This is War

Chapter 1

TRAILER TO THE SIDE!!!

Chapter One - Natalie's P.O.V

"Nat! Natalie! Oh my gosh, you won't believe it!" My best friend, Kate, shrieked as she ran up to me. My eyes widened at the impact as she slammed into me. Stumbling back, we steadied ourselves and I sighed.

"What's wrong this time, Kate?" The last time she freaked like this, it was because of a boy. And trust me; I've had enough boys to last me a life time.

Kate took in a deep breath for speaking, "I have news that you're not going to like. I just found out, and oh my gosh Natalie, it's terrible! I mean I can't even believe it and I believe a lot of things! I wanted to tell you so you wouldn't find out and be totally caught off guard but then again by me telling you now, I'll probably catch you off guard. Is that too redundant or--"

I cut off my best friend, "Spit it out, Kay!"

She sighed, "Are you ready for this?"

Giving her an annoyed look she rolled her eyes at me, "Fine, just don't shoot the messenger. Noah Hall is back."

I froze.

Noah Hall, the reason my first two years of high school were hell. He had moved last year, and now my best friend was telling me he was back.

Oh hell no.

"Excuse me?" I asked, trying to make sure I heard her right.

She leaned against the locker next to mine, "Noah Hall, the guy you hate, is back here at Cambridge High School."

Pulling out my last book, I close my locker and turned to face her, "You're absolutely sure?"

"I saw him," She confirmed and I remained silent. She frowned at me, "You okay?"

I shrugged, "I thought senior year was supposed to be all glorious and happy."

"Well, maybe he forgot you!" She suggests excitedly as we make our way down the hall. I smile at the people who wave to me.

I'm not overly popular, but I'm no loser. Everyone knows who I am, but I'm not a brat about it. I'm nice to everyone and everyone's nice to me. I'm simply me.

Rolling my eyes, I glanced at her, "I highly doubt he forgot me. He tortured me every minute of every day."

Kate sighed, "Just trying to lighten the mood."

"Well if he's around," I started, "Then the mood will always be dark and gloomy."

"Oh, perk up buttercup!" She skipped.

I raised my eyebrows at her, "Why am I your friend again?"

This time it was her turn to roll her eyes, "Oh, shut up."

We walked into class and were greeted by our friends.

Here at Cambridge High, the popular kids were actually nice. The cheerleaders weren't sluts, save a few, and the jocks weren't all complete and utter airheads. The guys here actually knew how to treat a lady. That's probably why ther're so many long lasting relationships here; everyone's faithful.

Olivia turned around in her seat to face me, "Did you hear?"

Sighing, I nodded, "Sadly."

"We won't let him touch you," Logan spoke as he walked in the room, sitting down next to me. Logan and Olivia were twins, but they didn't exactly look like it; well except for their eyes. They both had these perfect crystal blue eyes. Kate has really blue eyes, too.

"Thanks," I laughed, punching him on the arm.

"So," Dylan, my friend since pre-k, spoke up, "Who's gonna make the first move?"

"No one, I hope." Everyone chuckled.

Let me explain: Ever since freshman year, Noah has found interest in pulling pranks on me. Because back then, well I wasn't as glorious as I was now. I was chubby, had glasses and acne, and a horrible fashion sense. Really, I didn't know what I was thinking. Over time I improved, but it was still his goal to make my life a living hell.

So I retaliated, and we had a full out prank war all year round. Once I made him run out in the snow in nothing but his boxers and stand out there for fifteen minutes. Yeah, that was pretty fun.

Of course, he got my back by dumping water on me in the cafeteria while I was wearing a white shirt.

Not the best moment; especially since I still had fat rolls back then.

But back to reality, you can see why I hated him.

He was a class A (pardon my french) dick.

"Why can't you guys just call it a truce?" Margo asked, causing all of us to laugh, including me.

She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. For a brunette, she sure was blond, "Margo, we've been back and forth for two years straight. We're not just gonna be able to call it a truce."

"That would be the simple thing, though," She shrugged.

"Believe me," I began, "Nothing is simple with Noah Hall."

"Talking about me, are we?" A new voice spoke up. We all looked over at the door to find the devil himself in all his glory. He had gotten taller, more muscular, and dare I say it, cuter since the last time I saw him. It disgusted me.

Everyone in the room quieted down as the stared at him but his eyes only met one pair-- mine.

He smirked devilishly and made is way over, stopping in front of my desk, "I almost didn't recognize you, chubs."

Folding my arms over my chest, I leaned back in my chair, "Yeah, I didn't recognize you either. You're definitely not the womanizer you thought you used to be. Is that a gray hair?"

Noah scoffed, "You wish darling. I wish I could say the same for you, but well, I have to say you turned out pretty hot."

Standing up, I narrowed my eyes at him but it probably wasn't intimidating, seeing as thought I came up to his chest, "Get out of my face, Hall."

"As soon as you get a pretty one," He shot back.

People awaited my response.

"This is war, Noah. I haven't forgotten," I whispered.

He leaned in closer, "Nor have I."

"Get lost," I growled out.

"My pleasure," He whispered and walked to the back of the room. Sitting down, I glanced over at Kate.

"'Maybe he forgot you' my ass," I muttered.

She smiled sheepishly, "Oops?"

"I'm gonna murder that boy," I said, shaking my head.

"I heard that!" He called from behind.

Without looking, I shouted back, "That's the point!"

Everyone laughed.

Watch out, Noah Hall. This is war, and I have home court advantage.

∞