in your dreams ⇒ JJ Maybank

ONE

CAROLINE TAPS HER foot against the leg of her desk anxiously, eyes shifting between answers C and D, both seeming acceptable. But it couldn't just be acceptable, it had to be perfect. This final was 20% of her entire grade in the class, and she couldn't mess up her 4.7 gpa at the end of her junior year. She would just die, if her parents didn't get to her first that is.

Robert and Heather Brecklin inherited their kook royalty title and passed it down to their children after them. Robert, the owner of a liquor company he rightfully named after himself - Brecklin Liquor. And Heather, a big shot lawyer often gone on business trips to the mainland. Even wrapped up in their own lives as parents, somehow they ran a tight ship back at home, holding a noose so tight around their children's necks it was unbelievable they were still breathing.

Caroline possessed nearly all the qualities that a girl may desire. But it wasn't just her appearance that made people turn their heads her way, it was the perfect image she'd built up and kept her entire life, with help from her parents.

Even from an early age, her parents made sure that there were no mistakes in Caroline. No cracks or flaws in any aspect of her. They were like this with her brothers as well, but she was their delicate, angel face daughter. Her shoulders needed to be back and chin held high, letting everyone know who was on top - her.

She never minded the attention growing up, but she knew early on exactly who she was and where she belonged, and never quite had a problem staying in the bubble wrap. She liked it, even, it was where she thrived. She had her whole life lined up for her before she could even speak.

While everyone saw her for who she was - an entitled bitch, she earned that title, and owned it with pride. That's why when the king of Kooks himself asked Caroline if she'd be his girlfriend a year ago, she said yes with no hesitation knowing the power she'd hold in dating him. Rafe Cameron, the tall country club boy who was two years older than her. Every senior girl wanted him, but it was the sophmore that made him fall on his knees.

She was untouchable, and she knew it.

Her grades were just one check on her parents list of expectations, and and it's a good thing she was smart enough to follow through.

With the tip of her eraser between her teeth, she takes a look at the clock to see how she was doing on time. 4 minutes left. 11 questions. She could do it. After this she would be home free, it would be summer. With a deep breath she filled in D, and finished her test seamlessly, not questioning her accuracy on the rest of the questions. She knew it would be another 100%.

Caroline was the first one to hand in her test, and with only 30 seconds left until 3 o'clock, her teacher Mr. Bennet took it from her with an admirable smile and stood to address the rest of the class.

"I made the test hard on purpose." he spoke. "In a school such as this, and in an AP class on top of that, there's expectations. You all have been exceptional students this year, and I thank you for every great class we spent together. If anyone needs extra time to finish, I'll be her until 4 for you. For the rest of you, have a great summer."

And the bell rang.

A wave of relief washed over Caroline, a slight smile creeped onto her face as she gathered her backpack and went to leave the room, but Mr. Bennet stopped her.

"Miss Brecklin." He he beckoned her to his desk once more and she reluctantly made her way back, hearing all the commotion in the hallway. "You are by far the best student I've ever had, and I've been teaching for over 20 years. You have something very special, and whatever drives you, I never want you to lose that, because you will go far in life."

"What can I say, I am aware that I am among the best." She smiled, knowing she was a grade A in every aspect of her life. "But I work hard for every A I get."