Being My Archenemy's Fake Girlfriend

Amy's POV

"I'm sorr..." the remaining words stuck in my throat as an enraged voice filled my ears, coupled with eyes full of contempt directed straight at me.

"Watch it, Clumsy."

"I'm sorry. I was in a hurry. I didn't..."

"I don't care." Once again the guy standing in front of me cut me off in a harsh tone, his thick well-carved brows furrowing as his eyes sized me up.

"Watch where you're going next time," the guy rasped before sauntering away, not before leering at me like I had stolen something from him.

I took a deep breath trying to keep myself calm before I bent to the ground and started to pick up the contents of the box I had been holding, which were now scattered all over the place after I bumped into the rude guy.

My brother and I had just moved into our new house and were packing our belongings from the car. My brother had taken some of our stuff earlier and I was trailing behind him with the last box. As I walked hurriedly towards the house, I bumped into the guy.

It wasn't entirely my fault the way he put it made it sound like it was, but all of his attention had been on his phone. If he'd been looking where he was going, the whole thing could have been avoided.

"I'm sorry about that," a girl with blonde hair squatted in front of me and began to help me pick up some of the items from the floor.

"Hi, I'm Lia," she introduced herself with a smile when she stood up after we finished gathering everything.

She looked about my age.

"We're neighbours and I saw you and that guy moving in, so I thought I'd come say hi. Also, I saw how my cousin Leo acted with you, I'm sorry about that. He's not usually like that," she mumbled, giving me an apologetic look.

I had no interest in listening to her talk or apologise on her cousin's behalf, but I couldn't tell her that. She seemed nice, unlike him.

"I've been the one doing all the talking and you've barely said a word," she let out a small chortle.

"Thank you." I forced a smile as I stood to my feet.

I made to walk away but her words made me stop and turn back. "You didn't tell me your name?"

"Amy. Amy Grayson," I muttered, and with that I dashed away before she could say another word.

I sighed in relief when I walked into the living room and didn't find Mark there. I didn't want him scolding me for wasting so much time outside just to get the box. I placed it on the table in front of me before taking out a picture frame.

A tear rolled down my cheek as I stared at the photo.

"I love you, Mom and Dad," I whispered, gazing at the wide smiles on their faces.

"What the fuck are you doing?" Mark's snarl made me flinch. The picture slipped from my hands and clattered to the floor.

"Noth...ing," I stuttered, bending to pick it up and placing it back into the box.

His icy glare settled on me as he took steps in my direction.

"How many hours did it take you to get a box from the car?" His eyes narrowed, rigid cords forming in his neck as his gaze moved from me to the box on the table.

"I was just..." I started to explain, but seeing how his face twisted into a deeper frown, I stopped.

"Get the hell out of my sight before I lose it." His jaw clenched as he fixed his eyes on me.

I nodded sharply and ran upstairs as fast as my legs could carry me. I knew better than to push Mark to the point of losing his temper I would only end up regretting it.

I locked my door behind me before making my way to the bed, and dropping onto it.

Next Day...

The blaring sound of my alarm woke me up. My eyes wrenched open only to force themselves shut again because of the early morning sun peeking through the window. This always happens, I grumbled as I stretched my legs and placed my feet on the floor. After turning off the alarm, I headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth, then went downstairs.

Mark hadn't come home the night before. He left shortly after I ran up to my room. I'd gotten out once he was gone and made dinner, I knew he'd make a fuss if he came back to nothing to eat. After eating I went back to my room, and drifted off before I even realised it.

After finishing my chores I got ready for school. When I was done with breakfast I took the money Mark had left for my lunch and bus fare, then headed out. It didn't take long to catch a bus since I was out early, and thanks to the signs dotted around, I didn't lose my way.

I took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled as I stood in front of the school gates. Fieldman High was boldly inscribed at the top of the building. Students streamed in from all directions, some in their own cars, others being dropped off by parents, and a few on foot like me.

Mark and I had come here the day before to sort out my transfer. It was a good thing he had, otherwise I'd have been stuck at home since he never came back.

I stood rooted to the spot. My legs suddenly felt weak as a wave of thoughts crashed over me. What if this place turned out just like my last school? The urge to turn around and go home clawed at me, but that wasn't an option.

Taking one more deep breath, I braced myself and walked through the gates, just as I crashed into someone.

I expected to hit the ground hard, but it didn't happen. A pair of strong hands wrapped around my waist and stopped me from falling.

My eyes went wide the moment I looked up and saw who it was.

Leo. The guy from yesterday.

He towered over me. I was 5'1 and he was well over six feet, I had to crane my neck just to meet his eyes. Up close, I couldn't help but take him in properly. Shiny black hair with a few loose strands falling across his face. Hazel eyes, and a straight nose that led to a chiselled jaw and full pink lips.

"It's you again, Clumsy." His face twisted into a frown.

Gorgeous face, terrible personality, I thought as I stared up at him. The frown slowly melted into a smirk, and then before I could utter a single word, my back hit the ground hard.

I tilted my head to look at him. He stood over me with that smirk still plastered on his lips, taking in my position on the floor like it was the most entertaining thing he'd seen all day.

"That's where you belong," he said coldly, hatred flickering in his hazel eyes, before he turned and walked away.

Why had he caught me at all if he was just going to drop me anyway?

I was so stupid. Getting lost in those eyes for even a second had been a mistake. There was one thing I was now absolutely certain of I had to avoid Leo at all costs.

Amy's POV

Lia suddenly appeared in front of me and extended her hand to help me up. I couldn't even move a muscle to get off the floor. I was too busy replaying the words Leo had said before he walked away. Jolting out of my thoughts, I grabbed her hand, and pulled myself to my feet.

"Sorry, Amy."

"Thank you," I mumbled. Did she just hide and wait for her cousin to lash out at me before coming to the rescue? I shook my head. That was ridiculous. How would that benefit her in any way? We had only just met yesterday. It was all purely coincidental.

She must have noticed the look on my face because she spoke up. "I know you're probably wondering how I keep showing up every time my cousin is a jerk to you. I'm not stalking you, I promise," she chuckled, as if she had read my mind.

"It just kind of happens. Maybe I lied to you yesterday when I said Leo isn't always like that, he's an asshole most of the time," she sighed.

I smiled faintly in agreement, not wanting to say a word.

"Since we keep running into each other, maybe the universe is trying to tell us something like becoming friends," her lips widened into a smile as she looked at me.

Friends. No. I didn't need friends and I knew better than to even entertain the idea. But I didn't say that to her.

"Lia!" a girl with brown hair called out, making her way towards us and saving me from having to respond. Lia, and the girl exchanged hugs and pleasantries before Lia introduced her to me as Mia. I found out we were in the same class, so the three of us walked in together.

My head was down as I trailed after Lia and Mia into the classroom, but a burst of mocking laughter stopped me dead in my tracks. Who is she? Why is she dressed like that? I looked up, and unfortunately the first person I locked eyes with was Leo. He was seated at the back with two other guys. One had black hair just like his; the other had brown hair.

Leo said something to them and the black-haired one burst out laughing while the brown-haired one shook his head and looked at me with something close to pity. I took a deep breath and made up my mind to ignore Leo and his friends.

I was looking for a place to sit when Leo's voice cut through the noise.

"Are you sure you belong in this class, Clumsy?" he taunted, a smirk plastered across his face.

I huffed inwardly. What was his problem? It had been just two days since I met him and he had already managed to make my life miserable, calling me Clumsy every single time. I dropped my gaze to the floor so he and the others wouldn't see my eyes well up. I had been a victim of bullying long enough to know better than to let them see you cry.

"That's enough, Leo. Why don't you all mind your business?" Lia's voice rang out across the class. The room went quiet then Leo erupted into laughter. Even without looking at him I knew it was his.

"It didn't cross my mind that you'd employ my own cousin as your spokesperson," Leo's deep rough voice rang out, forcing me to glance in his direction.

"Settle down, class," a woman walked in. She was chubby and wore glasses, just like me. From how quickly the room fell silent when she entered, I figured she was strict.

She introduced herself as Mrs Freda Rodriguez before launching into the biology lesson.

"Who can tell us what constitutional delayed puberty is?" Mrs Freda asked, her eyes sweeping from one student to another, met with complete silence. I knew the answer, but there was no way I was going to attempt it, not in this classroom. They would mock me whether I got it right or wrong.

"You know, if more of you took biology as seriously as you take your social lives, you'd do a lot better at it," Mrs Freda said, scanning the class.

I don't know what made me look back, but when I did, I caught Leo's eye. He smirked and raised his hand.

"Yes, Leo Callahan. It's good to see you've decided to answer rather than crack jokes. Let's hear it," Mrs Rodriguez said, settling into her chair.

"We have a new student," Leo's voice echoed and the class burst out laughing.

Was there another new student? No. It was me he was talking about. What had I done to deserve this treatment from someone who barely even knew me?

"Silence!" Mrs Rodriguez slammed her hand on the desk and shot to her feet. "Mr Leo Callahan, I see you're up to your usual nonsense," she snapped, her face tight with anger. Leo had a mischievous smile on his face.

"Not at all, ma'am," he said calmly, peeking in my direction before continuing. "I just wanted to remind you that it's always been your tradition to have new students introduce themselves to the class."

The black-haired guy beside him gave a supportive nod.

"I see. But just so you know, Leo you'll be having detention for disrupting my class," she said curtly.

"It will be a pleasure, ma'am," he replied with a smile.

Mrs Rodriguez let out a frustrated sigh and shook her head. She shot him one last glare before turning her attention back to me.

I wasn't surprised. Who smiles at the mention of detention? Leo must have been a regular.

I was hoping she wouldn't take Leo's suggestion seriously. I closed my eyes and said a quick prayer but my hopes dissolved the moment I heard her voice.

"Who is the new student?"

My eyes flew open and I slowly straightened in my seat. Every pair of eyes in the room turned toward me and I suddenly felt like disappearing.

"I'm the new student, ma'am," I managed.

"Well then, come forward and introduce yourself to the class," she said with a warm smile.

My heart hammered in my chest. My palms grew clammy. I rubbed them together as I made my way to the front of the class, genuinely shocked that I hadn't tripped or passed out from anxiety.

I stood there for a moment, gathering myself.

"My name is Amy Grayson." I was surprised at how clear and steady my voice came out. It gave me a small boost of confidence, and I raised my head which I immediately regretted.

A girl with a face full of makeup and a tiara perched on her head muttered, "Who cares?" and the whole class erupted into laughter. Everyone except Mia, Lia, and Leo's brown-haired friend.

She looked like one of those girls straight out of a high school movie the kind who was impossibly mean and dressed like a fashion icon. I recognised her as the one who had been glaring daggers at me the moment I walked into class.

"Quiet, class!" Mrs Rodriguez hollered, then turned to the girl. "Detention, Michelle."

A smile spread across the girl's face. I was confused it seemed like the students of Fieldman High genuinely enjoyed detention.

"Thank you, ma'am. At least I'll get to be with my baby," she winked at Leo, who blew her a kiss in return.

"Aww, so cute," the two girls beside Michelle cooed. They were dressed just like her, minus the tiara.

Lovely. Leo and Michelle were together. No wonder birds of a feather.

Mrs Rodriguez said nothing more to Michelle. She just shook her head with a disappointed sigh before returning her attention to me.

"Miss Amy, welcome to Fieldman High. You seem different, and I sincerely hope you stay that way," she said, glancing between Leo and Michelle. Leo smirked. Michelle rolled her eyes.

"Thank you, ma'am," I mumbled. I turned to go back to my seat, and then she called my name again.

My heart nearly stopped.

"Can you tell us what constitutional delayed puberty is?"

I felt every eye in the room lock onto me. I squirmed under the weight of their stares.

Mrs Rodriguez looked at me with a small, encouraging smile. Somehow it helped.

I nodded and exhaled. "Constitutional delayed puberty is also known as late puberty and can be defined as.."

I never got to finish.

"Why wouldn't you know that?" Leo cut in. "You're basically a walking definition of it. Late appearance of the features of puberty , no chest, flat.."

"Enough! Get out of my class, Leo!" Mrs Rodriguez snapped before he could finish.

The class erupted again, right on cue. As if they had been waiting for it.

His words weren't entirely true but they still cut deep. I had a figure modest, hidden beneath my oversized hoodie and baggy sweatpants but that wasn't the point. The point was that he had stood in front of an entire classroom and tried to dismantle me, piece by piece. And for what? What had I ever done to him?

I met his eyes with as much hatred as I could muster. He didn't flinch, he just smiled.

I hate you, Leo.

Amy's POV

"Don't tell me you're still thinking about what that crazy cousin of mine said," Lia frowned slightly as she tapped my arm. It was hard not to. The things Leo had said to me in just one day kept circling in my head, and we still had hours left before school closed. It was only break.

Only God knew how much more ridicule I was going to have to sit through before the day was over. This school was worse than my last one. I had been such a hopeful fool to think Fieldman High was going to be any different.

"Of course she would be, didn't you hear everything Leo said to her?" Mia sighed in irritation, glancing over at Leo's table. Leo caught her looking and waved. So did Marcus.

"That's not helping, Mia. You're supposed to comfort Amy, not state the obvious," Lia said, shooting her a look.

"Sorry, I say things as they are," Mia replied, her voice thick with sarcasm. Lia shot her another glare.

"They're so handsome. It's a shame they're jerks," Lia sighed.

"I know, but don't let Marcus and Leo's looks fool you. Their gorgeous faces don't change the fact that they're awful. I can't help but wonder why Rio chooses to hang out with them I just pray their disgusting personalities don't rub off on him." Lia's eyes darkened as she stared across at Leo and Marcus. They said something to each other and laughed. Lia stood up like she was about to march over there, but sat back down the moment Rio smiled and mouthed a sorry at her.

"She has a crush on him," Mia whispered to me and I smiled. No wonder her anger disappeared the second he smiled at her.

"Are you two auctioning me off over there?"

Lia's eyes narrowed as she peered at us, like she was searching for something.

"No, we wouldn't dare," I laughed, shaking my head at the expression on her face.

"I was just telling her how hard you're crushing on Rio," Mia teased. Lia's cheeks flushed red. She tried to hold a straight face but it wasn't working the blush gave her away completely.

"No, I'm not," she countered.

"Right," Mia said, her voice dripping with sarcasm, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Mia shot her a glare. Lia chuckled. That only made Mia more annoyed.

"You're so irritating," Mia whined, smacking Lia playfully on the arm.

Lia and Mia filled me in on the boys. Marcus the one with hair like Leo's was Mia's brother. Rio, the brown-haired one, was an only child. The three of them had been best friends since childhood. Rio was the calm one, not nearly as reckless as Marcus and Leo. Mia and Lia described him as friendly and levelheaded. Maybe that was why he had looked at me with such concern when his friends mocked me earlier.

"What will you be having, Amy?" Lia asked, getting to her feet. Mia stood as well.

"Anything," I said without much interest. Food was the last thing on my mind. I was more worried about how chaotic the rest of my time at this school was going to be.

Lia let out a small sigh and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Come on, Amy. Don't let them get to you that's exactly what they want. You don't have to worry anymore. We've got your back," she smiled.

"Nobody messes with our friend," Mia added, placing her hand on my other shoulder.

My eyes welled up. It just felt so good having someone smile at me like they actually meant it, especially someone my age. All I had ever gotten from people my age were looks of contempt, like I was beneath them. Maybe with Lia and Mia, things weren't going to be so awful. At least I had gotten one good thing out of Fieldman High. Friends. Something my old school had never given me.

"Thank you," I managed, blinking hard to keep the tears back. They didn't say a word. They just pulled me into a warm hug.

"Well, well. If it isn't a pity party," a voice I was already beginning to recognise cut through the moment, making Lia and Mia pull away. "The hoodie girl getting sympathy from the classy girls, who'd rather hang out with a nobody than be friends with people actually worth their time."

It was Michelle. Leo's girlfriend. And she hadn't come alone, the two girls who had sat with her in class flanked her on either side. Lia had told me their names were Arabelle and Mirabelle. Together they called themselves the Elles, and Michelle was the one in charge.

I had no idea what they were doing at our table. Hadn't Michelle had her fill of mocking me in class? Her eyes snapped to mine and I looked away.

A smug little laugh escaped her lips.

"Why did you decide to transfer here, sweetie?" Michelle asked, her voice syrupy sweet, eyes holding mine like she genuinely cared. She didn't. I knew that much.

"Nobody wants you here, hoodie girl. Lia and Mia are only sitting with you because they feel sorry for you. Trust me, the moment that pity runs out, they'll leave, and you'll be right back where you started. Alone," she snorted.

"True, Mich," Arabelle and Mirabelle nodded in unison.

"You insecure bitch. Get the hell away from our table, you and your little minions before I forget you're my cousin's girlfriend and give you a beating that not even plastic surgery could fix, wannabe queen," Lia snarled, stepping up to Michelle, who immediately took a step back. Fear flashed across her face before she buried it under a cackle.

"As always, you need someone to speak for you," Michelle said, fixing me with a look of cold disdain.

"Didn't you hear what Lia said? Leave! With your minions," Mia hissed.

Arabelle and Mirabelle flinched and edged backwards. Michelle tried to hold her ground but the confidence was fading fast.

"You'll regret this," she threatened, jabbing a finger at us before turning and beckoning her two followers. They walked away together.

Lia and Mia looked at each other and burst out laughing.

"I would give up my phone just to see that look on their faces on repeat," Lia laughed, pulling an exaggerated terrified expression.

"We both know you love your phone too much for that," Mia teased, earning a scowl from Lia, who tried and failed to look offended.

"That's not the point. You always say the wrong thing at the wrong time," Lia groaned, burying her face in her hands.

"Look who's smiling," Mia said, turning to me with a grin. "If it takes us scaring off the Elles to get a smile out of you, Amy, we'll do it every day. Right, Lia?"

"Gladly," Lia agreed, beaming at me.

"Please don't," I laughed, shaking my head.

I wasn't a fan of violence, and I didn't want them getting into trouble because of me.

"As you wish," Mia smiled, raising both hands in surrender.

"As long as they keep their mouths shut, we'll be civil," Lia added, her tone carrying just enough of a threat to be believable.

We went to get our lunch after that, burgers and juice, Lia's suggestion, no objections from either of us.

"Here's the money for mine," I said, holding out some cash to Lia. She didn't take it. Instead she gently closed my fingers around it and placed my hand back in my lap. She had already paid for my lunch earlier, before I realised I'd forgotten to bring money to the cafeteria.

"I didn't pay for your lunch so you could pay me back," she smiled.

"But it doesn't feel right," I sighed, extending the money again.

"No buts. What's wrong with me buying lunch for my friend?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Thank you," I said, letting my hand drop.

It wasn't that I wasn't grateful. It was just new to me, someone wanting to do something kind, without expecting anything in return.

"Get used to having this power squad around you," Mia giggled proudly, bumping her fist against Lia's.

They stretched their fists toward me. I bumped mine against theirs and we all laughed. For the first time in years it wasn't forced. I was actually happy genuinely, unexpectedly happy, and with friends, no less.

Damn you, Amy.

I cursed myself the moment I glanced in Leo's direction and found his eyes already on me. Michelle was planting kisses all over his face but his gaze didn't move from mine not even for a second. And then he smiled. A slow, deliberate smile that sent a shiver straight down my spine.

"Amy? Hello?" Lia snapped her fingers in front of my face.

"Are you okay?" Mia and Lia asked at the same time.

I tore my eyes away and turned back to them.

"I have to use the restroom," I said quickly, getting to my feet.

"Do you know where it is?" Lia asked, brows knitted, eyes scanning my face.

"We can show.."

"No worries, I'll find it." The words were barely out of my mouth before I was already walking away.

.......

I washed my hands, splashed cold water on my face, and stared at my reflection. I looked like a mess. But that was the least of my problems.

Damn you, Leo Callahan. His smile kept replaying in my head like it had taken up permanent residence there. This guy was managing to torment me even from across a cafeteria. I closed my eyes, took a long breath, then forced them open.

I pulled the door open and stepped out into the corridor. I had just passed the restroom entrance and was about to turn back toward the cafeteria when I heard my name.

"Amy Grayson."

I froze.

Leo. He was leaning against the wall ahead of me, arms crossed, watching me like he had been waiting. That was new, he had actually used my name instead of Clumsy.

Was he following me now? I weighed my options. Run, or stay and let him say whatever awful thing he had lined up. I chose to stay there was no dignified way to bolt when he was standing right in front of the only route back to the cafeteria. Besides, running would only give him more satisfaction.

I stared at him without speaking. Partly because I had nothing to say. Mostly because even if I did, the words wouldn't have come out.

"Running away from me, Clumsy? I got detention because of you," he said, a crease forming between his brows.

He deserved that detention and he knew it. He had even smiled when Mrs Rodriguez gave it to him, why was he making it my problem now? I thought all of this but said none of it.

"Gone mute?" His hazel eyes bore into mine.

"Leave me alone," the words slipped out before I could pull them back.

Something flashed across his face anger, maybe but it disappeared almost immediately, replaced by that familiar indifference.

"Did you say something?" His lips curled.

"No," I shook my head. I moved to step past him and was yanked back by the wrist.

My back pressed against the wall as he caged me in, leaning close. My breath caught. His face was just inches from mine.

"Baby blue eyes," he said softly, almost to himself, his hazel ones searching mine. A smile tugged at his lips and goosebumps broke across my skin.

His grip on my wrist hadn't loosened.

"You're hurting me," I lied.

He let go instantly, like he'd touched something hot, but he didn't step back. For just a moment his eyes softened, and then the coldness returned.

"Leo, what are you doing?" Rio's voice came from down the corridor. He appeared and pulled Leo away from me, then turned to look at me with an expression caught somewhere between apology and concern.

"You owe Rio a thank-you. He saved your.." Leo started.

Just then Michelle appeared. Her eyes blazed when they landed on me, then softened the instant they moved to Leo.

"What are you doing with her?" she asked him, her voice low and sweet.

"Nothing, babe. Let's go," Leo said easily. He kissed her, slipped an arm around her waist, and the two of them walked off without a backwards glance.

I exhaled slowly.

"Amy," Rio said gently. "I'm sorry about that."

The apology only stirred the frustration already sitting heavy in my chest. I was so tired of people saying sorry for Leo's behaviour, like their words were supposed to undo any of it.

"I'm Rio, by the way," he said, moving a strand of hair out of his face and extending his hand.

He was good-looking. I registered that and then immediately caught myself mentally comparing his features to Leo's, which I silently scolded myself for.

His hand was still outstretched.

Without a word, I turned and walked away. It was better this way. Getting close to Leo's friends no matter how decent they seemed. It wasn't something I could afford.