𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐗𝐄𝐃 [𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐱𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥]

Prologue

Emily stared at her shelf of awards and accolades that stood proudly in her room, magnifying its impressive aura. However, the longer she gazed, the more sour she got. It was seven in the morning as she took the last sip of her bitter yet refreshing cup of coffee, whilst preparing for the day ahead. In her mind, she did a quick run through of the more important things required for the new school year. After all, this would be her first day after term break.

Bag-checked
Stationary-checked
Latest edition books-checked
Emergency notebook-checked
Spotless, creaseless uniform-checked
Prefect badge -checked
Breakfast-checked
Coffee-checked
Award for Annual Science Fair-checked
Award for Best Prefect-checked
Award for Annual Math Competition-checked
Award for Annual Literary Festival-checked
Annual Award for Academic Excellence-

unchecked.

Emily scowled. What had she not done for that award? Every year she had worked her ass off to have her name on that trophy. Never missed a class, never been late, been on her best behaviour, submitted every assignment before time, produced flawless work-yet still.

Yet still.

She took it away. Monica Williams had stolen it away from her.
Again.
Last year.
And so many 'last years' that she could remember.

Every year Emily lost it by a minuscule delta, and every year she bit on her tongue and waited for the next. Hoping that one day she would get her hands on the cup, and feel it's cold metal sending jolts of electricity through her skin.

This year she would claim it. No matter what the cost. Come what may. Even if the world falls apart.

Before leaving for school, Emily passed one last glance at her shelf- eyes locking with a particular framed picture from last year. Monica raising her best student award with the rest of the class in the background. She had a gleaming, radiant smile, enough to light up the Mariana Trench, while Emily stood by her side, eyes empty, smile tight, clutching onto her award for best prefect. She scoffed.

This year will be different.

But,

Was Emily Rhodes, with her meticulous planning, truly prepared for what this year had in store for her?

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