Between The Lines

Chapter 1

 There are some people you can't ignore. I, Gabriella Alvarez, am one of them- I was always in the front row, with my hand raised and my eyes burning like I had something to prove. But I did have something to prove. I needed to prove I could win the National Young Writers' Competition. The Prize? A full-ride scholarship to any college of the winner's choice. I needed this. This was all I had ever dreamt of, ever since my freshman year of high school. To get out of this small town and become the New York Times best-selling author I've wanted to be since I was nine. Some people say that high school is about finding yourself. For me, it's about proving to everyone that I'm more than this town would ever let me be. Luckily, I am the top student in my AP English class, so it's guaranteed that my teacher will pick me. I just need to know when my teacher will announce the competition. I need to be two steps ahead.

I sit in the front row and set my books down, about to review the material covered last class. I hear my teacher muttering greetings and 'Good Mornings' to my classmates as they filter in. I hear movement next to me and when I look up I'm graced with the presence of my best friend Simone Traver. She smiles brightly at me doing a twirl showing me her outfit of the day before pulling the chair next to me and sitting. She's wearing a crochet crop top with off-the-shoulder straps and a light colour with ruched detailing. Her overall ensemble gives off a bohemian or casual chic vibe. Either way, I love it. She flicks her long, voluminous black curly hair over the back of her chair as she settles in her seat. She has a tall, slender build and dark skin, her facial features are sharp and well-defined, giving her a striking and elegant appearance. Simone has been my best friend ever since freshman year when we ended up accidentally grabbing each other's drink at our favourite coffee shop. One awkward apology led to a less awkward conversation, which led to us getting to know each other. The rest became history.

"I see someone's getting ready for the competition," she smirks, poking my shoulder. I laugh and flip the top layer of my hair over so I have a middle part instead of a side part. I put my pen down and adjusted my curtain bangs. I ran my fingers through my curls as I responded, "I'm so ready for this. I've been waiting for this since I was 14." I recall. "I know, you never stop talking about it," she says, rolling her eyes playfully. "Hey, if I win this competition and get that scholarship, my world will be turned upside down. I can finally make my parents proud and leave this town and become something." I explain. "If you do get chosen, won't you have a partner? If the both of you win, how do they decide who gets the scholarship?" she asks. "Well, the judges don't just evaluate the overall quality of the story, but also each individual's voice, creativity and contributions. Both participants have to submit author's notes stating their contributions and why they believe they deserve the scholarship." I see her eyes widen slightly as she slowly realises how hard it might be to achieve the prize. She pats me on my shoulder, "If you get chosen, I'll be rooting for you." she reassures. "It'll be even better if you're picked as my partner," I suggest, laughing at the idea. Simone laughs, then turns her attention to our teacher who waits patiently for the class to settle. When they do, he takes attendance and collects homework. I sit eagerly in my seat waiting for him to announce the details of the competition.

"Alright class, I'm sure you've all heard the rumors by now. This year we are doing something special." he starts.

The classroom was thick with anticipation, the kind that made my heart pound just a little faster. Mr Lancaster stood at the front, casually leaning on his desk. I swallowed hard and gripped my pen. This is it.

"You've all worked hard these past few years, but now it's time for the real challenge- the one that will decide who's worthy of representing the school in the National Young Writers Competition." he glanced around the room, his eyes resting on me a fraction longer, then at someone a few rows behind.

"This won't just be another essay. This is a collaborative writing contest," Mr Lancaster continued, ignoring the sudden murmur of confusion that broke out. "Two students from every English class will be tasked with writing a single, cohesive story. And the stakes couldn't be higher- the winning pair will move on to compete nationally, with a full-ride scholarship to Eastbrook on the line."

Collaborative?

"But there's a catch," he added, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Only one of you will win the scholarship."

The air seemed to thin, tension crawling up my spine. One scholarship. One winner.

"Now let's get to the fun part. I've already made the pair."

The room stilled. I held my breath. I felt Simone reach for my hand and give it a reassuring squeeze.

Mr Lancaster looked directly at me. "Gabriella Alvarez." I smile spread across my face as I turned to Simone with excitement in my eyes.

"And Ethan Calloway."

My heart dropped. My smile faltered. A chorus of whispers exploded around them. I turned around to look at him. I see him stiffen in his seat. The thing about Ethan Calloway? He was always a step ahead- until now. This contest was mine and I wouldn't let him steal it from me. We had been rivals for as long as I could remember, constantly vying for the top spot. They say rivalries are supposed to bring out the best in you. But with Ethan, I'm not sure if he's pushing me forward or holding me back.

"Come see me after class to collect further details for the competition." Mr Lancaster smiles and then turns to his textbook to begin teaching.

Simone turns to me, trying to read my emotions.

"Of course, he's my partner. I should have seen this coming. We have always been fighting to be at the top of this class, it's no wonder he chose us." I ramble.

"I'm sure you'll be fine. You just need to push through this one time and then the scholarship will be all yours," she reassures. I nod and smile, thanking her before returning to our teacher to pay attention to the lesson.

At the end of class, I go to my teacher's desk where he hands me a paper with the details for the competition. I stiffen when Ethan pulls up next to me and joins the conversation. I stare at the paper in my hands, feeling Ethan's gaze. As soon as Mr Lancaster is finished explaining I thank him and make my way to the door where I can escape to my next class. I walk to my locker seeing Simone already standing there waiting for me. "What class do you have now, Gabby?"

I sigh, "I've got Chemistry, you?"

"Lucky, I've got calculus." she groans.

I frowned, "Sucks to be you, I guess."

She laughs and playfully hits my arm. "Whatever. I'll catch you later, Gabs." She squeezes my shoulder before walking to her class. I quickly transfer some books to and from my locker. When I close the door I jump and see Ethan leaning against another. "Can I help you?" I ask. He stared at me for a moment, carefully calculating his next move. When he finally spoke his voice was low enough that only I could hear.

"Looks like it's you and me, Alvarez. Hope you're ready to lose."

I gripped the notebook in my hand, my mind already racing. I roll my eyes and walk away to my class. Ethan thinks this is just another competition. This wasn't just about writing the best story anymore- it was about survival. Whether I liked it or not, Ethan Calloway was going to be a part of my story, one way or another.