This chapter is dedicated to City_of_immortality. Thank you so much for all your support! You have honestly been so encouraging and inspiring :)
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It had been a year since Steffi first landed on the island. Although her tan had faded and the sand in her clothes had been washed out, Steffi still remembered meeting Harrison. She just wasn't sure if it had actually happened. Even though she was sure she had safely tucked away the stone Harrison had given her in her wallet, Steffi hadn't been able to find it the next day. When she got back home she had literally tipped her luggage inside out looking for it creating a mess so big that even her mother stopped outside her room whilst on the phone and motioned for her to clean it up.
As the year went on Steffi still couldn't find the stone. She stopped thinking about him and focused more on her friends and schoolwork. She applied for scholarships and made a name for herself as a leader, heading school councils and even meeting some very influential people who announced Steffi to be "A very special young lady who we will no doubt see many great things from in the future."
An inpatient knock sounded downstairs. Her parents were off on their annual meeting again. This time they left Steffi behind as they traveled to Rome. Steffi was okay with it. It left her alone in the house to do as she pleased. It didn't make much of a difference anyway.
She opened the door to find one of her closest friends, Liv holding a basket with a patterned yellow and white fabric cloth concealing the contents. Steffi didn't have a "best" friend. She thought it was far better to have lots of close friends that you can rely on, but never let them get too close. Steffi was used to being alone and she kind of liked it that way. That way she never depended on anyone. She was in control of her own life and the path she chose.
Liv didn't wait for Steffi to invite her in. She was forward like that. She didn't sugar coat anything and always told people the truth – even if it caused a few tears over the years. Steffi admired her for that.
"Okay so I told mum that I would probs be staying here for the week, you know since you've got the place all to your self we could have some fun. Maybe have a party?"
Steffi couldn't hide her look of pure pain. She absolutely hated house parties. At least the ones she had been to anyway. Firstly they were far too loud, she always left with ringing in her ears and a headache that lasted at least a week. Secondly it was just so awkward, of course its fun to get ready with all your friends and head off for a night full of romance and adventure. But if you count some random grinding up against you romance and trying to sneak out of the party as adventure. Then maybe you should relook at your life goals?
Liv immediately caught on to Steffi's hesitation. "Silly billy! Why don't you ever give me the benefit of the doubt?" She laughed at Steffi.
Liv pulled back the fabric on the basket revealing microwaveable popcorn, fluffy slippers, a tube of moisturizing avocado mask and a pile of DVDs - Steffi could definitely see some good ones in there.
"You are such a perfect friend!" she breathed, relieved that she wasn't going to spend her whole day tomorrow cleaning stains out of the carpet.
The girls decided on the breakfast club – one of Steffi's favourites. As Steffi went to microwave the popcorn and Liv ducked off to get changed into her PJ's a letter came through the mail slot with a gentle clang. It landed on the floor face up with the logo of the prestigious private school for girls - St Barnabas academic school for young women - in which Steffi had submitted a scholarship application. She really didn't want Liv to see it – she would be so upset if she found out Steffi was even considering moving schools. She also didn't want to open the letter tonight, it would either spoil the evening for her, or she would be so excited that Liv would get annoyed and eventually weasel the info out. Steffi hid the letter in the fridge under the broccoli; hopefully Liv didn't decide to go on a health kick in the next 24 hours.
The girls finally settled down in front of the TV. The buttery smell filled the room and the girls had found the comfiest pillows and duvets and tucked themselves up on the couches.
"They only meet once, but it changed their lives forever"
The movie echoed through Steffi's brain but nothing stuck. She kept thinking about the letter... Maybe she should sneak off and open it.
"They were five total strangers, with nothing in common, meeting for the first time. A brain, a beauty, a jock, a rebel and a recluse. Before the day was over, they broke the rules. Bared their souls and touched each other in a way they never dreamed possible."
Steffi hadn't even thought about her friends when she submitted her scholarship application, of course she would miss them... but she would still be able to stay in contact with them. There was a thing called the Internet. But Steffi was getting ahead of herself. First of all she actually had to be accepted.
"Five strangers with nothing in common, except each other."
As soon as the last word left the speakers it was total mayhem. The grandfather clock struck midnight causing the dog to howl and bark like never before. Lightning cracked outside cutting through the darkness. It was all too much for Liv who screamed and knocked over the pot next to the couch.
It was an old pot, Steffi didn't know if it was significant or not, no one really talked about it. It had always just been the pot on the stool next to the couch - a decorative feature that was never inquired about or commented on. But as Steffi jumped up to stop the dog from standing on any of the loose shards of stone she noticed a small, perfectly round black pebble lying among the cream coloured pot. Any thought of the letter or Liv was quickly a thing of the past. Only one word echoed through her mind now.
Harrison.
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Hey guys! I just wanted to say a HUMONGOUS thank you! I am totally blown away by the amount of support I have got from this book so far!
As the author, I am able to see where all my readers are coming from. You guys are from all over the place; USA, England, India and NZ! I think that it is so cool how many different cultures we are able to explore on Wattpad and I would love for you to comment where you are from and tell us your fav thing about your city/country. The best comment will be incorporated into the next chapter ;)
Please please please don't hesitate to comment with any feed back, or if you have any ideas for the plot. I already have a plan in mind, but I would love to hear any thoughts :) Have a great weekend
- Dean
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