Clashing Chemistry

Chapter 1

The shrill ring of my alarm clock awoke me in the early Monday morning. I reach over and quickly turn the ringing off.
After summer break, the worst thing to hear must be the alarm clock. Knowing that I have to stay on schedule, I leap out of bed despite wishing I could lay in it for another few hours.
I take a look at the time. 6:02am. I groan. It should be illegal to wake up this early. But hard work, and yes, waking up at 6am counts as hard work, will pay off someday.
I quickly get a few stretches in while I mentally run through my schedule for the day.
Senior year at Ridgeview High is going to be the most challenging yet, but I'm up for the challenge.

Since it is still super warm in LA, I've decided to wear a light, flowy dress with ruffle details put on a bit of natural makeup to hide my eye bags. My Mary Janes complete the look.
Of course I can't forget to put on the beautiful, dainty necklace my parents have gifted me for my 18th birthday two months ago. Ever since they've gifted it to me I have worn it on a daily basis.
I brush my fingertips over the small diamonds, a daily reminder of my parents' love - a gift that never fails to make me smile.

I make my way downstairs where I'm embraced by the smell of pancakes. I stop in the doorway of the kitchen where I can see my mother setting up three plates of delicious looking breakfast.
"Morning.", Dad mumbles as he kisses my forehead, his familiar coffee mug in hand, decorated with hearts and flowers 11-year old me drew.
My Dad now places a kiss on my mom's cheek while she's fixing up his tie.
"Good Morning, Em. Did you sleep well?", my Mom asks me while I take a seat at the set table.
"I wish I could've stayed in bed all day!", I sigh.
My parents can't help but let out a laugh.

Even though it may not seem like it right now, I'm a diligent, high-achieving student. Whether it's extra credit through extracurricular activities like debate club, being part of the student council, et cetera, or simply giving it my all in classes and exams. Academic success has always been my most important priority.
This year will be particularly important. It's my very last year of high school and I have to give it my all. Or else all of my effort will have been wasted.

Once I've finished eating my Mom's (incredibly) tasty pancakes, I wish my parents a lovely day at work and leave the house.
A light breeze caresses my face as I step outside. I take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.
Sadly, the peace of the moment is short-lived since the sound of a motorcycle gets louder and louder.
I keep a lookout for the culprit and, unsurprisingly, lay my eyes on Ethan Ryder. The so-called "bad boy", which honestly makes me cringe, who could not care less about anyone but himself. Well, I doubt he cares much about himself either since he doesn't do much for his future. I'm surprised he's even going to school today. Maybe he just took a wrong turn on his way to another party.

Since I don't live far from school I arrive after a 15-minute walk. I spot Sophia from a mile away. Her rich, dark curls and beautifully tanned skin make me feel like summer. She's spent her whole summer break at her grandparents place in Mexico where she had the opportunity to lay at the beach all day long.
I smile as she embraces me in a big hug. I could swear that a faint smell of salt water lays in the air.
"You look beautiful, Soph! I wish I could've come with you.".
"Now you look like a ghost next to me!", Soph says teasingly while holding her arm next to mine.
"I've missed you so much, Em. You would've loved to see all the hotties running around at the beach.". I roll my eyes at her in return but let out a laugh.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Sophia Martinez. My best friend since middle school. The most supportive and outgoing person you could imagine. Sophia, similar to me, has big plans for her future. She's president of the school's dance team, aiming for a scholarship to a performing arts school. She's really the full-package; smart, stunning, and hardworking. Which is why it's no surprise that almost every guy at school wants her. Especially star of our football team, Tyler Jacobs, has had his eyes on Sophia for quite some time.
I have to hangout with him as well since we're the "popular kids". Thanks to Soph. She seems to get along with him but to me he's just a popular jock who likes to stir trouble.