ALISHA'S P.O.V.

Like all normal human beings, I hate school. Today wasn't any different. Standing in front of my locker, I really wished I hadn't gotten out of my bed this morning.

"Alisha Brown and Zarha Alonso, please report to the Principal's office." Miss Gayle's voice came through the speakers for like the umpteenth time this not so glorious morning.

I all but carefully closed my locker and made my way for the her office, up the flight of endless stairs.

Honestly, that elevator sounds more and more like a good idea every time I come here....

I mentally whined, joined by Zarha at my side. "What's the matter, Brown? Can't handle some flimsy stairs?" she teased as she raised and eyebrow at me.

I shook my head as we both smiled and made our way up.
Getting to the office, we went in and were greeted with a smile from the ever cheerful Ms Gayle.

"Good morning Alisha, Zarha." she greeted as she motioned for us to take our seats.

"Good morning, Ms Gayle." Zarha and I replied in unison.

"Let's cut to the chase then, shall we?" she said, earning nods from both of us.

"I'm pleased to inform you that the first round of the competition starts next week at Stratford Highs main auditorium. Don't worry, the school will provide your transportation means and other necessities." she said and we nodded.

"Needless to say, this is a huge opportunity and anyone of you could have it. I wish you nothing but the best." she said and again we nodded.

The competition had been one of the last things on my mind. Needless to say, it was going to be a bit tense between me and Zarha. The competition was based in psychology because that was what we both chose, along with those from other schools but we always had the option of changing.

To me, it wasn't just something I wanted to do. I loved it because I actually believe that the most beautiful thing in the world is the human mind. It's unimaginable and breathtakingly beautiful.

With one last nod from Ms Gayle, we left her office.

"Don't worry. This won't change anything. It doesn't have to." she said.

"I know it won't." I assured her and she wrapped her arms around me and I welcomed her embrace.

Then, the bell rang.

"Come on, let's get to class." she said as I followed, grateful to God for giving me such good friends and an amazing life.

JAYDEN'S P.O.V.

It was lunch time and Susan was hounding me again, meaning the plan was in action.

Seeing Alisha standing in front of me, yelling at me for allegedly stalking her again, I have to admit is one of the most amusing things I have ever see and it just gets funnier every time.

The good part, this was top notch entertainment anyone with a peanut for a brain would pay to see, including myself. The bad part, Susan had to actually believe that we were no longer together. Hence, it was my turn to scream back.

"I already fucking told you. We were done the moment you walked away from me right here, in this hallway a week ago. So don't bother. Just get out of my face."

The hurt look Alisha had on her face as she walked away was so believable, it was comical in a way, but all things come to an end. That being said, it was my turn to play with Susan's head.

I took her hand and led her out of the school all the while mentally snickering. I just couldn't help it. Mind games were fun.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"You wanted me back, right?" I quipped and she nodded.

"Then you've got me. I'm yours again, Susan." I lied.

She smiled at me, a not-so-genuine smile if I might add as she stood on her tip toes and pressed her lips to mine.

I had to keep my barf down and give her the most in genuine smile I could possibly muster, but hey, she bought it so who am I to complain?

It's all up to Anne now...

ALESSIA'S P.O.V.

To the list of people I wanted to kill, add Zarha Alonso. She made me agree to go to prom.

I mean, prom would be fun. If you had a date to go with but unfortunately, I do not.

In fact, I think I'd just call sick that day.
Walking to my Math class from my locker was a pain in the ass.

I got to the door ten minutes before class started and before I could even pull it open, the door got revenge for all the times I nonchalantly assaulted it till it opened and hit me in the face, full swing if I might add and sent me flying to the floor like it was my home, face first.

Talk about your average door to face encounter....

"Oh my God, are you okay?" the incredibly mouthwatering voice of whom I assume was the cause of my frenzy with the floor said.

Before I could even reply, a pair of hands were turning me over and cradling me. When I opened my eyes to see who was actual touching me, my jaw went back to its old friend, the floor.

Lemme shed more light on this, we all know that in our various classes, there's at least one boy we've all had some sick ass fantasies over. For the entire class of freshman, that selected one was Nick Hope. Well, said boy was the one holding me right now.

Aaaaand, cue the panty dropping...

Granted, we have never really talked before. In fact, I might just have to thank the door for this, even if it might be just a once in a life time sort of thing.

Thank you door, for hitting me in the face...

"I'm fine. Uhhh. Thanks." I mused, not having any plans to be let out of his embrace, but unfortunately all things must come to an end.

"For what? Slamming the door in your face? Not that it was funny. I'm really sorry for that. My name's Nick." he quipped and I was at a loss for words at how breathtakingly beautiful he actually was.

He must have been at least six feet, enough muscle for someone his age, icy blue eyes that have apparently taken my breath away. His dirty blonde hair that looked like he just rolled out of bed still looked good on him and complimented his pale skin, plump pink lips that gave the definition of cupid's bow, a jaw line that was so sharp, it could probably cut through iron and he was looking at me, breathing the same air as me. Okay, that was stupid but you know what I mean.

I let out a strangled laugh, unsure of what to say.

"I know who you are. I'm Alessia and I can't blame you. I would have laughed if I saw me getting hit in the face by the door too. " I mused.

What did I just say?!

I attempted to get up but he was quicker so he extended his hand for me to take and I did as he helped me up.

"You're really funny. I like you and I'm sorry, again. For that." he guffawed and here I was, blushing like an idiot.

"Thanks. I like you too." I stupidly said and regretted it.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that." I pleaded in my own stupidity. His blue eye were laughing at me.

"I know. It's cool." he quipped. It felt like time stood still as we stood in front of each other. His eyes on me and mine on him. Like we were the only ones that existed.

Now I know how Alisha feels when Jayden looks at her like this...

As if sent from the pit of hell, the bell went.
"We... We'd better get to class." he said, motioning to the door which led to what could have just been the amazing moment of my thirteen year old life.

All I could do was nod and smile as he pulled the door open and gestured for me to go in first.

What a gentleman...

Math was boring as usual but I couldn't get my mind off Nick. It wasn't the first time I had seen him, but he was just one of those guys that we always feel are out of our reach. With them, we're on the outside looking in.

Before I knew it, the class was over and so was another dreadful school day.

I may just end up failing because of this boy...

The bell rang and the teacher let us out. After taking my time to pack all my things and put them carefully in my school bag. I was going out the door when I heard his sweet sounding voice again.

"Hey, Alessia. Wait up!" he called. I turned around to come in contact with his chest, stumbling back. Luckily for me, he caught me in time. Not that I minded. It was a good excuse for him to touch me.

Ayayay... What have you become,girl?...

When he was sure I wasn't going to trip on my own two feet again, he let go of me. A little to soon for my liking, if I might add.

"Can I walk outside with you?, and help you carry your bag pack? To say sorry for slamming the door in your face earlier." he mused. He was genuinely beautiful and people like him usually seem confident, but he just seemed outright nervous.

Was he nervous because of me or am I just imagining things?...

"You don't have to do that. I meant it when I said it was cool." I replied.

"But I want to. Please?" he said with a cheeky grin and his eyes shone so bright.

Oh come on, how in the name of all things handsome and beautiful am I supposed to say no to that?

"Okay." I breathed as I have him my school bag and we walked out of the class. Together. Talking about random things as we did.

We walked to the parking lot. The unmistakable smirk on Alisha's face was amusing as she watched us walked toward them. Them being Alisha, Anne and Zarha.

"Is she your sister?" Nick asked.
"Yeah. How'd you know?" I asked, although I already knew the answer.

"You two look a lot alike." he explained and I smiled.

When we finally reached the gang, the smirks on their faces were really cracking my ribs.

"Nick, this is my sister, Alisha. Alisha, this is my friend, Nick." I introduced.

Zarha cleared her throat.

"This is Zarha, Anne. Zarha, Anne, this is Nick." I said as they smirked.

Jayden wasn't here because he was on Susan Patrol.

He nodded but instead, they all pulled him into one big hug.

When they finally detached him from their choking hazard of a hug, he gave me my bag.

"I'll see you around, Alessia."

"Yeah. Definitely."

Alisha gave me the 'you have a lot of explaining to do when we get home' look.

SUSAN'S P.O.V.

When I heard the saying: "Hard work pays off." I thought it was just a rouse. But today, today, I feel like rewarding myself with pat on the back.

Jayden finally accepted me back. For whatever reason whether anger or need or even grief, I didn't care.

Now all I had to do was to make sure I was the best fake girlfriend I possibly could.

As far as love was concerned, there was only person that I really loved in that way. Todd Miller.

He was the one I cheated on Jayden with. I have been hooked to him since the day I met him but unfortunately Jayden came along it didn't work out. That is, until the day he saw us together.

Apart from him, there was no one else.

As for my plan, I really didn't know what to do anymore and to be honest, I didn't think I'd make it this far but hey, if luck was on my side, who was I to stop it.

Jayden dropped me home. Sitting here alone, in the apartment doesn't feel the same.

Since I came clean to Anne, the atmosphere shifted. As she came walking through the door, she stood in front of me, tears streaming down her face.

"Susan, I'm sorry." she cried as I took her in my arms. I could bear anything but never my baby cousin whom I love so much, shedding tears.

"I know what you did was for me and you. I shouldn't have reacted like that and I'm sorry." She pleaded.

"It's okay. I promise." I made my attempt at consoling her.

ANNE'S P.O.V.

Acting had always been one of my many talents, but being able to cry in command was one I never knew I had until today.

Jayden dropped Susan at home and signalled for me that it was time to play my part.

She easily fell for it, to my advantage. After she left the room to make me some coffee, it was easy for me to get her phone from where she left it on the couch.

The next part was the trickiest, but I did it either way. My task being done, I let out a satisfied sigh and waited for Susan as she brought two mugs of coffee to the living room.

ALESSIA'S P.O.V.

It hadn't even been three minutes since we got home and Alisha, my dear sister dragged me to her room like a ragdoll and was currently forcing answers I didn't have out of me, assisted by Zarha and my dear mother.

"How did it happen?"
"Isn't he cute?"
"Do you like him or better yet, do you looooooove him?"

I was being bombarded with questions I didn't have the answers to.

"He slammed the door in my face, he is and hell no, at least not yet I think. " I replied them simultaneously.

Squeals, squeals and guess what?
More squeals.

"Okay, you can stop now." I pleaded for the sake of my -most likely already bleeding- eardrums and they laughed at my expense.

"I think she's has a date to prom already." My mom teased and I couldn't for the life of me, understand why my cheeks were so hot and red.

"Yeah, yeah. A match made in heaven blahblahblah. I think you guys have played detective enough for one day. Now, if you don't mind, out of my room." I mused.

"Sorry baby sister, this is my room."Alisha laughed at my expense along with Zarha and my mom.

Having had enough of this tomfoolery, I found up and made my way out for there like my life depended on it.

"See you later. Do not disturb. Thank you." I deadpanned and they all laughed once again, at my expense.

ALISHA'S P.O.V.

Zarha left an hour ago and Anne called me, telling me that she had done the job. I honestly didn't have anything against Susan anymore.

I didn't take pride in judging people. Everyone should be free to do whatever they want but not at the expense of others. That, was something I Susan to understand.

My phone chimed and snapped me out of my thoughts. Jayden was calling.

With a smile, I swiped to the right and brought the phone to my ear.

"How'd you do, Miss I-have-a-smoking-hot-boyfriend-and-won't-even-bother-to-check-up-on-him-because-I'm-too-busy." he teased.

"That's a pretty accurate depiction. I'm sorry. I couldn't call. Alessia met a boy and our gist session kinda got out of hand." I explained.

"Oh, okay. Just one quick question?"

"What's that?"

"When will all this be over? I don't like kissing Susan." he whined and I laughed.

"Stop being such a baby. I don't like it either and I love and trust you which is why I'm okay with it , but it's for the greater good." I said.

"Are you PMSing or something? You seem a lot more emotional today. I love you too, but I'm not sure I would be as calm as you are right now if I had to watch you be with another guy. Remind me what the greater good is again?" he quipped.

"To teach Susan that she can't mess with people's emotions like that. And, why would I want to be with another guy? I have everything I could ever want in a certain brown hair, blue eyed boy whose name starts with a J and ends with an N and maybe I am PMSing. Who knows?"

"Really? I guess I should stop trying then. He's a really lucky guy and I haven't met him but I know he loves you more than you could ever know. I love you Alisha." he said.

"I love you too, Jayden."

"One more thing, can I take you and the rest shopping? You know, since prom is in bit. I don't do Tuxedos and fancy shoes so, I'll need all the help I can possibly get. And who better than to give me that help than the love of my life."

"Sure. I'll just have to check with the rest and we'll let you know. Also, we'll need spa trips, the weekend before so we'll all get together. Down forget to call Kevin as well. Maybe we could bring Nick along as well." I mused.

"You could bring the whole of Canada if you like. As far as you're there and we can be together, I don't care." he replied.

"Yeah. Well, it's time for dinner. We're having Lasagna. Talk to you later. I love you. Bye." I cut the phone.

Dinner was over and Alessia and I cleared up while our mom went to her room.

The competition was just a week away. It wasn't like I hadn't been preparing but I felt like I needed to do some extra.

Ergo, I am in my room, picking different psychology books from my book shelf.

Sprawled across the bed, four different books open in front of me. My stomach chose the worst time to ache.

I realized, Jayden was right. I was PMSing.
Ol' Aunty Flow came visiting. Sighing, I took an extra long shower and put on a sanitary pad and a fresh change of clothes.

When I got out of the shower, I laid back on my bed and flipped out my phone to send a text to Jayden.

You are a wizard. You were right. I was PMSing. My tummy hurts so if you need me, I'll be going with the flow. (No pun intended;-)

BABY: Sorry about your tummy, baby. I'll be there in twenty.

True to his word, twenty minutes later, Jayden was in my room, through my window with cookie dough ice cream, a pack of chocolate chip cookies and pain killers. Holding them all in front of me.

"I heard that some girls may like ice cream and some, cookies. I know you like cookie dough so I thought, why not? And the pain killers are for the tummy aches." he ranted as I pulled him into a big hug.

"This is perfect. You're a life saver." I said.

He smiled and pecked my lips. His eyes traveled to my bed and took in the heavy book sprawled across it.

"The competition is next week. How's the prep going?"

"Good. I guess."I replied.

"Okay, let's do this. How about I help you study now and we can watch a movie later in the week. That work for you? " he asked and I nodded.

"Finish your ice cream and cookies first. Then, well get started." he suggested, plopping down on my bed.

"You really want me to get even bigger than this. If I do, don't complain." I warned.

"You could be the size of Texas for all I cared. I'd still love you. You'll never be too big for me." he asserted.

"Yeah, yeah. Now please let me eat my ice cream and cookies in peace. You have to eat with me though." I added and he smiled.

"Wouldn't have it any other way."

A/N:
Alessia and Nick sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.
I'm so happy for her. Turns out she'll have a date to prom after all or maybe not?

Does anyone knew where I can find a boyfriend that gives me ice cream and cookies?...

Also, I really try to give the characters as much life as I can because to me, they aren't just fictional characters. I can actually feel them and feel their energies in every scenario in the story...

I wish Alisha and Zarha the best in the competition though... I'm so happy that it isn't coming between their friendship...
May the best woman win!!!

What do you think Anne did?
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