Ethereal Facade

prologue

courtney beltrech

          "Why do we have to divide this whole damn school just for two rich-ass kids who’s probably as low-class as the rest of us? Who do they think they are?" A schoolmate said out of the blue. "Can’t they cut it already and make up? It’s us bound onto it anyways."

"Glad you said that, ’cause I agree. How selfish of them," One replied, then shushed their mouth immediately as they saw my friends and I walk by.

I refused to glare at them, not because I think low of them, but because I’m ashamed of whatever shit I brought into everyone around here. I didn’t exactly do it, but still, for my so-called high-class reputation. I wish I’d think of it that way.

"What are you looking at?" Chloé asked, bowing down her sunglasses, though we’re indoors.

I’m pretty sure that this country isn’t as polite as countries in Asia. We don’t do bow at them like how they do in Japan, or greet them with a Wai like in Thailand. Why do superior people think that they have to be greeted all the time they pass through?

Speaking of which, that’s a façade I’m forced to get into. I’m certain why my sister Clara moved to France to get away from this shit.

"K, it’s fine," Emerald consoled. Khloé can have major anger issues, that’s for facts.

I sighed, "Let’s just get going, shouldn’t we?"

Khloé, Em and I have been friends since our families are one of the tops in Washington. Not that I’m forced into being friends with them, but because they approached to me, probably because they’re bored of playing the same dolls all week long.

We have different perspectives. Khloé Kazlovak, my friend with a sharp tongue. Her father owns a marine company, an entitled one. Kazlovaks are known for their insane careers. Khloé, and her sisters, Kaash and Kristen are supermodels, brought all around the world. Meanwhile Emerald Zaratonin, is an only child. She’s one of the smartest students in our university. Her family is a group of politicians. Em’s mom is a famous senator in Washington, as her father is the Vice President.

As for us, the Beltrechs, well let me get detailed.

My mom is Candice Beltrech. The most respected woman in this state. She owns the largest corporation company around, The Beltrech Groups. Even I get scared of her, but I don’t need to, because I barely see her anyways. My sister, Clara Beltrech. Now a Human Rights Lawyer in France. I once hoped to be as free as my sister, but being free means going through the creepy stage only my life has.

My mother.

Being under her wing is too much pressure, but what else can I do? I can barely do well in "ruling" this school like how she asked me too, let alone a big-ass company.

Later on, as I walked around the campus with my two buddies behind me, two four men walked the other way from us. Behind the boundaries, of course.

The arrogant-looking one with the bandana around his hair, forwarding his forehead is J, Jayden Velázquez. I don’t exactly know what he does, and what made him study in this university, but it’s none of my concern either. He’s the bitchiest one there. He likes football, and only that. The other one, in The Rolling Stones shirt, is Frank, Frank Cameron. The guy who’s obsessed with video games. He’s always on his phone. No wonder why he’s around in that circle of friends.

Next one, the one with thick eyebrows, black shirt, who’s probably an emo by now, is Vixen Wood. Like the reindeer. He’s nothing quite bad, he’s smart, he’s quiet, and he’s nice. I heard he’s gay, which is nothing quite surprising, not in these times. Lastly, the guy that looks innocent, the guy that smells innocent, the guy that breathes innocently, but have you heard about how many girls ─ and boys he’s brought to his room? Around thousands, probably, but who’s counting? He’s a playboy, a heart-breaker, and a loser in life too. He’s the reason why the school are divided into two, the other half for me, and the other half for.. Grey Whitlock. His father and my mother are colleagues, as they run the business together, but we never get along. That face, that hair maddens me somehow.

They’re like the cringey version of F4, except that F4 actually had character development, unlike them.

Khloé looked at them fiercely, as she should, Emerald rolled her eyes, and I refused to look at them. What a waste of my vision to look at those shitty guys who’ll never be successful in life!

We finally went pass them, far enough for them to hear. "Those shitheads are tightening my muscles, ugh!" Khloé yelled, indifferent of whether they’ll hear or they won’t.

"Right? Who do they think they are? Thyme from F4 is so much more than those jerks," Emerald answered.

"Do we really have to talk about them though?" I avoided the topic, which is incredibly grossing me out. "How about this? Let’s go to that Thai boba place I know. Hurry and make your decision, I’ll call my driver."

Both smiled, the smile I never saw when those guys were around, "Now we’re talking. I’ll just go to my locker and get the rest of my things. I’ll text you when I’m done."

"Sure."

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"This shop is so good," Khloé said.

I flipped my blonde curly hair satirically, "Well, the Best recommended it."

"Sometimes, you’re just so full of yourself, Court," Emerald said, laughing.

I handed my phone over Em, and gestured for a selfie. "One, two, three, smile!" We all yelled together, grabbing people’s attention.

Life wasn’t as fun as an Ethereal Façade.