At Opposite Ends Of A Social Ladder

Chapter 1

"You know, I don't understand exactly how someone can mess up chem practicals. It's practically impossible! How the heck did you end up with detention?" Arabella's twin brother Michael questioned her as they walked down the hallway - Arabella with her advanced literature books and Michael with his basketball. Arabella had always gone to pieces in chemistry practicals, much to the annoyance of Mr Harrington, and her mistake the previous class had finally sent the teacher over the edge. Arabella, therefore, had to serve detention that evening in the lab.

"Hey, not everyone is as 'skillfully coordinated' as you. I just-" The petite brunette broke off when she saw Rebecca - her best friend for as long as she could remember - pass them in the hall. "Hey Becca! Seen Nikki yet?"

"No, gotta get to class, see you later!"

"Bye!"

Arabella turned her focus back to her brother, who was too preoccupied gazing at Becca as she walked away that he didn't notice that he was about to walk straight into a locker. Arabella was too late in her warning, and the tall athlete walked right into the grey locker, earning himself snickers from nearby onlookers. The basketball player - whose face was now a fiery red - glared at his laughing sister.

"You really have got it bad, haven't you?"

"Got what bad?"

Arabella simply smirked and walked away towards her classroom. She was thinking about her brother's infatuation, and didn't look where she was going. She walked straight into Jake Morgan - the school's most arrogant, popular jerk in her opinion. When Arabella realised what she had done, her eyes widened in horror and fear.

"Open your eyes, nerd." grumbled the jock, bending down to pick up his fallen bag. As he straightened up, Jake looked at Arabella, then said, "Do you even go here?"

"Well... uh..."

"Save it. Not like a pathetic nerd like you would ever have anything worthwhile to say, anyway."

With that, Jake knocked Arabella's books out of her hands and started to walk away. People watching started to laugh, and Arabella grew madder by the second. Without picking up her books, she yanked Jake back by his arm and slapped him right across the face, leaving a red hand print. The spectators seemed to be an equal mix of shocked and amused. Without a word, Arabella picked up her books and walked away with her head held high.