also meant that I had to leave at 6:45 in the morning in order to get to school on time. Sometimes, it didn't take quite that long. But I also liked to be early.

My stomach was soon growling out of control. I sighed and picked up my pace. I silently wondered what this year would bring.

It was my first day of senior year at Brownfield.

Brownfield High wasn't anything special or unique. It was just as school, after all.

It had what every school had: Sluts, Cheerleaders, Football players, Nerds, Bullies, Outcasts, Bad boys, And of course, the populars.

And I guess I was categorized as a popular. And that's the way I planned to keep it. No one had to know I walked to school. No one had to know what my house was like. No one had to know anything about me.

Soon the school came into sight. I picked I my pace and reached the school early.

The bus had just arrived. Two cheerleaders popped out of the bus and ran up to me.

"Hey! Your car break down too?" They asked.

I nodded. "Yeah. Then I missed the bus", I lied.

The truth was that I chose not to take the bus. That would mean it would come to my house. And that would be a mistake. So I just walked.

"Huh. That sucks. Well, see you later Cori!" They said.

I stuffed my hands into my pockets. My best and only real friend, Xayvia walked up to me.

"Cori, you're going to get sick next time it rains. Just ask Derek to pick you up", she said.

"No way. I'm fine. And plus, it's the first day of school. Usually, you don't bother me about walking until at least halfway through the semester. What gives?"

She shrugged. "It's sad to see you walk so far."

I rolled my eyes. "Don't you dare feel bad about this".

She put her hands up. "I'm not. I'm not. I'm just saying maybe its time for someone to know...."

I stopped her. "We are done talking about this".

She huffed. My stomach growled. She sighed and reached into her pocket. She pulled out a granola bar.

I shook my head. "Stop bringing me food. I'll wait till lunch."

She forced it into my hand. "Eat".

I sighed and slowly ate it. I felt an arm go around my shoulder and lips on my cheek.

"There's my baby. How's life treating you?" He asked.

I smiled. "Nothing has change since yesterday, Derek".

He smiled. Derek was the most popular guy In school... And my boyfriend.

"Hey Xay, mind if I cut in?" He asked.

"Too late for that, but sure. Hey Cori, I'll be In the bathroom if you need me. Gotta put on makeup", Xayvia said, walking away.

I nodded and she walked away.

"So Cori, Friday night... You know how we were gonna see a movie together? Well, I accidentally promised a few of the guys that they could come too."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "A movie with you and your friends? Wow. How romantic", I said.

He stood in front of me and made a pouty face. "Please? I promise next time, it will be just the two of us."

I sighed. "Fine".

"You're the best. I'll be right back", he said.

I walked over to the bathroom and against the water fountain.

I was going through my phone when I heard someone clear their throat.

I didn't look up. "Huh?"

"Uhhh... Your blocking the drinking fountain", I heard.

It took me a moment to process the words. "Oh! Right," I said, moving.

I put my phone in my pocket. Only then did I take the time to look at the guy. I didn't recognize him, so I assumed he was new.

He had fluffy looking brown hair with a dyed blonde streak, but I couldn't quite make out the color of his eyes. Plus, he was wearing glasses.

I guess he saw me staring. "Do you need something?" He asked, pulling his hoodie up.

My cheeks flushed. "Oh no. Sorry, it's just that ....you're new".

"And?" He asked, wiping his mouth.

"Welcome to Brownfield High", I said politely.

He nodded. "Thanks. I'm Mason".

"Coralin".

He stood there for a moment, as if processing my name.

Then he turned back to me. "Let me guess, you're popular".

"Excuse me?", I asked, slightly offended.

"Oh! Sorry, I guess I just assumed", he said, pushing his glasses up.

I huffed. Who was he to stereotype me as popular? Because of my outfit? My words?

I mean, he was right. But still.

"Do you need me to show you to any of your classes?" I said.

He shook his head. "I'll figure it out".

I nodded and walked away. Well, he was something. Even if I knew someone was popular just by their appearance, I had enough common sense not to say it aloud.

I adjusted my backpack and walked to my first class.

I plopped down and got lost in thought. I flat a poke.

I turned my head to see Maddie, one of our schools..... not so innocent girls.

"So did you say yes?" She asked.

"To what?"

"To going to the movie with Derek's friends?"

How did she know? Well, I guess every move that Derek made was made known.

"Yeah. Why?" I asked.

Her and her friend high fived.

I heard ,"Called it", and,"Told you so".

I shifted in my seat. I felt a poke on my other side. I turned to see the weirdo I had met in the hallway.

Now, in better lighting, I could see he had greenish hazel eyes.

"What?" I snapped.

He wasn't fazed by my bad reaction. "I'm guessing they called something you were gonna do, and you did it. Am I right?"

My eyes widened. What was he? Some creepy stalker?

"Who are you? Sherlock? Why the special interest in me? Is it because I'm hot?" I asked, mostly sarcastically.

He chuckled. "I can tell we'll be fast friends".

I frowned and turned away from him. I heard Maddie and two other girls whispering about how cute or whatever he was. I rolled my eyes.

He kept poking me during class, but I ignored him. Finally, the clock hit 9:19 and the class was over.

I hoped and prayed we had no other classes together. And thankfully, my next two didn't.

I walked down the hallway on the way to lunch. Xayvia ran up beside me. "Woah, woah. What's up? Why do you look so pissed?"

I didn't realize I was scowling. I sighed. "I don't know why I'm so upset. This weird guy was being creepy and annoying and it ruined my day. And I only talked to him for like two minutes!"

"Wait. Let me get this straight: Some random jerk got Coralin Cary upset off of a few jerkish words?"

I nodded. "I don't know why. It's just that.... He stereotyped me after two seconds of knowing me. And he was right".

"Ouch. Gotta hurt", she said. I glared at her.

"Don't sweat it honey. He's just trying to get you're attention."

I nodded. She was right. I shouldn't get upset about a few stupid words from a new guy.

We walked to lunch together. We got our food and sat down at a table. I subtly looked around. And sure enough, he was there.

"Oh my gosh. He is hot", I heard Xayvia whisper.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm gonna try to switch this around and extend a hand of friendship", I said.

"That's my girl", she said.

I got up and walked up to him.

"Well if isn't miss water fountain herself. What's up?" He said.

"I think we got off on the wrong foot. So I'm gonna change that. Let's start over and pretend none of anything ever happened. I'm Coralin Cary. Welcome to Brownfield. Would you like to join my table?" I asked.

He smiled. "Very subtle, Coralin. Why the special interest in me? Is it because I'm hot?" He said, mocking me.

I gave him a glare.

"Thanks for the offer, Miss water fountain, but I think I'm gonna join those cool guys", he said, pointing.

"You've got to be kidding me", I said. He was pointing at the major bookworms and outcasts' table.

"Why? Does it go against the code?" He asked, walking away.

I saw him go and sit with them.

What game was he playing? It didn't matter. Because although he knew more about me than he should've, he didn't know that I never lose games. Ever.