snapchat. ➳ h.s

chapter 1

Cassie's POV

Ring ring ring!

The school bell rang, signaling that the first class of the year was starting. I sighed, dreading for this day to end quickly, wanting to go home and sleep. Everyone here had someone to sit with as lab partners, but the seat next to me was empty. Not even slightly surprised.

I rested my chin on the smooth, marble counter as Mr. O'Brien, the Science teacher, walked in.

"Welcome back, students, to another humble year of school!" Mr. O'Brien said with an annoying mood of peppiness. Almost instantly, the whole class responded with a groan. Well, of course, except for the school "nerds".

Yes, there are labels here for each group in our school. There are the nerds, goths, "cool kids", punks, and well, there's me. Not fitting in anyone's group. So I guess people call me a loner.

Mr. O'Brien was checking looking up and down from the rows of tables of students to his clipboard, repeatedly, checking off who was absent or present. "Have anyone seen Ge-"

Interrupting Mr. O'Brien, someone rushed in the door, panting harshly.

"Ms. Styles, you're late." Mr. O'Brien said, crossing his arms. The girl looked down in embarrassment. "However, you won't be receiving detention, because you are new to this school. Welcome, and please sit down an empty seat next to someone, who will be your lab partner from now on."

Her eyes met mine and she gave me a warm smile, making her way to the empty seat next to mine. She sat down next to me, dropping her bag on the floor.

"Everybody welcome, Gemma Styles." Mr. O'Brien said, taking his own seat.

I subtly looked around the classroom, noticing that the guys were checking out this new Gemma girl. I'm not surprised since she was so gorgeous.

As Mr. O'Brien started writing on the chalkboard, she turned to me.

"Hi, I'm Gemma, you?" she said, the British accent clear in her voice. She gave me a smile, and put her hand towards me. I furrowed my eyebrows. Why is she talking to me? She's not looking at me in disgust. She's smiling at me. I looked down at her hand. This could mean only one thing...

"Are you doing the "The Interview" move? Do you have poison on your hands? Are you trying to kill me? I'm not the president of North Korea, I swear." I replied, confused. She started laughing. Gosh, even her laugh sounded flawless.

"I'm not trying to kill you, I swear. I just want to know the name of my new lab partner that I'm going to be stuck with for the rest of the school year. I might as well be friends with you." Gemma said, in between giggles.

"Oh." I chuckled, embarrassed. "I'm Cassie Sanchez." I shook her hand, smiling back at her.

I felt so ugly compared to her. She had makeup on, is a plain black, long-sleeved crop top, ripped jean shorts, and white converse high tops.

On the other hand, I was wearing no makeup at all, one of my brother's plain white oversized souvenir shirt from Stanford, sweat shorts, and grey flip-flops.

Gemma and I started talking a bit and slowly it turned into a full on conversation, laughing and joking around.

Soon, the bell rang and Mr. O'Brien told us that we had to choose lockers to use for the school year. Everyone hurriedly ran out of the classroom, including Gemma, leaving me alone in the classroom. I took my time, walking out of the classroom.