Faking Fate

Chapter 6

I groaned as I heard the familiar sound of my alarm clock blaring, indicating that it was time to wake up and face another Monday. Still feeling the lingering effects of the weekend, I lazily reached over to hit the snooze button, intending to steal a few more minutes of precious sleep. However, my attempt at extra rest backfired, and before I knew it, I had overslept.

Panicking, I shot out of bed, my heart pounding in my chest only to get trapped in my blankets and roll onto the floor.

I glanced at the clock, and my eyes widened with horror – I was already running late for school! Rushing to get ready, I practically tripped over myself as I stumbled towards the bathroom trying to free my legs from the trap of my blanket.

I splashed water on my face, trying to wake myself up from the sleep-induced fog that clouded my mind. My hair was a mess of unruly tangles, and my eyes were still heavy with exhaustion. I brushed my teeth with the speed of a race car, barely stopping to rinse.

Next came the challenge of picking an outfit. With only seconds to spare, I hastily pulled clothes from my closet and tossed them onto my bed. The first combination I saw would have to do. I slipped into my clothes, not even bothering to check if they matched. Functionality was the priority today.

In a whirlwind of frantic activity, I brushed my hair into a hasty ponytail, grabbed my bag, and dashed downstairs hopping in one leg to put my other shoe on.

"Emily, hurry up! You're going to be late for school!" my mom called out from the kitchen, her voice tinged with concern.

"I know, I know!" I replied, trying to sound composed despite the chaos that was unfolding.

Son of a Gun. I hated being late like highly despised it.

With a quick grab of a granola bar for breakfast, I bolted out the door and headed towards my car.

The drive to school was a blur of quick turns, yellow lights, and the occasional honking horn. I mentally ran through the list of excuses I could give to my teacher, hoping they would understand my tardiness.

Finally, I screeched into the school parking lot, grateful for the sight of familiar faces bustling towards the entrance. As I hurried out of my car, I glanced at my reflection in the rearview mirror. Disheveled hair, slightly smudged mascara, and a breathless expression stared back at me.

I took a deep breath, attempting to compose myself, before slinging my backpack over my shoulder and making a mad dash towards the school building. Dodging through groups of students, I maneuvered my way to my locker, fumbling with the combination lock in my rush.

Once my books were retrieved, I hurried to my first class, my heart pounding with a mix of adrenaline and embarrassment. I slipped into the classroom, trying to blend in as inconspicuously as possible. The teacher glanced up from the front, raising an eyebrow at my late entrance, but luckily didn't say anything.

I quickly found an empty seat near the back, feeling a mix of relief and sheepishness as I settled in. The class had already begun, and I hastily pulled out my notebook and pen, eager to catch up on the notes I had missed.

———

Lost in my own little world, I fumbled with the lock on my locker, barely registering the familiar clicks as I dialed the combination. And there he was, standing a few lockers away, chatting with some of his teammates. His tousled brown hair and easy smile made my heart race, and for a moment, I allowed myself to get lost in the sight of him.

Tucker, the charming soccer star who had occupied my daydreams for what felt like an eternity. I couldn't help but steal glances in his direction whenever he was around, and today was no exception.

But then, amidst my Tucker-induced haze, I noticed movement out of the corner of my eye. Turning my head slightly, I saw Alex, who had apparently been trying to get my attention for who knows how long. His hand was raised, and he was calling my name, a slightly amused expression on his face.

"Emily!" he called out again, this time more insistently.

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I quickly turned my full attention to him"Oh, hey, Alex," I stammered, trying to regain my composure.

He grinned, and there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Lost in thought, huh?"

I nodded sheepishly, feeling a bit like I had been caught daydreaming in the middle of a crowded hallway. "Yeah, sorry about that."

Alex hadn't said anything but he was still looking at me, his expression pensive. I wondered what he was thinking as he seemed lost in thought. After a moment, he took a deep breath, and a determined look crossed his face.

"So..you're into Tucker?" he asks with a quirk of an eyebrow

My face drops. "WHAT- um whatttt...hahaha i don't know what you're talking about" I say trying to sound calm.

I frown, "Is it that obvious?" I ask him

He smirks at me before saying just shaking his head. When he looks back at me he's deep into thought and then he says the most insane thing I'be ever heard.

"I know this might sound totally crazy, but hear me out." he's hesitant before he continues "What if we... pretend to date?"

I laugh loud and hard bending over to catch my breathe.

"Alex, what! have you gone mad?" I laugh again

"Just hear me out, alright?" and he continued, his voice filled with a blend of hope and desperation. "I know it sounds weird but here's the thing. I still have feelings for my ex, and trust me I know Bianca and how she is there's nothing she loves more than a challenge, and if she hears we're going out she'll feel the need to win."

I blinked, trying to process the unexpected proposal. It was a whirlwind of a suggestion.

He continues on "And I could help you out with Tucker, I know how guys like him think and once he hears about you with the hottest most athletic guy in school", he winks and I roll my eyes "He'll want to be all over you"

The prospect of catching Tucker's attention was undeniably tempting, even if it meant engaging in a fake relationship. But was I willing to go along with it?

"Alex," I finally spoke, my voice hesitant, "I appreciate your honesty and the thought behind this, but... pretending to date? It seems... complicated."

He nodded, his eyes searching mine for a hint of understanding. "I know it's a lot to ask, and it's a long shot, but think about it. We could support each other through this charade, have each other's backs. Who knows? It might just work."

I mulled over his words, torn between the excitement of potentially catching Tucker's attention and the unease of participating in such a convoluted plan. But as I looked into Alex's eyes, I saw sincerity and a genuine desire to help both of us in his proposition.

Taking a deep breath, I mustered my courage and met his gaze. "Okay, Alex. Let's do it. Let's give this crazy plan a shot."

A glimmer of hope crossed his face, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Really? You're in?"

I nodded, a mix of determination and anticipation welling up within me. "Yes, I am, but we're gonna needs rules. Lots of rules" I point at him

He smiles at me "Definitely," he agreed, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "It'll be our little secret, and we'll make it as believable as possible."

"Meet me after school we can discuss at the diner a few block away?" he asks me

"Yeah,that's fine" I nod at him

He smiles and says, "Emily thank you for this"

"You're welcome, I'm all in as long as
you stick to helping me." i give him a sharp look and he laughs

"Cross my heart" he says and walks away

Walking away I felt as if I just signed my soul away. I know such a big stretch but still, are we really capable of pulling this off?