Chapter 2 2

The next morning, I didn't feel like going to school. It was like my confidence had faded and in its place, my true embarrassment had settled in because suddenly I didn't want to get out of my bed and face what would be millions of people laughing at me. All because a girl had tripped me so that I ended up kissing someone.

A knock knock on my door brought me out of my thoughts and I quickly started coughing, covering my forehead with my hand, trying to act as dramatically sick as possible when my dad opened the door, poking his head in as his warm brown eyes glanced at me. "Hey, sweetie, you up?"

"Yeah," I croaked out, "but I'm not feeling well."

"Aw, that sucks." A pause. "You're still going to school."

"But, Dad!" "No buts, young lady, let's go."

Groaning, I rolled out of bed and pointed an accusing finger at my father as I headed towards my ensuite bathroom, "I hope you know that if I die of embarrassment today, it'll be your fault."

"My sincerest apologies," he stated sarcastically, before closing my bedroom door behind him and walking away. Well, at least I know where I get my sarcasm from. Sighing, I quickly used the bathroom and brushed my teeth, hurriedly throwing on my uniform before deciding that I'll braid my hair into a Dutch braid and frame my face with a few loose strands.

Once I was sure I looked presentable, I grabbed my backpack from the floor and jogged out of my room, heading down the stairs to where my dad was in the kitchen making waffles. He looked up when he saw me come in and slid a plate full with delicious-looking breakfast across the counter, pushing a glass of orange juice forward, too.

I grinned, "Thanks." He nodded before he grabbed his own bag and slung it over his own shoulder, turning to look at me as he grabbed his coffee, "Remember, I'll be home late tonight so don't freak out if I don't get back at my usual time. And if you get hungry, order some pizza but don't eat it all. You know I'm a sucker for cheese."

"Got it. Anything else?" He tapped his chin with his finger for a moment before he shook his head and kissed my forehead, "That's all. Love you."

"Love you, too, Dad." I watched him leave before I quickly finished my own breakfast and headed to school, my steps faltering when I reached the freshly-grazed lawn that belonged to my academy.

A few people were already starting to stare at me but I quickly swallowed my embarrassment and held my head up, walking forward with confident strides.

Never let anyone see that they get to you. The words rung inside my head as I ignored the whispers of the students, only continuing to make my way to my locker, where – you guessed it – Queen Bitch was waiting for me.

What do you want?" I sighed, cutting straight to the point.

"Just came to see if you saw the video yet," she stated, a smirk twitching at the corner of her lips that I rolled my eyes to.

"No, I didn't, but thank you for letting me know it's up. Now, move." She didn't, only widening her smirk even more, "You know, my favorite part was when you got pasta all over your face."

I gave her a sweet smile, "Really? Mine was when I kissed the guy you're obsessed with." A chorus of ' oohs' went through the crowd that had gathered again, and I found myself grinning when Layla's face flushed red, whether in embarrassment or anger, I don't know.

"I'm not obsessed with him," she protested, but the way her voice wavered told me otherwise.

I shrugged my shoulders, "Whatever you say." Obviously realizing that no one was going to believe her, Layla stomped her foot in a childish manner and shot me a glare before shoving her way through the people who were laughing at her.

I watched her go before shaking my head with a chuckle, and turned towards my locker, my hand reaching out to do the combo when a voice spoke up. Girly, teach me your ways." My gaze snapped to the side where a beautiful girl was leaning against the lockers next to mine, her dark curly hair down to her waist and large, almond eyes watching me with amusement.

There was an aura around her that demanded attention and respect, and I knew within a heartbeat that she was the type of girl guys would pine over but would never get.

"My what?" I questioned, finally snapping out of my daze to register her words.

She laughed, her pearly white teeth flashing as she did, "Your ways. You know, to have such great responses to girls like Layla."

"Oh," I chuckled. "There's really no way to teach. All you have to do is use your brain – which is something she doesn't have."

The girl's grin widened as she held out her hand, "My name's Yasmin, and I have a feeling that we'll be great friends." I gave her a smile of my own as I shook her hand back with a nod, "Neat name. I'm Kiara."

"Thanks. It's Egyptian."

" That explains that damn gorgeousness. Where you headed?" she questioned, and I cocked my head to the direction that I needed to go. "Physics. You?"

"AP Chem. They're in the same hallway, though, so do you want to walk together to our next classes afterwards?"

I nodded, "Sure. See you, then." She gave a wave of her fingers before she walked down the hall, disappearing around the corner just as I slung my backpack over my shoulder and started to do the same.

That is, until I slammed into someone. A groan escaped my lips and I tilted my head up to see an unfamiliar boy rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly while a very familiar guy next to him was laughing loudly.

"I believe as my partner-in-crime, you're supposed to support me and not make fun of me, thank you very much," I muttered, grabbing the book that had fallen out of my hands from the floor before shooting a cool glare towards Connor, who grinned.

"Sorry, Clumsy, but I just find it funny that you can go from being bold and telling Layla off to being a total klutz and stumbling into everyone."

Then he smirked, "But at least you didn't end up kissing him." The unfamiliar boy's eyebrows rose up in surprise, " This is the girl? Holy shit, I thought River was just making that up when he said that."

My cheeks flushed in embarrassment, "Didn't you see the video?"

He shook his head, "I don't bother checking my social media. Too many notifications." Popular people, am I right?

"Anyway, sorry for bumping into you," he apologized, but I waved it off. "It's all good. My fault, anyway. Where are you two headed?"

"Skipping," Connor replied. "Want to join?"

"And deal with your comments on my clumsiness? No thanks. Have fun, though." He pouted, his bright blue eyes shimmering with amusement as he held a hand over his heart, "But I thought we were partners in crime!"

"This criminal's taking a break from trouble right now."

The unfamiliar dude laughed, "Some other time then. See you." I shot him a smile before walking around him, about to enter my classroom when Connor called out. "Try not to walk into the door, Clumsy!"

I rolled my eyes and flipped him the bird. Not today, Satan. And as I thought that, I smacked straight into the wooden door of my classroom. •-•-•