Settled love: A high school romance

Grade 12 was the senior class at White High School. Just like its name, the entire building was painted white. The students in Grade 12 were in their final year, preparing for their next big step,college.

Richard Collins, a 17-year-old guy, had just transferred to White High School. The moment he stepped into Grade 12 science class, all the girls went crazy. He was tall, handsome, and charming,exactly what every girl dreamed of.

But there was one girl who didn't care. To her, Richard was just like every other boy. She had learned the hard way not to trust guys.

Her name was Ella Spencer, a 16-year-old girl with long hair and glowing skin. She was one of the prettiest and smartest girls in the class. Her best friend, Emily Williams, was just as beautiful and brilliant.

Then there was Rayson Bills, Richard's new best friend. He was just as attractive as Richard, making him another favorite among the girls.

And finally, the TEM'S squad-Tiana Elliot, Elizabeth Chase, and Mia Jason. They were tall, gorgeous, and known for their love of gossip. But they weren't just pretty; they were also the biggest bullies in the class.

*White High*

It was early morning at White High School, one of the best schools in New York. After the usual morning assembly, students headed to their classrooms.

The bell rang for the first period-Mathematics. The Grade 12 students settled in as their class teacher, Mrs. Willington, walked in with a new student.

A tall, good-looking guy.

The girls whispered excitedly, staring at him.

"Introduce yourself, please," Mrs. Willington said.

"Good day, everyone. My name is Richard Collins," he said with a smile.

The girls giggled and exchanged looks.

"Alright, students, welcome Richard. Show him around during lunch break," Mrs. Willington instructed.

"Where should I sit, ma?" Richard asked.

"Here!" Tiana shouted, eager to have him beside her.

Mrs. Willington pointed to Tiana's seat. "Go sit there."

Tiana glanced at her squad, smiling in victory.

Richard sat down beside her.

"Hey, Richard," Tiana greeted, flashing her best smile. But he didn't respond.

"I'm Tiana, and these are my friends, Elizabeth and Mia. It's nice having you here... as my new seat partner."

"Thanks," Richard said, focusing on the teacher.

Tiana scoffed. How dare he ignore her?

*Lunch Break*

Students rushed to the cafeteria. Ella and Emily sat at a table, enjoying biscuits and soft drinks.

"Ella, did you see the new boy?" Emily asked, munching her biscuit.

"Yeah, Richard, right?" Ella responded, sipping her orange juice.

"Yes! I heard he and Rayson are already best friends. Rayson is showing him around."

"That's nice," Ella said, taking a bite of her biscuit.

"Look, they're coming this way," Emily whispered.

"Hey, girls," Rayson greeted with a smile.

"Hi, Rayson," they replied.

"Richard, meet Emily and Ella, best friends," Rayson introduced.

"Nice to meet you both," Richard said, winking at Ella.

Emily gasped. "Ella! Did you see that?! Richard just winked at you!"

"I saw it," Ella said, rolling her eyes. "What was that for?"

"C'mon, you know he's cute. You should be happy," Emily teased, twirling her hair.

"Handsome, my foot," Ella scoffed.

Emily winked playfully. "You're in denial."

They finished their snacks, and Emily leaned in. "By the way, I have some juicy gist about the TEM'S squad."

"Spill!" Ella said, eager.

Emily laughed. "Remember when Richard was looking for a seat? I saw Tiana signaling to Eliza and Mia before she let him sit next to her."

"That's suspicious," Ella said. "I wonder what she's planning."

"We'll find out soon," Emily said, standing up. "Let's get back to class. The bell's about to ring."

Right on cue, the bell rang.

"See? I'm a soothsayer," Ella joked.

Emily laughed. "Lucky me to have a soothsayer as a best friend."

They linked arms and headed back to class.

*An Empty Classroom*

"Hey, babes," Tiana greeted as she entered with Eliza and Mia.

"Hey, girl. What's up?" Eliza asked.

"I'm happy and annoyed at the same time," Tiana huffed.

"Why happy?" Mia asked.

"Richard is sitting next to me! But he's ignoring me. Am I not beautiful enough?" Tiana pouted.

"Of course, you are," Eliza reassured.

"Don't worry. I'll keep talking to him. He will be mine," Tiana said confidently.

"We got your back," Mia said.

"Thanks, babes," Tiana smirked as they walked into class.

*Grade 12 Class*

"Good afternoon, sir," the students chorused as Mr. John, their Chemistry teacher, walked in.

"Afternoon. Sit down," he instructed.

"Let's continue from our last lesson. Who remembers where we stopped?"

A few hands went up.

"Yes, Emily?"

"We stopped at the laboratory preparation of oxygen," Emily answered.

"Good job. A round of applause for Emily," Mr. John said, and the class clapped.

He continued the lesson. "Oxygen can be prepared in the lab by oxidizing hydrogen peroxide,decomposing,potassium trioxochlorate(V), and so on..."

*After School*

It was time to go home. Emily and Ella left together.

"I'll see you tomorrow. I can't come over today," Emily pouted.

"Till tomorrow, bestie," Ella said, hugging her.

They waved goodbye.

*After School Drama*

"Hey, Richard!"

He turned to see Tiana running up to him.

"Hi," he said, sounding uninterested.

"I... uh... I like you, Richard. Can we be friends?" she asked, smiling sweetly.

"We're already friends. Excuse me," Richard replied and walked away.

Tiana smirked. "Richard, you will like me. Just wait and see."

*A Sudden Collision*

Ella put on her earphones, swaying to the music as she walked toward the school gate.

Then,bam! She bumped into someone.

"Watch where you're going!" she snapped, looking up.

It was Richard.

Ella bumped into someone and quickly apologized, only to realize it was Richard.

"I'm sorry," Richard said.

"Okay," she replied, turning to leave.

"Wait, where's your location?" Richard asked.

"A few miles from here. Why?"

"I want my driver to drop you off so you can save your cab fare," Richard offered.

Ella hesitated. "I don't think I can trust you yet. You just joined our school today."

"Fair enough. How about tomorrow?"

"I'll think about it," she said, walking away.

"See you tomorrow," Richard called after her.

*Collins Mansion*

"Good afternoon, Mom," Richard greeted as he stepped inside.

"How was your first day, son?" Mrs. Collins asked.

"It was amazing! Everyone, including the teachers, welcomed me warmly," Richard replied with a grin.

"I'm happy to hear that. Now go freshen up,I made your favorite meal."

Richard beamed. "You're the best, Mom!" he said, running upstairs.

*Spencer Mansion*

Ella walked into the house, following the sweet aroma of baked goods. She found her parents in the kitchen, laughing as they made cupcakes together.

She stood at the doorway, smiling.

"Sweetie, you're home!" Mr. Spencer said, washing his hands before hugging and kissing her forehead.

Mrs. Spencer playfully pouted. "So, you won't greet me first, Ella?"

Ella laughed. "Good evening, Mom."

"Why are you jealous, darling?" Mr. Spencer teased his wife.

"I'm not. I just want my daughter to greet me first," she said, smiling.

"Alright, I'm sorry," he said, pulling her into a loving embrace.

"I love you," he whispered.

"I love you more," Mrs. Spencer replied before they shared a kiss.

"Mum!" Ella groaned, making them laugh.

"Go freshen up, then come eat dinner," Mrs. Spencer said.

"Thanks, Mom." Ella went upstairs.

*Ella's Room,Night*

Lying in bed, Ella reflected on the day.

Why did Richard wink at me? she thought. I hope it's not what I'm thinking... I can't go through that pain again.

*Flashback:*

A year ago, her ex-boyfriend, James, had betrayed her trust. She had gone to his house, expecting a normal visit.

"Baby girl," James greeted, moving closer.

Before she could react, he kissed her forcefully. She struggled, but he was stronger.

"I've been waiting for this," he murmured, tearing her dress.

"Stop it, James!" she cried, tears streaming down her face.

Ignoring her, he pinned her to the wall. But in a desperate move, Ella grabbed a hanger and struck him on the head.

He screamed in pain, and she seized the chance to escape, running out in her torn dress.

*Flashback Ends.*

Ella wiped away a tear. I can't trust any guy ever again.

She changed into her pajamas and fell asleep.

*White High-The Next Morning*

"Good morning, bestie!" Emily greeted, hugging Ella.

"Morning," Ella replied.

As they settled into their seats, Tiana, the class queen bee, made an announcement.

"I'm throwing a party on Friday! Everyone is invited," she declared, sending a wink at Richard.

Eliza and Mia squealed in excitement.

Richard turned to his friend, Rayson. "Who are those girls?"

"Tiana, Eliza, and Mia-they're the TEM squad. They're popular and get whatever they want," Rayson explained.

Richard sighed. "Tiana keeps bothering me. Can I switch seats?"

"If the person agrees," Rayson shrugged.

"Who's your seatmate?"

"Mia," Rayson replied.

"Perfect."

Richard approached Mia. "Hey, can we switch seats? You can sit with Tiana."

"Of course!" Mia agreed instantly.

*****

"Tiana, why did you let Richard switch seats?" Mia asked.

Tiana smirked. "Don't worry. Eliza's party idea is perfect. Richard will have no choice but to notice me."

They laughed in unison.

As Tiana left the class, she bumped into Ella.

"Watch where you're going!" Tiana snapped, slapping her hard.

Ella fell, clutching her cheek.

"I... I'm sorry," she stammered, struggling to stand.

"Sorry won't fix your clumsiness," Tiana sneered, kicking Ella in the stomach.

Ella groaned in pain. "Someone help!" she cried.

Richard and Rayson, hearing the commotion, rushed over.

Richard's eyes widened at the sight of Ella on the floor. Without thinking, he lifted her in his arms.

Tiana's face darkened with rage.

"Why is he carrying her like that?" a girl whispered.

"I wish he'd carry me too," another sighed.

Richard carefully placed Ella in his car.

"Need help?" Rayson asked.

"No, I'll get her home and buy her some medicine," Richard replied.

"Alright, see you tomorrow."

As Richard returned to grab his bag, Tiana was waiting.

"Hey, Richard," she purred, stepping closer.

"What do you want?" he asked coldly.

She hugged him.

"For how long will you keep avoiding me? I love you," she confessed.

Richard sighed. "You're pretty, but I'm not interested."

"Why not? Am I not good enough?"

Richard ignored her, heading to his car.

Waking up, Ella saw Richard arguing with Tiana outside the car. She had had enough.

She stepped out.

Tiana's eyes narrowed. "So, it's you?"

"Yes. Leave Richard alone. He doesn't like you,can't you see that?" Ella said firmly.

Tiana scoffed. "And who do you think he likes?"

Richard placed a hand on Ella's shoulder. "She's right here."

Ella intertwined her fingers with his.

Tiana clenched her fists. "Fine. Can we at least be friends?"

Richard sighed. "Only friends."

Tiana forced a smile as he and Ella got into the car.

But from the look in her eyes, Ella knew,this wasn't over.

"Can we be friends?" Tiana asked, facing Richard.

Richard sighed.

"Yes, only friends," he said before stepping into the car with Ella.

*****

"Thanks, Richard," Ella said with a small smile.

"You're welcome. And thanks for saving me from Tiana too," Richard replied.

"So, where do you want to stop?" he asked, turning onto another street.

"Just ahead, my house is down this road," Ella answered.

"Alright," Richard said, handing her the painkillers.

"Thank you," Ella said shyly.

"No problem," Richard replied.

A few minutes later, he stopped the car. "We're here."

"Thanks," Ella said as she got out.

Just as she turned to leave, Richard gently grabbed her hand. They stood still, looking at each other.

*I like you, Ella*. Richard thought.

"See you tomorrow," he said, starting the car.

Richard... Ella thought with a smile, watching his car disappear down the street.

She turned to her house and met her mom waiting at the door, arms crossed.

"Ella, who was that?" Mrs. Spencer asked.

"Good afternoon, Mom," Ella said, trying to hide her swollen face.

But her mother noticed. "Ella, what happened to your face?"

Ella looked down, but Mrs. Spencer gently pulled her hands away.

"What?! Who did this to you?" she asked, alarmed.

"Mum, I accidentally bumped into a classmate, and she attacked me," Ella explained.

"Oh dear. Did you get any painkillers?"

"Yes, Mum. A friend gave them to me. He also saved me from the girl," Ella said with a smile.

"A boy?" Mrs. Spencer asked, surprised.

"Yes, Mum. The one who dropped me off just now."

"That was kind of him. Make sure to thank him for me."

"I will, Mum," Ella replied as she stepped inside.

*Collins Mansion*

"Welcome, young master," the maids greeted, taking his bag.

"Thank you," Richard said as he walked into the living room.

His mother was watching the news.

"Good evening, Mum," he greeted, sitting on the couch.

"Hello, son. What took you so long?" she asked, lowering the TV volume.

"Something came up," Richard replied with a smile.

"What was it? And why are you smiling like that?" she teased, touching his cheek.

"Mum, I helped a classmate today. She was bullied by some girls in school. Her face was bruised. I took care of her, got her medicine, and dropped her home."

"That was sweet of you," Mrs. Collins said, smiling.

"Thanks, Mum," Richard said, heading upstairs.

*Spencer House – Ella's Room*

*Tiana attacked me... Richard saved me... Then I saved him... This is all so confusing.* Ella thought as her phone beeped.

"Emily!" she said, smiling as she answered the call.

"Hey, bestie!" Emily's voice came through.

"Hey, Emily! What's up?"

"I've been looking for you all day!" Emily said, worried.

"Oh, that... I ran into Tiana, and she attacked me. My face is swollen, and I'm in pain. But guess what?"

"What?" Emily asked.

"Richard saved me!" Ella said excitedly.

"Oh my goodness! Aww, that's so sweet of him!" Emily squealed. "What happened?"

"Well..." Ella hesitated.

"Full gist, please!" Emily pressed, laughing.

"Alright. After the attack, Richard carried me in a bridal style,Tiana was furious. Later, I was still unconscious in his car when I woke up to their argument. I listened in."

"About what?"

"Tiana was begging Richard, saying she loved him, hugging him... But he kept rejecting her, saying he didn't feel the same way. She wouldn't stop, and Richard looked exhausted. So I did something."

"What did you do?" Emily asked eagerly.

"I stepped out and confronted Tiana. For the first time ever. She was furious, but we left."

"Wow! I wish I had seen Tiana's face!" Emily laughed.

Ella giggled. "Emily, my bestie, my ride-or-die... I love you. Can you come over?"

"I knew all those sweet names had a motive," Emily teased. "I'll come, but on one condition."

"What condition?"

"I want six cupcakes."

"Of course! Mum and I always have plenty."

"Thanks, bestie!"

"You're welcome, foodie," Ella teased.

They both laughed.

"I need to tell my mum I'm coming over. See you soon!" Emily said before hanging up.

Ella put her phone down and dozed off.

*Living Room*

The doorbell rang.

"Come in," Mrs. Spencer called out.

Emily stepped in.

"Aww, my daughter! Welcome!" Mrs. Spencer said, hugging her.

"Thanks, ma."

"How are your parents?"

"They're fine, ma. Where's Ella?"

"She's in her room. Let's go check on her."

*Ella's Room*

Emily burst into laughter at the sight of Ella sleeping awkwardly.

"She must be really tired from all the pain," Emily said.

Mrs. Spencer nodded. "I'll leave you two alone."

Emily gently removed Ella's slippers and fetched the first aid kit. Carefully, she dabbed a cotton ball soaked in antiseptic over the cuts on Ella's arm.

Ella stirred and slowly opened her eyes.

"Oh, bestie... How long have you been here?" she asked sleepily.

"Not long," Emily said, putting the kit away.

Ella touched her face, realizing the wounds were cleaned and treated.

She jumped up and hugged Emily tightly.

"Thank you so much. You're my favorite!" Ella whispered.

Emily smiled. "What are friends for?"

"You're more than a friend,you're my small mom,my genius my nurse, my everything. I love you, bestie."

"Aww, you're welcome," Emily said as Mrs. Spencer walked in.

"Cupcakes are ready, girls! First one to the table gets the biggest portion!" she teased.

Ella and Emily bolted out of the room.

Mrs. Spencer chuckled. "These girls..." she said, following them.

In the dining area, Ella grabbed four cupcakes.

"Hey, that's not fair! C'mon give me one!" Emily pouted.

"Never!" Ella said, stuffing three cupcakes in her mouth at once.

Crumbs spilled onto the tray as Emily and Mrs. Spencer laughed so hard.

After finishing their treats, Mrs. Spencer served them chilled orange juice.

They chatted and enjoyed themselves.

*Evening*

Ella walked Emily home. On her way back, she had a strange feeling.

She stopped and glanced around,no one was there.

Shrugging it off, she continued walking.

Then, suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder.