Leonardo Starvelths drug case was the only topic of the news channels, the papers, and even in magazines in the following days, while Leonardo was still held in jail without bail allowed, as the court was still discussing his sentence.

Heathers heart almost broke when she read the news about his sentence; his life would be wasted in jail for one to ten years, depending on what the court decided. The twenty-three-year-old Leonardo would be thirty-three when he got freed from jail.

And that was terrible!

In her house, only Heather seemed to worry about a boy she didnt know, while the others didnt even care to know more about the news. Sometimes Heather used to wonder, why she cared so much for a boy she didnt know, who was allegedly the spoiled son of a celebrity, he who was a total stranger to her But she couldnt pretend his face didnt pop up every time she bowed her head before God in prayer. Feeling as though God wanted her to pray for him, she would pray every time his face came to her mind. That had become a daily routine in her prayer life. A part of her still wondered why, but she believed, one day, her prayers for him would produce a result.

She never shared this urge to pray for Leonardo with anyone in her family. According to her dad, Frederic, the fall of the movie star Lucas Starvelth and his son was something that Lucas deserved, because he was arrogant.

Heather couldnt agree with him at all. It only annoyed her to hear this from her dad, who was also her role model in life with his success in his own business that he ran, with branches in nearly sixty-seven countries. And it seemed like she wasnt the only one who thought their dads views of Lucas Starvelth were wrong.

He sounds like he hates him so much, dont you think? Arel, her fifteen-year-old sister, asked in a murmur as they both descended the stairs from their rooms for breakfast, after getting dressed for the first day of the new school year.

Heather shrugged uncertainly. Hate is a strong word, Arel. But youre right, dad sounds like he dislikes Lucas a lot. She gave an amused chuckle. I wonder why.

He doesnt watch a single movie that has Lucas in it and he doesnt allow us to watch them at all, either. Whats wrong with him? Both sisters turned to face each other and stopped simultaneously, keeping an eye on the stairs below just in case.

All I know is that he doesnt like Lucas at all and the excuse he gives when we ask him why is Lucas is an arrogant person. Heather shook her head, thinking about their dear dad. Okay, maybe we really dont have to question his personal preferences; but the thing is, what he does now, enjoying the fall of one person he doesnt like

Yeah, I get that. Arel agreed with her sister, twisting the locks of her dark hair with her index finger as she frowned. God would never like such an attitude; no matter what kind of person had the fall, even if hes someone whos against us.

I know, right? Im worried for him in that case. Heather frowned as she thought about their dad, folding her arms across her chest. Have you noticed that he talks about Lucas like hes met him before?

Arel thought for a second. Do you think Lucas and our dad were in some sort of same school or college when they were younger?

What? Heather stifled a laugh.

Well, I think what she said has some logical sense, said a voice from above the stairs, startling them.

Turning around, they saw the twins, Fodd and Ferry standing on the stairs.

We didnt mean to eavesdrop. Ferry apologized, narrowing her eyes at her twin who interrupted their older sisters conversation. She nervously fiddled with her fingers in front of her. We were just coming down but stopped when we heard you talking and didnt want to interrupt.

So we thought to wait, Fodd added with a sheepish grin spreading across his face as he tied his hands behind him, appearing too boyish than he already was.

Heather and Arel exchanged a glance.

We wont tell this to anyone, not even Freddie, Ferry promised.

Because we believe dads kinda wrong about this, and Arel is right about perhaps they both were in the same school or something, that makes him say this about Lucas, as though hes someone he had known well, Fodd said thoughtfully.

Can you forgive us for eavesdropping? Ferry asked Heather and Arel.

Of course, they both said in unison, assuring them before bursting into a fit of chuckles; and they all set down to the ground floor for breakfast, talking about it no more.

Heather stopped by the living room, walking toward the small table between the sofas, where she could find the newest newspaper. Arel smirked her way, raising an eyebrow as she saw Heather taking the newspaper into her hands and reading it.

Leonardos outstanding glamour still had Heather stupefied; and praying for him daily followed by the urge in her heart had made her end up dreaming of his sapphire blue eyes mostly every night. She would smile about it every morning after waking up, recalling the dreams. Since the very moment she had seen him on TV news, her mind was literally occupied with him; and even unbelievable for herself, she had began imagining what itd be like when shed ever get to meet him—picturing them together in her head.

Sometimes, when she realize she had gone too deep into those thoughts, shed pull herself to consciousness and shake herself out of it, asking whats going on with her; only to get lost again, a few moments later.

This was weird, absolutely and completely strange of her; she had never been impacted by a boy before, but this one this Leonardo he was something else.

And she had been telling herself that, never in her seventeen years had she seen anyone so breathtaking like him.

And so, Heather hadnt missed a single newspaper since the day she came across his news on TV. But recently, much to her slight disappointment—which she didnt register as a disappointment—there hadnt been pictures of Leonardo along with the news, but just the updates.

When did you become so fond of newspapers, Heather? Arel asked her teasingly.

Heather held the newspaper up in front of her face to cover her blushing cheeks from her sister as she muttered. Shut up. Her eyes wandered across the newspaper to see if there had been any latest updates about Leonardo.

But no; this time there were none.

After breakfast, Heather and the rest left for their school in Heathers yellow Porsche—while Freddie was in New York for his college. The unusually bad traffic awaited them halfway through the school and Fodd encouraged his sister to invade all the gaps she could get, to drive her car further forward to reach the front if possible, as he complained to himself about getting late for school on the very first day.

Heather didnt want to do that, not wanting any damage to happen to her dear car that was a gift from her parents for her sixteenth birthday. But as Fodd continued to talk her ears off, she decided against her will and took forward, only to nearly bump into a similar-looking gold Porsche, that had made the same move.

Heathers head snapped to the window, glancing at the driver of the other Porsche apologetically, mouthing a sorry; but the driver, a stunning girl around Heathers age with a straight brunette bob and curtain bangs, narrowed her eyes at her and sped away as soon the traffic was off, in the same direction Heather was going as well.

Well, that didnt look good, Fodd muttered disapprovingly.

A result of taking our younger impatient brothers order. Arel rolled her eyes at him and Ferry chuckled silently, nudging her twin.

I think she was wearing the same uniform as me, Heather told her siblings as she sped off as well, after the other Porsche, but it soon disappeared from their sight as it was much faster.

Some lunatic driver. Arel smirked at her sister. I think youre going to be in trouble, sis

Heather rolled her eyes. I can deal with that.

This year at school was going to be different from her previous ones for Heather. Her only best friend at school, Tiana, had moved to Florida due to some family reasons, which left Heather feeling lonely as she walked through the corridors of her school and sat in her classes. She knew some other girls at school, but they werent her friends and could never compare to Tiana at all. As much as she was going to miss Tiana, Heather knew she had to live through this.

Hey a male voice said. That, combined with the chair screeching against the floor, told Heather some boy had taken the seat next to her.

Heather mentally let out a growl in her head before looking at the boy from her phone, texting Tiana, who had just gotten online.

Hi. She plastered on a smile for the dark-haired boy with dimples, before immediately bringing her attention back to her phone, to show him she was occupied. Heather never liked talking with the boys in her school, especially the ones who gawked at her openly.

How was your summer? The boy tried to engage her in a conversation.

Good? She shrugged in response, not taking her eyes off the phone as she texted.

Okay are you texting someone? the boy inquired, getting only a few reactions from Heather.

Yeah, a friend. She smiled at him, looking up from the phone before she continued to text her friend.

Oh okay I wont be bothering you then The boy murmured to himself as he pivoted away from her, occupied with his own business.

Heather sighed. She knew it was rude of her to act that way, but she had no choice.

She began waiting for the teacher, who sat at his desk in front of them with a file, to start the class, so she could be freed from the glances this boy was throwing at her every now and then; it was driving her so annoyed.

And then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone enter the classroom and looked up from her phone at once. Her emerald eyes widened a little at the sight of the same brunette she had bumped into during the traffic on the road that morning, entering, with a backpack hanging on her shoulder. She was new to the school. Heather was certain because she dont recall seeing her before. The girl was pale, tall with long legs, and slim with the narrowest waist Heather had ever seen. On top of that, she was gorgeous, someone any boy couldnt help but gawk at.

Mr. Dehloter, she called in her musical voice.

Mr. Dehloter looked up from his files, adjusting his glasses on his nose as he glanced toward the brunette at the doorway; everyone was looking at her. His face lit up a little as if he knew her. Ah, miss–

Sherin. The brunette cut him off, walking toward his desk and slamming a paper on top that she had been holding in her hand, and giving him a meaningful look.

The teacher took the paper into his hands, confused, and read it as the brunette, Sherin, waited for his response with folded arms. She tapped her foot on the floor with her head tilted, watching his reaction.

Oh, okay The man slowly nodded and smiled slightly at Sherin, which she returned with a very sweet smile that could daze every boy in the room. You may take your seat. The teacher gestured in front of him and frowned as he saw no seat vacant, other than the lonely one behind Heathers row. Im afraid–

Im pretty comfortable with that, thank you. Sherin snatched the paper from his hand and walked toward the empty table, catching Heathers gaze on her way. Sherins grayish-blue eyes widened a little at the sight of her, but the surprise was soon replaced with a glare.

Heather pursed her lips and turned away, not looking back at the brunette again as Mr. Dehloter began the mathematics class.

When the bell rang and the class was dismissed, Heather hurried her stuff into her bag and got up from her table, glancing back at the brunette who paid no attention to anyone who looked at her, but only focused on grabbing her stuff into her bag. As planned during class, Heather took a deep breath before walking toward her table, to owe her an apology for what happened with her car.

Sherin looked up as she saw Heather approach her and raised her eyebrow at her questioningly. Heather hesitated a little, seeing the hostile look on the girls face, wondering if she would be dismissed like the other few girls and boys who tried to talk with her once the class was over. She might be rude, from the way she was acting outside, but Heather just wanted to give her an apology and keep her from glaring at her all the time if they ever came face to face again.

Hi. Heather greeted her with a forced, yet friendly smile.

Sherin raised her eyebrow higher at her.

Heather tried not to drop her smile. Im sorry about earlier today, in the traffic

Yeah the brunette mused. So it was really you, I wasnt wrong after all.

She ignored Heather and continued to pack her backpack.

No, Heather shrugged, confirming. And Ive come to apologize.

The brunette snorted in amusement, not looking up.

Im sorry, did I cause your car any damage? I can get it fixed–

No, thats fine. Sherin threw her backpack over her shoulder. And thanks for the apology, its appreciated.

So no damage? Heather inquired.

Thankfully. Her tone was dismissive as she tried to walk past Heather. They were the only ones left in the room.

Okay then Heather shrugged it off, seeing that the girl wasnt in the mood to talk, and didnt want to annoy her by continuing to talk. She followed Sherin out of the room and headed in the same direction toward their shared class.

Sherin glanced back and saw Heather behind her, You have biology too?

That caught Heather by surprise, especially to see her scowling or glaring no more. Perhaps Sherin had really accepted the apology and was not as bad as she thought.

Yeah. Heather smiled at her, now walking next to Sherin who had slowed her pace. I was going to ask you about that, but you sped off.

Sherin smiled a small smile in response as they both entered their biology class, finding a vacant table and sitting down together as the whole class turned to them and some even began whispering to each other. The teacher was a very short man, at whose sight Sherin cracked a quiet joke to Heather. I wonder if hes a dwarf.

Heather blinked at her before chuckling and responding, Or even a half-elf.

They both giggled quietly at their joke.

Anyway, to Heathers surprise, something changed in the mysterious brunettes attitude. She was behaving in a rather cordial way toward Heather, although simultaneously, she would simply dismiss the others who came up to her. So Heather invited her to join her in the cafeteria for lunch, since she didnt have her best friend to sit with anymore, and Sherin gladly accepted the offer, as far as they would be the only ones at the table.

Is it normal that wherever you go, everyone turns around to look at you? As if youre some sort of magnet attracting them? Heather murmured to Sherin, as they walked together to their tables with food trays in their hands. Almost everyone was looking their way and whispering to each other, and it had begun to irritate her.

Sherin laughed nervously as she sat down, setting her tray on the table. I guess so?

Heather smiled, amused, as she too sat down at their table. So what made you change schools? she asked, before adding. If you dont mind me asking?

Sherin shrugged. Ive always wanted to come here and apply for this high school.

Is this school better than your old one, then? Heather inquired, keeping up with their friendly conversation, glad to see Sherin warmed up from her previous icy attitude.

Not that I didnt like my old school—I absolutely love it there—but I just wanted to try something different. And my brother told me, maybe I could come here She pursed her lips. And, this school isnt bad, from what Ive heard. Though I cant really give you my opinion yet, I just started.

Heather smiled. Youre right.

And besides, Sherins lips twitched into an amused smirk. I heard the boys here are cute.

That caused Heather to snort. Seriously, who told you that?

Sherin laughed along, seeing Heathers reaction. Maybe my brother was only teasing me. She shook her head, smiling softly as she mentioned her brother, dropping her gaze to her plate.

Well, in that case, if you arrived here a few years ago, I couldve guaranteed that you could find at least one prince charming here. Heather said, amused.

But what about now?

Because now, hes gone to college. Heather shrugged.

Was he a crush of yours?

Heather laughed. No, Im talking about my brother.

Sherin rolled her eyes sarcastically. Well, I think I could say the same about my brother too. She sighed, smiley. He was the king in our school when he was there. Though she began fondly, suddenly her fondness and smile were replaced with a disgusted expression. And all the girls would literally fall on his feet, drool on him and swoon over him, sigh at the sight of him, gawk at him ugh!

Heather certainly didnt expect that. Oh. She didnt know what to say to that. So, I guess your brother is really that good-looking?

Sherins expression held a hint of bafflement and surprise as she tilted her head, smirking slightly at Heather. You didnt quite understand me, did you?

O-Of course, I do. Heather stuttered. What is there to understand? Your brother was the most handsome person in your–

Not that. Sherin laughed slightly, waving her hand dismissively in the air. Im asking, you dont understand who I am, do you?

Um Yeah I guess I havent asked your name? she asked, baffled. Whats your last name?

Sherin laughed hard, keeping her voice low. Of course! I knew you didnt get me!

Who are you? Heather inquired curiously.

Sherin, she answered with a shrug of her shoulders. She pointed a french fry at Heather. But what comes next is the reason everyones looking at me. Even if it seems like not everyone knows who I am.

Heather waited with an arched eyebrow. So, who are you?

Sherin smiled, a genuine smile, and Heather knew for once that the smile she had offered their math teacher earlier was a fake one, compared to this. Sherin Starvelth,

Heathers jaw dropped in shock. Leonardo Starvelths sister?!

-- ★ --

a/n: Aha! Here we go! Did any of my brilliant intelligent readers guessed this about the mysterious Sherin? Then let me know in the comments! Your feedbacks are VERY VERY MUCH appreciated! They makes my day and makes me write fast and update faster for you guys!

If there are any grammar/spelling mistakes in the chapters that I might've missed to notice, please feel free let me know in the comments.

You'll be seeing more of Sherin in the chapters to come as she is the 'portal' for Heather and Leonardo to meet; which is going to happen in chapter four; just in case if you were wondering. 😉