Once Upon A Journal

Chapter One

It's an honour to be in Greystone High even if it means staying up late and doing the group project alone.

This is what I have been telling myself for the past hour as I move through the crowd with a self consciousness of someone who had too much to drink.

It is a privilege, an immense honour to study here given its rich history of eighty years.The fact is evident in the intricately carved stonework, gleaming glass windows and manicured gardens. But right now, moving through the crowd, buzzing with excitement about their weekend makes me feel a lot less good about myself. The truth is, I don't have a single bone in my body that can relax and enjoy life, even for a little while.

It's not that I am not proud of myself. I am, and anyone who has passed the scholarship exam should be. Because it's the hardest one I have ever taken and trust me, I have taken a lot of exams.

But there are things, even a good school can't control: the students. The kids here can ruin you with a snap of their fingers, and no, not through any external means. Their words are sharp enough to cut deep through your skin, leaving scars that linger longer than any physical harm.

Just last week, Gianna, one of my classmates, made an offhand comment about my mom's bakery. But I didn't tell her anything because I am not here to stir up drama or make enemies. I am here to be the best.

But sometimes, it’s hard to keep my emotions bottled up. I want to shout out everything I’ve buried inside, to let my anger and frustration spill out.

Nevertheless, life here can be quite manageable if you just know how to keep your head down and avoid confrontations.

So, this is my mantra to get through everyday:
Never say what's on your mind. Never be on the receiving end of someone's insult and if you are, say sorry even if it's not your fault.

"Morning Juliette!" Ms. Thompson, the year level coordinator, calls from the steps of the main building, her voice cutting through the morning buzz."Did you write the speech that I asked you to?"

I smile and nod with so much enthusiasm that I almost give myself a neck cramp.

A few days ago, she called me to say that there's a meeting for the new teachers and she'd like if I wrote a speech about the opportunities, facilities and the atmosphere provided by Greystone High.

On my phone, she said, "I believe as the school captain and one of the highest scorers in your class, you're the perfect person." By the end she completed her little speech, I was on cloud nine.All my problems seemed to take a nosedive. At that moment, all I cared about was that I was the school captain, the top scorer, smart, and someone with a bright future ahead.

"Yes, Ms. Thompson I have—"

Footsteps echo behind me and I feel the presence of someone I'd rather avoid. I don't need to turn around to know who it is because I, unfortunately, remember his smell, from that awful day when it was stuck on my shirt.

Turning around, I see his familiar face—the face of my nightmares. Grey eyes, dark hair tousled in a way that looks effortlessly perfect and those annoying dimples that appear whenever he smiles. But don't be fooled by his looks because he is like a beautifully wrapped gift with nothing inside.

Alex Rivers

The vice captain and among the top scorers like me. Also, the constant pain of my life.

I hate him because he is arrogant, and he makes me want to punch his face, with all his pretentious air. I hate the way his grey eyes twinkle whenever I am on the verge of losing control. I hate that he always tries to push my buttons and I just have to grit my teeth because I am not here to cause trouble.

"Thank God. You are here too. I hope you have completed...?"

I try to hide my shock.I thought it was only supposed to be me. Yes, I know he is a good student but I was supposed to be the one representing my school.

"But Ms. Thompson I wrote everything that you need. I don't think two people are needed."

"This time we thought not to pressure our students too much. Now you both can share your responsibilities together. Isn't that a good thing?"

I wanted to say the hell I am sharing anything with him but I just nod plastering a smile, hoping that it isn't as fake as it feels.

"Actually,it's great that you thought of the students," Alex replies with a smile that might look genuine but it's fake, I know it. Because whenever he lies he has a habit of fixing his tie.

"Oh, you're so kind. Thank you," she says, giving him a small smile before turning around to return to her office.

I bite my tongue, suppressing the urge to comment on the absurdity of Alex and kindness in the same sentence.

I rush off too, not wanting to be alone with him, but soon his footsteps catch up to mine.

"How are you Juliette? Missed me?" He says, his voice just behind my shoulder.

I roll my eyes, not wanting to entertain his antics so early. "I'd miss a flat tire more than I'd miss you."

"That's unfortunate," he replies and I can almost hear the smirk in his voice. "Maybe that's why your last week's debate reminded me of the world economy–unremarkable and boring."

I know you are bitter just because I won last month's debate against you.

It would be so satisfying to tell him that and watch his face lose all the colour. But I swallow back whatever I want to say and let my head be filled with the constant ringing of my anger.

"Are you okay?" He asks, though there's no concern, only his eyes are laughing at my state.

"Of course. I am the school captain. I have to be okay," I say, heading towards my English class which is on the other side of the wing. I take a different route to avoid walking beside him. The corridor I walk through is lined with lockers, each decorated with stickers and photos of the students.

Unfortunately, he follows me because we share the same classes and seems to have made it his life mission to get under my skin. Life's amazing right?

However, he doesn't reply to what I said and I know I have scored a small victory. The one thing Alex hates is being reminded that I am the school captain and he is not.

That's what you get for making fun of my debate skills.

"Are you okay? You look like you need some ice, your face is really burning up," I add, throwing his words back at him. I am sure my face is pulled up in a triumphant smile, that I can't seem to hide.

"Don't say that or I might think you like me," he says, his mouth lifting up to one side.

Then live in your delusion because I can never like you. But I don't tell him that because I have better things to do than argue with him.

"Did you say something?"

I want to roll my eyes.Why did I even decide to indulge him? He is insufferable. Talking to him only leads me in circles.Every smirk, every comment of his makes me want to vomit. How can someone so infuriating be adored by everyone? Life's not fair.

Thank you for still reading this story. Did you like it?

Thank you ♡