Senior year: The start of something new.
I breathed in fresh air as I started walking down my way to my high school; Westwood High. Upon entering the premises, I started looking around, taking in the new environment that I am currently in.
As I scanned the environment, everyone had this so called 'belongingness' look on their faces. Groups were deliberately formed all over the place with plastered smiles on their faces. I tried to smile in awe but then reality struck me in an instant…
I'm new. I'm the new girl. I don't know anyone here nor does even a single soul know who I am. I felt a pang of pain in my chest. The pain was inevitably the pain of jealousy, nervousness and being an outcast. I was new; I don't know anyone and I felt out of place than ever in my life. Everyone was on their respective cliques, chatting and telling stories as to how they spent their summer vacations on different places, countries. How they bought new designer and expensive things, getting tanned, going to the beach, getting a good lay, exploring different aspects of the city, shopping to the mall and bonding with their own families.
And then again, there was that painful pang.
I sighed as I started walking towards the entrance of the campus. Everyone here was beautiful, gorgeous. The girls are tall, with curvy bodies and gorgeous faces, wearing designer shoes, or maybe even everything on their bodies is designer worth. The boys were all handsome and the perfect model or the epitome of hotness and handsomeness. They all look like gods and goddesses in live action.
I felt awkward with my 5'4 height.
Westwood High sure was a lot different than what I've read on their little pamphlet. This is the place of fairness, high spirits and high school paraiso? I wanted to snort at that one.
I took another glance around me, everyone fitted perfectly in here. Heck, even their uniforms fitted them perfectly. The girls fitted well and looked gorgeous in the school's trade mark Grey Vest, white long-sleeved blouse, grey pleated skirt, Westwood High logo on the right breast corner of the vest and black boots with white push-up socks.
And since that I can't still buy the boots and socks and the Principal was offering me it for free due to it costing a thousand dollars (a thousand dollars for boots and socks? Trust me, the uniform costs a lot more than that), I'm currently wearing my worn-out converse shoes.
The boys even looked breathtaking with their own Grey vest with the school's logo on the right chest corner just like the girls, long-sleeved white button up shirt and long grey pants that fitted their legs perfectly and not literally really baggy. Even their black shoes shine!
Me? I look out of place. Well, I really am out of place since the beginning.
While I was observing quietly, I felt my phone vibrate on my skirt's pocket. I fished it and pulled it out only to see who was calling at the caller I.D. flashing in the screen of my phone.
I clicked the green call button and brought it near to my ear while saying in a soft tone, "Hello?"
"Hi sugar cakes. How's your first day of school?" The voice said from the other side. I smiled at the nickname. It's my boyfriend, Daniel Stanford.
Daniel has dark brown hair that he often spikes up, tanned skin due to him playing basketball, broad muscles and always twinkling forest green eyes. Whenever I'm with him, it always feels like the world's gonna be alright and all the pain will go away. I jumped back from my reverie and recalled that I need to answer him. He must be wondering why I'm silent as death here.
"Oh. Hey Danny! I'm doing fine, actually. Classes haven't started yet. It's still 7:45 though. How about you?" I asked casually, the tone of my voice obviously chirping in happiness. Though the day hasn't started yet, I think I'm going to have a good day just by hearing his voice.
I heard him laugh at the other end while also hearing some scrambling noise at the background. I think he just got up and was standing up from his bed. I don't doubt that what I heard was the scrambling noises of sheets. Daniel suddenly groaned while muttering profanities under his breath and something fell off causing a crash. I slightly widened my eyes.
"Danny, you okay?" I asked.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm fin—OW! Leila, watch it, will you?!" He barked. I heard the faint giggle of his little sister on the background. Daniel sighed while I only laughed. "Sorry," He muttered lazily, "Leila's excited at her first day of school and she suddenly threw me her Barbie doll but it hit my alarm clock and it crashed."
I shook my head, a smile of amusement on my face. "Don't worry about it. Shouldn't you be going to school, though?"
"Ah, yes. School can wait but my love for you can't." I swear I can really feel him grin on the other side even though I can't see him. This is what I love about Daniel. He was always easy-going and sweet, nice and really friendly. He was also handsome and he's even the captain of my old School's Basketball team.
"Oh, geez. There you go again with those silly pick-up liners of yours." I rolled my eyes good-naturedly even though he can't literally see me.
"Hey, just wanted you to know how much I love you. I bet you look hot in those new uniform of yours." He said with a flirtingly tone.
"I doubt it. I bet I look like a rag doll." I muttered dryly.
"You're the prettiest girl in the world, you just don't see it." He supported softly and tenderly. Geez, leave it to my boyfriend to make me become a puddle of mushy goo in an instant.
"Well, I think I'm running late now, I need to hang up." I really hate it but I seriously need to. I still need to get my locker number and schedule to the Principal's office. "I love you, Danny. Be good 'kay? And if I ever hear you're having girls around you, I'll personally visit you, castrate you and hang your dead body on a pole just outside your house."
He made some gagging noise on the line followed by laughter. "Of course, baby. I won't, trust me on this one. My loyalty is only to you."
"Send me the best regards to everyone back there, 'kay? I miss you all." I stated with a longing tone. Sure, it's true. I really miss my friends and old life back in Ontario. But we really have to move here in Connecticut for some obvious reasons.
Family issues.
"I love you," I heard Daniel whispered with his loving voice before chuckling softly, "I would kill all the guys who will lay eyes on you there."
"I love you, too." I replied with the equal tone then I muttered dryly, "Like there will ever be."
"Bye." He said.
"Bye." I finally said while pressing the red button to end the call. I sighed. My day's finally complete after hearing my boyfriend's voice.
I think you must be wondering about it, right? Even though I don't feel comfortable about sharing anything to someone, I'd probably tell you anyway, so let me start.
So, it all began the day when junior year finally was ending. A week before summer vacation, actually. You see, I'm on my way to a party with Daniel, Stacey (my best friend) and Nick even though I'm only forced to come. I really have no plans to attend to that one but since my best friend insisted and my boy friend wanted me to come so there I was, on the car of my boyfriend, being dragged into one of the parties they always go to.
Our school's basketball team just won championship over their archenemy. Miller Public High just won against Oaklore Academy so it's worth partying for.
But then, I was bored as death on the party. I'm not really your typical party girl, you know? I'd much rather enjoy reading a book than partying, thank you. I'm only forced to go by my best friend (who likes to party a lot anyway and is also drop dead gorgeous unlike me) and sometimes my boyfriend, Daniel.
So you see, I was bored and I wanted to go home so I looked for Daniel and Stacey, bid my goodbye and walked on my way home even though I know it's going to be a long walk back.
So when I was on the corner of the street to where the party was held (it's the house of the biggest slut in school), I pulled my phone out and called for my parents.
I called for I think about 13 times and still, no one picked up at home or even no one from my parents picked up.
I started to get worried. I phoned them over and over again but failed to connect. When I was about to give up, a foreign voice picked up and guess what I heard right after?
"Are you Miss Lillian Collins?" The unknown voice asked formally.
I narrowed my eyes, "Yes…" I trailed off, suspicion clear on my tone.
"I'm from Kingston General Hospital. Please calm down a moment and listen to me." The person from the other end instructed.
I grew worried but followed what he was saying. "Why?" I gulped.
"Your parents—Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Isabella Collins are found dead on a car crash accident 15 minutes ago; we would like you to come here this instant. Your brother and sister are already here. Your little sister is currently under the care of a nanny—your sister informed us that and you're the only one we needed to contact. If it isn't a hassle, we would like you to be here right now and—"
I didn't let who the hell on the line was finish what he was saying and instead, ran my way to the hospital with all my might
I felt my world crushing down on that dreaded day.
You now see the reason, right?
And so here I was, in Connecticut, in Westwood High, starting a new life, away from Canada, away from my original home, living on the smallest house on the last street of Connecticut away from the richest street with my twin brother, big sister and little sister.
Oh, I forgot to introduce myself, right?
My name is Lillian Collins and I'm 17 years old. I'm a Canadian and I feel lost here in Connecticut. Everyone seemed rich here and I feel lost. I have long wavy dark blonde hair that flows until my mid-back, 5'4 height, brown eyes, slightly tanned skin (it's normal and not faked) and small frame. But I'm really proud of my toned legs even though I'm not that tall because I was in my track-and-field team before I quitted it when I started freshman in high school. You know, your normal and awkward high school girl? I even doubt how my boyfriend liked me in the first place.
I also have a twin brother named Luke Brandon Collins and he always dreaded his middle name. I only roll my eyes at him because he has a middle name and me? I'm just plain old Lillian and nothing else. And we are identical although he's really handsome and I'm not even pretty. It's unfair, really. He got the looks while I looked like I missed everything when it was showered upon them by the heavens. He has dirty blond hair with forest green eyes (courtesy of my mother) and well, my father's very athletic and good looking body. What? I do admit that our father really sure was handsome on his younger years and he was sporty too. Too bad…well, he's dead.
I miss my parents so much.
Next is my sister 3 years older than us—that makes her 20 years old by the way. Her name is Hailey Kate Collins. She's attending NYU since it's only a short—well; I think it is to New York from here in Connecticut. She works on a part-time job at the restaurant of her best friend, Gabriel Hampton and I swear they really pay her high. Maybe it's because Gabriel and his parents knew what happened to us and Hailey has been best friends with Gab for forever and his parents adored her so much.
Hailey has my mother's brown hair and green eyes and inherited her good looks. She's very and obviously like a supermodel due to her height and beauty she got from our dad. Well, she and Luke and my little sister got all the good looks while I missed everything. I love Hailey so much and she's the one who's been coping up well with what happened months ago although I still spot her crying over summer but Gab has been there for her and she's been doing well.
She's been supporting us though—also with the help of Gab's parents. Well, Gab's family is insanely rich and we're just thankful for it since their family liked us. Well, Gab's mom and my deceased mother were the best of friends.
Gab and Luke got along together and Gab was an only child so we're like his extended family of some sort. Gab's a great person but has really weird hobbies…though he got the 'looks' but doesn't play sports. He's into art or something like that.
And then there's our little angel; the 7 year old Briana Michelle Collins. Of all of my siblings, I'm the one closest to her ever since. She's like my sweet little baby and Daniel adored her so much, also Stacey. She got along pretty well with my best friend and boyfriend and sometimes sticks to them like she's their life support.
Briana has blonde hair just like me and my twin brother but more of the lighter colour. She has brown eyes but with the light specks of green on them. I dreaded it. Even my little sister looked really good. I'm the plain Jane of the Collins family.
I am going to rant about all of this to you but I suddenly bumped to someone—or this someone bumped to me and I tell you, it hurts.
I looked up only to see a gorgeous girl narrowing her perfectly make-upped hazel-amber eyes on me with the darkest and shiniest brown hair I ever saw and a killer supermodel body that fit her uniform perfectly. She has that catty and bitchy atmosphere as to where I mentally cringed, thinking that on my first day of school, I immediately made an enemy. My mind immediately clicked on everything; obviously, she's that one queen bitch on every school.
"Watch it, you trash," then she gave me an once-over. She smiles slyly while flipping her raven hair and saying, "And please, worn-out rubber shoes with the uniform? Really? Are you high?"
I blinked at her.
"Oh please, darling, as if you don't know. You're wearing a dirty pair of worn-out rubber shoes with the uniform?" She asked once more, scrutinizing me under her cat-like gaze with a dramatic tantrum of her hand. "Isn't that, what do you call that, insanely out of fashion?"
And then her comment was followed by some laughter at the background.
Great, I tried to keep a low profile and here I was, being bitched at by a bitch. I looked around, feeling everyone's gaze on me now and I squirmed. I really want now to be swallowed by the earth because I can't stand all of these calculating gazes on me.
I gulped and was about to throw a witty retort at her when someone from her clique spoke up with a monotone and polite voice.
"Katherine, please be nice to her." It was a voice of a girl. "Don't scare off people like that."
The gorgeous raven-haired girl rolled her eyes while waving her hand to the most gorgeous blonde I ever saw. "Oh, please, Natalie, cut me some slack. She bumped into me and no one bumps Katherine Olivia Pierce on the first day of school."
"Still, your father won't be pleased by it." And with another monotone look from the gorgeous blonde—Natalie, Katherine rolled her perfectly make-upped eyes and sighed.
"Alright, alright, I get you." And with a bored look, Katherine flipped her hair once more while proceeding to walk to the entrance, her heels clicking and clacking on the cement, only to be greeted by a large number of boys who looked like they want to fuck her that bad and girls with either jealous glares or stares of admiration.
When she was out of ear-shot, I took in what Natalie looked like. She's tall; I think almost 5'7? with baby blue eyes, straight blonde hair and the look of a very beautiful goddess. She also has that supermodel body and her uniform hugged her perfectly but her gaze was steady and still. I can't even fathom any emotions on them. Well, I think they are just…guarded? She's the perfect epitome of an ice queen. A breathtakingly, beautiful ice queen if you'll ask me.
"We're sorry for what Katherine treated you like." I blinked again at the soft—flirtatious and sexy voice; it's the voice of a guy. It's deep and sexy while my heart-rate beat fast against my chest. I mentally kicked myself for even being giddy with the presence of some random guy? I have a boyfriend back in Canada and I really don't need jumpy feelings right now. I've been awfully quiet and frozen ever since the Katherine incident that I failed to notice someone beside me. I tilted my head to his direction only to find the cutest plus gorgeous guy I ever saw.
The guy has blond hair and shining blue eyes, strong jaw, patrician nose, the looks of a god, tanned arms and well-built body. He is drop dead gorgeous. I tried to calm my heart and hid my emotions under the cool and laid-back mask I put on when I looked at him.
If it's hiding your emotions, I'm perfect good at it.
"No, that's alright." I said in my business tone, not too pissed and not too harsh. He only blinked at me and laughed. I cocked my eyebrow up, looking at him like he had grown a third head.
"Alright, alright, you got me there. You can drop that eyebrow now." He said after his chuckle died. "My name is Devon Carmichael by the way." Then he stuck his arm out in a friendly way. I only stared at it like it had some virus.
"Alright… I take it that you don't want to be friendly," he said in an unsure yet amused tone. I brought my gaze back up to him and managed just in time, to not have a heart attack. He was grinning down at me, revealing 2 rows of pearly white teeth and two cute dimples.
"Jesus, leave her alone, man." Another voice piped in and I mentally cringed once more. "Katherine's looking really pissed at you right now."
Devon let out a groan before turning to the person behind him. I gazed at my dirty old rubber shoes and not even daring to let my gaze travel up once more while trying to blend in the background.
"Devon, I don't want you to create another pile of problems this year." I heard Natalie say in warning neutrality. "You do know that mother does not favour you of your activities. Please be decent this year, brother."
Oh, so they are sibling—THEY ARE SIBLINGS?
I almost widened my eyes but returned it back to my normal gaze on the ground. It's not my business to be concerned about family ties. I don't even know who they really are.
"Yes, yes, dearest sister. Gee, I wonder what's up with your ass every day." The gorgeous god—Devon, let out another groan.
"Language, Devy." This time, Devon really let out an annoyed groan.
"Don't call me Devy," I heard him mutter under his breath while marching up to where the sex goddess was. I brought my gaze up only to find her flinging her arms around her neck happily and Devon scooping her up in a tight hug. They were all friendly here and I'm such a loner.
Westwood High certainly is not a paraiso.
Well, what a poor person like me can do? I only got here in this prestigious and rich school due to my good grades and scholarships so the entire ¼ of my tuition's generally covered by the school itself as long as my grades stay high then I don't have a problem.
"Katherine always has her ways, doesn't she?" The male voice earlier suddenly blurted out. I wondered if he was talking to me or to—I looked up, only to find his broad, muscle-toned back on me while his entire body was facing Natalie.
"Yes. Katherine has always been like that to Devon even though they broke up 2 years ago." Natalie commented, still on that polite and monotonous voice.
"God, I often wonder why Katherine's such a bitch." The male groaned again while running a hand through his jet black hair. Then, at this time, I took in full view of him. I didn't know who he was but this guy sure is as tall as Devon. He also, like Devon has a very sexy body that certainly made my pulse rise up once more. What a pathetic girlfriend I am currently being. Another gorgeous male shows and I'm having those little school girl heart tantrums once more.
I'm going to drown myself in my tub tonight.
This male, also has tanned body, (I KNOW, I JUST KNOW IT), a single piercing on his left ear and from his position, I already can guess that he has strong jaws and well, the image of a sex god.
That's when he turned to face me.
I shrieked in horror that I stumbled back and landed on the cement with my butt, earning a few looks from the students around. The male also gasped but only mockingly.
I bet you wonder why I suddenly shrieked like that.
Well, first of all, I was extremely surprised and frightened at the unpleasant sight I saw. The male, who I just said to be gorgeous, wore some hideous mask on him. You know? The popular eyeglasses with a large skin-coloured nose with a moustache attached? It was like a mask but only actually was a pair of round eyeglasses with petty decorations and he was wearing it.
Then, he did one thing; he laughed.
I groaned in pain while trying to stand up and falling again on my butt. I shut my eyes close to at least relieve the pain I was feeling while rubbing the side of my hips. It hurts!
"I'm sorry to scare you like that, really," he apologized, still with amusement on his tone. And he was amused by what happened to me? What a jerk. "Let me help you up."
I was bowing down, my face facing downwards while I steadily raised my hand up to him. He grabbed me easily and steadied me on the ground, his grip never leaving my arm. Little did I notice that he pulled off the hideous thing and when I looked up to meet his gaze squarely, or rather throw him a little annoyed glare but instead, I was taken aback by how handsome he is.
He has those captivating grey irises—the most beautiful one I've ever seen and his face looked really handsome with that patrician nose and well, y'know, strong jaws? But I can't even describe how handsome he was!
But I was taken back to reality when I saw that confused and sudden realization look on him. His grip suddenly tightened around my arm and I tried not to wince by it. When I looked at him, again, I saw something that made me realize everything also.
There was that scar on his right eyebrow that gave everything away.
My eyes widened in an instant and his eyes also did the same. Then with some jolt, we sprang away and started pointing our fingers with each other accompanied by a shudder of horror from me and a look of rage and surprise from him.
"You!" we both said at the same time.
"You're that perverted ass from Big Mac!" I accused, still pointing my finger at him.
"You're the stuck-up waitress who dumped soda on my head!" He also accused, his eyes narrowing dangerously. We both earned curious looks from the students who were gathering like a crowd.
"Is everything alright?" Natalie piped in, his tone descending into a concerned one. Wow, she actually has some other tones she could use?
"Hold up… you look vaguely familiar." The unknown guy added again, narrowing his eyes more. I rolled my eyes and tried to look away while crossing my arms over my chest.
"My god," He suddenly breathed. I immediately snapped my gaze to him, only to find him smirk. It seemed that Natalie shooed everyone away as the crowd that was forming on us dispersed and got back to their own businesses. And he did that twitching on the eyebrows that made me widen my eyes again as another realization hit me. That eyebrow twitching really did seem familiar; too familiar if you ask me.
It was him that spoke up first, still with that smirk on his face. "My god, I didn't expect to actually meet you again and at this kind of place too."
It all dawned to me. I stared at him, wide-eyed and a look of obvious horror written across my face.
"Nice to see you again, Lillian." His voice sounded so infuriating and relaxed to me that I found myself snapping back at him, my mask shattering into a million pieces. I smirked back, raising my eyebrow and crossing my arms once again over my chest.
"Nice to see you again, too, Logan." I answered back with my best-ever stoic voice.
"It's good that you haven't changed at all," he commented once more.
"Please, cry me a river, Logan." This time, I groaned. "We both know that you aren't happy to see me."
He roared in laughter once more while shaking his head. The looks on his eyes were beautiful enough to make me choke my heart out. How long has it been since he left anyway? 3 years? 4 years? All I remembered is that one day, he just left. Though I wonder why my twin brother, Luke, still treated him like nothing changed.
Maybe they both occasionally got together and spend time? E-mailed? Never lost contact? As far as I know, he was still Luke's best friend.
And it infuriates me.
"Not happy to see you?" He echoed with incredulity and amusement lacing his tone. "Boy, trust me. I'm glad to see you here!" Then he did one thing that was quite surprising; he enveloped me to a hug.
At first, I stayed still until I found myself moments later to be smiling and hugging him back, letting him drown me in a very tight one. He didn't change, Logan didn't change. He still has that smell of oranges I vaguely remembered when we were in middle school but now, after-shave was mixed with it and boy does he smell nice!
"I've missed you, Logan." I murmured against his chest. I heard him laugh again. "Seriously, the incident in Big Mac was…an incident. I didn't recognize it was you."
"And I didn't either," He answered back then he whistled. "Whew, good thing Luke wasn't there when I made that comment about you, though. Or I've been already dead that time."
I only chuckled in response.
God, having Logan Cartwright back again in my life sounds fine and right even after he was gone for such a long time. Even though I hated him and my brother when they started pounding every boy who came near me when we reached middle school, I still love him because he's like a real brother to me, a second one in fact.
"I'm so sorry to hear about your parents." He said while rubbing my back. I could feel the heat even though through the thick layer of clothes in me. "I couldn't go to the burial because we were having our exams here that time. I told and explained to Luke though and he said it was fine."
"You should've called though. I didn't really know you were here!" and I pulled out from his hug, a big grin on my face.
"I didn't even know you were here myself." He said, a familiar grin spreading across his face. "God, look at you. You've grown up so much."
"Same to you!" I beamed at him, still looking really ecstatic.
"How many boys do I have to pound right now?" he said suggestively while wiggling his brows. I laughed at him and shook my head.
"No one, actually. I already have a boyfriend." When I said this and glanced up at him, I swear I saw something flash on his eyes but immediately went.
"I see. Who's the lucky guy?" he asked, keeping the grin on his face.
"Do you remember Daniel Stanford? He's currently the Basketball captain of my old high school. Remember that spot you used to fight with Luke? He got it." I grinned back.
"Oh, I see…" there was that look again. I only raised my brows in confusion but I was cut off when Logan suddenly laughed. "Let's just forget about that, alright? So…how's Luke? Is he going here too?"
We both started walking towards the entrance while talking animatedly at each other. We've got years to catch up and I really want to tell him about the happenings in our lives. Logan was still that nice person and he didn't even change over the years he was gone. Though, I must say, he became quite the looker. No, he became as gorgeous as a sex god. I rolled my eyes mentally and cringed because telling to him that he's like a sex god is like telling my brother how hot he is and that would be gross.
Before we went on our way, Natalie said her goodbye to us, ever as polite and made her way to the opposite side of the building.
"Yeah, Luke's gonna start here tomorrow. He's just sleeping at home right now because he doesn't want to go to school right now; he's such a lazy person as usual." I explained, grasping the strap of my backpack.
"That ass. Don't tell him that we met here. Let's surprise him tomorrow." He smiled mischievously. "Wow, this is amazing. I've get to study in the same place just like you guys again. I'm going to tell this to my mother later." He breathed in, still with the happy grin on his features.
I was about to say something again but was distracted by the huge clock in front of the entrance. When I glanced at the clock, my eyes shot wide at the time. 8:15; I still have to go and meet the principal and I'm already 15 minutes late.
I looked at Logan apologetically while offering a tiny smile and saying, "I'm going to the Principal's office right now, Logan. See you later, I guess?"
"Sure, just go to me when you need something Lil, alright?" and with that, we bid our goodbyes. I dashed to where he said the Principal's office was located and he went to where his first class will be.
This semester is going to be really fun. I can already see it.
A/N: SO I STARTED ANOTHER ONE. Tell me what you think? Pretty please? =D Is it worth continuing?