I woke up to my phone ringing, with half closed eyes I saw who was calling me this early. My cell flashed ' Dad' and I picked it up.

" Good morning sweetheart ".

" Dad, good morning, I'm sleepy "

" I know you aren't a good listener when you are sleepy but it's important".

After hearing the word important, I was wide awake and sat upright.

" What is it ?"

" I know we haven't talked from some days but, there is a thing which I want you to do "

" Yes ", I said hoping dad wouldn't know about my recent struggles but also knowing that he knows what's happening to me every second.

" I know that it's the middle of the year but I want you to join the business class at Winston's ".

My eyes widened, I couldn't believe what he was saying, " Dad, you know all the rich students take that class, I will be all alone. How will I maintain my cover? What excuses will I give? Also dad haven't I taken enough business classes. Heck I even did an internship at our company ."

" I know sweetie, but there's a new professor joined this year and I know for a fact that he's one of the best."

" Can't I learn from him later, I will take classes from him if it's so necessary, but not when I'm in Winston's " I said desperately.

" Unfortunately he doesn't do private classes and it will be a new experience for you, I have ready sent your request to change classes from geography, you never liked that subject anyway".

" Dad, you can't just do that you have to ask me first, what's gotten into you?"

" Sir we are getting late for the meeting " I could hear his secretary's voice in the background.

" I got to go, sorry but I have my reasons it will be good I promise bye honey".

" Bye dad. "

I dumped my phone on the bed. I could not believe dad would do something like this without asking me, maybe he had his reasons still I needed to know what I was getting into. How was I supposed to explain to people why I'm taking a business class, no one else dared to. I knew why. They were all a lot to deal with, constant nagging, and snide comments. I could see Veronica smiling as she snubbed me once again, I groaned remembering what happened two days back. I didn't regret stepping in but I also didn't know how long this cycle was going to last. Every time one of them humiliated me my blood boiled but I had to force myself to calm down, knowing that whatever I do would cost me.

      Still irritated, I wondered what Veronica had in store for me today, yesterday she ' accidentally tripped ' carrying the waste paper basket and set down all the cuttings over me. I had learned not to expect any kindness from her and her gang. I didn't give her the satisfaction either, I had just walked away and changed my clothes. She had a never ending list of things she could do and I felt like she was hell bent on breaking my patience.

          I brushed and took a bath. I wanted to feel confident, so I picked out a beautiful black halter top and a pair of jeans. I came down to see Ray munching his food as usual. When he saw he coming down he dropped his spoon down and stared. I caught his gaze and blushed.

" Is it bad? Should I change ?" I asked him with nervousness that surprised me. I used to be always confident but then I hadn't worn body fit clothes since I came to California well except if you consider my work uniform.

" You look really pretty" he said averting his gaze.

We ate talking about what today's schedule was.
" What do you think Veronica will do today".

" I have no idea but if I were you I would be ready".

" I have put an extra tee and Jean in locker just in case ".

"You are ok, right? You will let me know if you need anything?" He said looking in my eyes.

      I instantly melted seeing his innocent caring face " Hey, Veronica is not going to break me that easily and I have you by my side" I smiled.
I contemplated how to bring up my business class, one way or another I would have to tell him. If I didn't tell him now he could come to know eventually and he would be upset.

" So " I said playing with the cereal in bowl, trying to gauge his reaction.

" So, I decided to join business class ".
He didn't say anything for a while.

" Ray?"

" Why do you want to take it ?"

" Because I'm interested, I want to start business of my own someday ".

" Okay".

" That's it? That's all your going to say".

" I have been thinking Rose, it's not wrong for us to get what we want, though I want you to know none of us take it ".

" Yeah I know ".

" Will you be ok? "

" I'll be more than ok, I'll just focus on the class and get out as soon as I can I won't even see them, I have kept my promise so far haven't I ? ".

" Keeping out of trouble, not really you almost kicked that guy's ass yesterday."

" I wish I could, you know ".

" Under different circumstances I'm sure you would have left him begging for his life " he said dramatically and I rolled my eyes.

We left for college and Ray parked his scooty at his usual place, I saw Mark and his friends. I could feel Mark's eyes bore into my back but I ignored him and enjoyed what was left of my happy morning. My business lecture was before our lunch break so we decided to meet near the cafeteria. We said our goodbyes and I headed towards the office to make changes for the class and went to my history class.

I found an empty seat and sat, soon a girl with gorgeous black hair came near me.

" That's my seat ".

" I'm sorry, I didn't know I'm new, though can I sit? ".

" Sure scoot over " she said flashing a perfect smile.

" I'm Samantha, you can call me Sam".
"And I'm Rose"

She laughed and I threw her a questioning glance.

" I'm sorry, but very few people are named Rose, but I get that your lips and blush may give your name away".
She tied her hair roughly, she had a pendant around her slender neck. Her face was oval and she had thin lips that gave her a very feminine look. She had slight makeup on and she wore a light green peplum top and jeans that complimented her skin.

" So what brought you here, at Winston's high".

" I got a scholarship and it's pretty well known college so I thought I could try my luck here ".

" I came here solely for their fashion program, it's awesome " she said dreamily.

" You are interested in fashion?"

" I want to major in it, open my boutique someday ".

" I like fashion too, I mean maybe I won't know much about it but I do like to see clothes, ".

" Oh really, there will be lots of competitions, I'm soo excited "

" Let me know, I mean if you need any help I'll be glad to in cloth selection and stuff".

" Ahh girl you hit my weak point, we are going to be great ". She said giving me a side hug.

Just then Veronica and her butterflies entered and their eyes fell right at me, I gave out a loud sigh.

" What bit them" Sam give me a nudge and asked.

" I helped a boy, who they were bullying, now they want revenge "

" No shit " she said and I was taken aback.

" Aren't you afraid they might target you because of me ".

" Naah, I'm done being afraid of them".

I looked at her carefully, I liked her.
" I like you too, in a completely nonlesbian way, see we can be friends but nothing beyond that I'm straight".

" Did I say that loud, I didn't mean to " I said feeling embarrassed.

She threw her head back and chuckled," You are so much better than all these Barbie girls".

" You hardly know me ".

" I know a person when I see a person, I'm a pretty good judge of character".
The professor came and started his lecture and we were quiet for the hour.

" See you again Sam ".

" Same place, same time " she said smiling.

Well it wasn't so bad, I thought to myself.I walked down the hallway towards my next class when someone put a leg in front of me making me fall on my face. Luckily I broke the fall with my hands, I looked up to see the swaying hips of the three people that I got to hate the most.

     I got up and straightened myself and combed my hair with my hand. Then I prepared myself for something that was greater than the fall that I had just experienced. I entered the full class of brats. I hated to judge so soon but none of them looked like proper humans. I was greeted with hoots, and whistles and snarks and comments from the girls. I sat near the only boy who I felt was sensible. I smiled at him, hoping he would smile back.

He did ." Hey there, you seem new ".

" I just joined a few days back, I'm Rose".

" I'm Clayde ", he said holding out his hand.

I shook it, "So did you get a scholarship? ".

" No no, I'm not that smart, my father invested in a few small companies we didn't have all that we have a year back so he was overjoyed when I got accepted here, why did you ask ".

" You are the only person who has behaved nicely, I mean among them ."

" They don't consider me one of them"

" Why".

" All of them, well most of them have families coming from high places, they don't consider me among them because my father doesn't have a prominent place anywhere ".

" I'm glad you aren't one of them " I said smiling.

        The hooting increased and the girl's eyes were glued to the door. I saw Mark standing looking at me, Derek by his side and a few other boys. As soon as I saw him he averted the gaze and waved and smiled at the girls. He stopped momentarily near us as if to say something but then moved on. I followed his muscular back till he sat and then looked straight. He had worn a jacket over a white tee and a dark blue jean. His hair was messy and I could see why the girls swooned over him.

" Do you like him " Clayde came close and asked.

       I turned back, and I saw Veronica whispering something, sitting too close, with her hands moving up and down his thighs. I felt a tinge of jealousy, when he looked straight in my eyes I couldn't turn back though I wanted to. I couldn't avert my gaze from his ocean deep eyes that had hints of green just when I felt the blush creeping through me I tore my eyes away from him and mentally slapped myself. This was a jerk. You don't get attracted to a jerk. Still, I couldn't control the urge to look back, I turned to see Veronica's lips on him and her hands in his hair pulling him closer as he kissed her. Disgusted I looked at Clayde.

      " No, of course not he's a jerk " a little too loud, I wanted Mark to hear hit.

         I could feel his eyes boring in my back but I ignored him talking and laughing with Clayde.Professor Calvin entered with a single book in his hand. He looked to be in his forties but wore clothes that made him look younger. His eyes glimmered and had a sharp look about them. He seemed to grab the attention of the whole class as soon as he came. He wasted no time and started. Today's topic was about smart choices. I soon learned that Calvin didn't go by any syllabus. He talked freely about the choices that we should make. Companies to select. He gave many examples of famous businessmen who lost their entire life's work due to a single mistake. I was stunned by his way of teaching, no wonder dad wanted me to take this class. He gave some assignments and then called me out.

" I need to talk to you, you are new ".

" Yes, I'm new " before I could finish he left the class saying meet me outside. I hurriedly packed and said goodbye to Clayde without looking back though I wanted to know what I had done to have his attention.

" Miss Rose, I presume ?"

" Yes, sir "

" Miss Rose, you see you have joined when I'm halfway through the semester, and it wouldn't be fair for others if you and they are at the same level when they have submitted all their work, so I suggest you find yourself a partner. I saw you sitting with Clayde, he's a good student have a talk with him. I will give you 2 months time, complete everything, all the assignments that I have given, and make sure I see the efforts. No one goes through my class without hard work, any questions ?"

" No sir "

Great, so I had to complete six months in two months. I noticed Clayde coming out, behind him Mark. Clayde looked pale and I rushed to his side.

" What happened, you look ill".

" They threatened me, they threatened to pull out the money that his dad has put in our project ".

" Why would he do that ?"

" He said, if I helped you my family would pay"

" How did he know what Calvin was going to say "

"Calvin is fair, he must have figured he would tell you to partner up with me ".

" It's ok Clayde, I won't ask your help".

" That's not it, till now I have been done all my assignments, group projects on my own as they wouldn't let me do it with them, I was shooed away every time I went for help, I was so glad I met you today, finally I could work on my grades ". He said looking sad.

" He doesn't have to know, we can still do it Clayde ".

" They will know " he said and started walking fast towards the cafeteria.
I had to almost ran to keep up with him. I caught hold of his arm and turned him towards me.

" I'll figure a way out, don't worry ok ". I said giving him I weak smile.

         I hated their guts, just to be even with me they could go up to any extent. I will have a word with them myself. They could meddle with my life but that was the limit. I would not let any other person suffer because of me. I wanted to talk to Ray. I scanned the cafe. Ray's classes must have ended before me, he was nowhere to be seen. I waited for a few minutes and called. After a few rings, he picked up.

" Ray where are you?"

" I'm in the parking area" his voice was quiet, too quiet.

" What are you doing there? "

" They ruined it "he whispered.

" What Ray ?, What's ruined " I rushed out running.

      I reached the parking area and noticed Ray. His fist was clutched so tight that they were white. He was trembling with his back turned towards me. I lay a hand on him, as he turned I saw the sight in front of me and felt the tears running from my eyes.