My Fake Girlfriend's a Little Too Real | Jennifer Check

chapter 1

Chiara's POV:

I heard the sound of yelling and loud talking as soon as I stepped into the school. As they say, Devil's Kettle may be a small town, but it has a bunch of lively souls living here. Because of my grandma's health issues, my family had to move from the still sunny in October Italy to this cold place. The weather definitely wasn't the only cold thing either. The minute I stepped foot into the crowded hall, I was met with a bunch of burning stares from the kids. Can't say I'm surprised—in a town this small a new person must be a huge fixation.

I got my timetable a few days ago and I was heading to my first class—history. As I walked through the school, searching for the right classroom, heads turned to look at me. I checked my phone again to confirm the room number: Classroom 12, the one I was standing in front of. A dark-haired girl cut in front of me to open the door. As she reached for the handle, I tapped her on the shoulder.

"Sorry, is this Mr. White's history?" I asked, watching the girl turn around to face me.

"Yes, it is. Are you new?"

"Yeah. I'm Chiara."

"Jennifer Check. Welcome to Devil's Kettle, Chiara."

She smiled at me, something in her making it so alluring. She opened the classroom door, and we both walked in. Just a moment later, I heard my name being called out again, this time by the teacher. He gestured for me to come to his desk. I walked over.

"Chiara Angelo, am I right?" he asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Okay, so I know we're a bit ahead in the material, and you'll need to catch up. However, based on your previous academic records, I don't think that will be a problem."

He smiled warmly at me, though I couldn't tell if the smile was meant to reassure me or himself, as it seemed he was somewhat worried about having a student transferred from an Italian school at this time of year. I guess it's understandable—what normal person changes schools mid-October?

The bell rang, and I noticed the classroom filling up with the other students. The teacher continued speaking as he pulled out a piece of paper from his desk. "We have a seating plan, and you'll be sitting with, uh..." He scanned the paper with his eyes. "Jennifer Check. She's right there in the corner by the windows. If you need anything else, feel free to ask."

"Thank you so much, sir."

I gave him a polite smile before turning to find my seat. As I walked to my desk, I noticed Jennifer's head perk up. When our eyes met, I couldn't understand why she made me feel a shiver down my spine. I'm not the shy type, but she already made me feel somewhat intimidated. And I didn't even know her. I sat down next to her and tried to start a conversation.

"I guess you're stuck with the new girl."

She chuckled quietly at my joke but then turned her attention back to a notebook in front of her.

"Crazy shit, right?"

I could sense a sarcastic tone in her voice that caught me off guard. I didn't expect her to be mean. I decided to shrug it off, and focus on getting ready for class.

As the lesson went on, I felt her gaze burning holes on me every now and then. me. I wondered what her deal was. I definitely didn't like the fact that it was my first day here and I already feel like I was making enemies.