Summer

Chapter 1

Zoe's POV:

I sit tapping my pencil frantically on the etched wood of my desk. 'God, I feel like I'm in High School Musical waiting for summer.' I think to myself. My notebook slides slightly to the left before falling to the floor. Letting out an annoyed groan I lean to pick it up before adjusting my earbuds. Death Cab For Cutie is blasting in my ears and I don't hear Mrs.Santiago yelling at me. Crap.

" ZOE?!? "
She adjusts her glasses before resting her hands crankily on her hips.

" You see class, this is a prime example of someone who doesn't care for their education. Keep that in mind. Zoe, meet me after class. "

Shit. My face is burning red and I can feel the eyes of 20 something other students laser driven straight at me. I slowly put away my phone and earbuds, never looking away from my desk, I can't bear to see everyone laughing at me.

Fucking finally the bell rings and I gather my things one last time and head for the door. Mrs.Santiago raises a shittily drawn on eyebrow at me as she clears her throat.

" Ahem, Ms.Aranmara? Are you forgetting something? "

A few faints laughs are heard as I rush to Mrs.Santiago's desk.

" Yes Ma'am? "

" Don't ma'am me. You have been so disrespectful in this class all year. I'm surprised you even passed the grade, never paying attention. "

" Ex-excuse me? "

I feel a lump form in my throat. Can teachers even talk to you like that?

" If I knew any better I'd give you detention, however, it's summer break now and I'm sure you'd hold a grudge. I'll be revoking my recommendation letter for Grivaldi. "

Now the tears start forming.. No.. She can't fucking do that. Grivaldi is my dream college and to get in you HAVE to have a recommendation from a teacher. Mrs.Santiago was the ONLY teacher to agree to write one. Fuck.

" Mrs.Santiago I'm begging you please don't do this... I'll come in and volunteer next year, I'll pay you, I don't care just please don't revoke your letter. "

I can barely get the words out. I'm crying now and I don't even try to stop. I see Mrs.Santiago's face slowly change, get slightly more caring. I don't even know what's happening before I end up in a chair in the guidance counselors office.

" Zoe, I need you to calm down please. " Mr.Arden's voice is so soothing the crying begins to let up. He clasps his hands on his desk, leaning slightly forward and raising his eyebrows in a way to signal me to speak. The words spew from my mouth in a true rage, I have no idea what I'm saying, I just know Mr.Arden looks shocked.

" She can't revoke her letter. I swear to god, I've worked so hard to go to this college I won't let some old angry BITCH ruin it for me. " I start crying again, this time not even his voice can calm me down. I sob for a good 15 minutes before a light knock is heard at the door.

" We're busy. Please go away. " Mr.Arden's usually calm and collected voice has turned sharp and angry. I can't help but snap up to see his face. His teeth are clearly clenched together by the way his cheekbones are defined.

" I-I'm sorry... I should go.. " I grab my backpack and wipe my eyes. Mr.Arden just nods in silence. God, you could hear a pin drop in that room.

" Y-You helped me a lot this year... Thank you. " I say before closing the door. I look down and turn around, bumping into someone, seeing a stack of papers fall.

" Oh my god I'm so sorry I jus- " I look up to see the person who had the papers. It's a gorgeous blonde, Maybe 5'4" at most with vibrant hazel eyes and the body of a goddamn Victorias Secret model. I shake my head before rushing past her and down the hallway. I turn a corner to my locker and drop my bag. I whip open my locker and grab my things. I'm frantically shoving masses of crumpled paper into my bag as I hear soft footsteps approaching me. 'FuckFuckFuckFuckFuck' I think to myself. I start talking without letting up on stuffing my bag.

" Listen Mr.Arden I'm sorry I lost it I'm just stressed okay it's summer and I'm so in my head right now. I'm about to leave I know everyone else is gone sorr- "

" What? " It's a girls voice. Shit. What stranger did I just bore with my life story? I jump to a standing position and spin around to see who it is. It's that blonde girl. Wow. She's so gorgeous. It's a bit funny though, I seem to tower above her. I'm 5'10" and I never thought much of it but seeing her makes me feel like a giant.

" Sorry.. I thought you were someone else.. " She nods and begins talking.

" You hurried out of Arden's office.. Are you okay? I went looking for you.. I hope that's not weird I just.. " She pauses and sighs with a small smile. " Sorry. I'm all over the place. I mean, I am, but.. I'm Alanis. Like Morrisette. "

I let out a small laugh and extend my hand to shake it. " Zoe. "