The Perfect Gift

Chapter Six

Sarah

"Sarah!" I turn abruptly at the sound of my name. It's Ems. Just the sight of her makes me realize how much I've missed her. I rush towards her and my arms over her. Our embrace does not last for long as we immediately begin talking all about our summer.

We take Kelly to her classroom and keep chatting about our summer breaks. Turns out, she had gone to China, seen the Great Wall and had loads of fun. I tell her about my new painting and she promises to come see them soon. 

I and Ems have been friends since I got into WHS, she's honest, kind and great at photography. Her dream is to study photography in college. She keeps her brown hair short and has big, amber eyes. Ems' also a cheerleader, she enjoys sports and music and is fun to be around with and she gets me. 

She was there for me when my dad died. She also goes to church but not Living Faith Church. 

At this moment, it feels nice to be back at WHS. Don't get me wrong, it's a really good school, one of the best in the country actually, and the only reason I'm able to attend an elite school like this is because I have a full tuition scholarship. 

That is, as long as I keep my grades up which has been difficult to do since dad's death.

After dad died, I shut myself from the world. The church was my second home-  still is- so when people noticed, they mocked me. 

High school students are mean but I 'm able to endure their ridicule because of my faith in God.  My parents always told me to not to mind the persecutions, it's all part of a greater plan. So I ignore. Especially Mackenzie Davis.

Mackenzie is head cheerleader and arguably the most popular. Her parents are extremely rich, her dad is a major contributor at WHS, so she goes about with her nose in the air, looking down on poorer or less fortunate people like me. 

She gossips with her friend, Jules Seymour and all  the other snobbish, over-pampered rich kids usually about boys.

Ems is still talking about how epic her vacation in China was. I nod and smile but I'm not paying attention anymore. I see Mac coming our way. "Hi, Emily!" she says in sing-song voice. Mac always tries to make nice with Ems because Ems' on the cheerleading team. 

Ems mumbles a reply while Mac barely acknowledges my presence (except for a smirk she throws in my direction, if I can call that an acknowledgement).

Flipping her blond hair, she walks right in between us. When I turn to look at her, I see her and Mason Montgomery kissing. Ugh, get a room please!  Mason and Mac started dating in 10th grade. 

They are perfect for each other: they are both good looking; they are both incredibly rich; they are both popular. He's a quarterback and a good one too. 

They are practically a match made in WHS heaven and a lot of people adored them. I'm not one of them. Their relationship is mostly on and off, it becomes really hard to keep track.

Having a good view, I look at her outfit. She has on a really short dress with a jean jacket and a pair of of high heeled wedges. She looks great to be honest. 

"Earth to Sarah Hope!" Ems says, her hands flailing to get my attention. I immediately snap out of my reverie. "What do you have in your first period?" I ask. 

My new class schedule is in my hand and I stare at it, I have Art class first. That's my favorite class. Ms Graham, my Art teacher, is a young, petite woman with a love for art so strong it is almost contagious.

"I have Economics, then Math. Guess I'll see you later." "Okay, see ya," I respond. The bell goes off announcing the beginning of the first period. As I make my way to the class, I realize that I forgot to tell Ems about my dream. Oh well, I'll tell her some other time.

Ms Graham asks about our summer break. Then she begins to discus Shakespeare's works while we pay rapt attention. At the end of the class, she asks if I had begun any new painting. 

She had called me a talented artist once, the highest compliment she could ever give her student. That day, I practically walked on air.

When the next bells rings, I quickly make my way to my next class-  Math. I love Math so it's always been pretty easy for me. Ems saved a seat for me so I quickly sit down. It takes Mr. Smith a few minutes to get us all to quiet down and then he begins his lesson for the day.

Suddenly, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket, I take it out under the desk and glance at the caller ID. It's mom. What could have happened? She never calls when I'm in school except something serious happened...or Trent.  I look at Ems with panic written all over my face, she simply shrugs. I have to take this, I mouth to her.

I abruptly stand up, "Mr. Smith, I need to be excused." I hear sniggers, probably from Mac and her clique. Mr. Smith, a little taken aback by my sudden outburst, permits me to leave. I rush out and hastily dial my mum's number on the hallway. 

After one ring, she answers. "Mum, what's going on? Hope it's not about Trent..." I ramble. I'm already pacing to and fro frenziedly.

Then, Crash! I collide with someone. My body crashs into his and he falls backwards with me falling on top of him. His firm hands hold me steady. When I look up, I look into the most beautiful eyes, I've ever seen.  Grey hue. 

I hastily pull myself from him. Within seconds, he's on his feet and offering his hand to pull me up. I take it and he helps me up. 

My phone is still on my hand and I can hear my mum's voice. "I'll call you later, mum." I hurriedly end the call and take in his appearance.

A/N: Sarah Hope played by Chloe Grace Moretz.

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