Ivy

1- Lunch break

I walk through the hallways with books in my hands when I notice a large amount of people gathering around the information board.

Curious to know what's going on, I make my way to the poster everyone seems to be talking about.

I immediately recognise the red logo and my eyes fall to the small sentence written under. Harvard is hosting a competition between the best students from a selection of high schools, and our school is part of them.

Excitement rushes through me. Harvard has been my dream school since I was fourteen. Ever since I was little, I've always had a penchant for the noble profession of a doctor. My father even recently told me that i once bought him a bird covered with blood asking if it was possible to save it.

(Obviously, it was not)

So, I spent the last four years giving my all to achieve my goal, from volunteering at the nurse office to taking biology tests for fun.

This competition might be a perfect opportunity to catch their eye. Unfortunately, someone else has the same school in sight. I hope he won't stand in my way.

Suddenly, I hear an enthusiastic voice call my name.

"Lia !"

I turn my head to see my two best friends looking at me like I just came back from space.

"Did you see the poster ? Everyone's talking about it. And when I say everyone, I mean everyone. I even heard my coach say this contest could change lives !" the blonde one says.

Eliza, more commonly known as Lizzie, is part of the school's girls volleyball team. She might be clumsy and very impulsive, but she has the biggest heart and is nice to literally everyone she meets.

"I just read it ! You have to pinch me, I'm dreaming."

The other girl laughs a little at my response.

"We heard some guys talking about it and immediately went to find you. Girl, this is your moment." she says with a proud look on her face.

Alisha doesn't believe in failure, just like she doesn't believe boys. I always wondered how she manages to make people feel safe around her, she's like the mother of the group.

She must get that from her family. Her parents were born in Bangladesh and came when they were teenagers to pursue their education here in America. With her two little sisters, her family has always treated us like we shared the same blood and they're surely the most welcoming people I have ever met.

"Aw, thanks for thinking of me, it means a lot."

"Are you kidding ? You're the smartest girl we know ! Plus, Harvard is your dream, remember ?"

"This is the perfect opportunity!" Lizzie adds.

"I know, right ! I'm so excited !"

The bell's ringing quickly brings us back to reality.

"Alright, I have to get going. You know how Mr. Williams can be with latecomers." the blonde girl says, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, we should go too. We'll talk about this at lunch." I respond.

"Can't wait." Alisha smiles. "Don't let this distract you during class, though." she adds, with a playful grin.

We wave at each other before parting ways.

When I open the door of the math classroom, I notice all seats are taken except one. I lift my head a little to see who I'm gonna have to seat next to for the rest of the year only to notice Jayden, focused on the notebook he's holding.