Dares with the Boy Who Doesn't Care

Chapter One (Rose POV)

My hair naturally falls in loose curls down my back. But today, like most days, I'm wearing it in a failing side braid. I make sure to tie back my bangs which I've been trying to grow out all summer, to no avail. I smooth out my skirt, pull up my knee highs, and sling my book bag over my shoulder.

Leaving the house, there is no one to wave me away and when I come back no one will greet me then either. School is eight hours long and I stay after school for an extra five hours, due to the bus schedule, making it thirteen. You'd think that'd be enough time for an unemployed parent to return home. Apparently it isn't for my mom, and it hasn't been for the past two years.

On the rare occasions when she does come home, she'll stay for a mere day or two at most. She won't speak to me or even look me in the eye. She acts as if I haven't tackled numerous different summer jobs just to save money to pay the bills for her house. At age sixteen I know how to forage signatures perfectly, file taxes and manage income. Which is actually pretty great considering I'm a senior in high school.

I lock the front door and head off. After a five minute walk I find the bus waiting for me, and anyone else who's willing to pay.

"Good morning, Rose." Ms. Evans the bus driver greets me. "Good morning Ms. Evans." I swipe my bus card and find an empty seat. Immediately after sitting down I feel several pairs of eyes staring at me.

It's not every day that you see a student wearing a Wellsworth high school uniform and riding the bus, unless you ride this particular bus every day, like I do. Then you'd see a student from Wellsworth high school, home of the exceptionally rich and pristine, using public transportation. For me it takes two bus rides just to get within walking distance of the great school.

Wellsworth High is part of an even more extravagant Wellsworth Academy that teaches students from the 1st to the 12th grade. It's larger than most college campuses and definitely more extravagant. The richest parents send their rich children here. They eat five star food and are taught by the most excellent teachers while enjoying the luxurious setting.

Obviously I'm not rich so I have to admit the only reason I'm able to attend this school is because of my academics. If I hadn't skipped the eighth grade and maintained a 96 and above average all of my life, I definitely wouldn't be here.

I get off at the bus's fifth stop and wave Ms. Evans goodbye before walking to the next bus stop. The bus arrives; I greet Mr. Curtis, sit down and receive more stares.

"She goes to that rich people school."

"Yet she's riding our bus."

"Maybe her limo broke down."

I hear other students call from behind me, followed by laughter. They go to Lee high school. I'd probably be going there too if it weren't for the letter I received from Wellsworth High two years ago. Now I'm stereotyped as a spoiled teen before people even get to have a conversation with me.

At the second to last stop I get off, but not before being tripped. The guy and his friends laugh as I struggle to get back up. My knees burn as I trudge down the bus stairs, as its doors close I hear the students yell more profanities at me. I need to get used to it. I keep walking.

Ten minutes later I'm in school and shortly after I'm in my literature class.

"Rosalina Sullivan." The teacher calls. I raise my hand signaling my presence.

It's the second day of school so I don't expect her to know any of us yet. Except the next student.

"Jamie Wellsworth."

He doesn't respond and he doesn't have to. The entire class stares at him even as the teacher moves onto the lesson. He's the nephew of our Head Master Wellsworth, and the son of the infamous Mr. Wellsworth. A mega conglomerate business man, even three year olds know his name. I'm not sure if his family name is the reason all of us are staring at him, though.