I rushed into the class. Miss Stewart likes me. I am her favorite student. She saw me at the door and smiled.

"Come in Miss Westbrook. Have a seat. ", she said giving a gentle smile.

I went and sat in an empty chair. The row I was sitting in was barely occupied. There was no one on my either side.

Miss Stewart came upto me and said,"Elena. That new guy Zac has been looking at you for awhile now. "

I smiled coyly.

She is like a friend to me. She stays next door. And that's the reason she liked me and found it hard to act like a teacher in front of me. She made sure no one else heard it though.

I put one strand of my hair bangs behind my ear and took a glance at Zac. He was sitting a row behind me. But he wasn't looking at me. He was flirting with Amanda. The Queen bee of our school. She doesn't hate me. She doesn't like me either. It's just that we've never crossed paths.

I turned front and started reading the novel Jason had gifted me. He had asked me to read it. He felt I'll like it.

That reminds me. I have to meet Jason in the canteen for lunch. I don't know if he'll show up. A part of me says he won't. But the bigger part of me says he will.

After the class, it was break time. I walked slowly to the canteen. I saw Jason sitting on one table. Just to make sure he was waiting for me and not Val, I acted like I didn't see him. I went to order some food. The counter was just in front of the table in which Jason was seated.

"El? Here! I ordered your favorite already. " said a familiar voice from behind.

I looked at Jason and smiled. I went and sat next to him. I could see Ed, Zac, Amanda and another guy Davis sitting in a table little far away.

Ed spotted me. I turned away.

I knew he would come and talk to me. He thought I was angry at him for taking Zac's side. He came and sat next to me. He shook hands with Jason who was busy texting someone. I didn't bother to ask him.

Then Ed looked at me and said, "Elena. We're good?"

I nodded and gave him a small smile.

He sighed in relief and said, "Thank God. You're the only normal girl around. Can't lose a friend like you."

I smiled and said, "And, you won't."

He smiled and went back to his table.

Jason kept his phone next to him and said, "You started reading the book I gave you?"

I nodded. And he smiled in return.

I asked casually, "I see you got back with Val huh?"

He instantly rubbed his neck with his left hand and said, "Nah. She just wanted a farewell kiss. And ---"

A farewell kiss?

What does that even mean?

"Seriously? A farewell kiss? I thought she still liked you.", I said softly hoping I didn't show any sign of jealousy.

He nodded and continued, "She does. Kind of. But it's time to move on. I like someone else. And she has a crush on some neighbor of hers. So we decided to end things the way it started."

I didn't understand the logic. It was so stupid. I just said, "Hmm" with a confused but agreeing expression.

He chuckled. "How's school treating you?"

"Good" I say nodding my head.

"So you like someone else and didn't bother to tell me about it? " I asked him crossing my hands.

Just then the counter guy called Jason to pick up what he had ordered.

He got up and made his way towards the counter. He looked like was relieved that he managed to escape from the question I just asked. Now that Jason wasn't there. I could see Zac clearly. Zara, Amanda's so called best friend, had joined them. Zac was so engrossed in his conversation with Amanda. It made me roll my eyes.

Am I jealous?

No no no. I can't be. I turned away. And tried to concentrate on my phone.

Jason returned with the food. He had ordered a cheese burger with French fries for me.

"How do you survive being a vegetarian in here?", he asked.

Zac suddenly looked at me. Jason had said that a little loud. But you wouldn't here it if you weren't paying attention. So was Zac listening to us? I don't think so. Jason hadn't even sat, he was just placing everything on the table. Zac must have heard by chance.

"El?" he said again.

"Sorry, I zoned out. Yeah I survive. It's not that hard, you know?", I replied looking at Jason and then at Zac. Zac turned away.

We had the food and Jason told me about why he got suspended from school for the day. He hit someone during football practice. It was very common. Jason has anger issues. Only during games of course.

But once he was back to school, He would be busy as hell. He never finds time. We talk over phone on weekends or sometimes weekdays. Rarely. Unless either of us have something important to tell.

Just then he received a call. I looked at his dark brown eyes tense up. His hand made its way into his black colored hair. His skin was toned. He had a muscular chest just like zac.

But Zac was taller than Jason. Jason isn't short. He's around 5'11. But Zac is too tall. I like tall guys.

What am I thinking?

I don't like Zac.

I look at Jason who cut the call. He said with his furrowed eyebrows, "The coach wants me on the field. My suspension got canceled. Thank God."

"So,you're leaving now?" I asked him.

His eyebrows relax and he nodded. He got up with a guilty look on his face. "I'll call you. And I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Have fun", I said.

He ran out of the canteen.

I spotted my friends at the usual table. Just as I was about to get up. Zac got up from his table. He came and sat on the chair Jason was sitting earlier. I could see Ed who was confused at first but then turned away. Zac had removed his leather jacket.

I looked at him with a puzzled look.

"There's only five minutes left. Just finish it here. There's no point in struggling to carry all of this there. " he said calmly.

I sat down.

I looked at the other table. I saw Amanda staring at us.

" Boyfriend?" he asked me.

"Best friend " I replied. "But your girlfriend doesn't seen happy that you're here. "

He looked at Amanda and winked at her.

She blushed and turned away. I rolled my eyes and concentrated on my French fries."

He laughed softly and said, "Jeez! She's sweet but annoying."

Annoying? Yes.

Sweet? Far from it. She's the total opposite. Even 100 spoons of sugar wouldn't make her sweet. She's that bitter to my friends. She usually targets Camila and Rachel.

But I'm not telling him that.

I laughed softly.

"I heard you are a part of the "8H". How did you qualify?" he asked sarcastically.

"8H? What is that? " I asked with a puzzled look.

" The Eight Hotties Group. " he said quoting with his fingers.

I burst into laughter. I didn't know people called us that.

"You feel I'm not hot enough?" I asked him raising my left eyebrow.

He smirked and said, "Um.. I'll give you an 8 on 10."

"Hmm", I said satisfied with his answer.

I know I'm not a 10. I'm not very slim. I don't have a model like flat stomach. It's not fat either. I look good in bikini. Not fat. And I'm not very pretty. I have dark brown eyes and dark brown hair. And I'm fair. Not very fair. Fair.

"Are you serious?" he said shockingly.

I could see him trying to control himself from blurring out something. He ran his hands through his hair. The messy look suited him. He spoilt it by running his fingers through his hand. He still looked good though. He looked away for a second and then looked at me. I guess he waiting for me to say something.

"What are you talking about? 8 is a good number. " I said thinking again.

He raised his eyebrows and changed the topic,"Are all of them taken? What are their names? "

I get excited while talking about my friends.

I ate the last French fry, wiped my hand with a tissue and began with excitement. He smiled at my enthusiasm and I noticed his dimples. He looked so AMAZINGLY CUTE!

I took a deep breath and continued," You know me. So that leaves seven. Mia. She's taken. Don't even think about it. The one who laughed in the morning? "

He said in a sarcastic tone,"The girl with long blonde hair?"

" That's her. Then there's Leah. She's single. But has an eye on someone. She's the one who shouted at you in the morning. "

He rolled his eyes. I smiled and he smiled back. He probably remembered what Leah told him in the morning.

" Then there's Valerie, Amy, Rachel, Anna and Camilla. Anna is the most funny and short tempered one. Remember to be on her good side. Val is single, I think." I thought for a second and let it go. I looked at him. He was studying me. It made me nervous. So I continued, "Umm.. Amy has a boyfriend. And yeah, Cam is single. Rachel is the shy one. But taken. "I said finishing.

"Impressive", he said.

"Oh, they all are." I smiled.

He got up and said,"No. You are." He smiled gently. And turned to go back to his table. I smiled but he had turned already.

I walked to the sink and washed my hands. I saw Chace next to me washing his hands in the adjacent sink.

"How's my favorite girl? Still feisty?" he chuckled.

I laughed softly," Chace! You know I can't be angry at you for long. "

"Nobody can. " he smiled.

It's true. He's the one guy who can make anyone laugh anytime. We aren't close friends but he flirts with me and I don't really mind. He has a tanned skin. Hazel colored eyes. Black hair and wears glasses which actually make him look hot. But I've never liked him that way. He's just a friend.

I smiled and we walked in opposite directions.

I went to my locker and took my science books. As I closed the locker. I saw Amanda standing with her minion, "Zara".

She stood there with crossed arms.

I didn't smile at her because her face didn't seem like she was in a friendly mood.

She said in a warning tone, "Look Elena. We have never been a trouble for each other. You are the one who always stops the fight between your girls and me. I have a little respect for you. So I'm just going to warn you. Stay away from Zac. We have a thing going on and I don't want anyone, especially someone like you, to ruin it. "

She spun on her heels not even waiting for me to say a word and walked away with Zara behind her.

Everyone near the locker were staring. Anna came running towards me. Noticing everyone she said clapping her hands twice,"Show's over people. Go to your class. "

Then she looked at me and said,"If that bitch was here a minute longer, I would have punched her face."

I laughed softly. You might be wondering why I didn't say anything to Amanda. I'm really bad at scolding people. Especially when I'm alone. I don't take shit from anyone. But I find it hard to scold them. So I just be sarcastic or ignore. But today Amanda didn't even wait. I could have called her or chased her. But she isn't worth it.

"What did she tell you anyway?"

"I'll tell you in class. There's no need to tell the others." I told her hoping she'd agree.

Shockingly she nodded her head in agreement. Then we started walking towards class. On the way, I was thinking about what exactly I should tell her so that she doesn't start pairing me with him.

Remember. If Anna pairs you with anyone. She can tease you to death. She just never forgets. Especially if she doesn't like the guy.

I like her though. She is the most genuine person in the group. But hey! Remember to stay on her good side. Else she'll make your life a living hell.

We walked into the class. I spotted the girls and was about to walk towards them. Just then, Anna pulled me to the other row. The girls looked puzzled.

As soon as we sat on the guy's row, Anna looked at them and yelled, "Elena has to teach me Genetic cycle so we are sitting here. It's quiet."

Rachel replied, "Okay! Happy studying Anna. Good luck El. She's gonna be a pain in the ass"

Anna glared at her and I laughed softly. Then I looked at Anna. She had her book ready on the desk. She was waiting. Not for the genetic cycle. But for the Amanda Encounter.

She said desperately, "Curiosity is killing me! Tell me already."

Here it goes.

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Hey guys! I won't be updating the next chapter until my exams are over. I have boards right around the corner. And I need to study. I know I don't have many readers, but those who read my story mean a lot to me. So, I just wanted you to know. I'll be back soon. :))

A/N: Thanks for reading! Love you all. Give me your feedback through comments!

NOTE: The songs which I insert as media are not to be taken literally. I add videos which have slight resemblance to the chapter. Do listen to them to get into the correct mood.

PS- Vote for the chapter and do follow me. I'll surely follow you back.

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