Pretty Waterhouse I: Ashes of Yesterday

Chapter 3| First Day, First Impression

Chapter 3: "First Day, First Impression"

Coraline was almost jumping with excitement.

"I can't believe it! They are the most handsome guys I've ever seen in my life."

Scarlett rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed.

"But, who were those guys? I've never seen them before," the redhead continued.

"Please, Coraline, don't lower yourself," she replied with a tone of disgust. "There are much better guys out there."

"Oh, really?" Coraline challenged her with a defiant look. "Name one. Now."

Emily couldn't help but laugh at the exchange.As the seconds passed, Scarlett, unable to recall any example, changed tactics:

"Well, just because I can't remember doesn't mean they don't exist. Besides, I don't spend my day assessing whether guys are handsome or not, I don't have time for that."

"Oh, my God! Here they come back..." Coraline exclaimed mischievously.

"Where?!" Scarlett straightened up quickly, fixing her hair in a hurry.

Coraline and Emily laughed in unison at Scarlett's reaction.

"Keep it up, and you won't see the sunlight again," Scarlett threatened humorously.

Suddenly, a throat-clearing too close interrupted the moment. Emily turned around surprised and jumped when she saw Alex beside her.

"God, Alex, you scared me!"

"Am I that ugly?" he joked.

Emily's response was a radiant smile. She threw herself into his arms, wrapping them around his neck.

"I heard the most beautiful girl in the world just arrived at the school," he said, before giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Ah, thank you," responded an unknown female voice behind them. Everyone turned around surprised. The girl behind Alex had intense brown eyes, perfectly styled blonde hair, and lips painted a vibrant red. She was undeniably beautiful and she knew it. Without delay, she planted a kiss on Alex's lips. "Hello, handsome," she smiled at him, not taking her eyes off him.

Emily felt a wave of jealousy. The blonde then shifted her gaze to the blue-eyed girl and drew a different smile.

"You must be the new girl. My name is Elena."

"Emily," she answered politely.

"I know who you are, Emily. I know a lot about you; you're the daughter of the billionaire Waterhouses, the girl who's never been to a public school," said Elena with a mocking tone.

Emily raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

"Welcome to the school, Emily Waterhouse."

"It's good that you know everything about me, because all I know about you is that you just interrupted us," Emily responded firmly.

Emily's friends couldn't contain their laughter. Elena changed her arrogant smile to a furrowed brow, then took a deep breath and regained her smile.

"That's no problem. I can tell you all about me. Actually, I came to invite you to join my group so you don't die socially with these people. No offense, doll," she added, giving Alex a flirtatious smile.

"Thank you, Elena, but I will have to decline your invitation. I'm very happy with my friends," Emily declined politely, reaffirming her loyalty to her circle.