Chapter 3 THE PARTWAY

Later That Night

REYNA'S POV

Honestly, after everything that happened last semester, I don't think I should get involved with another boyfriend. I was riding my bicycle home after delivering pizzas and ended up bumping into two very different people. It's a miracle my bike's still okay.

When I got home, I parked in the garage-though it's barely a garage since we don't even own a car. Still, we're surviving. Ever since Mom and I started working at Pizza Club, we've been able to pay rent on time, I buy decent clothes from thrift stores, we eat well, and... we're okay.

But no money for school. Does that mean I won't go back? Never.

I left the garage and entered the living room. Mom was folding laundry while watching a movie.

Yeah, she had to come home early to take care of the house and help with rent.

"Hey, Mom," I greeted, dropping my black purse on the couch.

"Hey, sweetie."

I sighed, pulled off my cap, and flopped down. "I'm tired and hungry."

"I didn't cook, but I heated some leftover spaghetti. It's on the table in the kitchen."

"Okay, Mom." I went to the kitchen, grabbed the blue plate and a fork, and devoured the spaghetti like I hadn't eaten in days.

Mom called from the living room, "So, any plans for school? Or are you just going to stay home?"

I returned to the couch. "I don't know, Mom. I should be asking you. That was the cheapest school we could find, and we still can't afford it."

"I know, sweetie. I'm just... fed up." She sighed.

"What are we gonna do?" I asked, still eating.

Mom changed the channel, and something caught my eye.

[TV AD]

Grand Lake Academy!! The school for future scholars, leaders, and achievers. The best of the best. Do you want to go there?

Yes! I screamed in my head, captivated by the campus, the pristine hallways, the elegant uniforms, the massive auditorium. It looked like a dream.

[TV AD CONTINUES]

Sign up for the scholarship exam today! Full scholarship, free uniforms, clubs, meals, classes-even extra classes. Just $8 for the form! Apply now on our website!

I turned to Mom with a huge smile. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

Mom sighed. "I don't know, sweetie. That school looks so rich... Spoiled kids. Bad influences."

"Come on, Mom. Trust me. If I pass the exam, everything's covered. No more school expenses!"

"I don't know."

I moved closer, set my plate aside, and held her hand. "Please, Mommy?" I pouted.

She groaned. "Ugh! You and that adorable baby face. Fine."

"Yes!! Thank you, Mommy!" I squealed and hugged her tightly.

Later that night, I rushed to my room, grabbed my HP laptop, and searched everything about Grand Lake Academy and the scholarship. The place looked like a palace. I couldn't stop smiling.

Turns out over a hundred students applied-only ten will be selected. It's tough... but I know I've got this.

I used Mom's credit card to buy the form, filled it out, and submitted it online. Then I shut down my laptop and went to bed.

---

A Week Later – 7:00 a.m.

I wore my black tank top, burnt orange floral long skirt, black jeans jacket, and flat shoes. I threw my purse over my shoulder, caught a taxi, and headed out.

Today's the exam. I've been studying nonstop. Even took time off work. I have to bring my A-game.

As I arrived at the school's massive gate, I took a deep breath and walked in. The school was even more beautiful in person. I didn't even notice how far I had walked-I was that distracted.

I eventually spotted other students heading toward the hall and followed. The exam hall was gigantic and luxurious. Computers lined up neatly, black tablet chairs, LED ceiling panels, A/C, glossy floors, and motivational posters-it was breathtaking.

So many students were already there, chatting and looking confident. I started looking for my seat.

Seat number 55.

"I hope I win this," I whispered to myself. "Mom would be so proud. I'll work hard. Maybe even find Dad."

"Hi," said a tall, curly-haired girl in a brown maxi skirt and a one-sleeve white top.

"Hey," I replied.

"I'm looking for seat 56. Do you know where 55 is?"

I shook my head. "I just got here too."

She smiled. "Well, maybe we'll find them together. I'm Sierra, by the way."

"Reyna," I replied, and we shook hands.

She seemed nice. I wasn't planning on making new friends after what Kate did to me... but maybe I should stop living in fear. Maybe this is a chance.

"Morning, students," a blonde woman in a blue suit stood at the front. "Welcome to Grand Lake Academy's scholarship exam. Please find your seats. We begin in two minutes."

A man in a suit came over to us. "Come with me." He led us to our seats.

Sierra gasped when we sat. "No way! We're next to each other. This is exciting!"

"Yeah." I forced a smile.

The invigilator explained the computer setup, and we all nodded in understanding.

"No cheating, no food, no talking. You have three hours. Begin."

---

TYLER'S POV

I parked my black and red LaFerrari 458 Italia in the school lot, swapped my blazer for a matching sports jacket, and walked into the hallway.

As usual, people erupted in chants.

"Tyler Terrence! T²!"

"He's so cute!"

"I want to marry him!"

I ignored them all and went straight to my locker, grabbed my chemistry book, and tried to shake a thought that wouldn't leave-the pizza girl.

I only saw her once, but she's been on my mind every day. She shows up in my dreams, my thoughts... everywhere. I wish I could see her again.

"Hey, pretty boy."

I turned to see Natasha in her cheer outfit. We did our secret handshake-two grips, two snaps, a fist bump.

"Yay! I finally got it!" she cheered.

"At least you didn't pinch me this time," I teased.

"Ouch."

"Sorry." I shrugged.

"Whatever. Give me your math homework. I need to copy."

"Why didn't you do it?"

"I was getting my hair done. Notice anything different?" She flipped her ponytail.

"Yeah, sure. Just don't copy it word for word."

She grabbed my homework and stuffed it in her pink backpack.

"Hey, did you hear about the scholarship exam your dad mentioned? It's today," she said.

"So?"

"What if commoners start coming to our school?"

"I think it's great. They deserve a chance."

"Whatever," she muttered. "So, wanna hang this weekend?"

"Nah, barbecue with the team."

"Fine. But you're helping me with the stunt later."

"I'm not a cheerleader. I've got practice."

The bell rang.

"See you later, Nat."

Natasha and I have been friends since childhood-our parents are close, and they've always hoped we'd end up together. But I don't feel that way. She's beautiful, sweet, caring... just not my type.

---

NATASHA'S POV

Ugh! Why can't that jerk see I want more than friendship? I've loved him since puberty. But I can't just tell him-I have some pride.

Look at him. So hot, tall, perfect...

---

TYLER'S POV

"Ouch!"

A red-haired girl with glasses bumped into me, dropping her books.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled.

"It's okay." We both bent to pick them up. She gave me a shy smile and walked away. Cute, but not her.

Still not the pizza girl.

I wish I knew where she worked. I would've checked her shirt that day-but I was too distracted by her beauty.

---

NATASHA'S POV

Who does that nerd think she is, bumping into my Tyler?

I followed her into the bathroom. She was washing her hands.

"Hey!"

She turned, startled. "Natasha?"

I grabbed her hair. "Ow! Ow! Ow!"

"Who do you think you are, getting close to Tyler?"

"I didn't mean to! I just-Argh!"

I slapped her hard.

"Next time, watch it." I pushed her.

Then I tossed her books in the sink.

"Ugly brat. You're not even close to his level." I stormed out.

No one touches Tyler. He's mine.

---

TWO HOURS LATER

REYNA'S POV

"That test was kinda easy," Sierra said as we exited the hall.

"Yeah," I smiled. "I can't wait for the results."

They said winners would get an email this weekend. School starts next week, no latecomers allowed.

I'm confident I'll be selected.

---

A Week Later – Sunday Night

I was lying in bed, staring at my laptop. The results were delayed yesterday, but the school said they'd be sent tonight.

I hope they really send it.

"Reyna, it's almost midnight. Go to bed," Mom groaned, opening my door.

"But, Mom-wait."

Beep.

A message popped up.

Grand Lake Academy.

I opened it.

Top of the list: Reyna Morgan.

"Oh my God!!!" I screamed.

"What's wrong?!" Mom rushed in.

"I got the scholarship!!!"

"No way!!!" She hugged me tight. "You got in?!"

"I start tomorrow morning!"

We jumped together, crying and laughing.

"I got in," I whispered through tears. "I'm going to Grand Lake Academy."

"I know, baby."

"Mom... is this real?"

"Yes, sweetie. Now get some sleep. You don't want to be late for your first day."

I nodded, showered, changed into pajamas, and crawled into bed-too excited to sleep.

Tomorrow, everything changes.