ELLA

You'd think with a mother who was Miss California 1990 and a father who modeled for every fashion magazine before my time, that I ,Ella Matcher ,would have a bit more interest in a high school lifestyle. I could care less. Well maybe a little. What do I care for even ?

"Ella ,baby, do you have to use that horrible rolling backpack ? You're the only one in school to have one." Mom says while painting her nails on the marble kitchen counter.

"I can't carry all these books mom you know that." I tuck my AP Space Science book into my bag.

"Yeah but your senior year is almost over. Why don't you at least ... I don't know,try ? "
"Try what, exactly?" I raise a brow.
She clears her throat and let's out a loud sigh.

"I just know how cruel those girls can be in high school."

"I'm fine, thanks. I love you." I'm half way out the door before she can protest again. I see a line of cars in front of my house, just like every other weekday. Considering I only live a block away from my school, traffic drags out a few blocks.

I begin to walk and analyze the passengers in the cars out of the corner of my eye.

   Everyone my age has a car and God knows we can afford it but I don't go out everand I can walk to school. Mom and dad insist but so do I.
    
I turn the corner to see the big, ugly maroon sign that reads in big white letters
"MILTON LEE HIGH SCHOOL".

Don't get me wrong I love going to school, a lot actually. I'm just not a fan of human interaction with people my age.
   I don't even feel like they're my age (or maybe I'm not their age). Their minds are so... bland. Parties, drinking, popularity. No one is going to remember you after you walk out those doors on the last day of school, high school is not the time to try so hard and worry about who's fucking who. Excuse my language.

Sitting in my usual desk in the front in first period, Kaylen Kravits to my left and Andrew Francis to my right. I guess you can say Andrew is my best friend, only because I've literally known him since the womb.

    Okay not literally but pretty close. We were born on the exact same day, same hospital, in the same room but I'm 1 minute older. The hospital was so crowded that day they didn't have a choice, only a thin blue sheet separating our mothers screams. Andrew's mom thankfully has been my moms best friend since they were 17 and met at a photoshoot for Balenciaga, so they were comfortable with each other (we're still convinced they planned to conceive on the same day). I personally don't like to get close to people but with Andrew I don't really have a choice and I don't mind.

"You know how I'm going to Tahoe this weekend ?" his dark golden eyes fixed on my face. I'm beginning the essay that was assigned on the board so I don't look up.

"Mhm?" I still don't look up.

" Well momma Francis said I can bring a friend and I have soo many friends to choose from,"

"Not." I look up and giggle at him but I go right back to writing.

"I know it was sarcasm. Well are you down to come with us?" the hope in his voice lingered and I know it's because he doesn't want to third wheel his mom and her new boyfriend.

"Well I do have that paper due for Creative Writing." I tease.

"Liar, you finished it yesterday during lunch and it's not even due till next Friday." he nudges my shoulder.

"Please Ella? I'm begging you. Mom says she has some news for me and I don't wanna face it alone. I think Ryan wants to propose."

"That's big ! You should be happy for her."