As soon as I heard my alarm start blaring out loudly, echoing throughout my room, I knew it was the dreaded day. I wanted to throw my alarm across the room but that would mean throwing my phone and that's too precious to me. It's senior year and I already can't wait to finish it. It's going to be a long year that I'm not ready for.

Amanda and I planned to meet up at the café across from our school to grab a cup of coffee and something to eat before we go to class. The only thing that can get me through the day is seeing Amanda after having only been able to talk to her on the phone for two years. I'm surprised we were able to stay close friends but thank god we managed.

I threw the blanket off my body and got up before tying my neon pink ombre hair in a messy bun. Some strands fall along the sides of my face. I was quick to change even though I was still half asleep. I was tempted to go back to bed and skip the day but I know that would mean avoiding the inevitable. That and I'm sure Amanda would show up at my house to drag me there.

"Bye, everyone! Hope you don't mind that I'm borrowing your motorcycle, Max!" I shouted as I left the house, quickly grabbing my brother's keys before he could protest and stop me.

"Wait! Don't you dare Am-"

I was out the door before he could finish the sentence, already hopping onto his bike. I quickly drove off to avoid the likely lecture he would give for taking his bike. I know this is dangerous but Dillon has been teaching me since after we had our first date. It was sweet even though he kept worrying that I would fall off or something.

I parked out front of the café, noticing Amanda wasn't here yet unless she was hiding somewhere. I took a deep breath as my mind drifted off to the previous night and the regret that I had returned instantly. I attempted to shake the thoughts out of my head even though I probably looked strange doing that when I'm alone.

"Amy!"

I almost fell to the floor when I got off the bike when Amanda tackled me in a big bear hug. I stumbled back with the motorcycle saving me from making impact with the ground. Amanda was squealing in my ear as I laughed, hugging her back. I forget that when she hugs people, she tends to almost crush them or injure them because she practically attacks people but with her arms.

"Welcome back! Never leave me again!" she shouted.

"Ok, ok, I missed you too, I promise I won't leave again," I laughed.

"You better mean it or else I will hunt you down," she jokingly threatened.

"Stop being scary and let's go eat," I said.

"Oh right, food..." she trailed off before running inside to quickly order at the counter.

I rolled my eyes but smiled nonetheless. It's like nothing has changed between us and that's what I love about our friendship. Amanda and I both ordered a croissant and hot chocolate each before deciding to sit against the open window that faces out onto the street.

"I meant to say this before that I like the new look but the way you dressed before was still amazing on you," Amanda commented.

"Thanks, I liked the way I looked before too but I did this for me," I said. It's the truth. I wanted to do something for myself for a change.

"Hey as long as you weren't forced, it's all good, you're stunning," Amanda said with a grin.

"Thank you," I smiled.

During our time at the café, Amanda managed to convince me to try out for the dance team. I would prefer it to be a music club or something but unfortunately, our school doesn't really have that due to budget because of course. We have everything but music. I don't know how that's possible but I guess music isn't as important to the people here at all. Apparently, I was trying out to replace a girl who had dropped out due to a broken leg, unfortunately. Poor thing.

We had to quickly rush to class once we realised that we were late. We lost track of time but I just hope none of us get lectured for it but I doubt that would ever come true. I quickly grabbed my schedule from the office while Amanda rushed to class, practically running down the hallway. We didn't have the same classes, which was unfortunate. While I apparently now have chemistry this morning, she had maths.

I felt my phone buzz in my pocket, notifying me that I got a message. I took it out to glance at the ID. I couldn't help the smile that appeared on my lips when I read that it was from Dillon. I was in the middle of messaging him back when I bumped into someone, making me stumble back and drop my phone. I cursed under my breath, praying that it didn't crack. That phone is practically my life and my only source of communication to Dillon and the others.

"Shit, sorry, are you ok?"

Fuck

I know that voice. That goddamn familiar voice that haunts my dreams or nightmare I should say. I haven't thought about him for over a year now. I mean, I knew I'd have to face him eventually but I didn't think it would be so soon, not on my first day before I even walked into my very first class but I guess 'fate' or whatever likes to fuck with my life and surprise me has other plans.

I want to look up at him, to stare him in the eyes to show him that I'm not the same vulnerable girl I was before and that nothing he does or says will hurt me but I can't. I thought I could but I physically can't because I'm frozen on the spot like a coward, unable to look up at him and see his face once again after two years.

"Um hello? Are you...all right? Here's your phone, sorry again that I bumped into you, I wasn't looking where I was going," he apologised.

Wait...what? Does he not remember me? I couldn't have changed that much since I've been away...can I? No. I mean I'm still the same old me. I may not be wearing my glasses now because of the contacts in my eyes but that doesn't mean I'm suddenly unrecognisable.

I don't know whether to go along with the charade and pretend to be someone else or to just tell him who I am. But first I need to do something other than be an idiot mute standing in the hallway, not moving a single inch to even look up and speak.

"Uh thank you," I mumbled as I snatched the phone off his outstretched hand.

"No worries, I'm Jack," he introduced. he kept his hand out towards me, expecting me to shake it. I just stared down at it blankly. "O-k," Jack dragged out as he retracted his hand.

Yeah, I'm not going to be friendly and pretend that nothing in the past ever happened. I'm not ever going to forget about that. I can't forgive and forget just like that. It may have been two years but the teasing and bullying are still fresh in my mind now that he's in front of me once again, without knowledge that I was the same Amy he used to pick on back then.

I stared down at my phone instead now, ignoring his stare, and noticed I had a couple of messages from Dillon but I'll reply to him later. I spun around to head to class but was instantly stopped before I could take one step forward. His hand clutched my upper arm, holding me in my place. I turned to look over my shoulder at him with narrowed eyes, finally having the courage to at his face.

I was late for class and knowing the teachers already, they'll start to nag and lecture me if I'm late, which I already was. I'm not in the mood for any of this. Not in the bloody morning when I'm running on barely any sleep or energy.

"You look familiar, do I know you from somewhere?" Jack questioned with furrowed eyebrows as he analysed me.

"Nope, not that I'm aware of, now if you don't mind, I need to get to class so I'm going to need you to let go of my arm now," I ordered. I have no idea what switched in me but thank god because now I'm able to speak confidently, putting up a front so I don't look like an idiot again.

"Whoa, someone's feisty," he chuckled as he raised both his hands playfully, as if in surrender. He then smirked while my facial expression never fazed. My disdain for him was strong. "I like you," Jack commented with a nod as he gave me a once-over. I inwardly gagged as I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

"And I don't like you," I replied bluntly.

I then spun around and walked away to my class before hearing quick footsteps trying to catch up to me. What now? Why can't he just leave me alone? I didn't want to have to talk to him again. I hurried my pace until I made it to class. Mr Hayes, my chemistry teacher, turned to give me a stern look with his arms crossed and his pointed glare.

Oh please, I'm only like ten minutes late but that doesn't mean I missed anything major. Plus, it looked like they were watching some documentary or some I don't know, film? Whatever it was, it's not something to get mad over a student missing a couple of minutes of it.

"You're late Miss Prescott, I know it's your first day back but I won't tolerate this if it happens again, you know you're way around the school so there's no excuse for tardiness," he lectured.

I drowned him out though. I don't care, I was only late because of Jack. If it weren't for him, I'd be on time. Once he was done talking, he motioned for me to take a seat which I did in the back. I pulled out my lyric book and began writing a melody I had come up with in my head. I didn't need to watch the video. I was pretty good at this subject. It's all easy for me to understand luckily.

"Ah Mr Reece, how nice of you to finally grace us with your presence."

Damn it! He's in the same class? Why can't things just work in my favour for once? Ugh. I simply ducked my head down with my nose in my book and hoped, no prayed, that he wouldn't sit next to me. As I mentioned before, I wasn't in the mood. He doesn't deserve any kindness from me.

"Thank you, I'm glad I can make your lesson more interesting now that I'm here," Jack smirked. I scoffed quietly while rolling my eyes.

Cocky much? I don't see what these girls see in him. Almost all of them are staring at him with desire. They could do so much better. I'll admit, he looks good but I won't ever tell him that or say it out loud. That would just inflate his ego even more, which isn't ideal. Though I do know firsthand that his personality isn't so attractive so I have no desire for him.

"Take a seat Mr Reece and please, cut the crap," Mr Hayes instructed. Oh right, I get a lecture and he gets to be let off the hook, how nice.

Jack kept walking ahead while some girls offered him a free seat next to them. I thought he would sit next to the girl in front of me but when he walked past her, towards me, I knew that my wishes weren't going to be granted. The chair scraped against the tiled floor as Jack took a seat beside me. Why do I even bother?

"What are you writing there?"

I jumped in my seat before quickly shutting my book and straightening my posture. I turned to glare at him since he had been looking over my shoulder. I hate nosy people sometimes. I noticed from my peripheral vision that the few girls who were staring at Jack before had now directed their judgemental eyes at me while whispering amongst each other. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

You're better than them. They can't hurt you.

"You ok? You seem out of it," Jack commented. I opened my eyes once again, blinking rapidly to adjust to the lighting. I went to reply, or more like snap at him, but was ultimately interrupted before I could tell him off.

"Is there something that you would like to share with the class Miss Prescott and Mr Reece?" Mr Hayes asked with a raised brow. We both shook our heads but Jack's eye widened in realisation. Well...that's one way to 'reveal' my identity. The reaction though makes this so much sweeter. I knew prolonging telling him my name would be a good decision.

"Amy?" Jack questioned with his mouth now hanging agape.

"Hello Jack," I smirked while saluting him with two fingers and a wink. He just blinked rapidly as if this were some lucid dream.

Ah, how much I love this. I finally got the upper hand here

I think I messed with his head or something because throughout the whole lesson, he practically stared at me as if he were trying to decipher a puzzle or something. I had to put up with the shocked stares and whispering peers throughout my classes up until lunch. It's not that much of a shock, it shouldn't be. Unless it's shocking that I stopped accepting bullshit from those that don't deserve it.

I quickly packed up my things and rushed out the door to go meet Amanda once the bell rang for lunch. I sighed with relief. Thank god I was out of the classrooms, I needed a break. But apparently, I was quick to put my guard down since a second later I heard footsteps beside me, trying to keep up with me. I knew instantly it was Jack, I could just sense his intimidating presence evading my space.

"What do you want?" I asked with a sigh. I didn't bother to look up towards him. I just kept walking.

"Why did you change?" Jack questioned but it sounded more like a demand.

He sounded serious, almost like he cared about my response, which took me completely off guard. I stopped in my tracks to turn to him. I narrowed my eyes, analysing him. My mind is fucking with me. There's no way. I believe you can change within two years, I have, but I don't believe he has completely. I don't trust him, I can't, something in me won't allow it.

"Why do you want to know?" I asked with suspicion.

"Because...Because...because you're, you, you're all-"

"I look different?" I finished for him since he was fumbling with his words now. He nodded numbly. I wanted to laugh but I held onto my exterior. I'll laugh later. "See that's for me to know and for you to keep wondering."

I turned to leave but Jack was quick to stand in my way. I inwardly groaned in annoyance. I'll be here all day if we keep this up. I need to meet Amanda for tryouts and she can be impatient. When she's impatient, she's terrifying. I'm not about to put up with that scary side of her.

"Just answer the question, don't ignore it, I'm only curious," he attempted to persuade. I huffed in annoyance.

"Fine, you want to know why I changed?" he nodded. "I changed because I wanted to, I wanted to transform into a better version of myself so people like you can't walk all over me anymore, so I can be someone no one can fuck with now," I snapped. "Is that what you wanted to hear?"

He opened and closed his mouth, almost like a fish. I raised a brow and crossed my arms, waiting for a response other than a gobsmacked look. He was staring at me as if I were an alien or something. I think I broke him? That would be funny but I don't have time to wait for him to speak, I got somewhere to be. I decided to snap him out of his trance.

"Hello? I know that you're shellshock or whatever but I have places to be and people to meet so if you don't mind I have to go," I said. I took a step around him and started to head off until he said two words that messed with my head.

"I'm sorry."

I spun around to face him with furrowed brows and a frown.

"Excuse me?"

"I'm sorry...for making you feel that you needed to change," he apologised. I remained silent.

How was I supposed to reply to that? I thought it was a joke. He couldn't have just...switched just like that. I don't believe it, not for a second. The way he acted in class today showed that there was still a hint of the same old Jack Reece in him. So I'm going to call bullshit on this act. Plus it was too late for apologies when it was only because I changed. I can't let my guard down now.

"Fuck your apology," I snapped before turning back around and quickly walking off but not without hearing Jack's last words that were muttered lowly.

"What have I done?"

Everything. You ruined me. It'll take more than an apology to make me forgive you.