To my surprise, Rafael and I made it back home safely, without any speeding fines or injuries. Though I feel very annoyed about this, I also feel grateful that I'm finally at home. 

"Mom, we're home!" I exclaimed, slipping my shoes off of my feet. 

The traditional, greasy smell of tacos greeted us as we got inside, covering the smell of chamomile air freshener. It was a welcoming scent, making me feel at home already. 

"You two are home! How was your day?" Mom questioned, cutting up a tomato. 

"It was just typical. My teachers gave us lots of homework." Rafael replied, setting his backpack on the floor. 

"You'll get through all of it." Mom reassured him, putting a knife into the sink. 

"I hope so." He sighed, collapsing at the table. 

Based on how Rafael is, he hates homework more than me. It makes him less involved in his sports. Even if I don't like the same things he does, homework still abstains me from doing things I love, such as reading nonstop. 

"What about you, Rose?" Mom turned to me, "How was your day?"

"It was fine, I guess. I have some homework to do, along with a test to study for." I groaned, placing my backpack on a chair. 

I feel exhausted. Today felt endless, and with the lack of sleep I got last night, I'm drained. With everything I have to do, I'll feel like this for a while. I know that I will manage. I'm used to feeling tired. But sometimes, maybe I overdo myself by staying up at night reading books. 

"You two should get something to eat before starting on homework. I'm making tacos. They're almost finished. Do you want some?" Mom offered, getting plates out of a cabinet. 

"Yes please, Mama!" Rafael shrugged, pouring mango juice into his cup.

"I'd love some!" I forced a smile, putting my hands together. 

Mom's tacos are my favorite. I haven't had much other than hers, especially ones from restaurants. Because of her traditional ways, it's almost impossible to eat food that isn't homemade. I don't mind. It's just that she can get extra over it.

"Here are the tacos!" Mom beamed joyfully, setting a few plates down on the table.

"Gracias!" Rafael and I acknowledged.

Taking a small bite, I already savored my taco. It tasted great, like usual. It started to distract me from being tired, although, I still felt like it. 

While eating, I pulled out my phone. I decided to go on Instagram to look at photos. Mainly from the popular students at school. Before doing so, I come across a shocking notification.

I took a closer look at what it was. The last people expected to follow me... Actually followed me. No, it wasn't Taylor Swift and Shawn Mendes. Or the president and first lady. It was the popular girls at school, Millicent Campbell and Mercedes Mallard!

But why? What caused them to follow me?

* * *

After I finished my meal, I went upstairs to start on homework. But before that, I'll call Lizzie to tell her what just happened. She has to know. She'll be shocked, maybe more than I am.

I dialed her, waiting for her to respond to the call. I know that she's in her chess club right now, but this can't wait for later. I'd be in that club with Lizzie right now, however, I always refused to join the club. It's just too geeky. Not to mention that it would make my horrible social status go even lower. 

"Lizzie! I have to tell you something." I exclaimed the second she answered the call. 

"What is it, Rose?" She questioned curiously. 

"I called you just to tell you one thing. Millicent and Mercedes, the popular girls followed me on Instagram." I cheered excitedly, turning on my laptop.

What should I expect in her reaction? Lizzie is a really suspicious person. She's suspicious of everything. It's useful, but sometimes, it's bothersome. Especially when some things don't sound peculiar. 

"That sounds kind of odd, Rose. Millicent and Mercedes are very popular at our school. People like them don't pay much attention to people like us." Lizzie mused, "You know that."

See what I mean? There's nothing suspicious about that. I mean, I could say it's a little odd, but I'm sure there's nothing wrong.

This is exactly what I meant about being too suspicious. I'm sure that there's nothing skeptical about the two girls following me. It isn't anything else, right?

"Yeah, but think. Maybe they'll finally notice me now! I mean, I do have a class with them." I pondered, tapping my fingers on my desk.

"You do have a point." She replied in agreement, "Well, I have to go now. The teacher doesn't like it when we use our phones during chess club. Bye!"

"Bye!" I ended the call. 

Now that I finished the call, I can finally start on my homework. However, before I could even lay my fingers on the keyboard of my laptop, my phone starts chiming, meaning I got a notification. What is this all about? 

I picked up my phone once again to see something incredible. It's a message from Mercedes Mallard, the girl who just followed me.

Mercedes: Hey, Roselynn! Millicent and I wanted to know if you would want to come to sit with us at lunch tomorrow. If you can, please let us know.

Me: I'd be more than happy to sit with you at lunchtime tomorrow. You have lunch in the fifth period, right?

Mercedes: Yeah, I do. I can't wait for lunch tomorrow! 

Me: See you then!

What did I just witness? Millicent and Mercedes actually want me to sit with them at lunch tomorrow? I'm too excited about the fact that I could throw my phone out of the window. On second thought, I won't do that since it would take a while for my parents to buy me a brand-new one since it would probably break.

Before I start on my homework, I should find something to wear tomorrow. It will be a special day.

I leaped out of my upholstered roller chair and walked to my closet. I'm trying to find something precise. I need something chic! I'm not trying to look like a total jerk. Should I wear a skirt or some pants? What impression should I make when I approach them? This is getting hard, already.

If I make my best impression on the popular girls, it will have two advantages. First, it'll make them want to be friends with me. Secondly, it'll make my crush, Tyler Parker does the same.

He's charming! His dark brown hair, his light brown eyes, his beautiful, light brown skin, his smile—everything about him is cute! I discovered my crush on him back in seventh grade, a long time ago. From that time on, he never noticed me.

Typical.

I'm vague to him. He doesn't know who I am. Maybe he'll never? There are a few possibilities. Mom, a huge enthusiast would say, "Everything happens for a reason, Roselynn!"

But what is this reason?

I put down my phone, and started looking through my whole closet for something intriguing! An outfit that isn't plain! An outfit that would make Millicent and Mercedes die to be friends with me. 

I rummaged through the closet, searching high and low. Everything I saw wasn't good enough. It was either too plain or too much. I need something that's just right!

Soon enough, I found something. A bright-yellow, knee-level skirt, along with a matching, white t-shirt. It's simple but good enough. Skirts aren't something I'd normally wear, but it's worth it. Tomorrow, I'll look my best for those two. And with this appearance, I might as well impress my crush, Tyler Parker. 

This could be my biggest impression yet.