I didn't really like St. Clair's. It seemed like that high school that all the cool kids went to and if you didn't fit in, watch out. That happened to me a lot. There were a bunch of bullies at this school and I stuck out like a banana in a bowl of peaches. I stuck up for myself most of the time but it was kind of hard when you consider the fact that if I got too mad, I might have unleash Emerald. I was pretty smart for a kid my age, especially since I have Emerald to help me, so naturally I aced most of my classes. The only classes I wasn't good at are Art, Music, and Technology class. Those don't really require thinking though, it's mostly luck and just paying attention. Speaking of paying attention, it was really hard to do that when all of the boys were flirting with girls or just causing trouble. As much as I hated that school, there was one good thing that came out of it: I met Sapphire. Sapphire was funny, kind, smart, and at the bottom of the food chain, just like me. She had brown hair with blue streaks down the length of her hair. She was in most of my classes and we were both tall, so most of the time, our teachers put us next to each other in the back. Our teachers think it was smart to put boys and girls next to each other to keep them from talking, but that didn't really work when everyone is constantly flirting. Yeah, our teachers weren't too bright.

Remember how two seconds ago I said that everyone was flirting? Technically, Sapphire and I were flirting but not dating. Everyone assumed we were together but just hadn't asked each other yet. Well, until the end of first semester.

I was walking down the hall with Sapphire when the bell rang. First period was going to start. Sapphire and I looked at each other and thought the same thing. "Oh, god," we both said. "It's time for Science with Captain Mc. Idiot." We grabbed our stuff and headed to Science or more appropriately named, hell. Captain Mc. Idiot or Mr. Bill (Bill Nye the Science Guy!) gave us new seats. Guess what? He was stupid enough to put Sapphire and I next to each other. Yay! We were learning Anatomy and we were going to start dissection of a cat. Sapphire and I were lab partners. Anybody else had that annoying speech where they tell you how to use lab tools safely? Yup. Exactly what was happening right then. Then, Sapphire handed me a note. This is what it said:

Jade,

Well, hi. Listen, Matt is throwing a party. I know you don't really like each other but he asked me and I KNOW he's trying to ask me out. I can't decline because he lives, like, right next to me! Please help.

Sapphire

Well, shit. I HATE Matt. He hates me; I hate him. He's a popular jerk and I'm an outcast. There is no way I would go to one of Matt's parties. Unless Sapphire asked me. Why can't I say no to her? I gave her a tiny nod and she smiled thankfully at me. I couldn't explain why, but her smile made me feel fuzzy inside. She's my best friend, no, my ONLY friend besides Emerald. So, why do I feel so weird? Science ended and it was on to American History. Guess who I sat next to? If you said Sapphire, you're correct. BUT! We sat next to Matt. It was torture. I don't know why but I was starting to lose it.

I heard Matt talking to Sapphire next to me. "Yeah babe. The party's going to be off the hook. Maybe I can get you your own room for the night," Matt said. Something was burning inside of me. It wasn't Emerald but he said one thing. Go. "Shut. Up." I said. He gave me a look. "You're telling me to shut up? Why don't you shut the hell up before I do it for you," He said coolly. "No. She's not your girl," I said with the burning feeling growing stronger. "If you're not too much of a bitch to face me after school, then she's not your girl."

"You got yourself a deal chump. Make sure you have 911 on standby."

We both were dead silent the whole class. I felt Sapphire beside me but she wasn't talking. I didn't even notice classes going by. I couldn't wait to finally kick Matt's ass.

Sapphire's POV (Point Of View)

Oh, Jade. What have you gotten yourself into? I watched Jade argue with Matt trying to defend me when I really didn't need it. As much as I hate Matt, I can deal with it. Jade had just made an enemy. I sighed. There had to be a way to stop this. My mind flickered to the note I gave Jade. The party!!! I started to form a plan. If Jade fights Matt at the party, then he'll have time to prepare, plus I'll be there to help him! I was one of the last soulshifters. My bond partner was Topaz, a wolf. If Topaz went over to Jade and gave him strength, he could beat Matt!

I don't think that's is a good idea, Topaz said.

Why not? I asked

If you give him too much strength, he might pass out. Don't you remember? You did this EXACT same thing to Christian and he passed out on the floor and got a concussion!

I remember. I don't know why, but I feel like Jade is stronger somehow.

My mind began to wander. I thought of his blue eyes and his smile. He was so sweet. His spiky black hair looked so cool...

Shut up! You like him! Topaz squealed, interrupting my thoughts.

I do not! We're just friends. Good friends.

Uh huh. Good friends that think about how cool their hair looks?

Uh... You... This means nothing!!! It'll blow off.

If you say so.

Fine. I'll only give him strength if he needs it.

That sounds better. Anyway, I'm going back to the void. Topaz left me alone with my thoughts to return to her world.

This means nothing. It will blow over soon........

......

.......

........

right?