Chapter 1 One

First day at Holland's high.

"Life doesn't give you what you want, but what you deserve."

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- Elizabeth -

"Beth, hurry up! You're going to be late for school!"

Dad's voice echoed through the house, urgency laced in every syllable.

"Coming!" I called back, grabbing my backpack. One last glance in the mirror, and I was dashing downstairs-until my foot caught the edge of a step. My heart lurched as I stumbled forward, barely catching myself in time.

"Morning, Mom!" I greeted as she stepped out of the kitchen. Closing the distance between us, I pressed a quick kiss to her cheek.

"Morning, Liz!" she replied with a warm smile. Unlike Dad, who preferred Beth, Mom called me Liz-a name I liked better. Maybe because it reminded me of my idol, Thewizardliz.

She handed me a lunch bag, its familiar weight telling me it was packed with my favorite food.

"Breakfast and lunch, just the way you like it," she said.

"Thanks, Mom!" I hugged her tightly, savoring the comfort before Dad's impatient honk pierced the moment.

"Enjoy your first day at Hollands High!" she called as I rushed toward the door.

"I will!" I shouted back, hoping she heard me.

Dad shook his head as I slid into the passenger seat. "You sure took your time, Beth."

"Sorry!" I grinned sheepishly.

"You need to learn to adapt," he muttered, starting the car.

"I'll try," I said, though I wasn't entirely convinced.

Minutes later, as I stepped out of the car, the reality of the situation hit me. The school grounds were teeming with students, moving in clusters, laughter and conversation buzzing all around me.

I inhaled deeply. "My first day," I murmured, bracing myself for what was to come.

New Orleans had always been home, where I was born, where I started school, where I made friends. But then, Hurricane Katrina happened. Our house, our car, everything we had, gone overnight. Yet, the worst part wasn't losing our belongings. It was watching my city, my beautiful, vibrant city, fade into ruin.

It took us over a year to recover, a long, painful year where I had to watch my bond with my best friend, Brielle, slowly disappear. Distance does that to friendships. It sucks.

Taking a break to rebuild meant taking a break from school, too. And now, here I was, eighteen and in high school for my final year, when I was supposed to be in college. Things happen for a reason, I told myself. But for the first time, I wasn't sure I believed it.

Lost in thought, I wandered through the hallways, trying to familiarize myself with my new environment-until I crashed into something.

Or someone.

"Ouch." The impact sent a sharp pain through my forehead as I collided with a solid chest-wait, chest?

I stepped back, looking up, and my breath hitched. His eyes-deep, mesmerizing, oceanic-held mine captive. I had always thought the sea was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. Until now.

"Is that how you apologize after crashing into someone?" His voice was a smooth blend of amusement and irritation.

I blinked. "I... I'm sorry." The words barely made it out.

"Then stop staring and move."

I nodded but remained frozen.

His expression darkened. "Are you deaf?"

That snapped me out of my daze. I quickly stepped aside, and he walked past me without another glance-though not before his scent, rich and intoxicating, filled my lungs.

"That's Patrick," a voice beside me said. I turned to find a girl my age, her striking red hair making her stand out. She wore a jumpsuit and had a knowing look in her eyes.

"Oh..." I muttered, still trying to process what had just happened.

"Avoid him at all costs," she warned.

"Why?"

Her lips pressed into a thin line. "He's a bully and a playboy."

The certainty in her tone made me wonder-had she been one of his victims?

"Noted. Thanks for the heads-up."

"You'll need it," she said before walking away, leaving me alone and feeling more lost than before.

Somehow, I managed to navigate my way to the administrative office, where I had to complete my final registration.

"Elizabeth Bennett," a woman with large-rimmed glasses called, handing me a file.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"That's your student file. It contains everything you need to know about the school. Keep it safe."

"I will," I nodded, gripping the folder as I stepped out.

"Elizabeth Bennett."

The voice behind me made me freeze. Familiar, yet unfamiliar.

I turned, only to find myself cornered.

By him.

Patrick.

"A new student... and a virgin, I see."

My eyes widened. How the hell does he know that?

A smirk played on his lips. "I know everything, love."

His fingers traced my face, slow and deliberate. I recoiled, but not fast enough.

"You-"

"See you around, love." He patted my cheek before walking away as if nothing had happened.

I stood there, heart racing, mind whirling.

What the hell just happened?

And how, on my very first day, had I already caught the attention of the one person I was supposed to avoid?

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A/N: What do you guys think of the first chapter? I'd love to hear your thoughts!