Ashley's p.o.v.

I met her at school for the open house for 8th grade. Our parents were eager for us to meet, they were both friends from a college class a long time ago....

"Hi Linda! It's so nice to see you again! I haven't seen you in so long!" Mom pulled her into a hug. "I can't believe our kids will go to the same school! Ashley, say hi to my best friend's daughter." She told me.

I scanned the girl. She was wearing a plain green t-shirt with everyday shorts. How UN-orrigional. She looked.... plain. She looked.... boring. "Hey." I had said flatly with no enthusiasm lurking in my voice.

My mom frowned at me. "Tell her your name, introduce yourself, become friends." she urged me. Then she turned around to chat with her old college friend.

I rolled my eyes but continued. " Fine, fine. Okay... My name is Ashley. I'm a lead cheerleader, and I'm going to 9th grade." I told the girl bluntly, trying to make her astonished, but apparently I didn't need to. I pursed my red lips.

"I know all about you, cheerleader girl. I don't need you to show off in front of me." she said, annoyed. "Anyways, I'm Amber, and I'm going to 9th grade, too." she said, seeming to force the words out. Huh. Guess she doesn't like me any more that I don't like her.

"Do you do chess club?" I ask her laughter bubbling inside me. I bite my lip real hard so it doesn't escape.

She seems to laser beam her eyes straight through me. If looks could kill, I would be dead. "Ashley, I am going to join chess club actually. And Junior Beta club."

"What the hell?" I fake laugh so hard. Your a complete brainiac, O-M-G." I spell out. "Isn't Junior Beta that group for kids who like use math help?" I squeal.

"Oh my gosh, shut up." Amber says, her cheeks flaring in embarrassment. "It's a great source to help you for getting smarter. Plus you make friends too. As for Chess Club, it sharpens the mind. That's what my mom told me." she said sincerely.

"Are you so dumb that you need help from JUNIOR Beta Club?" I sneer.

My mom kicked in before this could turn into a real fight. "Honey, there's no need to fight. This girl is the same age as you and y'all will soon be great friends. Besides, honey, Amber's mom Linda just told me the teachers Amber got, and they are all the same as yours! Honey, y'all are in the same pod at Sweetwater High! Oh, this is great!" she spoke, excited, clasping her hands together.

I glared at mom to Amber and back again to mom and sighed. From this moment, I just knew the school year would be a terrible one.

And I guess that's how everything started.