Chapter 3 New path.

REYNA'S POV

After everything that happened last semester, I swore I wouldn't fall for another guy. Not again.

I was riding my bicycle home after another round of late pizza deliveries, still wearing my uniform, still exhausted when I collided with two people in one night. Two. I don't know what's crazier: that I survived it... or that my bike did.

When I finally got home, I rolled my bike into the garage. Calling it a "garage" was generous we didn't even own a car. But Mom and I were surviving. Barely.

Since we both started working at Pizza Club, we've managed to pay rent, keep the lights on, buy thrifted clothes that didn't scream desperation. No frills. No extras.

And definitely no money for school.

I dropped my purse on the worn-out couch as I stepped into the living room. Mom was folding laundry with one hand and flipping through TV channels with the other.

"Hey, Mom," I greeted, tugging off my cap and collapsing onto the sofa.

"Hey, sweetie. Long day?"

I exhaled. "I'm starving."

"There's leftover spaghetti. I heated it for you. Kitchen table."

Bless her. I didn't hesitate. I grabbed the warm blue plate, a fork, and devoured the food like I hadn't eaten in days.

From the living room, Mom's voice floated in. "So... any updates on school? Or are you just going to stay home forever?"

I returned to the couch with the plate in my lap, my shoulders slumped. "I don't know, Mom. I mean... we tried. That was the cheapest school we could find, and we still couldn't afford it."

"I know." She sighed. "I'm just... tired of this life, Reyna."

"So am I." I poked at my spaghetti. "But what are we gonna do?"

Mom flipped the channel again and that's when it happened.

[TV AD]

Grand Lake Academy: Where future leaders are made. Full scholarships. Free uniforms. Meals. Classes. Prestige. Your future begins today for just $8!

I blinked at the screen, hypnotized by the flawless students in their crisp uniforms, the pristine marble floors, the shiny labs and libraries.

It looked like another world. Like heaven.

I turned slowly to Mom, grinning. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

She didn't look impressed. "That school looks... rich. The kind of rich that breeds spoiled brats and bullies."

"But Mom," I edged closer, grabbing her hand, "it's a full scholarship. All expenses paid. I'd get everything for free if I pass. Please."

She narrowed her eyes. "You really want this?"

"With everything in me." I held her hand tighter. "Please, Mommy?"

She groaned, then laughed. "Ugh! You and that pitiful baby face. Fine!"

"Yes!!" I shrieked, hugging her like my life depended on it. "Thank you, thank you!"

That night, I rushed to my room, opened my dusty HP laptop, and dove into research. Grand Lake Academy was even more impressive online. Like a palace. It took my breath away.

I bought the $8 form using Mom's credit card, filled it out, and hit "Submit."

Over a hundred students had applied.

Only ten would be selected.

I shut down my laptop and lay in bed, heart racing.

I had to win this.

---

A Week Later – 7:00 a.m.

Exam Day

I dressed carefully black tank top, burnt orange floral skirt, a black jeans jacket. Simple but presentable. I caught a taxi and headed to the exam venue.

As I stepped through Grand Lake's front gate, I froze. The school looked even more majestic in person. It swallowed me whole.

I followed a stream of students toward the grand hall. Inside, I found myself surrounded by high-tech setups rows of sleek computers, LED lights, icy A/C, shiny black chairs, and motivational posters that screamed success.

Seat number 55.

I whispered to myself, "Please let me pass. For Mom. For me. Maybe even for Dad..."

"Hi," a voice said.

I turned to see a tall, curly-haired girl in a brown maxi skirt and white one-sleeve top. Confident. Pretty.

"I'm looking for seat 56. Know where 55 is?" she asked.

"I just got here."

"Let's find them together. I'm Sierra."

"Reyna," I replied.

She smiled, and for the first time in a while, I smiled back. Maybe I shouldn't close myself off because of what Kate did. Maybe this is a fresh start.

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

A man in a suit directed us to our seats. By some miracle, Sierra and I were side by side.

"No way!" Sierra gasped. "We're neighbors. This is fate."

"Yeah." I gave her a nervous smile.

The invigilator explained the rules. No cheating. No phones. No food. Three hours.

We began.

---

TYLER'S POV

I parked my LaFerrari 458 in its usual spot, peeled off my blazer, swapped it for a designer sports jacket, and headed for my locker.

Voices echoed as I passed.

"Tyler Terrence!"

"God, he's perfect!"

I kept my head down, pretending not to hear.

But she popped into my mind again.

The pizza girl.

I only saw her once. But I swear... I can't forget her. Not her eyes. Not her voice. Not her.

"Hey, pretty boy."

I turned. Natasha. Cheerleader. Childhood best friend. Dressed to kill.

She laughed. "Give me your math homework."

"Why didn't you do it?"

"Hair appointment. Notice anything?" She flipped her ponytail.

"Looks... longer?"

She huffed but took my homework anyway.

"Did you hear about the scholarship exam?" she asked.

"Yeah. My dad mentioned it."

"What if regulars get into our school?"

"I think it's great. Everyone deserves a shot."

She rolled her eyes. "You're too kind."

"Barbecue this weekend?"

"Team stuff," I replied.

"Ugh. Fine. But you're spotting me at practice."

"Not a cheerleader."

"Doesn't matter."

The bell rang. "Later, Nat."

She walked away. I sighed.

She's sweet. Pretty. Funny.

Just... not the one.

---

God, why can't he see it?

I've loved Tyler since middle school. Since puberty made him a god.

But I can't just say it. I have pride.

Still... he's mine.

---

"Ow"

A red-haired girl with glasses crashed into me, sending her books flying.

"I'm so sorry," she mumbled.

"It's okay." I helped her gather her stuff. She smiled shyly before hurrying off.

Cute.

But not her.

Not the pizza girl.

Where do you even start looking for someone like that?

---

Oh no. Did that nerd seriously just touch my Tyler?

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

"Hey!"

She flinched. "Natasha?"

I yanked her hair. "Ow!"

"Who do you think you are, flirting with my guy?"

"I wasn't!"

I slapped her across the face.

"Watch it next time," I growled, tossing her books into the sink. "Ugly brat. Stay in your place."

She wasn't even worth a second glance.

---

REYNA'S POV – TWO HOURS LATER

"That test was easier than I expected," Sierra said, stretching as we walked out of the exam hall.

I nodded. "Yeah. I just hope I make it."

Winners would be notified this weekend.

I held on to that hope like oxygen.

---

One Week Later – Sunday Night

I stared at my laptop.

The results were delayed yesterday, but they promised they'd send it tonight.

It was almost midnight.

"Reyna, go to bed," Mom yawned, pushing my door open.

"But just wait-"

Beep.

A notification blinked on screen.

GRAND LAKE ACADEMY.

I said a silent prayer in my mind then I clicked.

Top of the list: Reyna Morgan.

"OMG ahrh" I screamed. "MOM!"

She ran in, panicked. "What happened?!"

"I GOT IN!"

She gasped. "NO WAY!"

We jumped around, crying, laughing, hugging.

"I start tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" she gasped.

"I'm going to Grand Lake Academy."

She held my face. "You did it, baby, I'm so proud of you" she kissed my cheek in tears

You need to go to bed, it's late now, okay can't be late on your first day baby.

As I finally lay down to sleep, tears wet my cheeks.

Tomorrow... everything changes.