ATHENA

"Mama! I'm leaving!" My proclamation was typically met with my mother's muffled goodbye before I slammed the front door shut. Dashing down the stairs as I headed for the complex's entrance. I walked with a bounce, my hands tucked underneath  my backpack's straps, holding onto them tightly. I was anxious. Today was the day of our act and to say I was nervous was an understatement.

My heart was practically beating against  my chest like a stick on a drum. Playing an out of tune beat but nonetheless danceable. I quickend my footsteps to the point where I was doing a slight jog. Finally reaching the gates I pushed the steel door open to find my transport gingerly parked at the sidewalk.

Making a point to wave at the security guard that never bothers to reciprocate I approached the vehicle my smile faltering and my mood dampening. Why I thought that maybe one day the old man would wave back was a mystery to me. Entering the bus like vehicle I took my designated sit not forgetting to greet the transport driver, 'Bab' Matebula.

Which he acknowledged with a nod. Taking that as a cue to do as I please. I took out my phone, plugged in my earphones and drowned myself in an endless cycle of Kpop music until I arrived at school. Ignoring the unsettling feeling in my gut.

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                             Sora

"peaches and cream, sweeter than sweet, chocolate cheeks, chocolate wings." My mouth moved to the lyrics of the song as I shuddered in delight at the thought of my bias, RM. Of course you're wondering what a 14 year old could possibly be thinking. Well girl keep guessing. I was pulled out of my lip-syncing session by a tap at my shoulder.

Pulling out my earphones I looked to my right to see the huge smile plastered onto Rito's face. My eyes landing on her huge lips. Eww fish lips. "Sora? Sora are even listening to me?" Sheepishly smiling I nodded causing the older girl to roll her eyes at me. "I said won't you be a dear and hold my gym bag for me it's really heavy." I held the urge to tell her off rudely. That I couldn't hold it for her cause I also had an extra bag for my drama class. But I bit back the retort, opting with a much more friendlier approach.

"Uh Rito I–" Her exaggerated gasp for air instantly had me silent as she took the opportunity to talk over me. "My, Sora, don't tell me your about to refuse? Ya'know that would be really mean of you." My eyes frantically searched her mortified expression, shaking my head frantically. "Of course not. It won't be a problem at all." The smile of triumph that adorned her lips had me fuming as I averted my gaze to my lap. My form went rigid as she placed her gym bag on my lap before gingerly patting my shoulder. "Thanks Sora you're a real sweetheart." I cringed at the sarcasm dripping from her voice as she went back to chatting to another transport mate of ours.

I glanced up, my eyes coincidentally locking with Koketso who was peering over the front seat the entire time. Before disappointedly shaking her head and facing forward.

I know I'm weak. Whatever. I plugged in my earphones turning up the volume as 'Save Me' played.
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                           Melissa

Glancing from left to right I snatched the money from Logic quickly pocketing it into my bag. I nodded in thanks before shooing him away. Checking if the coast was clear I unzipped my bag dumping out its contents on the floor. Pushing away the packets of space cookies I began counting my money. Business was booming. Bags were selling everyday which was great news for me but not so great news for Athena. The bugger keeps telling me how dangerous this is, how I might get suspended for this, blah, blah, blah.

I told her to buzz off. Mind her own business and stop concerning herself with me. And I mean it. I've been doing this for two months now and no word has spread about space cookies being sold so I'm still safe. For now. I mean don't get me wrong I know what I'm doing could get me in trouble which is way I'm stopping at the end of this month. Just a little bit more to pay off 'Kruger'. And I'll stop.

"Melissa?"

"Ah! What the hell, Z? Don't sneak up on me like that! Eish." I said as I ran my fingers through my hair. My friend chuckled evilly nudging my arm. "Yea, yea. Whatcha doing? I see business is going well." I watch as she makes herself comfortable next to my stash of goods.

Placing my hands on my hips I stared her down. "How did you find me? This place is the most secure place in the school." I said sitting back down and starting from scratch with my count.

"I whiffed up your scent. My, do you smell glorious." She said flicking her tongue over her upper lip. My face scrunched up in disgust. Why I considered this girl my best friend was beyond my knowledge. "Ew. Seriously though, how?" She shrugged opening a packet of my goods and taking a huge bite.

My eyes widened as I leaned over snatching it away from her. "Z, are you crazy? You know this has weed in it, right?" I asked frantically glancing from her to it. She rolled her hazel eyes grabbing it from me and taking another bite. "Duh. I'm not stupid, Mel. And you told me about this place the other time I found you in the restroom." She said referring to my earlier question. I watched concerned as she finished the entire bag.

"I wouldn't eat that if I were you." My warning seemed to meet deaf ears as she went for another. "Don't be a sissy, Mel. Don't act like you've never eaten one." My silence and dead serious face was the answer to her statement before her laughter of disbelief broke the atmosphere.

"You're joking right?"

"I'm not."

"Yoh! How do you sleep at night knowing you're corrupting a bunch of kids for you're benefit? Ha! You gotta teach me how to be a heartless person too, gal!"

I rolled my eyes as I went back to my counting blocking out the ratchet laughter that filled my ears.

"Whatever."

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So the first chapter of the seven what do y'all think?
Who are you liking more? Athena? Sora? Or Mel?
Should Sora be more vocal about how she feels?
Is Mel a 'heartless person' as Z says?
Do y'all trust Z?
Next chapter is of the boys.
Get ready for Luka, Asef, Seth and Timothy on The Seven.