Chapter 2 THE PHOTOGRAPH

"You're going to be late if you keep staring at that tablet, Kay,"my mom says to me, handing me the binder I had asked for a few days ago. "Thanks, Mom," I beam as I open the binder to admire it. "You never seem to make teenage girl requests, you old soul," she replies in a lighthearted tone as she grabs her apron from one of the dining chairs before heading into the kitchen. "Yeah, the world is too big for everyday requests, Mother," I say as she laughs and hands me my schoolbag. "Yeah, sure. Tell Riley and Tamara I said hi, "she replies. "Okay, I will.

Also, help me tell Dad I'll be at Tamara's after school so he doesn't have to bother coming to pick me up," I yell from the front door before shutting it and heading for the bus stop.

A few feet away from the bus stop, I see Tamara and Riley already there, deep in conversation. "What the hell are you always yapping about, you seahorse?"I say, jumping right in between them. "Well, only news you'd never get to hear from underneath that rock of yours, Grandma. Now shoo," Riley replies, swatting me away to continue his story. "Well, Mama Rock says hi either way," I say as I ruffle his hair. "We'll come visit this weekend it's long overdue,"Tamara says just as the school bus rounds the corner and stops. I watch as Tamara hoists herself onto the bus. "Morning, Doug,"she says to the driver. "Good morning, kid,"he replies. "Hey, sup, Dougie?" Riley beams, walking in behind her. "Good morning, Mr. Douglas,"I say, coming in right behind Riley, smiling at the interaction. "Ah, there's the good one. How are you, Kore?"he beams, looking in my direction. "I'm fine, Mr. Douglas," I say, laughing as I follow behind Riley to the back of the bus so we can all sit together. "Have you guys heard about the scholarship our school won? It's sponsored by that billionaire teen, "Riley chimes the moment our asses hit the seats. "You never stop talking, do you?"Tamara says over my head. "That's why both of you need me. Anyways, I heard he's hot as the damn sun,"he goes on. "Well, I did hear the girls in my class talking about it all through Friday last week, so he must be a sight for sore eyes,"she replies while I'm arranging papers into my binder.

"Kore, take your eyes off that binder and look at this,"I hear Riley say as he shoves his phone in my face. "Okay, chill, dude,"I say, taking his phone. "What am I looking at?"I ask, staring at his dark screen. "You took too long, dumbass,"he replies as he unlocks the phone. I'm met with the picture of a boy just about our age in black dress pants and a navy-blue T-shirt, his hands raised halfway to his face in a failed attempt to shield himself from paparazzi. His tousled curls fall around his face as his head bows to the side, showing off his sharp jawline. His mouth is slightly open, as if he was saying something. He looks perfect from his caramel skin to his youthful features and jet-black curls. A sudden urge to look into his eyes rises in my chest. "Well, he's pretty good-looking. Is he another Insta model you wanna shag when you're legal?" I say, handing Riley back his phone and going back to my binder, trying to act as nonchalant as possible. "Girl, you have got to be kidding me. That's Elias Nolan the billionaire teen sponsoring the scholarship our school won," Tamara interjects. "Oh... I didn't realize. Do you have another picture? The first one doesn't really show his face,"I ask, hoping I don't sound too eager. "Of course I do, babe. You underestimate me,"Riley says, pulling out another picture from his gallery and handing his phone to me. "Gee... stalker much, Riley Smith? You're obsessed,"Tamara says between laughs as I take the phone to look at the picture. This one isn't a paparazzi shot it's more like an event photo. His cold emerald green eyes strike me first, holding so much familiarity. His lips are pulled into a forced smile for the sake of the picture. A sudden pain erupts in my chest. "Those are some expensive shoes. Damn, aren't those VSL?" Tamara says, looking at the picture as I hand the phone back to Riley. "Well, he has pretty eyes, that's for sure,"I say. "Pretty, rich, and mysterious," Riley adds. "He's a definite catch, that's for certain,"Tamara agrees. "Can you both not fantasize about the same boy over me?"I say, interrupting their ogling as the bus comes to a stop. "Well, that's actually true, Tam. We just have to coach Kore so she can get to him,"Riley says with a cheeky grin. "Wait a damn minute why me?"I whine, looking between both of them. "Because to enlist for the scholarship, you either have to be smart, athletic, or can't afford school,"Tamara chimes in. "Exactly. And we are none of those, but you are, Kore McAlister star student of Nester High. So, honey, better pack up; we'll miss you,"Riley continues. "Let's go, or we'll be late for assembly,"I say, packing my binder into my bag and standing to leave the bus, ignoring their antics.

The excitement among the students is through the roof, with everyone buzzing about the sponsor and who might get the spot. After restlessly rushing through the anthems and pledges, the headmaster walks up to the podium to address us as usual except this time, everyone is actually looking forward to it. "Good morning, students and teachers. I'm sure news has been going around, as I can already hear whispers about it. Last week, Nester High was one of the schools fortunate enough to win the NYX Scholarship Programme, sponsored by the respected Elias Nolan the youngest billionaire and heir to NYX Corp. Coming in first, we were offered five slots, three more than other schools. The admissions office has carefully selected the five eligible students based on academic records, athletic abilities, and financial constraints. These students will be given the privilege to complete the next two years of high school at NYX Academy, offering them direct spots into university and their career of choice." His speech goes on for about five more minutes before he realizes everyone is losing interest. "Well, without wasting any more time, I'll call up our guest from NYX Corp to announce the selected students,"he says, stepping down as another man in a plaid gray suit steps up to the podium. "Thank you for the opportunity. The names of the eligible students, in no specific order: Rosalind Brownne, Austin Parker, Russell Matheson, Annalise Brentwood, and Kore McAlister. Thank you for your time,"he says, looking up at the headmaster, nodding, and heading for the exit. "The students mentioned should please head to the admissions office at lunch period to collect their official admission letters, along with the emails sent to their parents. You may all head to your classes,"the headmaster says before walking away.

The walk to class isn't much different from the assembly buzz some congratulate me, others scowl, and most just talk about how surreal it is. The same thought echoes in my head: This feels unreal. "We told you you'd get picked, didn't we?" Tam says, nudging me as we reach our lockers. "It's honestly so unreal. My mom is going to lose her shit," I exclaim, laughing at the thought of how excited she'll be. "Dad's coming today we might have a 'family dinner' of the sort,"I say, making air quotes. "Well, you should know that we're happy for you. You deserve this more than anyone,"Riley says, shutting his locker and turning to face me. "Well, well, well. Kore, sweet Kore. I guess you can finally ditch these losers for me, honey. We're the elite now, darling," Russell says, slamming my locker shut and leaning against it.

Russell Matheson one of the scholarship students picked for athletic performance, school football captain, and also a complete jackass. "You know jerks like you can only be eligible because your brain is a football," Riley snaps, stepping between me and Russell. "Don't you have some dicks to suck for bus money or something, you fag?" Russell bites back. I clench my fists as anger boils inside me. "You might not know this, Russell, but I love my personal space too much to indulge you. Oh, and being homophobic doesn't hide the fact that you actually suck dicks for bus money and still walk. So please move along, your egg breath is nauseating,"I say deadpan, watching him turn beet red. "Yeah, move along, Egg Boy,"I add with finality, shoving him aside to open my locker before he walks away. I never understood why he picked on Riley for being gay when he was bi himself, I mean we've all heard the rumors, but that's beside the point right now. "I can't stand that jerk... Jesus," Tamara exclaims in annoyance. "I know, right? Thank you, Kay. I really appreciate that,"Riley says, handing me a pen. "I know you don't have one,"he adds, making the three of us laugh as we walk down the hall before splitting off to our separate classes.

The first four periods pass in a blur, all I can focus on are those cold green eyes from this morning. Lunch rolls around, and I absentmindedly head to the admissions office. After writing down my mom's email, we're given forms to fill out and then handed envelopes with our admission letters. The secretary gives each of us a paper gift bag containing five sets of uniforms, three brooches, a handbook, and a pamphlet.

Feeling too spaced out, I head back to class for the rest of the day, mumbling half-hearted thank yous to the congratulations I keep getting. After school, I walk out front and spot Tamara and Riley already waiting for me by the bus. "Are you still coming over to my place, or do you wanna go share the news with your mom?" Tamara asks, handing me a sandwich. "We didn't see you at lunch today." I take the sandwich, handing her and Riley the pamphlet before taking a bite. "My dad just got back this afternoon, so I think I should let them have some time. They kinda need to sort stuff out. Besides, the school is sending her an email, she probably already knows,"I say, taking another bite. "Are they still considering the divorce?" Riley asks quietly. "Well, not anymore. Mom said they want to give it another try. They're looking at couples therapy, and Dad's transferring back next month, so things should be good,"I reply, finishing the sandwich.

"Oh, well. Everything's going to work out just great. So let's head to my place, eat junk food, and talk about your new school, babe,"Tamara beams, raising the pamphlet above her head and lightening the mood as we follow her to the bus.

Clutching the letter and bag in my hands, those deep green eyes never leave my mind.