Luckily, I survived the night and have another normal school day plan ahead. After my morning routine, which consists of showering, brushing my teeth, and putting on my uniform. I spent another fifteen minutes deciding which hair accessory to decorate myself with. Eventually, I decided on a purple plaid pattern bow to tie around my pigtails.

Does anyone else take this long to get ready? I remember Catalina mentioning that she used to wake up two hours before school to get ready, but ultimately decided her sleep was important. Never could I wake up at five-thirty am unless it was because of Dec — Nevermind.

After snagging my backpack, I slowly opened my door, not wanting to create such a ruckus early in the morning. Though it shouldn't matter since everyone either goes to school or has worked but sue me, I have manners.

While walking to the stairs the room right next to mine had Declan's name on it, meaning we were closer than I thought. Good thing I don't talk to myself or sleepwalk. Imagine if I did; it would be so humiliating to sleepwalk into their room. For a second, I had the urge to stick my ear right against the door but managed to hold myself back.

Quietly, I descended the stairs and heard the muffled chatter coming from the dining room. I skidded down the stairs and the scent of toast bursting from the toaster erupted in the room. The aroma of bread, eggs, and pancakes wafted towards my nose, sending my mind into a whirlwind.

Everything and everyone was all set on the table just waiting for Declan's mother to arrive with the platter of freshly toasted bread. I took the seat next to my Dad, which was set with two scrambled eggs, three pieces of ham, and a chocolate chip pancake. Pancakes have a special place in heaven because nothing else is that good.

"Good morning Lana, would you like some toast?" she asked, handing the platter in front of me.

I nodded, grabbing at least two pieces because I was as hungry as a lion. She walked around the table asking the rest of the table if they wanted a piece as well. Reaching for the Nutella, I smeared my entire piece with the gooey goodness.

"Sorry, if the toast is too dark for your taste I forgot to set the number lower." his mother nervously giggled.

"Everything is perfect," I insisted, taking a huge bite of my beautiful masterpiece.

Naturally, my eyes gravitated towards Declan, who was reading a newspaper in a different language. There was another newspaper sitting beside his plate, probably already read before I got here. When he turned the page, I caught a glimpse of outstanding features causing my heart to continuously palpitate.

Technically, Declan and I are having breakfast together. It was an awkward situation, sure, but I loved snatching sneak peeks of a morning Declan. Admiring the way our uniform hugged his toned muscles made my heart go insane. I was so concentrated on watching Declan that when I took a sip of my drink; it spilled on my shirt.

"It was hotter than I thought," I muttered, placing the mug back on the table and his mother handed me a napkin. Gladly, the stain wasn't noticeable since our shirt was a navy blue color.

"Idiot," Sam mumbled, earning a slap from a napkin his mother was holding.

"Thank you for breakfast," Declan said, folding his newspaper and reaching down for his backpack. After placing them into his bag, he swung it across his shoulder and pushed his chair in.

"Lana, why don't you go with Declan since you both attend the same school and all." his mother smiled, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Oh, sure," I grinned, quickly inhaling the rest of my toast before getting up to follow Declan. "Thank you for breakfast! See you later."

After tying my shoes, I ran out the door to try to catch up to Declan who already got so far from the house. Having long legs must be a blessing because how did he get there in under two minutes. Clearly, he didn't want me to join him since he hadn't slowed his pace but I used my little legs to run as fast as a chicken.

Finally, I was by his side, and for others that walked past us; they probably thought we were a cute couple. I'm such a fool for him and completely disregarding his past actions but my brain went haywire when I was around him. Not only was I smiling but so was my heart.

"Do you..."

"Yes!" I cheered.

"Do you have to walk so close to me?" he asked, continuing his brisk pace.

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Why is there a problem?"

"Yeah, I rather not associate myself with a girl who has bread crumbs all over her face," Declan replied, causing my eyes to go round.

Immediately I dead stopped in my tracks, glancing down at my navy jacket covered in breadcrumbs. Quickly, I wiped my mouth clean and dusted off the particles on my jacket. Thankfully, I kept a mirror in my bag just in case of these emergencies. One day, I walked around school with spinach in my teeth because neither Catalina nor Meadow wanted to inform me. It was Ambrose who casually mentioned it, and ever since that day I always brought a mirror.

Don't always trust best friends.

All the crumbs were no longer on me, and everything else looked up to par. Shoving my mirror into my bag, I sprinted towards him, but it was like he sensed me and turned around to face me.

"Follow and remember the way to school but stay at least three feet away from me," he requested.

I tried calculating the feet and moved back a few inches hopefully getting it right.

"Obviously, don't go telling everyone about us living together, especially your little friends. And most importantly, don't ever try talking to me at school," he commanded like I was an obedient dog.

"You don't have to be so mean..." I mumbled.

He turned around. "I don't want to be dragged into those useless rumors anymore."

"Useless?" I exasperatedly snapped.

He turned back around, breaking his own rules and moving closer to me. His tall frame towered over as he intensely stared at me. His hand reached towards my pigtail, twirling it before pulling his hand away.

"I hate girls who aren't smart," he smugly confessed.

If I were a cartoon, I would be the one whose mouth is laying on the ground right now. The anger was splurging through my veins and I definitely felt smoke was pouring out of my ears. Did he seriously say I have no brains? Only my friends are allowed to make fun of me and say those harsh comments.

My teeth gritted as my hand was clenched against my hips. Every day I get proven to be the biggest idiot in love with the biggest jerk of the century! It took everything to refrain from going up to him and punching him. I'm determined to make him pay for every single cruel thing he had said about me.

He will pay!

All during class, I was super cold stone focused on our session. For the most part, I was confused, and no matter how many times I tried solving the problem; I kept getting the wrong answer. I thought if I paid attention automatically, the answers would come to me, but clearly, I was wrong. There should be school books for dummies.

"Okay, guess you know our final exams are coming up," my teacher announced. "We are going to start doing practice exams starting next week."

Man, I hate this time of year.

"Excuse me," I raised my hand. "What lessons should we study for the exams?"

My teacher's reaction was pure flabbergasted; did my question really shock him? Typically, I would only raise my hand to ask for the bathroom pass or the nurse pass. To be fair, I don't think anyone in our class ever asked questions about the assignments before.

"Oh, Umm... everything up to pages six hundred," he stammered, checking down at his notes.

I nodded and started placing little paste notes to remind myself later. It was also therapeutic because they had small adorable animals on them and every time I flipped a page, the animal would move. Note to self-- highlight everything I need to know.

"Let's go, Lana. What's up with you? This isn't typically Lana's behavior," Meadow wondered.

"I want to make Declan Novak pay," I sternly responded.

Ambrose's arm snaked around my shoulders as he lowered himself to my sitting level. "Couldn't say it a better way myself." he smiled.

"This time it's going to happen. I will have the highest grade on the final exam stealing Declan's number one spot," I proudly stated, and continued placing sticky notes on every page.

Suddenly, everyone bursted into hysterical laughter, stomping their feet, holding their stomach, and clapping their hands kind of laugh. Heat rushed to my face; am I the only person who has faith in myself.

"What? You guys think I'm dumb too?" I pouted, closing my booklet.

"No, but Lana, you have to face the music; Declan is always in first place," Meadow replied, her finger lingering down my ponytail.

"He has the highest grade in the state. You are no match for him." Catalina forced out during breaths.

"That's right," Ambrose agreed.

Dang, it! They were right; I was going overboard. Logically, reaching that number one spot was harder than winning the lottery. Maybe I should aim for the top two hundred spots out of my whole grade. That could be attainable.

"Then, I'll try placing in the top two hundred, then our name will be on the same page," I proposed, yet only received countless snickers.

Meadow raised her brow. "Then you would have to at least be in the top one-fifty. Impossible, I think you forgot which class you're in."

"Meadow is right. So, stop being ridiculous, and let's go to Big Mamas," Ambrose said, grabbing my wrist and attempting to drag me with him.

"No!" I snapped, stealing my arm away from him. "People make history every day, and I will be in the top two hundred and have my name on that page. I will change history for our class," I ranted, angrily shoving everything into my bag. "I'm leaving! Good day!"

Throwing my bag over my shoulder, I confidently strolled out with my head held high, radiating determination. Everyone probably froze in their place trying to progress my announcement. How cruel even my best friends expect me to fail. Well, I will prove everyone wrong by staying up every night and studying.

Declan's mother prepared a deliciously healthy meal consisting of meatloaf, corn, and a small side salad. The only thing missing was the ranch to drown my salad in or thousands islands, both taste incredible. The minute the meatloaf went into my mouth it instantly melted in my mouth and if I wasn't in public; I would have a food orgasm.

"It's so good," I complimented.

"Finally, your father was able to reopen his restaurant," Declan's dad said.

"It's all thanks to you guys for letting us stay here. Thank you." I grinned.

The rest of the talking became muffled when my eyes zoomed on Declan, who was sipping on his water. The way his mouth reacted after taking a bit of the meatloaf made my head spin. His tongue went across his lips, wiping the excess left from the extracts. No matter what he does; he's just so goddamn handsome.

"I hate girls who aren't smart."

The memory popped into my brain, dragging me from the hazy state I was locked in. How could he so easily captivate me by eating freaking meatloaf! Maybe, I am weak. Glancing at the clock I noticed how quickly time was ticking and started devouring my remaining. After cleaning myself, I pushed the chair in and walked towards the exit.

"Lana, you didn't have to eat so fast." his mother frowned.

"It's okay, I have to study for my final exams. Thank you for the meal." I grinned and continued down the hall.

"She's so dedicated," I heard his mother declared.

A long night of studying here I come!

Who has faith in our girl to get on top of the school's list? I know I do ;)! When Lana is determined she's a force to be reckoned with!!

Thank you guys for reading and leaving comments they make me so happy!! Also thank you for helping Lana reach six hundred readers !!