Closer to perfection (academic rivals)

Chapter 1 ♡

H E A T H E R
The clouds had cleared and the sun had soothed, revealing a serene sky with an aura as calm as a crane. The station was fairly empty as we had to rush there at 5 AM. It took 2 hours to get to the boarding school and students required to arrive there at 12..

"Please, respectfully get off me." Rozi scowls. Ari was holding him in some tight hug that also resembled a headlock. She cries as he yelps, struggling to escape her tenacious grip.
"I can't believe you guys are growing up so fast..." Vivi mutters as our older sister wipes her snot with her shirt. "I just hope you guys will be okay.."
I could see her glancing at me and Rozi. He sighs.
"We'll be fine. I can take care of Heathy, besides she's literally 15- people her age have a boyfriend to take care of themself not a brother," Rozen glimpses my way, raising an eyebrow as I narrow my eyes, "But we all know she'd never allow someone except from me to do that."

This guy cannot be serious right now.

"Rozen. Don't even dare mention the idea of a relationship to her," mum snaps, before softening, "Oh Rozi take care of your sister, I'll miss you both ever so dearly."
"We all will. I hope you two put your knowledge to use and learn something useful, instead of boasting to eachother," dad smiles.

My mother, who had once shone with the spirit of the sun, now bore a fake smile with the energy of a saddened storm. My father, who had before hugged us with his soft hands, now had rough palms from scrubbing floors. My sisters, who had dreamed of their own futures and careers, now laugh as they assist our parents, leaving their dreamed futures to make a new one with helping our parents.
I could feel my eyes welling up. I could only pray that my family would never have to allow another blister to lay on their hands. Rozi held my hand. That's right. All these sacrifices were made for me and my brother to be successful in our lives, and have an opportunity to live like our classmates. Although these sacrifices may have seemed little to others, they meant everything to me. I have to make sure the effort my family put in was helpful.

I hug my father and Vivi, and kiss Ari and my mother goodbye. Grabbing on to my suitcase, I hop onto the train and wave as my father helped Rozi put the luggage away. I watched my family slowly disappear as more and more families began to fill the station. This was my queue to find a spot.
"See you later Roziiii!"

I walk away to the compartments, stopping at an empty one. I genuinely hate sharing compartments with randos who just whisper while staring at me. Sliding open the door, I lay onto the seats. God my body is aching after standing around being crushed in a bear hug by Ari..

"HEATHER FEATHERRRR"

help me.

Hailey pushes the door open, with so much energy I swear I saw sonic for a second, and then plops  herself on a seat opposite mine. Although I was hoping to have time to read my Fruits Basket volume in peace, I genuinely feel relieved to see a familiar face. Hailey is basically one of my best friends. Hers and Emma's families are like the only families who have supported my parents emotionally and financially, often popping by to buy the whole menu at our restaurant (thank you so much Mr and Mrs Fernandez and Mr and Mrs Shah. I OWE YOU MY LIFE.) Also, Hailey's one of the prettiest girls I'm ever met. She has a tan, sun kissed complexion as well as deep brown locks highlighted with blonde cascading down her shoulders. I hate how so many people crush on her but whenever she likes someone they always reject her. She's a 10 and they're like, what, not even on the scale..

"How's life? Must've been boring without me for a whole 3 months." She giggles.
"I literally saw you a week ago."

"HEY GUYS WHATS UP!"

holy.
A slender girl, who's also one of the most prettiest girls I've ever met, with glossy black hair and a warm, dusky complexion glowing with natural radiance crashes in.
"HAILEYYYYYYYYYYYYYY"
"EMMMAUURRRRRRRRR"
Thank god I didn't go on the plane with these two, or else I would've died. This was going to be a long ride.