My love is a starlight

Amelia's POV

"Welcome to Lilyviles High School, Amelia." I muttered as I checked myself out in the mirror. My school uniform looked so elegant on me and it fitted me perfectly. It was a white shirt and a pleated yellow skirt with white vertical and horizontal lines designed on it. The name 'Amelia Brown' was boldly inscribed on the name tag that was fixed to my shirt. I perfected my outfit with a pair of white sneakers. I giggled excitedly as I took one last look at myself.

It was my first day at school and words cannot describe how ecstatic I felt.

Lilyviles High School had always been my dream school. It was the dream school of every teenager in Los Angeles. Although it was a dream for many, it only came true for very few people - The children of the rich whose parents could afford the exorbitant school fees and a few teenagers who gained admission to the school through scholarship.

I know what you are thinking. Yes, I gained admission to the school through scholarship. The school fees, the school uniforms and all other expenses had been paid for. All I needed to do was to dress up every morning and be a student of LHS.

Tears rolled down my eyes as I remembered taking the school's entrance examination twice but I failed to meet the pass marks by being short of a mark or two.

Final years in high schools are most crucial to every student. They are years when students get to apply to the universities of their choices.

For me to attend the university of my dream, I needed a school with outstanding teachers who would groom me into success.

I remembered summoning every bit of courage and confidence as I took the online scholarship exam organized by LHS. I was taking the exam for the third time. As expected, the questions were so tough and they required a high level of brainstorming. It was a very difficult exam that I had to take under forty minutes.

I had no choice than to face the questions and give the examination my very best. I had no choice. The children of the rich didn't have to apply for the scholarship to get admission into the school. There was no need for a scholarship. Their parents could afford the school fees. It was a total walkover for them.

It was the exact opposite for me, the first child of a family of four. My average family could not afford three square meals a day. There was no way I could attend my dream school unless I get myself a scholarship.

I widened my eyes with disbelief as I stared at the screen of my phone. For a minute or two, I was in a state of shock. Okay, maybe not shock but I was definitely astounded.

"Congratulations Amelia Brown. You have passed the entrance exam into Lilyviles High School. Please click the left button to accept your admission." Those words typed in bold fonts stared back at me.

"Yayyyyyy!" Like someone suddenly released from a spell, I screamed my heart out.

"I did it!" I found myself saying repeatedly as I did a little dance in my small room. That night was one of the best nights of my life. I was finally a Lilyvite.

I quickly wiped my tears and tied my hair into a small bun. The sweet aroma of French toast filled the air. I needed no one to tell me that mother was at it again, showcasing her amazing culinary skills.

I carried my school bag which contained a book or two. I had been told that a laptop and an iPad would be given to me when I get to the school.

It was totally unlike my former school where books and pens were used to take notes. I stepped out of my room and closed the old, rickety door behind me. I noticed that the lock had broken. I sighed and took a mental note to fix it when I return from school.

I walked to the kitchen and met my mum cooking on a rusty gas cooker. The kitchen utensils were pretty much old but they were still in good shape.

I shrugged and turned to face mother who had noticed my presence in the kitchen.

Her tired face brightened up with smiles on sighting me.

"Good morning mum." I said to her with cheerfulness.

Mrs Brown as I fondly called her was a woman in her mid- forties. She was of an average height, slim and beautiful. Although the effects of hardwork were showing on her skin, toughing it, she still looked radiant as ever.

"Good morning dear. I hope you slept well." She asked with a smile.

I responded with a nod as I watched her walk up to me. She held my hands with affection as she looked into my eyes.

"I can't believe that my daughter is now a student of the best high school in Los Angeles. I'm so proud of you daughter. I really am. It's your first day at school. Do not cause trouble. Don't beat anyone up"

I rolled my eyes at the last statement. I wasn't going to promise that. There won't be any need to cause trouble unless anyone steps on my toes. I have heard a lot about how arrogant and demeaning the rich kids could be.

"Be a good girl Amelia." Mother spelt out her last words of advice and pulled me in for a hug.

My nose caught a whiff of her body spray. I loved the homely sensation it gave me. I wrapped my hands around her back and melted into her embrace.

"Thanks mum. I promise to make you proud." I responded.

A small, mischievous cough at the door made us disengage almost immediately.

Standing by the door was Evans, my chubby little brother of thirteen. He was fully dressed in his school uniform.

"Hey," I walked up to him and ruffled his hair with fondness.

His eyes fell with sadness.

"Sister," He said with a feeble voice. I needed no one to tell me what was up with him.

We used to attend the same school and the fact that I had to leave for another school bothered him.

"C'mon Evans. I thought we've spoken about this. I'm bound to eventually graduate someday anyways. Don't worry Evans. I promise to work hard and bring you to Lilyviles High School." I promised him.

My promise sounded ridiculous to his ears. We all knew that no amount of money that I make from my part time jobs could ever sponsor my brother to Lilyviles High School."

His face brightened up a little but beneath his eyes were looks of doubt.

He spoke louder, this time with a tone of hope.

"No Amelia. I'll study hard and sit for the next scholarship examination."

I nodded in admiration and flicked my fingers in optimism.

"Yeahhhh you can do that. I believe in you."

"Guys, your father didn't come home last night." I heard Mum say.

I felt a surge of anger and non-chalance rise within me.

"Like I care." I said, nonchalantly.

Evans shrugged. "Like I care too."

"C'mon kids, don't be that way to your father." Mother cautioned us.

I sighed. "Mum, let's not ruin this beautiful morning with talks about him."

Evans nodded in agreement.

My wristwatch suddenly beeped, reminding me that it was time to go to school.

I hurriedly took a piece of French toast from the pan and savoured it. I took a sip from the milk mother had prepared for Evans and I.

I skipped out of the kitchen, waving my hands and mother and Evans.

I could hear my mother's voice, persuading me to eat more but I was not going to be late on my first day at my new school.

I unlocked Betty, my bicycle. It was a Trek FX line model. It was getting old but I loved it that way. It was a gift I got from my mum when I turned seventeen. That was about a year ago

I hopped on it and peddled it as fast as I could to Lilyviles high school.

Amelia's POV

The gigantic digital billboard stood erect in front of me with the inscription 'Welcome to Lilyviles High School." It was at that moment that reality dawned on me that I wasn't dreaming. It was all real.

I watched in awe as students drove their expensive luxurious cars into the school compound. I quickly rode my bicycle into the school gate.

A security guard professionally dressed in a dark blue suit stopped me, preventing me from going in.

I looked at him and frowned a little, wondering why he stopped me.

"Your identity card Miss." He requested. His hoarse voice commanded respect.

I touched my forehead in realization. I opened my bag and brought out the Identity card. He checked it with utmost scrutiny and returned it to me.

"You can go in now." He said.

I got in but was almost immediately stopped by another security guard dressed in the same fashion with the man I had seen earlier.

I sighed and stopped.

"What's with all these checks?" I thought.

LHS was totally unlike my former school where we would just walk into the school and go straight to our classrooms.

The guard waved a mental detector over my body and asked me to go in.

Without saying a word, I rode my bicycle in. The sight that greeted me left my mouth hanging. It looked as though I was in a mini paradise.

The school compound was a beautiful scene that appealed to the senses. It was a pleasant, verdant oasis with a line of trees erected beautifully in all their glory, lining the pathways and blooming flowers of marigold, petunias, zinnias and daffodils added color to the landscape.

The gentle breeze was redolent with the fragrance of jasmine and roses. It was truly an attractive sight that made me feel at peace.

I looked around me and all I could see was a school compound that exuded luxury and sophistication.

Apart from the school grounds that were flawlessly landscaped, the buildings were of architectural masterpiece made of glistening white marble.

The classrooms were built with ascending columns and arched doorways. The carvings had a great deal of fine detail and complexity while the glass windows were spotless.

From where I stood, I could could catch a glimpse of the breathtaking interiors which were adorned with fine art and expensive furnishings. I couldn't believe that my next one year was going to be spent in such an amazing environment.

The buildings were impressive from every viewpoint. They showed wealth, power knowledge and sophistication. They perfectly encapsulated the spirit of an educational establishment. It was not a wonder that Lilyviles High School was the dream of every highschooler because it gave the students an aura of elegance.

I hadn't stared for long when I felt a gentle tap on my back. Wondering who it could be, I turned my back. There stood a lady about the same age as me, smiling. She had a very calm and kind look.

I looked at her with curiosity. I noticed how beautiful she was. Her black hair was styled in a pixie cut, adding finesse to her slim body.

"Hi," She said, waving at me with such cheerfulness that almost made me feel like we've known each other all our lives.

Wondering why she approached me. I smiled back and waved at her. "Hi," I simply responded.

She explored my body with her chestnut brown eyes and spoke with confidence. "You must be new here." She affirmed as though she was asking a question.

I nodded in the affirmative. The girl smiled again.

"I could tell that you are new judging by how perplexed you were at the security stands."

I said nothing and smiled, impressed by her friendliness.

She stretched out her right hand for a handshake.

"I'm Betty Wade." She introduced herself, charming me again with her beautiful smile.

I took her hand and shook it warmly. "I'm Amelia Brown, a 12th grader, arts major."

Betty squealed with happiness. "Wow! I'm also a 12th grader but I major in science which means that we will have very few classes together."

"Oh!" That was all I could say.

Betty was persistent.

"Since it is your first day at school, let me be your tour guide for the day. You need someone to help you navigate your way around the school so you won't get flustered.

I beamed with gratitude at her offer. I hated looking lost in a strange environment. I willingly agreed.

"Thank you Betty." I said to her.

She led me to the school's big garage and helped me to lock my bicycle then gave me a tour round the school. There were a lot of buildings in there. The school's gymnasium, the standard library, the science laboratories filled with high-tech equipment and the sport complex.

I was most wowed by the music hall. It was a big standard hall equipped with a variety of musical instruments like pianos, guitars, drum sets, percussion instrument, some whiteboard, big speakers and a recording studio. There was also a stage used as the performing area.

Impressed by what I was seeing, I resolved in my mind to enjoy every bit of my stay in Lilyviles High School. I was not going to let all that fun pass me by.

I was getting so comfortable around Betty already. She had this charming aura around her that made people like her. She was someone I could describe as loquacious. She wouldn't stop talking about the school, the teachers and some quite interesting events that had taken place in the school.

I totally enjoyed the conversation and I made sure to take note of every important detail in her words.

Suddenly, her alarm beeped, interrupting our small talk. She looked at me with a look of apology. "I'm very sorry Amelia. I have a chemistry practical to attend in the next five minutes." She informed me.

I nodded in understanding, wondering how I was going to know my timetable for classes. As if she read my mind, she took a look at my identity card which I had already hung on my neck.

"Oh! You're in class Blue. I'm in class Gold. Let me walk you to your class."

"Thanks a lot Betty." I appreciated her.

She was about to reply when screams from nearby interrupted us. We rushed towards the direction of the sounds, curious to know what the commotion was all about. We managed to surge our way through the small crowd of students that had gathered.

"I'm so sorry Tristan. I didn't mean to step on you. I didn't even know that you were behind me." Came the shaky, feeble voice of a girl. I couldn't catch a good glimpse of her face because she was bowing down.

My eyes moved to the guy she was apologizing to. He stood arrogantly with an annoying smirk on his face. Before I could realize what happening, he had slapped the girl hard across her face. There was a low gasp from the crowd.

" How dare you step on my expensive shoes? Do you even know the brand? You lowly brat! It's a Christian Louboutin! It's worth thousands of dollars." He thundered at her.

The girl fell on her knees almost immediately, apologizing profusely. I watched the emotions of anger and bitterness. I was angry at the girl for allowing herself to be derogated in that manner and I felt bitterness towards the other students who did nothing but jeer at her and taking videos of the scene.

What I felt for the guy wasn't anger or bitterness. It was hatred. I had never seen such arrogance all my life.

"Clean it with your hair." The guy commanded.

"Huh?" The girl said, visibly shaken with fear.

A wicked grin appeared on his face . "Clean it with your hair." He repeated."Uh, okay." The girl knelt down and processed to clean his shoes.

I couldn't take it anymore. Like one under a repulsive spell, I found myself in front of the guy. I felt the hotness of his cheek as my palm met with his face.

The school came to a standstill. I looked around and shocked faces stared at me like I committed murder.

Well .. the bottom line was 'Tristan Nick just got slapped.'

Amelia's POV

The silence that followed afterwards was heavy. I looked at my hands and realized what I had done. I had slapped someone on my first day at school. I shrugged carelessly and scoffed. I knew there was no way I won't cause trouble at school, going against the promise I had made to mother that morning.

The whole issue was none of my business but I couldn't ignore my fellow girl being treated badly either.

Before I knew it, sounds of camera clicks and flashes of lights were directed at me. I was being recorded.

I could hear different comments from where I stood.

"I can't believe this. She slapped Tristan Nick?"

"I have to post this juicy scene online. This video is definitely going to get a lot of likes and comments." A girl said.

"You should know better than posting that video online. It's against the school rules and you know it." A guy corrected her.

"That lady looks so bold. I bet she doesn't know what she has gotten herself into."

"Who is she by the way? She looks so unfamiliar."

"She should have just minded her business."

"Tristan will never let her off the hook."

I smirked and looked at the so-called Tristan who was staring at me with shock. I could see the look of embarrassment and anger in his face as he touched the place where he got hit.

Seeing him that way gave me a sense of satisfaction.

"This is what you get for being such a scallywag." I told him with a sneer.

Regaining his composure, he screamed at me.

"Wait! Did you just slap me?" He asked, pointing a finger to his chest.

I looked at him with calmness, acting like nothing happened then I covered my mouth in faked surprise.

"Wow! Did I just slap you?" I said in sheer mockery.

"I bet I just did." I added, provoking a little laughter from the other students.

Tristan looked at them and shouted, "What's funny to you all?" He said with fury and they became silent once again.

I could deduce from the way he spoke and from the reactions of the students that Tristan was someone greatly idolized by the other students. I didn't care anyways.

Tristan laughed with scorn and looked like he was going to tear me apart.

"Do you know who I am? It isn't even possible. Everyone in this school knows and fears Tristan Nick" He asked with an air of arrogance which irked me the more.

I scoffed at his delusional statement.

"Well, I don't know who you are and I don't give a damn about you."

A low gasp came from the small crowd and they began to chatter in low tones again. I walked up to the girl and helped her up. I looked at her and saw the looks of fear, gratitude and embarrassment.

"Thank you." She said in a whisper that only I could hear.

I became angry but this time, it was with Tristan. Before I could say another word, the girl scurried off with her head bent.

I turned to Tristan. "And so what? And so what if she stepped on your expensive, ugly-looking shoes? She kept apologizing to you. She explained that it wasn't intentional. Did you have to hit her? Did you have to embarrass her? Who on earth do you think you are? You're really lucky I'm in a good mood, I would have knocked senses into your stupid head."

I paused and looked at the other students who were watching the scene with great interest.

"A student like you was being humiliated and all you all could was to watched and take pictures. Y'all could have done better." I said with disappointment.

"You will regret this." I heard Tristan say with coldness.

I scoffed. "Do your worst!" I dared him.

Without saying another word, I intentionally moved closer to him and stomped heavily on his shoes. He bent over with pains, holding his legs.

Not wanting to stay another second there, I gave him the middle finger and walked away from the scene, ignoring the gazes I was receiving.

I hadn't walked for so long when I heard my name from a distance. I stopped and looked back to see who was calling. Just like I assumed, it was Betty. She soon caught up with me, panting.

"Hey," She started, struggling to catch her breath. "I have been calling you but I guess you didn't hear me."

"I didn't hear you call." I truthfully answered.

Betty looked at me, flicking her eyelids in wonder.

Of course, I knew what was going on in her mind. She was going to talk about the incident.

"What was that?" I responded, acting like I didn't know what she was driving at.

Betty sighed and placed her hands on her waist.

"Amelia, I really don't know what to do with you. Tristan Nick is the school director's only son. He is an idol, a starlight. He is admired and revered by everyone."

"Revered my foot!" I muttered with scorn.

Betty paused and looked her head. She placed a hand on her shoulder and spoke.

"Amelia," She continued. "You should have just ignored what you saw back there. See, I get you were upset by what Tristan did. Trust me, I was too but I knew better than butt in."

"What you saw back there earlier is a tip of the iceberg. It's more like a regular occurrence in my our school." Betty calmly explained to me.

I raised my hands in total surrender.

"Okay, okay, I get your point. Fine, I shouldn't have intervened but then, you mentioned something about some starlight. I didn't get that." I stated with confusion.

Betty clapped her hands with excitement like one about to narrate a really important story.