My nerdy love Story

"You poisoned Reyna's mind!" I yelled.

"She was mine first my everything until you ruined it!"

Eric's smirk was like gasoline on fire.

"I didn't ruin anything," he spat. "You pushed her away."

I clenched my fists. "I love her."

"She hates you," he said coldly. "She's afraid of you."

"Shut up," I growled.

"She doesn't love you. She never did."

"Shut up!" I pointed the loaded gun at his chest.

"Tyler, no-"

BANG.

Everything went black.

***

REYNA

My alarm clock screamed into the silence, and I shot up, heart racing.

Another dream.

Another nightmare.

I dragged myself out of bed, heart still thudding. The cold floor reminded me I had no time for breakdowns. A shower. Vaseline. My worn Pizza Club shirt. Faded jeans. My sandals.

Lip gloss, facecap, purse.

I wasn't ready to return to school. Not after what happened last semester.

But school wasn't even the problem anymore, I looked at myself in the mirror as I sighed and went down stairs.

Mom was already serving breakfast at our small wooden table when I walked into the kitchen.

"Morning, Mom." I wrapped my arms around her from behind.

She smiled. "Morning, sweetie."

But that smile faded fast.

"Why are you in your work shirt? Don't you have school today?"

I froze. "I... just thought I'd help you today."

Her phone buzzed. She checked it then gasped.

"What's wrong?" I asked, though I already knew.

"It's from your principal. He said if I don't pay the remaining fees from last semester, you can't come back."

I blinked, slowly nodding. "Oh..."

Relief washed over me. Guilt followed right behind it.

"I'm so sorry, Reyna..."

"Hey! It's okay, Mom," I whispered, hugging her tight. "Maybe it's time for a new school anyway."

Mom left first, off to visit a friend before work. I locked the door, grabbed the company's old brown delivery bike, and started pedaling.

Hi. I'm Reyna Davis. Sixteen. Broke. Brilliant. Betrayed.

My dad disappeared the day I was born. I've never met a single relative. Just Mom and me.

And last semester? My first relationship, my first heartbreak. My ex and my best friend... together. They humiliated me in front of everyone. I still see the way they looked at me, like I was nothing.

I got on my bike going to the pizza hut, as i was riding i was so lost in thoughts then..

CRASH!

My body slammed to the pavement.

---

NATASHA

The sun filtered through satin curtains as I opened my eyes to a room dripping in pink and gold. I stretched like royalty in my massive bed, then headed straight to the jacuzzi.

Twenty minutes later, I stood before my vanity, brushing my hair, rubbing lotions and lining my lips with a fierce red.

Gucci shoes. Versace socks. Flawless uniform. Pink Chanel backpack. Confidence? Immaculate.

I was Natasha Benjamin. Sixteen. Rich. Beautiful. Cheer captain. And completely untouchable.

"Mommy, Daddy, look at this." I held up my phone at breakfast.

"A new phone already?" my dad asked.

"No," I said, rolling my eyes. "These sneakers. $5000. I need them for the pep rally."

My dad raised an eyebrow. "That's a bit much."

"Not for us," I smiled sweetly.

He sighed. "Next week."

"Yes!" I squealed, kissed them both goodbye, and strutted to the garage. My GLE AMG was waiting. Life was good.

I was trying to make a video when the driver mashed the brakes. I heard the sound of someone hitting the car, we just had an accident, i screamed storming out of the car.

"Are you kidding me?!, Are you blind?! You almost ruined my car!"

A girl scrambled up from the road, brushing dirt off her face.

"I'm sorry..."

Did she just apologize?

Her clothes screamed 'cheap,' her bike looked like it came from the dump, and she had the nerve to look sorry?

I kicked the bike out of her hands. "Next time, I'll ruin you."

She trembled. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

Pathetic.

I flipped my hair, got back into my car, and drove off.

REYNA'S POV

My hands shook as I picked up the dented bicycle.

I hated feeling this way powerless. Small.

Pizza Club was already buzzing when I arrived.

"You're late," Mr. Francis barked before I even signed in.

"I'm sorry, sir..."

"Rain Street, Number 50. Frank Street, Number 8. Hive Street, Number 65. Move."

"Yes, sir."

With help from Gina, I loaded the pizzas and hit the road again.

---

A FEW DELIVERIES LATER

I rang the bell at Hive Street, Number 65.

"What?!" a voice shrieked.

"Pizza delivery."

The door creaked open. A woman with curlers, a green face mask, and a robe that looked like a joke grabbed the boxes and slammed the door without a word.

"Rude," I muttered.

I didn't even want to think about Zeke or Kate.

But I couldn't stop, I was leaving

HONK!

Another expensive car. Another near-death moment.

I swerved and crashed into a bush. He jumped out of his car i thought he was going to scold me like the last girl but instead he showed genuine concern

"Oh my God, are you okay?" he said

I groaned in the bush, pushing my broken bike upright.

"Let me help." he said

I reached out. She grabbed his hand.

when i lifted my head up he stopped staring at me intently, i was immediately flushed and embarrassed

"I... I have to go." I said before he could speak i ran off

"Thank you" I half yelled, scourging off.

He looked so good, He had soft, curly black hair.. That style. Those arms. I was having butterflies for this stranger, I thought to myself.

He's so out of my league though I thought to myself.

He's rich. And I'm just a nerdy, broke, nobody.

A Month Ago

Scottville High School

I opened my locker, heart fluttering in my chest.

Today made one month since Zeke and I started dating.

It still felt unreal Zeke, the guy every girl stared at in the hallway, had picked me. And now, maybe, just maybe, I'd finally get my first real kiss.

I checked my reflection in the locker mirror and sighed. My grey pocket jumpsuit looked plain. My hair wasn't styled. My shoes were dull flats. I didn't have anything glamorous to offer.

But I had a heart full of love and a gift.

I looked down at the small white box in my hands. It wasn't fancy, but I'd saved up for weeks to get him something meaningful. Something special.

"Hey, Rey!"

Kate's voice broke through my thoughts.

She strutted toward me in a black crisscross tank top and a tight leather skirt that barely covered anything. Her blonde hair bounced in perfect curls, her lips glossed, her lashes curled. She was bold, beautiful, and magnetic and my best friend since elementary school.

"Good morning, Katie," I smiled, clutching my books to my chest.

"Guess what?" She dangled a keyring in front of me. "My dad finally got me a car, it's a 2016 Lexus!" I beamed finally.

I gasped. "No way! That's amazing!"

"I know, right?" She twirled her keys. "I just hope your mom gets one for you someday. Well... if she can even afford one for herself."

I froze.

Kate winced as if realizing what she'd said but not enough to take it back.

I gave a tight smile. "Our water got cut off this morning."

Her eyes widened. "For real? Why?"

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

Kate frowned, then shrugged. "Doesn't she work as a babysitter? What's she even doing with the money?"

"She earns barely enough to survive. She covers rent, electricity, food... my school fees. All of it."

She blinked. "Well, can't you get a job?"

"I tried. But I think I look too... off-brand for most places. And my mom keeps saying I should focus on school."

Kate scoffed. "Then start dressing cuter, like me. Not like a mechanic."

"I wear hand-me-downs. Most of my clothes are from Mom's clients."

She eyed my jumpsuit. "So you're wearing that on your one-month anniversary?"

I nodded, embarrassed. "It's all I've got."

She gave me a once-over, then smiled. "Don't worry, as long as he still likes you."

"Thanks, bestie."

---

"Babe!"

I turned and there he was.

Zeke. Tall, confident, messy black fringe falling over those green eyes that made my stomach flip. He wore a green sweatshirt and black sweats, a clean pair of Nikes on his feet.

I ran to him, smiling wide. "Hey, babe."

I leaned in to kiss him. He shifted. My lips caught his cheek instead.

Weird.

"You remember what today is, right?" I asked, heart thumping.

"Our one-month anniversary," he replied, smiling faintly.

"Exactly. So..." I held out the box. "I got you something."

He raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Lemme guess. A chain?"

I laughed. "Just open it."

He unwrapped it quickly and pulled out a small antique locket pendant, silver-toned, with a photo of us tucked inside.

His face fell.

I watched his silence stretch on.

"So... Do you like it?" I asked, voice small.

He looked at me. But there was no warmth in his eyes. Only boredom.

"Reyna... I think we should break up."

The world stopped.

"What?" I blinked. "Why?"

He stepped back. "Look, you're always insecure. You act weird when we go out. You eat too much. You dress like... this."

I swallowed hard.

"And this gift?" he held up the pendant. "What is this, something from a garage sale?"

I stared at him, stunned.

"I never really liked you," he said. "I just needed help with my finals. That's it."

He tossed the locket at me and it hit my shoulder and dropped to the floor.

Pain surged in my chest. "You used me?"

"Yeah," he said, unbothered. "But thanks. I passed."

I felt the tears coming. "I don't understand... Are you seeing someone else?"

That's when Kate stepped beside me, her hand sliding around Zeke's waist.

I blinked at her, heart plummeting. "Kate?"

She smiled with no guilt, no hesitation and kissed him.

Right in front of me.

---

Everything shattered.

---

Tears blurred my vision as they pulled apart.

"Kate?" I whispered. "How could you do this?"

She shrugged. "I like him more than you do. And honestly? I look better with him."

"How long?"

"How long have you been using me?" I cried in agony and embarrassment.

"Two weeks," Zeke said, smirking.

Two weeks. That whole time she was hugging me. Laughing with me. Helping me pick out gifts for him.

"Kate, we've been friends since we were eight..."

She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, and it's been cute. But Zeke and I have something real."

Zeke laughed. "You really thought someone like me would end up with a girl like you?"

He leaned in, eyes cold. "You're a poor, pathetic loser, Reyna."

Kate joined in. "It's okay, sweetheart. You'll find someone someday... maybe."

They kissed again.

Something in me cracked.

---

I turned and ran.

Tears fell fast, blinding me as I burst into the girls' bathroom. I locked myself in a stall and collapsed onto the toilet seat.

I pulled my knees to my chest.

The pain clawed at my throat.

How could they?

How could she?

I wasn't just humiliated.

I was shattered.

This was the worst day of my life.

---

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.