Chatters, squeals, "heys"  and  "yos"  from the guys, breathtaking hugs among different groups of girls, smile on everyone's faces.

"Clarice, I've missed you so much!"

"Me too Linda, I have a lot to gist you about"

I watched as two girls, who are clearly besties, exchange hugs. It's the first day of resumption in Harvard High after the long holiday of last session.

The 12th graders are hyped up because hey, it's the last year for them in highschool. And just so you know, I'm not part of the "thems".

I sighed as I walked on. I mean, I should also be with a group of friends and best friends squealing and jumping hand in hand in excitement just to show how much we've missed each other but as usual, I'm the quiet, gentle Abigail Howard . Yeah, I don't really have friends, ain't that popular too. 

I walked further down the hallway to my class, ignoring the girly giggles and manly laughs erupting from every corner  due to thier interaction. I got to the door of my new class and I sighed before pushing my way in. I sighted many old faces and some new ones. They are probably transferred students.

I sighted an empty seat at the end of the first column and I walked to it. It is directly beside the window, just the way I like it. I adjusted my school skirt and sat down, placing my bag beside my seat. I was about to place my head on my seat when I sighted a large shelf with few school bags placed on it. That must be for our bags. I grabbed my bag and walked to the blue painted modern shelf. I placed my bag on it and when back to my seat. Just as I sat down....

"Hello 11th graders!!" A voice boomed from the door post and everyone gave a loud cheer immediately they saw who it was. Well, everybody except me cheered.

My eyes went to the owner of the voice and as expected, it was Adrian, and his best friend Andrew. The most popular guys in school.

When I got to this school, I thought those two would be the richest, the most handsome, the most feared bad boys and play boys of the school because that's exactly how popular guys are portrayed most of the time in the fictional novels that I read but no, they aren't any of those things I mentioned.

Yeah, they are both handsome but the most handsome guy in Harvard High is David Kent who is in the 12th grade and he isn't as popular as Andrew and Adrian.

The two guys are rich but definitely not the richest. They aren't bad boys. Infact they take studies seriously but they sure aren't the most intelligent in school.

They have a bunch of girls willing to date them but they don't lure girls or use and dump them.

I gotta say, Andrew is the most responsible. He tends to take responsibility of things. He's the most intelligent in 11th grade. He's the kind of guy that knows his responsibilities and keeps to them.

But, when it comes to Adrian...Adrian can be so irresponsible. Yeah, he takes responsibility of somethings but damn! He's so playful! He jokes around a lot! Adrian can make you laugh at a funeral. He plays with things he's supposed to be serious with. But when he gets serious for once, he becomes another person entirely. And Andrew is more of a "all ladies guy". All ladies except me of course.

You must be wondering, so why are they this popular? Even I don't know, maybe it's because of thier playful personalities.

Even the teachers can't deny how mood lifting they are. A teacher might come into our class with a bad mood but surely won't leave with a bad mood. 

I watched the duo as they shook hands with the other guys. Funnily enough, science department which is my class has only 5 boys and 8 girls

And speaking of popular, where is....

"Emily, Zeemah!"

My head snapped to the direction of the voice and I sighed deeply.

It's Emily and Zeemah, the popular chics.

Okay okay, I know what you're thinking. Firstly,they ain't spoilt brats, secondly, they ain't the sexiest or prettiest, thirdly, thier family is in the average class. Fourthly, they ain't Adrian and Andrew's girlfriend and they ain't cheerleaders.

What I'd classify the four of them as is...I think it's safe to call them best friends. Since I got to Harvard High, I've always noticed that the four of them were inseparable. I was in the same class with them in first grade but after first grade, I was placed in another class. But that doesn't make me not to notice how tight thier friendship were. They've never dated one another. They are just a squad of crazy and weird folks.

Wherever you find the guys, you'll surely find the girls in their location or close to thier location

Emily is a nice, pretty and funny girl. She mixes with anyone she finds interesting. She's free spirited and can be crazy sometimes.

Zeemah is....how do I even put this? You see, between the two girls I'd say she's the closet to the guys. It was through Zee that Emily got to know the guys. So Zee is kind of the badass "momma". She mixes with guys more than girls and the funny thing is she has never dated any dude from Harvard High. I'm sure of that but I don't know if she has dated any dude outside the school.

And now to myself, you might be thinking I'm some nerd that has some kind of low self esteem or some boring chic that wears an ugly glasses and gets picked on by other students just like in fictional novels.

I'm non of that. I'm just a girl that likes minding her business more than anything. I turned back and sighted Zina, the other quiet girl apart from me. Well, at least she has a bestie. I once had a close friend, Kori, but she relocated to Korea because that's where where dad is working.

We do chat and talk all the time, I really miss her.

I snapped out of my thoughts and placed my attention on the squad. I watched as they hugged with bright smiles. My eyes followed Andrew as he walked towards the seat beside me. He probably doesn't notice someone is watching him. My eyes went to his bag and I widened my eyes, his bag is exacly like mine. Same design, same color, same zip. Oh my gosh!

People mustn't notice this it else a big deal will be made out if it. He placed it on the shelf and went back to seat..a black leather bag is separating his bag and mine, I guess he didn't notice mine.

The electric bell rang signifying the beginning of first period. I glanced at the timetable behind me for the subject we have..hmm, Geography.

"Morning class"

Mr. George, our geography and homeroom teacher, walked into the class with his signature smile and gentle footsteps.

Mr. George is a 30 years old man but he looks 25. Almost all the female teachers in the school have a crush on this man. Even some students. Mr. George is a very good looking man. Good looking? He's hella handsome. Plus, he's single, making every single female teacher wanna be the lucky woman but.. Mr. George doesn't pay attention to them, he says his sole business is to impact knowledge and turn blind eyes to all distractions.

And I admire him for that, most men would have took advantage of the women but he didn't.

"Morning Mr. George" Margaret, the number one flirt in the class said in a very flirtatious voice, Mr. George shook his head and smiled.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"It's good to have you all back after the long holiday,most of you didn't come for the summer class. Adrian, Andrew, Zee , Emily and Abigail..

He trailed off as his gaze went to me. I gave an apologetic bow and he smiled. I guess his gaze on me made other people to turn thier attention to me and that's what I hate - attention.

"Why didn't you come? It's unlike you to miss a summer class." He said adjusting his collar and I smiled faintly.

"I...I traveled due to personal reasons but I attended a summer school in one of the school where I traveled."

For some reason, my voice came out hoarse but I quickly cleared my throat to bring it back to normal.

"Oh...I thought as much."

He turned his attention to another student and I sighed as I looked sideways. Turns out Andrew's gaze was on me before Mr George turned his attention away from me. I looked away slowly and I heard a light chuckle from him.

"So.. Mr Adrian, it's no news you always miss summer school, let's here your flimsy excuse for not coming this time."

The class erupted with laughter and Adrian shook his head.

"I um...

"Didn't know there was a summer school?" Mr. George helped him complete his statement and Adrian winked at him, signifying that he was correct.

"You are one crazy dude." Emily said and Mr George just chuckled.

"Andrew?"

"Um... Mr George,I didn't mean not to come it's just.... sigh..to be honest I didn't feel like coming"

The class roared with another round of laughter and I just shook my head. I turned my head to the window and watched how the birds flew in the air. That was enough for me to lose concentration from the class.

Class ended after 40mins and we had two more subjects, English and Civics, before the short break.

I picked my purse from my bag and proceeded to the  cafeteria.

|•BACK IN THE CLASS•|

"Hmm..I see, so you think we wouldn't know?"

A girl with putting on black biker jacket gazed hard on Adrian as she asked that question. Adrian sighed and gave a fake laugh.

"I knew you would."

"So let me guess...she asked you out like other girls do?"

"Zee come on, not all girls are like that." Emily cut in without tearing her gaze off her phone.

"Ahem! Well, I asked her out." Adrian said and Andrew oohed.

Adrian is known for not asking girls out. He doesn't really confess his feelings for a girl and he hardly falls for a girl.

Most times, girls fall in love with him. He's like the "Ladies man". 

Well, yes, Andrew also gets some confessions but he declines if he isn't interested but that ain't the case for Adrian. Even if he isn't interested but the girl is super beautiful and endowed, he'll surely go for it. So hearing that he asked a girl out is kind of a shocker cos Adrian isn't the type of guy to ask girls out.

"So, you started with...from the day I met you, my heart has been quivering for your....

"Oh hell no!"

Adrian interrupted Emily before she could even complete her super cringy statement.

"Why go that length? I just told her I like her and she asked me why and I told her because she was beautiful"

Zeemah hissed making her earn a questioning look from Andrew.

"Why that?

"I thought you've finally changed but nah...you're still the idiot I've ever known. You asked her out because she's beautiful?"

Zeemah asked unbelievably.

"Why else will a guy like a girl?" Adrian clearly doesn't see what's wrong with his statement.

"So what if she wasn't beautiful?" Emily asked

"Why would I ask out a girl who isn't beautiful?"

"You're one hell of a guy!"

Zeemah said, turning her head from his face to the book in her hands

"What? I'm just me, I'm not like Andrew, the lovey guy. I don't do stuff like that. I like you, we date and we go our separate ways after 3 months max!"

Zeemah casted him a "Seriously?" Look and shook her head. It's no news to them that Adrian is unserious when it comes to the aspect of love. For the past 6 years that the squad has been together, Adrian has never said a sincere "I Love You" to a girl. He's just not like that and everybody knows.

Andrew was about to speak when they heard a crashing sound which diverted thier attention to it's direction

"I'm sorry."

The guy beside the bag shelve said with an awkward smile, seems he somehow made all the bags to fall from the shelve to the ground on top eachother

"Just rearrange them...how did you even let them fall Jackson?" Zeemah asked and Jackson laughed at his clumsiness

Jackson, Andrew and Adrian live close to eachother and they went to the same elementary school. Jackson is also close to the guys but he isn't like a member of thier squad, he's just a close buddy

"Sorry, Drew we gotta talk?"

"Bout' what?" 

"Wait...let me arrange these."

Jackson bent down to the bags and started arranging them, the squad diverted thier attention from him back to whatever they were doing before

Abigail's POV

I gulped down my caramel latte in a go and gave a satisfactory smile. The school's cafeteria sells the best latte. I wonder who is the brain behind this magnificent drink.

I disposed my cup in the recycle bin before I proceeded to the class, I got in and sat on my seat quietly.

I brought out the new novel I bought last week. It's titled "Hellbound With You" by Author Kassnlex, I just started a week ago and I must say, I'm loving it. It's over 500 chapters and I'm already in chapter 200. The main male character, Alex Qin is a very mysterious character and his female lead, Abigail Chen, is so innocent and naive, I can't wait to see how things would unfold between the cold and mysterious Alex and innocent and naive Abigail

=======

After 5 more classes and a break, school finally was over. I couldn't go home straight cos Principal Douglas sent a student to call me.

Principal Douglas is a 54 years old woman. She's a strict disciplinarian and also a charming and funny woman. She's probably asking of me to ask about the well-being of my dad and sisters. Yeah,she's that caring.

After 20mins with the Principal, I proceeded back to the class to get my bag. The class was already empty when I got back. Every student has left with his or her bag, mine was still resting on the shelf. I strapped my back and off I went back home to my lovely family

========

"Sis!"

Jas, my immediate younger sister squealed as she saw me come into the house. She hugged me tight and I grinned before hugging her back.

Jasmine is two years younger than me, due to her health, she didn't going to the same school as me. Jasmine is a SS (Sickle Cell Anemia) patient.

She has been advised by countless doctors we've been to not to street herself. She goes to a school that's just a stone throw from our house.

She would have gone to the same school as mine but my school is kinda far. Well, for her it is and Harvard High doesn't have a school bus.

"Sister Abi!" Dinah, the youngest, came running to me in just her parties. I chuckled and carried her up, twirling her around 

My parents gave birth to four children, all are girls. I'm the oldest, followed by Jasmine, Kelly and Dinah the last.

"How was school?" Jas asked as she unstrapped my bag from my back

"Hey, you're back!" Kelly beamed as she appeared from behind the 3 sitter couch in the living room. I wonder what she was doing there

"Yeah, where's dad?"

"Sleeping"

I put down Dinah and walked to dad's room. I tiptoed in and I almost laughed at his sleeping position. I tiptoed to the side of the bed and started tickling his ear, that's his tickle spot

He waved his hand trying to shoo the "fly" that was disturbing his peaceful sleep.

"Wakey wakey" I whispered and he slowly opened his eyes.

I laughed when he casted me a sleepy glare

"When did you return?" He asked sheepishly

"Just now"

He yawned tiredly and I chuckled. Poor dad,he just returned from a two weeks trip last night and he is completely drained of everything energy. He is the only parent which makes him work so hard just to satisfy our needs

Mum died when I was just 13 years. That's five years ago while giving birth to Dinah.

It was the most heartbreaking thing that ever happened to my dad and I. I technically became the "mother" at the age of 13

My dad refused to allow any family member live with us but he made my aunt stay till Dinah was one year. He hasn't even remarried till this day. It was hard for me at first. I had to start waking up so early, take care of my sisters, looking after a one year old troublesome baby wasn't an easy job for a 13 year old girl. I almost went down mentally but I had to be strong.

We scaled through and we are doing better than I expected we would.

"Should I make you toast?"

"Yes thank you." he mumbled in his sleepy voice and I nodded.

I quietly left his room to mine. I changed into a white blouse and a pair of jean shorts . I let my ponytail down and proceeded to the kitchen

"What chu doing?" Dinah asked as she came to the kitchen

"Toast."

"Make some for me please?" She said, batting her eyelashes cutely.

"Me too."

"Me three."

I huffed at the three of em.

"Do how was first day in 9th grade Jas?" I asked

"Well..." She began as she took a bite out of the banana in her hand. Jas has a strict diet she must follow. She mustn't eat oily foods, junk food and too much of carbohydrate. She mostly eats fish, vegetables, fruits and nuts and she drinks a lot of water. She's allowed to take milkshakes and natural fruit juices and not any other drinks. She can take soda but not too much.

I just feel for so sad for her. She can't run round the field like other kids, she can't play too long in the snow except when thickly clothed. She can't stuff her stomach with chocolate and too much ice cream. Just a slight hit can cause a problem. Its just so hard

"Well what?"

"A guy said hi to me."

I noticed the shy blush on her cheeks and I grinned teasingly

"Let me guess, this guy you're talking about is...

"Zeke!" Kelly and Dinah chorused and I laughed. Zeke is the dude Jas has been crushing on since like...forever.

So this is kind of a big deal.

"So just hi? That's it?" I asked as I plugged in the toasting machine

"No, we um..we had lunch together, he even walked me home."

Watching Jasmine smile dreamingly is the most satisfying thing ever!

"So technically, we should be expecting a brother-in-law." 

"What now?"

We all turned to the direction of the voice that came from behind us.

"Brother-in- what?" Dad asked again as he walked towards us and I laughed out loud

"Well, Jasmine got a boyfriend." Kelly said before any of us could open our mouths.

"Hell nah!" 

"Come on dad, it's a good thing. Aren't you happy that one of your daughters is talking about a boy? Just take a look at Abigail, she's 18 and she has never ever for once talked about a guy!" 

Dad laughed at Kelly's statement and I casted her a glare.

"Come on Kelly, that's not a bad thing. Non of you should get a boyfriend until you're 21 years old."

Dinah spit out the water in her mouth immediately dad said that 

"No boyfriend until...dad, you're not serious are you?" Kelly asked and I shook my head

"I am, what exactly do you need a boyfriend for at age 16?"

"A lot of things! Dad, Zeke is a really great guy. You'll love him once you meet him."

Jasmine sounded so sure of herself as she tried to convince dad. But I know dad well, even if he permits her to date  Zeke, Zeke is gonna experience a 5 hours interview and talk on the rules and  regulations he has to follow. Dad can be really over protective.

"Your toast is ready." I announced but they seemed to be engrossed in their argument about boys

"Boys are just distractions Jasmine, I mean, you'll surely breakup one way or the other so why try?"

"Dad, don't be pessimistic. Who knows, they might end up dating for a long time and get married in the future." Kelly chipped in

I shook my head before walking out of the kitchen, I went to my room and slumped on the bed as  I got in

"Just take a look at Abigail, she's 18 and she has never ever for once talked about a guy!" 

I remembered Kelly's statement and I sighed. I've never talked about a boy but how are you so sure I don't think of one?

I sat up and picked up my school bag from the floor. I opened it and I was about to pick out my note when I sighted something. It was a black headphone. What is this doing in my bag? I don't remember having a black headphone.

I picked it out and examined it for a while. Wait, I've seen this with someone before. I placed the gadget on the bed and picked out a note, I opened the note and an unfamiliar handwriting welcomed me. This isn't my handwriting.

I checked the name written on the front page and.....ANDREW HEATHER?!!