Seventeen

KAYA

Kaya couldn't really say that she or any of her friends were average at their high school. In fact, they were all pretty bizarre, especially when everyone mixed together in class or at parties.

Kaya spent a lot of time making mental notes of who was who, who their friends were, and who they were dating. There was Imogen Cadwell, blonde, beautiful, and badass. Imogen was the head cheerleader, and also one of Kaya's best friends. Adhara Wren, a short, dark-haired girl who ran the school newspaper. Adhara was Kaya and Imogen's other best friend. Mallory Burke, a brutally honest girl who actually had a heart of gold when she let her icy demeanor down. Alex Deven, a bully who was tough but never seemed to pick on someone who didn't really deserve it. However, he was not a people person. Kaya had only ever seen him talk to Imogen and the blonde didn't disclose any information on their conversations. Jett Tran, a funny, party guy who was always nice to everyone. Julius Finnicum, a gentleman who was really a goof around his friends. Lucillia Pianka, a rebellious redhead who was fairly quiet around people she wasn't comfortable with. And then there was Kaya, a girl who managed to be involved in two physically demanding sports, but was also extremely lazy. Adhara had managed to recruit Kaya onto the track team, and the pair ran relay with Mallory and a girl named Luci. They were one big group in school, known by most everyone, but there was another.

Tessa Brennan, an outgoing and smart, but sassy brunette who was in every club that there was, and she loved to be involved with the theatre programs. She worked on the school newspaper with Adhara. Kaden Gray, an athlete who was on pretty much every team, football, basketball, and baseball. Mark Akagi, a jokester and soccer star who Adhara had a major crush on. Reese Hale, one of linebackers on the football team, who also happened to turn into a bumbling fool whenever Imogen was around. Dale Alcander, a skater chick who had a knack for riding her board through the hallways. She was also Mark's best friend. Sophia Ransom, the redheaded, assertive class president who was a wiz at every school subject. Flynn Hale, the star of the lacrosse team and Reese's twin brother. Amelie Winters, a sweet girl who loved to work with the tech crew for musicals. Madi McKinley, a cheerleader and a soccer player, who also was constantly in the choir room, singing. Madi and Tessa were also half-sisters. Eli Allistairs, a silvery haired boy who you would expect to be quiet, but was actually crazy fun and wants to party all the time. Nova Brooks, another girl who like to spend time in the art room, and a wicked softball pitcher. Nova and Kaya were pretty good friends. Last but not least, Calum Brooks, captain of the mathletes, and Nova's twin brother.

Those were the two main social groups of Olympic High and they mingled sometimes, but not usually. The people that tended to break out of the groups more were Imogen, Adhara, Dale, and Kaden. Imogen liked to flirt with the boys and Adhara simply floated between the two groups. Dale and Kaden were just always über nice to everyone.

And although the two groups never mingled that much, they were all in for a surprise about how much they came together throughout their senior year.

Even if they didn't know it yet.

***

As Kaya walked towards the front doors, Imogen Cadwell walked towards her. Imogen was, as always, dressed stylishly. The blonde girl was wearing a light pink, flare skirt with a white blouse that would have made anyone else look like a business woman, but on Imogen it looked like something straight off of a runway. And, of course she was wearing a pair of her beloved heels. Imogen, from the surface, seemed like she walked straight out of Mean Girls, but she was much more than that. She was incredibly smart and loved to have fun.

"Hey, Ky," Imogen spun on her heel and looped her arm through Kaya's. "Have you seen Adhara? I've been looking for her and there's still fifteen minutes before classes start."