Chapter 2 THE BETRAYAL.

A Month Ago – Scottville High School

I opened my locker, blushing. Today marked one month since Zeke and I started dating.

I've never had my first real kiss-just a quick peck on the lips. But maybe today will finally be the day.

I know it's strange not to have kissed yet, especially while in a relationship, but I've just been waiting for the right moment.

Sometimes I still wonder why he even asked me out. I mean... I'm not pretty, I have no fashion sense, I eat too much, and I'm awkward.

I sighed, staring at the small gift I got for Zeke. It wasn't much, but I hoped he'd like it. My stomach was in knots.

"Hey, Rey," my best friend Kate called as she walked over.

She was blonde, wearing a black crisscross tank top and a short leather skirt. Her face was heavily made up, and her hair was styled in a silky side-swept wave.

She dressed a little too provocatively sometimes, but she was stylish, friendly-and my only real friend since elementary school.

"Good morning, Katie," I said, closing my locker and hugging my books to my chest.

"Guess what? My dad just got me a 2006 Honda!" she beamed, showing off her car keys.

I smiled. "Oh my God, that's awesome!"

"I know, right? I just hope one day your dad-I mean, your mom-gets you a car too. Well, if she can even get one for herself."

She cringed a little, but it still stung.

I didn't say anything. That was offensive, but I didn't want to lose my only friend, so I let it go.

Why did she even bring up my dad? She knows that's a painful subject. She knows my mom can't even afford a bike.

But Kate always talks like that. That's just... her.

I forced a shrug. "Our water got cut off this morning."

Her eyes widened. "What? Why?"

"Because my mom couldn't pay the bill."

Kate frowned. "But I thought she works as a babysitter. What's she doing with the money?"

"Come on, she only earns $500 a week. She pays rent, electricity, my school fees, food, everything. I honestly feel bad for her." I folded my arms with a sigh.

"Well, can't you help her out? Get a job or something?" Kate asked.

"I tried, but she won't let me. And... I think I look too tacky for most jobs. These days employers care more about appearance than ability."

"Then start dressing cute like me, not like a mechanic," she said with a scoff.

"I don't have any cool clothes. Everything I wear is old hand-me-downs from my mom's clients."

She shook her head. "Wow, that's terrible. So this is what you're wearing on your first anniversary?"

I nodded, feeling embarrassed.

I had on a grey pocket jumpsuit and blue flats. "I really don't have anything else."

"Don't worry, girl. As long as he's still into you." Kate smiled.

I smiled back. "Thanks, bestie."

"Babe!"

Speak of the devil-Zeke was walking up to me, his cute smile in place.

His black fringe brushed across his forehead. He wore a green sweatshirt with a white collar, black sweatpants, and white Nike sneakers.

Tall, handsome, and those green eyes... they gave me butterflies every time.

I ran into his arms. "Hey, babe."

I leaned in to kiss his lips, but he pulled back and I ended up awkwardly kissing his cheek.

What's going on with him today?

"Hey, baby," he said.

"You know what today is, right?" I asked with a smile.

"Yeah, our one-month anniversary," he replied.

"Great! So... where's my gift?" I teased. "Cause I got you this." I handed him a small white box, wrapped in paper.

He grinned. "Lemme guess... a chain?"

I shook my head. "Not really, but it's something special."

He ripped the paper open eagerly, but his smile vanished when he pulled out an antique locket pendant-with a photo of us inside.

I hoped he liked it.

---

ZEKE'S POV

What a stupid gift.

Why would she give me some old, cheap-looking necklace? I was expecting something decent-like a gold chain or a ring.

Oh, right. She's a poor loser.

I never liked her anyway. I was just using her to get good grades.

Now that exams are over, I'm done.

I'm into someone else.

---

REYNA'S POV

"So... do you like it?" I asked, grinning nervously.

He sighed. "Reyna, I'm sorry... but I think we should break up."

My smile faded. "What? Why? Did I do something wrong?"

He rolled his eyes. "Why? You're always so embarrassing-your looks, the way you eat... And this gift? What the hell is this? Only an idiot would want something so cheap.

I never even liked you. I just used you to pass my exams. And thanks for that-but we're done."

He tossed the pendant at me, and it hit me in the face.

My heart sank. This whole time... he never liked me?

"I'm in love with someone else," he said flatly.

"Who?" I asked, my voice trembling.

Kate shoved me aside, hugged Zeke, and kissed him deeply.

Right in front of me.

This had to be a dream. Kate? My best friend? Kissing my boyfriend?

Tears spilled down my cheeks as they pulled apart.

"Kate? How could you?" I asked in disbelief.

Kate scoffed. "Sorry, babe. But I like him more than you do. And honestly, I'm better for him."

"How long has this been going on?" I asked.

"About two weeks," Zeke said without hesitation.

Two weeks? They've been doing this behind my back... just for grades?

"Kate, I thought we were friends..."

"We are," she said, "but Zeke likes me, and we decided to make it official."

"Zeke?"

He laughed. "You really thought I'd date a poor, ugly girl like you? What a dumb bitch."

They kissed again.

Then Kate turned to me with a smug smile. "It's okay, sweetheart. You'll find someone someday... or not. Fool Rey! Fool Rey! Fool Rey!"

The crowd joined in, chanting and laughing.

"Fool Rey! Fool Rey! Fool Rey!"

I couldn't take it anymore. I burst into tears and ran.

I rushed into the bathroom, locked myself in a stall, and collapsed onto the toilet seat, sobbing.

This was the worst day of my life.