A/N: This chapter will be focused on Meredith's POV once again! Why? Read the story and you'll find out!

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I flipped through a few pages of my algebra textbook before taking a brief glance at my alarm clock. 5:32 AM. I sighed in relief. A few more minutes left before I start my daily routine. Ignoring Ash's loud snores as best as I could, I adjusted the blue desk lamp on my study table before scanning through my notes. A loud thud punctuated my deep concentration followed by a throaty groan. I clicked my tongue in annoyance.

"You fell off the bed again, didn't you?" I deadpanned, not bothering to glance over my shoulder.

"Shut up. Your damn bright lamp woke the hell out of me and made me think that I've been transported to heaven or something." She grumbled as I could hear shuffling sounds of the bedsheets behind me.

"Very funny," I commented sarcastically. I hear her scoff in response.

"What got you into the mood of studying so early in the morning anyway?" Ash came up beside me, sitting down on an empty chair. She stared up at me lazily, not bothering to fix her messy, bed hair. I uncapped my pen and began scribbling down my solution for a nonlinear equation.

"No reason. Just my thing." Ash made a raspberry sound with her lips as she rolled her eyes.

"How studious. You're such a nerd, Meredith." She teased with a smirk. I turned to the page of the textbook before doodling the graph on my notebook.

"I couldn't care less. At least I'm not dumb unlike you." I mocked. Despite the fact that I was too engrossed in my notes, I could feel Ash's brown eyes glaring straight at me. I heard her sigh afterward.

"You really know how to annoy me don't you?" A small smile played across my lips.

"Of course. I've got ten thousand ways to annoy my stupid roommate. And I could make a lot more."

* * * * *

History has never gotten so interesting ever since Mr. Bailey began lecturing about World War II. Propping an elbow on my desk with my chin resting on top of my palm, I watched in genuine curiosity as a black and white vintage video about the significant events of the war showcased on the screen of the projector. While doing so, I took down notes and highlighted the key terms. I hummed softly in understanding before returning my gaze back to the projector. Mr. Bailey then paused the video a moment later to point out a few details.

"The battle of Stalingrad occurred on August 23, 1942. Stalingrad was the turning point of the war in Europe. It ended any realistic plans of Hitler dominating Europe. Soviet troops forced Nazi armies to retreat toward Germany. The USSR went on the offensive after Germany's attack. This opened the eastern front of the war." At a speed of lightning, I wrote down all the major points as Mr. Bailey drew a graphic organizer on the blackboard to take note of the sequence of events. Not before long, he resumed the video after finishing his discussion.

A light sound of the pencil falling on the floor made me draw my attention away from the projector. Glancing down to my right, a green pencil had landed right beside my chair. I flinched slightly when I felt a light tap on my shoulder. Annoyed, I looked behind me.

"Uh, sorry but can you hand over my pencil for me?" A guy asked politely in a timid voice. He wore a black beanie, revealing his slick, wavy dark bangs that almost covered his gray eyes. He scratched his cheek with his finger awkwardly as his gaze wandered everywhere but me. I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

What a weirdo.

Staring at him blankly, I gave him a slight nod before bending over to reach for his pencil. After doing so, I sat up and handed it to him.

"Here," I said bluntly. The guy smiled coyly as he retrieved it, a pink hue evident across his cheeks when his fingertips brushed gently against mine. I shivered at the sudden contact before yanking my arm back in surprise. I didn't dare to make eye contact with him as I clasped my hands together. The guy cleared his throat as if to ease the awkward tension.

"Thanks." He mumbled softly. I gave a slight nod before turning away almost quickly. Looking down at my hand, a soft sigh escaped from my lips.

Never have I thought that a day would come where I had to interact with a guy.

I shook my head, not wanting to dwell on the matter any further. My lips formed into a tight line upon witnessing the video had just ended before the bell rang for the next class.

Just great. One minute I get distracted by a guy, this is the result.

After packing my things, I swing my backpack over my shoulder before heading to my next class. Taking a brief glance behind me, I glared at the guy in a black beanie who was busy piling up his textbooks.

If only you weren't clumsy dropping your pencil like that, my concentration wouldn't be ruined.

* * * * *

"Alright class. Today, I'll be handing back your quiz papers." Ms. Merryl announced as she began walking around the classroom, carrying a thick pile of papers on one arm. I sat up straight and pushed my glasses up to my nose.

I know I aced this one.

Ms. Merryl stopped by my desk after a while, glancing at my quiz paper with an evident smile before handing it to me.

"Well done, Ms. Gabehart." She acknowledged. I nodded in response as I received it, my expression unchanging even after seeing an A+ labeled on the paper.

"Ms. Rockwell, what is the meaning of this?" I heard Ms. Merryl say sternly and I didn't even need to turn around as I rubbed my temples in disbelief.

That girl is utterly hopeless.

"Out of the whole class, you're the only one who received an F grade. Can you tell me why?" I could hear a few snickers and soft murmurs as Ms. Merryl grew irritated. Unable to hide my curiosity, I glanced over my shoulder. Ash was frowning with her arms crossed as Ms. Merryl placed her quiz paper on her desk.

"Algebra is not really my forte. But I'll do better next time." She answered without hesitation. Ms. Merryl released a sigh.

"Alright. But if you keep failing more of my quizzes, you would need to take remedial classes after dismissal." She warned before walking back to her desk in front.

"Before I dismiss the class, I would like to proudly announce the students who aced the quiz. Upon hearing your name called, please stand to be recognized." I blinked in confusion.

I have a feeling there's something more than just the recognition.

"Ms. Gabehart," She began and I slowly stood up, receiving whispers and murmurs from my classmates.

"And Mr. Ross." She finished. The gossiping grew louder as a guy in a black beanie stood up timidly. My eyes widened in realization.

Him?!

"Hey, it's her right? The newbie genius if I'm not mistaken." I heard someone whisper behind me.

"Yeah. Who knew that she could compete against Jack Ross, the top student from our freshman year? " Another one whispered.

I shifted awkwardly on my feet, feeling uncomfortable being the center of attention. I glanced at Jack to see him gazing at me in surprise. When our eyes met, he looked away immediately, a pink tint forming on his cheeks. I raised an eyebrow skeptically.

What's his deal anyway?

"Ms. Gabehart and Mr. Ross," Ms. Merryl's voice made me snap out of my thoughts as I turned my attention to her.

"At lunchtime, please go straight to the principal's office. She has something to say to you two." Panic and worry contorted my features as my heart pounded in fear.

Did I do something wrong?

Ms. Merryl smiled at me as if she were reading my thoughts.

"In case you're wondering Ms. Gabehart, it's good news. So there's nothing to worry about." She reassured. I sighed in relief and gave a slight nod.

Now what does the principal have in store for us anyway?

* * * * *

"You're heading to the principal's office, right?" Ash jogged up beside me as I was walking down the hallway.

"Yeah, I'll meet you at our usual spot at the campus," I said.

"Sure. Oh, you're gonna be with Jack right?" I furrowed my eyebrows at her.

"Do you know him?"

"You could say that. He's one of my best buddies. We met after being paired up for a project in algebra. How about trying to get along with him? He's a pretty cool guy." She suggested with a smile. I rolled my eyes.

"What are you, my mother? And no thanks, I can't tolerate with guys." I huffed as I adjusted the strap of my backpack.

"Do you have an androphobia or something?" I shot her a look of disbelief.

"Of course not. I just can't stand them."

"Why?"

"Because they're a bunch of jerks." Ash placed a hand over her mouth, muffling her snickers.

"Don't you think that's a bit too shallow? Besides, I'm sure there's an odd one out guy somewhere out there. You just don't try to see it." She pointed out. I sighed.

"I don't have to. It's a waste of time." I said bluntly. Ash frowned at my answer.

"Well, I'll see you later on the campus." She said before jogging off in the opposite direction.

I smirked, amused. Never have I thought she'd actually drop the subject. That was surprisingly thoughtful of her.

Sliding the glass doors open, I stepped inside the principal's office and was greeted by a woman around her forties, she fixed her curly auburn hair before flashing me a sincere smile. Jack was seated in front of the principal's desk, fiddling nervously with his fingers as he smiled at me timidly. I didn't bother to acknowledge his presence as I focused my attention on the principal.

"You must be Meredith Gabehart, please take a seat." She ushered me gently to a seat across from Jack's. I took a seat, pretending to not notice his gaze.

"I'm Principal Foster so feel free to address me that way." She introduced kindly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." I greeted politely. She fixed her glasses and smiled at me.

"Likewise." Taking out a folder from her drawer, she scanned the content for a brief moment.

"To be honest, I expected Mr. Ross to be called here since I know very well that he's the top student since freshman." She said, offering Jack a proud smile which he returned shyly.

"But as for you Ms. Gabehart, I have to say I'm quite impressed. For a new student, you were able to ace all the quizzes in different academics consecutively. Not all transferees here in Rosewood can make such a huge record right away." Principal Foster hummed in amusement with a smile.

Fixing my glasses, I smiled politely, "Thank you for the compliment, principal."

Principal Foster acknowledged me with a nod before clearing her throat.

"Now, both of you have done an outstanding performance in academics out of all the sophomore students. And that is why I'm offering you an invitation." She clasped her hands together in excitement as she glanced between Jack and me.

"What invitation would that be, ma'am?" Jack inquired softly. Principal Foster's smile broadened.

"Ms. Gabehart and Mr. Ross," She began, And I could hear the excitement in her voice.

"I invite you to participate in this year's International Math Competition in Paris, France happening on the following week after next week." I perked up with my mouth hung open in genuine surprise. It took me a while to process the principal's words as I stared at her with widened eyes. Recalling the rough sketch of the Eiffel Tower in my sketchbook, I couldn't fight back a smile that graced upon my lips.

I can finally see her...

"So, I want to ask you formally. Will you join the competition, Ms. Gabehart and Mr. Ross?"

"Yes, I will go," I answered almost automatically which surprised both Principal Foster and Jack at my immediate response.

"You're quite decisive, Ms. Gabehart. I like that." She said before glancing at Jack.

"Mr. Ross?"

"I'm going as well." Principal Foster nodded happily.

"Then it's settled. I'll be giving further announcements about the competition on the day itself. As for your chaperone, it's still undecided. Alright, you two are dismissed." I stood up and offered her a smile.

"Thank you for your time, Principal Foster."

I exited the principal's office and tucked my hands inside my denim pockets. Recalling my meet up with Ash, I began heading to the campus area.

"Hey, wait up." I fought the urge to roll my eyes as I turned. I was then greeted by his gray eyes.

"What?" I snapped rather rudely and I couldn't care less. Jack flinched at my abruptness but went on.

"I couldn't help but notice how determined you look about going to France. May I ask why?" I narrowed my eyes at him dangerously.

"It's none of your business," I replied sharply. He sighed in defeat before giving me a pleading expression.

"I.. I don't understand why you're being rude but I just wanted to tell you that we're supposed to be a team. We'll be representing the school's name at the competition so we need to work together whether we like it or not." He pointed out. I huffed before turning on my heel.

"Well, I don't want to. I prefer working alone just to let you know." When Jack didn't say anything, I walked off, not bothering to take another glance at him.

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A/N: So now you know why the POV has been changed to Meredith again. Look forward to my next chapter which will be changed back to Ash's POV. Ciao! :))

Word count: 2390